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Melbourne Independent Laneway Bar Tour with Drink Included
About This Tour
Melbourne is one of the world's great bar cities, and this tour shows you exactly why. Let a guide with genuine industry relationships take you to 4 independent, owner-operated bars you would never find on your own.
Your guide hand-picks the route each night from a rotating list of hidden speakeasies, rooftop bars, secret cellar doors and laneway institutions, chosen to suit your group, the season and what's currently buzzing in Melbourne's bar scene. No two tours are the same.
This tour runs mid to late afternoon, timed as the perfect lead-in to dinner. Bartenders have more time to chat, and bar owners often pop by to introduce their venue personally. Your first drink is included at the opening venue, and you'll leave with a personalised list of recommendations and a custom map.
A genuinely small group, capped at 12 guests, with 553 reviews and a 4.9 rating, ahead of any comparable Melbourne bar tour.
Your guide hand-picks the route each night from a rotating list of hidden speakeasies, rooftop bars, secret cellar doors and laneway institutions, chosen to suit your group, the season and what's currently buzzing in Melbourne's bar scene. No two tours are the same.
This tour runs mid to late afternoon, timed as the perfect lead-in to dinner. Bartenders have more time to chat, and bar owners often pop by to introduce their venue personally. Your first drink is included at the opening venue, and you'll leave with a personalised list of recommendations and a custom map.
A genuinely small group, capped at 12 guests, with 553 reviews and a 4.9 rating, ahead of any comparable Melbourne bar tour.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Personalised venue recommendations and a custom map to take away
- First drink at the opening venue
- Small group, maximum 12 guests
- Expert local guide with established industry relationships across Melbourne's bar scene
- Access to 4 independent, owner-operated venues, hand-picked nightly
✗ Not Included
- Additional drinks at venues, beyond the one included
- Food
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Itinerary
1
Exclusive basement bar.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
2
Melbourne's least pretentious whisky bar.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
3
Melbourne's best secret bar.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
4
Incredible rooftop bar with city views.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
5
Secret bar behind a sandwich shop, outdoor beer garden.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
6
Secret bar listed only by a sign with a bicycle.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
7
Tequila and mezcal specialists.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
8
Amazing rooftop bar a stone's throw from the CBD.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
9
One of Melbourne's most famous secret speakeasies.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
10
So close to the water, you can high-five passing crew teams.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
11
A truly back-alley bar, cocktails served with a twist and injected with syringes - it looks cooler than it sounds.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
12
One of Melbourne's most expansive rooftop bars.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
13
Atmospheric space where skilled bartenders create cocktails alongside curated live entertainment.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
14
Heritage precinct venue in the laneways, showcasing Melbourne's layered history through drinks and stories.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
15
Intimate bar where craft cocktails meet local hospitality traditions.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
16
Multi-level venue with a different vibe on every floor, offering distinct drinking experiences.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
17
Established local gathering place where bartenders know their craft and their community.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
18
Industrial-inspired space showcasing local brewing and distilling craftsmanship.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
19
Established cocktail lounge known for skilled bartenders and neighborhood character.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Meeting point is Gordon Reserve, 74-108 Spring Street, East Melbourne, opposite the Hotel Windsor and next to the fountain. Your guide holds a blue umbrella.
- This tour runs mid to late afternoon and is advertised as 3 hours. Most groups reach the final venue just before the 3-hour mark, budget an extra 45 minutes for a last round.
- The tour ends in Melbourne's city centre. The exact finishing venue changes nightly depending on the route.
- Walking between venues is never more than 1 mile, with an occasional 10-minute walk between the furthest-apart stops.
- Closed-toe shoes or sandals recommended. Some venues restrict thongs and flip-flops after a certain hour.
- Minimum age 18.
- Operates in all weather. Please dress appropriately.