The 6 History Tours in Melbourne That Earn Their Price

1.Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,451 reviews · from $92Our pick

Start at Gordon Reserve at 11am for a small-group walk through Melbourne’s Gold Rush streets, street-art laneways, arcades, Chinatown, and the Yarra. Guides such as Emily, Ian, Hugo, Bo, and Mike mix history with local tips. Coffee and a final drink are included.

“Excellent way to learn about the city and the history of very knowledgeable staff. Friendly. I recommend this tour.”

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2.Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 338 reviews · 3 hours · from $91

Walk Melbourne’s central streets with local guides such as Emily, Hugo, Beau or Ian. See Gold Rush architecture, Hosier Lane, arcades, Federation Square and Chinatown, then stop for a coffee and a pub drink. Groups are capped at 12, making it easy to ask questions and get local tips.

“Tour was fantastic and Hugo showed us lots of interesting places and facts about the amazing city of Melbourne. Highly recommend the tour and Hugo as your guide!”

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3.Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 314 reviews · from $30Best value

Join an Aboriginal guide at Melbourne Gardens for a 90-minute walk through a culturally important Kulin site. Learn how native plants support food, medicine, customs, and connection to Country. Guides such as Den, Ben, and Jacobi have shared poems, stories, and hands-on plant insights.

“Great tour. Informative and casual. The guide was great. It was in a gorgeous environment. The group was great.”

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4.Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · from $35

Walk Melbourne’s CBD from Exhibition Street to Lonsdale Street with guide Michael Shelford, hearing police-file stories about Little Lon, Squizzy Taylor, brothels, speakeasies and lolly shops used as drug fronts. The two-hour tour includes a photo booklet and ends near Madame Brussels Lane.

“I have a whole new appreciation for lolly shops, business and Australian history. Our thanks to Michael for sharing his amazing knowledge, research and passion for Melbourne’s historical characters and special locations. A great way to spend a couple of hours whether you are on holidays or a local resident.”

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5.Melbourne’s History with a Drink Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · from $35

Join a small adult group at Melbourne’s Old Treasury Building for a three-hour walk through local history and nightlife. Guides such as Tristan, Anna, Nicole, and Joseph lead you to three changing bars, from pubs and wine bars to speakeasies. Drinks are purchased separately.

“Tristan was a well informed guide and made the tour very enjoyable. He made great pub selections and we definitely recommend the tour.”

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6.History and Donuts Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 72 reviews · 2h 30m · from $77

Spend 2.5 hours walking central Melbourne with guides such as Rhiannon, Rhonda, Miles, Tony, and Matt. See Federation Square, Hosier Lane, St Paul’s Cathedral, Queen Victoria Market, the Old Melbourne Gaol, and State Library Victoria, with coffee and two donuts included.

“Excellent informal wander through central Melbourne with informative enthusiastic guide Maybe could be expanded with longer duration and more detailed information about various sites”

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