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.

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.

This isn’t your average Melbourne walking tour. Join your passionate and knowledgeable local guides on an inspiring tour of Melbourne's secret women’s history. Walk with us through the heart of the city from Lonsdale Street, through Chinatown and past Parliament before finishing at Melbourne’s Town Hall. We’ll uncover the hidden history behind some of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, including the Princess Theatre, The Hotel Windsor and the Capitol, as well as some hidden gems including Casseldon Place, where the last cottage built in 1877 still remains, and the site of one of Melbourne’s most iconic queer cafes in the 1950s. This diverse, interesting and unique tour will leave you feeling empowered, entertained and inspired to learn more. This tour is perfect for first time visitors, seasoned Melbournians and interstate travellers alike. Together we'll uncover some incredible stories of history-shaping women and you might even make a few new friends along the way!

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.

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.

Bypass the crowds on land to see Melbourne's headline sights from a comfortable spot on the water. Cruise along the Yarra River on a vintage boat, passing under historic bridges and past the Botanical Gardens and Docklands. Listen to live commentary along the way for an insightful experience.

Access parts of the Australian Sports Museum that are usually off limits during a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Enjoy an exclusive glimpse into the inner sanctum of the 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.

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.

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.

Welcome to Spirits and Ales: Melbourne's Haunted Pub Tour, a spine-chilling journey through the city's dark history, where the past lingers in haunted pubs and laneways. Enjoy an ale in a former police station now haunted by a mysterious murder of the past. Venture into a dark alley, where the ghost of a tragic love affair roams. Start the journey at the iconic Young & Jacksons Hotel, where the iconic painting of Chloe holds secrets, and her ghostly presence lingers. Discover the secrets of Rialto Intercontinental and the Olderfleet Building, where spectral figures and unsolved mysteries await. Enjoy a pint at Melbourne's oldest pub which holds a haunting legacy of a scandalous love affair. Uncover the mysteries of one of Melbourne's most scandalous member's clubs, where influential figures and secrets are concealed. Hear about a haunted bookshop and a treasure trove of occult knowledge.

Experience the Great Ocean Road’s top attractions on this guided excursion that follows the iconic road in reverse. Embark on your journey and beat the crowds while learning about the region’s scenic landscapes and pretty coastal towns from an informative guide. Visit sites including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, and Gibson Steps.

Explore beyond Melbourne and combine multiple activities in a single day—without juggling separate reservations and travel plans. Visit the lakeside town of Nagambie, see koalas and kangaroos up-close at an open-range wildlife park, cruise the Murray River onboard a paddle steamer, and take in sweeping views at the Pink Cliffs.

Uncover Melbourne's spookier side on this ghost tour of the city center. Hear ghostly tales that span the history of the city, passing by Queen Victoria Market, the Old Melbourne Gaol, Chinatown, and more. While walking between locations, pause for a drink (own expense) at three bars—each with their own creepy tale. A must-do for any fan of the macabre when visiting Melbourne.

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.

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.

Embark on a captivating journey through Melbourne’s iconic laneways and landmarks with our interactive self-guided tour app. From the creative street art in Hosier Lane to the grand arcades that echo the city’s eclectic energy, this tour paints a rich picture of Australia’s cultural hub. Ideal for history enthusiasts, art admirers, and curious explorers, our app offers in-depth audio guides, intriguing context, and intuitive maps that bring Melbourne’s story to life. Take a moment to sip coffee at a local cafe or linger in a gallery at your leisure. With offline access and up-to-date navigation, you’ll confidently discover the city’s architectural highlights, distinctive eateries, and artistic spots, gaining a deeper appreciation of Melbourne’s dynamic character. Meet friendly locals and catch unique events throughout the year for an immersive experience.

At 38 hectares, it can take a long time to see all of Melbourne’s beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens by foot. This minibus tour offers a perfect solution for visitors wishing to take in the gardens’ natural beauty in just 30 minutes.

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 finish the trip with a glass of wine at a Yarra Valley winery.

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.

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.

Cross Melbourne with ease as you check off the highlights in a matter of hours—a time-efficient option for travelers with a limited stay in the city. From the Victorian-era Fitzroy Gardens to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), bustling Chinatown, and the colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes—see plenty without any of the hassle of itinerary planning, all while a guide fills in the details.

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.