Melbourne's Living Laneway Scene: Local Bars and Their Stories

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Melbourne's Living Laneway Scene: Local Bars and Their Stories

By Depot Australia

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
3h 30m
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

Step into Melbourne's enduring bar culture through genuine connections with the spaces and people who've shaped it. This isn't about chasing the latest hotspot—it's about experiencing four time-tested venues where skilled bartenders treat their craft as an art form and our guides are welcomed as familiar faces.

Each establishment represents Melbourne's evolution from gold rush settlement to cultural capital, with each venue telling its own story of transformation and reinvention. Whether you're a Melbourne resident who's stuck to familiar territory or a returning visitor seeking substance over spectacle, this tour reveals the stories behind the spaces that define the city's renowned hospitality scene.

Your four venues are thoughtfully chosen daily from our trusted network—from heritage conversion spaces in former warehouses to intimate laneway venues that epitomize Melbourne's small-bar culture.

Activity location

Beneath Driver Lane
- Driver Lane, Shop 3, Basement
- 3000, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Meeting/Redemption Point

Gordon Reserve
- 74-108 Spring Street
- 3002, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Check availability

Private Bar Tour

3h 30m
English

Private Tour Guide: Take this tour with a private guide, seperate from other guests. Max group size: 4. If group size exceeds 4, contact us.

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

$491.80 x 1 Adult$491.80

Total

What's included, what's not

Expert local guide with established industry relationships
First drink at the opening venue
Personalized venue recommendations and custom map
Access to four carefully selected premium venues
Genuine small group experience (maximum 12 people)
Additional drinks at venues
Food
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Know before you book

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
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 18 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
A maximum of 12 people per booking

Activity itinerary

Beneath Driver Lane

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.

Whisky Den

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.

Above Board

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.

Madame Brussels

Incredible rooftop 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.

Jungle Boy

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.

New Gold Mountain

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.

Bodega Underground

Tequila and mezcal 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.

Naked For Satan

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.

Eau De Vie Melbourne

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.

Ponyfish Island

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.

The Croft Institute

A truly back-alley bar with cocktails 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.

Curtin House

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.

Music Room

Atmospheric space where skilled bartenders create cocktails alongside curated 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.

Little Lon Distilling Co.

Heritage precinct venue 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.

Whitehart Lane

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.

Mill Place Merchants

Multi-level venue where different floors offer 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.

Dom's Social Club

Established 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.

Union Electric Bar

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.

Seamstress Restaurant and Bar

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.

Location

Activity location

Beneath Driver Lane
- Driver Lane, Shop 3, Basement
- 3000, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Meeting/Redemption Point

Gordon Reserve
- 74-108 Spring Street
- 3002, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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