Top Melbourne Historical Tours

Enjoy a more relaxed experience of Melbourne than you’d get in a traditional tour vehicle on a walking tour that provides the ultimate introduction if you're visiting for the first time. You’ll stop to hear tales and trivia that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook about top Melbourne attractions such as Federation Square, Hosier Lane, Old Melbourne Gaol, and much more.

Join an exclusive 9.15am guided tour and experience the State Library Victoria's grand Dome and hidden spaces before the doors open to the public. Advance bookings essential. Ever heard of the ‘Chief Shusher’? Wonder what’s buried beneath the Library’s floors? Or gazed up at the library Dome before the crowds? On this early access tour, you’ll explore the Library’s magnificent heritage spaces and catacombs hidden beneath the library floors, discover the treasure trove of original card catalogues, and uncover one of Melbourne’s most infamous relationships between Library founder Sir Redmond Barry and the bushranger Ned Kelly. Find a rare moment of quiet in the iconic Dome, soak in the architecture, and even stand where the ‘Shusher’ once reigned.

Access parts of the Australian Sports Museum that are usually off limits during a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. You’ll enjoy an exclusive glimpse into the inner sanctum of MCG as you walk on the pitch and enter changing rooms used by cricket legends throughout the years. Plus, admission to the Australian Sports Museum is included.

See a side of Melbourne that way too many tourists don’t get to see, and immerse yourself in a side of Australia’s history that you don’t want to miss. Ride the Puffing Billy Railway, which first opened back in 1900, with your legs dangling over the open carriages and soak up the lush rainforest views that you don’t get anywhere else.

Getting your bearings in Melbourne for the first time can be tricky, but with a guided tour like this one, you needn’t worry. Instead of fussing around trying to plan the ideal route, an expert already has it in hand and is ready to share their unique local stories that don’t make it into the average guidebook, while you check out landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral.

Closer to Victoria’s gold rush era of the 1850s than most tourists in the 21st century ever will be with this trip to the Sovereign Hill open-air museum. Ditch the hustle and bustle of Melbourne and immerse yourself in local history with the help of characters in period costumes before you watch a Redcoat Parade, live musket firing, and try your luck panning for gold.

See the most famous sites in Melbourne from the Yarra River as you cruise on a vintage vessel, a Grower built in 1924. Travel under historic bridges at sunset, cameras ready to snap photos of the Botanical Gardens, the Docklands, and more from your boat. Listen to live commentary from your captain who tells you all about Melbourne’s history and culture as you have a few nibbles and maybe a glass of wine (BYO).

Take a walk through Melbourne's seedy side on a true crime tour of Fitzroy, once the city’s most dangerous and notorious district. Feel transported back to the turn of the 20th century while a historian guide shares the dark deeds of thieves, murderers, gang bosses, pimps, and other scoundrels who once stalked the streets. Meet these hardened criminals through a booklet with historic photos that bring the chilling stories to life.

Step back in time and explore downtown Melbourne’s gangster past. Discover buildings along Lonsdale Street that were once brothels and speakeasies from the 1870s to the 1930s. Hear myths and legends about the famous gangsters of the era such as Squizzy Taylor and the slum of ‘Little Lon,’ and how these gangs used lolly shops—candy stores—as fronts for massive drug operations.

Reaching the Puffing Billy railway in the Dandenong Ranges takes some sorting from central Melbourne, especially without a car. Ride out with transport arranged, then board the heritage steam train through the ranges, with the open-sided carriages that the line is known for. At the Lakeside Visitor Centre, walk around Emerald Lake Park and stop for food (own expense) before returning.

Taste your way around Melbourne on the ultimate foodie tour. Discover a variety of cuisines including Spanish, Asian fusion, and contemporary Australian, as you traverse the city. Learn about Melbourne’s vibrant history and how it became one of the world’s food capitals from your informative guide. Sample several dishes during this tour with a group of eight guests or less, to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.

Raise a glass to Melbourne's history while bar-hopping among some of the area's best watering holes, without worrying about navigating. Hear tales of the Gold Rush, rebellions, royals, and Olympians while a fun-loving guide shows you how locals unwind. Visit a range of venues—from a typical Aussie pub, a hidden speakeasy, or a cozy wine bar—for a safe and social way to partake in Melbourne's famous bar scene while meeting fellow travelers.

