This private program begins by meeting our local expert in your hotel lobby to start this journey on foot. We start from Federation Square which celebrates both the uniting of six British colonies in 1901 and the Kulin Nation of the First People. During the program we will see the colonial culture of English, Scottish, and Irish settlers and learn of their immigration stories.


Next, we move to Spring Street, the central spine of the administration of the Government of Victoria, as well as being central to many of the state's major cultural institutions, such the State Houses of Parliament and the Old Treasury Building.



Continuing, we pass through the Royal Exhibition Building and dive into Melbourne’s small and narrow lanes and pathways.


Every lane we choose tells an important story about Melbourne today and of its past. Robert Hoddle designed Melbourne’s street plan in 1836 but refused to include lanes – he saw them as detrimental to the respectable establishment. Melbourne’s little laneways evolved to create access to buildings during subsequent population explosions such as the famous gold rush. Some were later roofed as arcades to provide refuge from the weather for the locals and to provide them with more space for shops. The lanes therefore symbolically and practically are the ‘People’s Melbourne’ and are as eclectic as they are fun to experience. The approximately 200 lanes in Melbourne are rated by the city according to their heritage values.


You will next visit the famous Victoria Market and Chinatown, experiencing all their unique sensations and flavors. You will have some time to experience these markets and their bargains on items from around the world as well locally produced. At the end of this unique tour, your expert guide will take you back to your hotel.



Pick up: Federation Square.


You will then learn about the following important points: Federation Square Spring Street State Houses of Parliament Old Treasury Building Royal Exhibition Building Victoria Market Chinatown