Melbournes History with a Drink Tour

If you’re considering adding a bit of local flavor to your Melbourne trip, this Melbourne’s History with a Drink Tour could be just what you need. We haven’t taken it ourselves, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this tour offers a fun mix of history, hidden bars, and socializing.

What we love about it are the personalized route—which means you get a tailored experience—and the way it combines entertaining storytelling with visits to some of Melbourne’s lesser-known drinking spots. It’s a great way to soak up the city’s vibe while enjoying a few drinks.

One thing to keep in mind is that drinks are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for that. Also, the tour lasts about three hours, which is plenty of time to relax and explore without feeling rushed.

This experience will suit travelers who enjoy history, discovering hidden spots, and meeting new people, especially those who appreciate a good story paired with a nice drink. It’s especially perfect if you want to get a sense of Melbourne’s lively bar scene beyond the typical tourist spots.

Key Points

• Personalized route tailored to your interests makes each tour unique.
• Small group size (up to 12 people) ensures a relaxed, social atmosphere.
• History and storytelling are woven into visits to Melbourne’s hidden bars and laneways.
• No drinks included means you can choose exactly what and how much to sip.
• Accessible in all weather, so rain or shine, the adventure continues.
• Carbon neutral tour run by a certified B Corp, supporting responsible travel.

Discovering Melbourne’s Living History

This tour isn’t just a pub crawl—it’s a walk through Melbourne’s fascinating past, with stops that reflect the city’s colorful stories. Starting at the Old Treasury Building, you’ll get a sense of Melbourne’s significance as a financial hub and its ties to the Crown. This historical note sets the tone, giving you context for the city’s development and the stories you’ll hear throughout the tour.

From here, your guide will pick a few bars—these are carefully chosen to showcase Melbourne’s hidden gems, whether it’s a speakeasy behind an old church or a cozy wine bar tucked away in a laneway. The reviews highlight the quality of the venues: “All with a different but great vibe,” as one traveler put it. You might find yourself in a sophisticated cocktail bar, a hidden laneway pub, or a distillery that played a role in the city’s vibrant history.

The Stops and Why They Matter

Old Treasury Building

This is a great starting point, and it’s free to enter. The building is a symbol of Melbourne’s financial past and provides a historical backdrop for the tour. The area around it, including the Sir William Clarke Memorial, is a lively spot to kick off your afternoon, and it’s within easy reach of public transport, making it a convenient meeting point.

Caretaker’s Cottage and Hidden Bars

Next, your guide will take you to three different venues, which could vary depending on weather, availability, and group preferences. One favorite is a hidden cocktail bar behind an historic church—a true Melbourne treasure, often tucked away from the main streets. This part of the tour showcases the city’s secretive bar culture and highlights Melbourne’s love for speakeasy-style venues.

Little Lon Distilling Co.

This stop is particularly interesting because it touches on Melbourne’s less glamorous past—a red-light district with stories of bawdy houses, opium dens, and gambling. It’s a chance to learn some of the less-known aspects of Melbourne’s history in a relaxed setting. According to reviews, the guide makes the storytelling engaging rather than dry, offering a vivid picture of the city’s past.

Chinatown and Laneway Bars

The final stops often include exploring Melbourne’s Chinatown, especially its hidden laneway bars. These spots are beloved by locals and visitors alike for their ambience and uniqueness. One reviewer enthused about the “fabulous little bars” that they would never have found on their own.

The Value in the Experience

At $35.84 per person, this tour is remarkably affordable considering what’s included. You’re paying mainly for the guiding, transportation between venues, and the storytelling. Drinks are purchased separately, but most venues accept cards, and you’re free to choose what fits your taste and budget.

The small group size (max 12) makes the experience intimate and more interactive. We loved how the guides are described as knowledgeable and personable, creating a relaxed environment where questions and conversations flow naturally.

Many reviews emphasize the quality of the guides, with praise for their storytelling ability and local insights. They often go above and beyond, tailoring stops to the group’s interests and making sure everyone feels included.

What Travelers Are Saying

From glowing reviews, it’s clear that this tour appeals to those who want more than just a typical pub crawl. Travelers love the hidden bars and local stories, with many saying they discovered places they would never have found alone.

One reviewer pointed out that “the bars were fabulous and all with a different but great vibe”, and another called the tour “a perfect blend of sightseeing, bars, and history.” Several mentioned the entertaining guides who kept the group engaged and laughing throughout.

A small number of comments highlight that the selection of bars could sometimes be more tailored to the group’s age or preferences, but overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour begins at 3:00 pm near the Sir William John Clarke Memorial and ends in Melbourne’s CBD, well within the free tram zone for easy access. It lasts about three hours, covering roughly 1.5 km of walking—so comfortable shoes are advised but it’s not overly exerting.

Weather isn’t a concern, as the tour runs rain or shine, so bring layers if necessary. It’s adults only, since alcohol is involved, and participants must be 18 or older.

Since drinks aren’t included in the price, you might want to bring some cash for minimum spends or just use your card—most venues accept both. The tour is carbon neutral and run by a B Corp, so it’s a responsible choice if sustainability matters to you.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is perfect if you’re curious about Melbourne’s stories, love uncovering hidden spots, and enjoy a leisurely drink with like-minded travelers. It suits those who want a relaxed, social atmosphere with a bit of education thrown in.

It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in local secrets and want to experience the city’s nightlife in an authentic way. However, if you’re looking for a more structured or inclusive family activity, this might not be the best fit, given the adult-only focus and the nature of the stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately three hours and covers about 1.5 km of walking, well-paced for most travelers.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are purchased separately at each venue. Most places accept cards, but bringing some cash might be handy for minimum spends.

Can I bring children?
No, this tour is adults only (18+), because alcohol is involved and the focus is on drinking and historical storytelling for adults.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Sir William John Clarke Memorial and finishes in Melbourne’s CBD, within the free tram zone.

What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine, so just bring layers and an umbrella if needed.

Is the tour accessible?
Some areas may have limitations, but the experience can be tailored with early communication. Check with the provider if you have specific needs.

How many people are in the group?
It’s limited to 12 travelers, making for an intimate experience.

Are tips included?
Tips are not included; gratuities are at your discretion.

What makes this tour special?
The blend of local history, hidden venues, and personalized storytelling really stand out according to reviews.

What’s the price for this tour?
It’s approximately $35.84 per person, which, considering the experience and small-group setting, is excellent value.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, relaxed way to explore Melbourne with a bit of history woven into the mix, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for those who enjoy discovering secret spots, learning about the city’s past, and sharing a drink or two with new friends. The guides seem to be a highlight, bringing stories and local knowledge to life—making each stop memorable.

While it’s not a traditional sightseeing tour, it offers a personal, engaging experience that gives you a different perspective on Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife and historical quirks. It’s especially suited for travelers craving a social atmosphere and a taste of Melbourne’s hidden bar scene.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, this experience provides a great value and a chance to see parts of the city that often stay under the radar. Just remember to bring your cash or card, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for an afternoon of stories, sips, and surprises.

Ready to explore Melbourne’s hidden sides? This tour might just be your new favorite way to see the city.