This gaol is a grim place with a dark history. Stories of the unexplained have been gathered over the years from visitors and staff alike. None have been proven, yet. Join this chilling night time gaol tour — if you dare! This night tour is conducted in the dark and includes confined spaces. Appropriate footwear is recommended. This night tour is not recommended for children 12 years and under. Please note that dates for this tour are only released at least two weeks before event dates.

Most travelers think they’ve seen Melbourne after strolling its laneways and famous streets. But what if I told you the city’s real soul hides in its quiet corners, hidden alleys, and stories only a local can share? Exploring alone, it’s easy to miss the details and history that give Melbourne its unique character. You might leave thinking you’ve seen it all, while the city’s best secrets stay hidden. Our Walking Tour in Melbourne changes that. Your guide adapts to your interests, showing both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Discover Melbourne’s real heart, beyond the surface.

Spend a haunting evening immersed in Melbourne’s supernatural history. Hear some of the tragic tales and ghostly legends that pepper the city’s past while your entertaining local guide leads you on a walking tour. Choose from one of three different itineraries — Old Melbourne, Williamstown or Pentridge Prison (see Itinerary below for details). With the Old Melbourne and Williamstown tours, you can opt to include dinner at a haunted historic pub.

Experience the scenic Yarra Valley on the Puffing Billy train. This full-day trip takes you through the Dandenong Ranges to Emerald Lake, the Healesville Sanctuary Zoo, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. At the last stop you can enjoy free samples and chocolate shopping. This trip starts and ends at The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne.

Let one simple booking sort out a whole day’s worth of Melbourne sightseeing and get a unique first-hand experience with not just Aussie nature, but a piece of its history too on this Puffing Billy, forest, and Yarra Valley combo tour. Start by hopping aboard the over-100-year-old railway, before walking around huge Californian Redwoods, then make the trip your own with either a wine tasting or a sweet treat.

Visitors often miss some of Melbourne’s best attractions because they don’t know how to reach the city's outer locations. This full-day tour makes visiting easy by handling the transport for you. Travel from the city out to the Dandenong Ranges to ride the famous Puffing Billy steam train, then go see all sorts of native Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary.

Get a good look at the sporty side of Melbourne on this half day tour, including a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). You and your small group will meet outside the Transport Bar at Federation Square, and then head to Birrarung Marr and walk along the river to Rod Laver Arena for tennis history, the Melbourne & Olympic Park, AAMI Park for soccer and rugby news, and finally at the MCG for a guided tour.

The Best Way to Discover Melbourne: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a photo at Saint Francis’ Church or a visit to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Town Hall, Saint Francis’ Church, State Library Victoria, Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne City Baths, Queen Victoria Market, Flagstaff Gardens, The Hellenic Museum, and SEA LIFE Aquarium.

Melbourne has a sporting history of more than 150 years, and one of the best ways to learn all about it is by joining this small, intimate group (max 8) walking tour. Your guide talks about Australian football, tennis, cricket, horse racing and more. Ask your guide any sporting questions you can come up with as you explore Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne & Olympic Parks, AAMI Park, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Experience the best of the City in three hours: our famous laneways, our coolest bars and our fascinating history. Why do three different tours, when you can get the best of Melbourne in just one! Explore Melbourne’s famous laneways, home to some of our most interesting places. This is the side of Melbourne most tourists (and even some locals!) never see. Learn about Melbourne’s love affair with drinking, the persecution of barmaids, our booziest Police Commissioner, secret men’s clubs and much more. Discover three amazing laneway bars, plus a cheeky trivia quiz at our second bar for your chance to win! Photos of your tour can also be provided at no extra charge.

Tour the best of the Mornington Peninsula with a guide and your private group on this private excursion from Melbourne. Enjoy walks on the coastline, explore historic fishing villages, take in views from the highest peaks, explore vineyard country, and spend time enjoying the beautiful scenery and taking photos. This tour is yours to customize and can include additional sights or more time allotted at particular sights.