The 10 best tours in Melbourne (original) (raw)
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From street art and hidden bars to delicious dumplings, here are the best sightseeing tours in Melbourne
A trip to Melbourne means a trip full of dazzling architecture and street art around every corner. There's so much to see, even without going inside the buildings – which basically means it's a city that was made for walking tours...
So before you dive into the dining scene, embark on a cocktail crawl or head to some of the greatest galleries and exhibitions you're likely to come across in the whole of Australia, get to know the ins and outs of the city's culture and impressive design features with these amazing tours in Melbourne.
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This article was written by Adena Maier, a lifestyle editor in Melbourne. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Best tours in Melbourne
1. Lanes and arcades tour
Whether you're a tourist or a local, you're bound to discover something new about Melbourne on this tour. The laneways and arcades exploration will take you in and out of Melbourne's famous back alleys, teaching you some interesting history along the way. There's also a chocolate tasting and drink stop included.
Don't miss: Secrets from the guide and a look at local artisans at work.
2. Taste of Melbourne tour
A history of Melbourne's food culture is, in many ways, a history of Melbourne. From Chinese immigrants during the gold rush to Italian, Greek and other waves of new Melburnians brought their culinary traditions with them. The tour starts at the top of Spring Street and travels down through the CBD, pointing out famous Melbourne eateries and their histories along the way. Highlights include Spring Street Grocer (and its intriguing cheese cave), Florentino (now Grossi Florentino), Pellegrini's, and Chinatown gems like HuTong. Or course there are snacks along the way (a coffee, ice cream, egg tart and curry puff on the day we went), plus lunch is included.
Don't miss: The tour also includes plenty of suggestions for excellent restaurants to try in the future.
You don't have to have political aspirations to enjoy the tour at Parliament House. For one, it's free, and who doesn't like a freebie? Aside from walking in the same hallowed halls as our current and former state pollies, the tour takes in the incredibly ornate architecture and reveals some of the building's less illustrious moments – like when a cricket ball broke Queen Victoria's arm (sort of).
Don't miss: You can sign up for the 'signature experience' tour, which includes high tea alongside a boozy beverage.
4. Old Melbourne Gaol ghost tour
More than 100 people were executed at Old Melbourne Gaol, making it ideal for a ghost tour. The 'Ghosts? What ghosts!' tour will have you walking around the gaol in the dark while learning all about the mysterious (and reportedly true) ghost sightings that happened there. Guests also get ten minutes at the end of the tour to look around the gaol with the lights on – or see if they can snap a spooky photo of their own.
Don't miss: See ghostly photos, hear gruesome tales and step inside the incredibly haunted cell 17 (if you dare).
5. Highlights of Melbourne cruise
Discover Melbourne's history and highlights on this guided cruise. On your two-hour journey, you'll cruise past towering skyscrapers, lovely urban gardens and lush banks. There will be ample opportunities to photograph the skyline as you listen to onboard commentary from your guide.
Don't miss: The chance to catch some rays on the boat's sundeck.
6. Melbourne street art tour
Melbourne is known for its abundance of street art, but sometimes it's hard to know where to find the crème de la crème. That's where this tour comes in. Across three hours, you and the crew will get an in-depth look at Melbourne's street art scene, including a visit to the famous Blender Studios.
Don't miss: A detour off the beaten track to discover the CBD's hidden treasures, plus a selection of market fresh produce, beer and wine.
7. Royal Botanic Gardens Aboriginal heritage walk
Take a journey into ancestral lands of the Kulin nation in this guided walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. This tour gives visitors insight into how the local people lived within different environments found within the gardens, from forest to rainforest and nearby wetlands.
Don't miss: The tour includes a traditional Tanderrum smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, and visitors discover traditional uses of plants for food, tools and medicine.
8. State Library Victoria tour
First established in 1854, the State Library of Victoria houses upwards of 2 million books, with thousands of Melburnians passing through its hallowed halls daily. Visitors will get an aerial view of the famous Domed Reading Room from the Library’s sixth floor and learn the history behind its construction (fun fact: those rickety wooden chairs have remained in that room since 1913!) You’ll see collection storage areas not usually open to the general public and descend towards the original Melbourne Museum catacombs. It’s a rare opportunity to sneak a peek behind the scenes of this remarkable building.
Don't miss: The library is home to some of the city’s most interesting heritage spaces, and hopping on a free 90-minute Dome to Catacomb Tour is your best bet to see it all, from top to bottom.
9. Melbourne Dumpling Walking Tour
Every Melburnian has a strong opinion on where you can find the best dumplings in our city, and now it's time for you to figure out the truth for yourself. Join a guided tour through Chinatown that'll have you sampling a variety of dumplings at different venues.
Don't miss: Trying Melbourne's hottest chilli sauce.
10. Melbourne Cricket Ground tour
The historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (known by locals as the 'G) is the beating heart of Australia's sporting capital. It's one of the largest stadiums in the world, and it has been in a state of almost constant renewal since being built in 1853. If you can't get enough of your sport, then the MCG tour is a must – as is imagining yourself as a player as you step out onto the ground from the changing rooms (which, incidentally, smell exactly as you'd expect). And this is just the beginning of the tour: your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the MCC Long Room, the MCC Library, the media centre, the cricketers' viewing room and up to the City Terrace, which offers one of Melbourne's best skyline views.
Don't miss: The chance to see portraits of Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, and no matter your level of interest in cricket or AFL, the experience offers a fascinating slice of Melbourne history.
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The best road trips from Melbourne
Don't just read about Melbourne getaways... get out and try one! These day trips from Melbourne are paved with cool things to see and do, and driving means you won't miss a thing along the way. Just choose your direction and hit the road.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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