Melbourne: Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Walking Tour

Thinking about adding a bit of spooky charm to your Melbourne trip? The Melbourne: Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Walking Tour offers a unique blend of eerie stories and intimate bar visits tucked away in the city’s famed laneways. It’s a perfect choice if you enjoy history with a side of the macabre, and if you’re keen to see a different, more mysterious side of Melbourne.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines dark tales of Melbourne’s past with visits to some of the city’s coolest hidden bars. Plus, the guides are consistently praised for their knowledgeable storytelling and friendly vibe. On the flip side, it’s a walking tour, so some might find it a bit tiring, especially if you’re not into walking long distances or if the weather turns sour.

This experience is best suited for adults who love history, mystery, and a good cocktail. It’s not ideal for kids or those with mobility issues, but for anyone curious about Melbourne’s darker stories and local nightlife, it’s a pretty memorable night out.

Key Points

• Two-in-one experience: Mixes creepy tales with visits to cozy laneway bars.
• Guides are highly praised: Knowledgeable, engaging, and add personality to the stories.
• Visiting historic sites: Including Queen Victoria Market and Old Melbourne Gaol offers context and atmosphere.
• Focus on Melbourne’s dark past: Haunted graveyards, WW2 serial killers, and Jack the Ripper legends.
• Comfortable footwear needed: The tour involves some walking, so good shoes matter.
• Rain or shine: The tour runs regardless of weather, so be prepared.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour All About?

This walking tour offers a three-hour journey through Melbourne’s less-known, shadowy history, paired with visits to some hidden laneway bars. The experience is designed to give you a spooky, yet lively glimpse into the city’s dark tales, all while soaking in Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife.

You’ll start at Queen Victoria Market, with a brief stop for photos and a quick introduction to Melbourne’s past. From there, the tour weaves through graffiti-filled laneways, taking you to three carefully selected bars that are off the regular tourist radar. Along the way, your guide will share stories of haunted sites, historical murders, and legends that have made Melbourne’s darker side famous.

Each stop is thoughtfully curated. The tour guides, like Tess and Brigette, receive rave reviews for their entertaining storytelling and deep knowledge. They’re the ones who make the stories come alive, adding humor, context, and just enough creepy detail to keep you hooked.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point at Queen Victoria Market

Your journey begins here, with a quick meet-up outside L Shed, right at the corner of String Bean Alley and Queen St. It’s a good spot, easy to find, and sets the tone for a city adventure filled with history and suspense. This initial stop is mostly for photos and a brief introduction. Think of it as the warm-up before the real stories and bar visits begin.

First Stop: Queen Victoria Market

This iconic spot isn’t just for fresh produce; it’s part of Melbourne’s history and makes a great photo backdrop. You’ll spend about 35 minutes here, walking around, taking pictures, and getting a taste of the city’s bustling vibe. It’s a good way to get your bearings and set the scene.

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Hidden Gem in the Laneways

Next, you’ll walk about 10 minutes to a lesser-known bar that’s a true hidden treasure. These small, intimate spots often have a local, cozy feel, and give you a taste of Melbourne’s lively bar scene. The guides often pick places with cool decor or intriguing histories, which adds to the overall experience.

Old Melbourne Gaol

A quick 5-minute walk takes you to the historic Old Melbourne Gaol, where you’ll get a photo stop and a brief visit. Though only about five minutes, the gaol’s dark history and its connections to famous prisoners make it a compelling part of the story. It’s a tangible reminder of Melbourne’s haunted past, and many guests enjoy the eerie atmosphere.

Second Local Bar Visit

After the gaol, you’ll visit another local bar for about 30 minutes. Here, you can enjoy drinks—beers, spirits, or wine—while soaking in the ambiance. Some reviews mention the bar’s character and the fact that it’s a favorite among locals, making it a fun contrast to the more touristy spots.

Another Hidden Gem

A brief 5-minute walk brings you to another carefully selected hidden bar. This one might have a story, or a particular vibe, that ties into the creepy tales you’ve just heard. You’ll get a guided tour here, adding a layer of insight and making the visit more engaging.

Final Bar Tour & Wrap-up

The evening concludes with a third bar visit—about 30 minutes—with a guided tour included. This is often the highlight, especially if the bar has a special history or unique theme. Guests frequently mention how the guides make the stories come alive, and the selection of drinks often includes excellent wine and cocktails.

End at Flinders Lane

The tour wraps up in the lively Flinders Lane area, so you’re close to lots of other nightlife options if you want to continue your night.

The Guides: Making the Experience Special

The star of this tour is undoubtedly the guides. Reviewers highlight their enthusiasm, knowledge, and storytelling skills. Tess, Brigette, and Alda are noted for their ability to keep the group engaged with fascinating, sometimes surprising tales. Their enthusiasm turns what could be a simple walk into a lively storytelling session.

Many reviews mention that these guides bring history to life, with some sharing insights that even locals might not know. The stories about haunted graveyards, WW2 serial killers, and Jack the Ripper legend fascinate guests and add a layer of intrigue to the bar visits.

The Bars: Cozy, Hidden, and Characterful

Each bar has a distinct vibe, but all are loved for their cosy atmosphere and local charm. Since the guides make reservations beforehand, you get a smooth experience without worrying about finding a table. The bars serve a variety of drinks—craft beers, spirits, and wines—which guests say are well-chosen and enjoyable.

Guests often find the final speakeasy-style bar to be a highlight, describing it as a “coolest” spot with a fun, vintage vibe. The combination of history, tales, and good drinks makes this tour different from your typical pub crawl.

Walking, Weather, and Practicalities

Since the tour involves walking through Melbourne’s laneways and historic sites, comfortable shoes are a must. The terrain is flat, but you’ll be on your feet for about three hours, including stops. The tour runs rain or shine, so check the weather forecast and bring an umbrella if needed.

The group sizes tend to be manageable, and the tour is in English. It’s not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, mostly because of the walking and the nature of the stories.

Pricing is reasonable given the three hours, three bar visits, and guided storytelling, especially considering the curated nature of the stops and reservations made on your behalf. Many guests feel it offers good value for an evening of entertainment, history, and local drinks.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves stories with a darker edge and enjoys experiencing a city like Melbourne from a different perspective, this tour hits the spot. The mix of history, adventure, and nightlife makes it appealing whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or even a small group of friends.

The experience’s focus on hidden bars and creepy tales means you’ll see a side of Melbourne most visitors don’t get to experience, making it a memorable addition to your trip. Reviewers say guides are engaging, and the stories are often surprising, adding layers of interest to the bar visits.

The Sum Up

In the end, the Melbourne: Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Walking Tour offers a distinctive way to explore the city’s past and nightlife. It’s perfect for those who enjoy history, stories with a chilling twist, and intimate local venues. The knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, making it more than just a walk through dark alleys—they turn it into an engaging journey through Melbourne’s mysterious, captivating side.

The only real consideration is the walking involved, so comfortable shoes and weather preparedness are key. If you’re after a lively, story-rich night that combines history, mystery, and great drinks, this tour truly delivers. It’s a solid option for curious travelers who want to see Melbourne’s secret side in a relaxed, friendly setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is only for guests 18 years and older due to the nature of the stories and drink stops.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 3 hours, covering several historic sites and visits to three bars.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are required, and the tour guides make all the bar reservations for you.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended since there’s some walking involved. Check the weather and bring an umbrella if needed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What drinks are included?
Guests can enjoy beers, spirits, and wine at the bars. The selection is usually well-curated, and some guests mention the excellent wine choices.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility impairments?
No, this tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues due to the walking and uneven surfaces.

Will it rain or shine?
The tour takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Are the stories suitable for a general audience?
The tales are dark and creepy but generally suitable for adults who enjoy spooky stories; not recommended for children.

What’s the main highlight of this experience?
Most guests rave about the engaging guides and the unique combination of Melbourne’s history, creepy tales, and cozy bar stops.

If you’re up for a night of stories, drinks, and discovering Melbourne’s hidden, darker corner, this tour might just be your new favorite way to see the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: