Melbourne is a city that loves its drinks—whether it’s the cozy charm of a laneway pub, sophisticated hidden bars, or a scenic day trip to the wine country. The city’s legendary bar scene is full of surprises, with a mix of historic venues, modern speakeasies, and craft breweries. We especially appreciate tours like the Melbourne Walking Tour: Uncover Hidden Laneway Bars that dive into Melbourne’s secret drinking spots, giving you a chance to see the city’s lesser-known corners while enjoying a drink. If you’re after a full-day experience, the Yarra Valley wine and gin tour combines scenic views with tastings from wineries, distilleries, and chocolate factories. No matter your style, Melbourne’s drinking scene is ready to impress.
Quick Overview
Melbourne offers a wide spectrum of drinking tours, from 3-hour explorations of laneway bars to full-day wine adventures. Some tours focus on hidden bars and secret speakeasies, like the Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends tour, while others highlight craft beer or specialized tasting experiences such as the Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer, & Choc Tour. There are even ghostly tours, like the Creepy Tales, Bars & Laneways that combine Melbourne’s spooky side with its vibrant bar culture. Below is a detailed look at each top-rated tour.
1. Melbourne Walking Tour: Uncover Hidden Laneway Bars
Starting with a focus on Melbourne’s secret laneway bars, this 3-hour walking tour explores four different venues. You’ll visit a basement cocktail bar, a classic pub, a wine bar with selections from the nearby Yarra Valley, and a rooftop bar with city views. Your guide shares stories about Melbourne’s bar scene and local history, making the experience engaging and informative. Rated a perfect 5 stars with over 537 reviews, many guests praise the well-paced itinerary and insider tips. The tour is ideal for those who love discovering Melbourne’s coolest spots without the hassle of planning. Plus, the small-group format ensures a personal experience. Expect to sample Australian wine, beer, and cocktails at each stop, making this a well-rounded introduction to Melbourne’s nightlife.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a relaxed, insightful introduction to Melbourne’s hidden bar gems.
2. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer, & Choc Tour
For around $86, the Yarra Valley wine and food tour offers an 8-hour day trip with flexible options tailored to your preferences. This tour hits multiple highlights: tastings at premium wineries, a visit to a gin distillery or brewery, and even a chocolate and cheese factory. The guide helps shape your itinerary, so whether you’re more into wine or craft spirits, your experience is personalized. Guests love the panoramic vineyard views and the chance to try diverse drinks—like gin from Four Pillars or cider from local producers. The inclusion of a stop at a chocolate factory adds a sweet touch to a sophisticated day out. Rated 4.9/5 with glowing reviews, guests mention the relaxed pace and friendly guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers who want a flexible, full-day tasting adventure with scenic views.
3. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch & Gin/Beer Option
This 8.5-hour tour combines wine tastings at four wineries with a deluxe two-course lunch. Your tour can be customized, with options to swap the last winery for a gin distillery (Four Pillars) or a brewery (Watts River). It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive experience, with a focus on quality and flexibility. You’ll enjoy tasting from hand-picked wineries and a shared antipasto and main course meal, with a glass included. The tour wraps up at the Yarra Valley Chocolate & Ice-cream Factory, providing a sweet finale. Guests appreciate the small group size and the chance to choose what they visit, making it both personal and relaxed.
Bottom Line: Great for a balanced day of wine, food, and optional spirits, suitable for those who value customization.
4. Melbourne: Laneway Bar Tour Where Locals Drink
This 3-hour tour offers an insider pass to four historic Melbourne bars with decades of stories. You’ll begin at a basement pub beneath Driver Lane, then visit whisky bars and secret rooftop venues. The tour emphasizes Melbourne’s industrial transformation into a vibrant drinking scene. Rated 4.8/5, guests love the intimate atmosphere and local insights. The tour includes a complimentary drink at the start and visits venues that most travelers never find on their own. Small group sizes (max 12) ensure a relaxed experience and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Whether you’re into whisky, cocktails, or just want to see Melbourne’s bar history firsthand, this tour delivers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Melbourne’s heritage pubs and authentic local bars.
5. Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends Tour Of Melbourne
Rated a perfect 5/5, this 3-hour tour combines Melbourne’s laneways, cool bars, and fascinating history. You’ll visit up to 15 bars, including secret spots with great atmospheres, and enjoy two complimentary cocktails. Guides personalize the experience based on your interests, sharing stories about Melbourne’s love for drinking, from historic persecutions to underground clubs. Many guests comment on the wide variety of venues and enthralling stories. The tour ends in a lively spot, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive look at Melbourne’s bar culture in a short time.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a mix of history, variety, and cocktails in a lively 3-hour tour.
6. Creepy Tales, Bars & Laneways Of Melbourne Walking Tour
For something different, this ghost-themed tour combines Melbourne’s spooky past with its bar scene. Over 3 hours, you’ll hear ghostly stories at Queen Victoria Market, the Old Melbourne Gaol, and Chinatown, with stops at three bars along the way. Rated 5 stars, guests love the balance of storytelling and drinking, with some even getting photos of paranormal activity. The tour is small, ensuring you catch every eerie detail. It’s perfect for fans of the macabre who want to experience Melbourne’s haunted side with a drink in hand.
Bottom Line: A fun, creepy twist on Melbourne’s nightlife — great if you enjoy ghost stories and history.
7. Melbourne Pub Crawl
This lively 5-hour pub crawl features a variety of Melbourne’s best pubs and clubs. Starting in the CBD, you’ll explore different venues, from pool halls to Latin-themed bars, with a focus on socializing. The tour includes free entry and welcome shots at each venue, making it a budget-friendly way to experience Melbourne’s nightlife. Rated 5/5, travelers appreciate the friendly guides and diverse venues. It’s well suited for solo travelers or groups looking for a fun, informal night out with new friends. Keep in mind it does not accept bachelorette or hen parties to keep the vibe manageable.
Bottom Line: A great option for a fun, social night with a variety of Melbourne’s top spots.
8. Melbourne Pub Crawl (Batmania Tours)
This 3–4 hour tour emphasizes Melbourne’s most iconic pubs with local guides who know the scene inside out. After a welcome shot at WAX Music Lounge, you visit four pubs with fun games and party atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want more than just a bar hop—expect lively interaction and a chance to meet fellow travelers. Rated 5/5, it’s ideal for casual groups seeking a bonding experience. The tour is flexible but best suited for those eager to try Melbourne’s nightlife with a local touch.
Bottom Line: Fun, energetic, and a good way to experience Melbourne’s pub culture in a short time.
9. Melbourne: Hidden Bar and Cocktail Tour
This 3-hour walking tour focuses on Melbourne’s secret cocktail bars. You’ll learn the secret passwords to access unmarked doors, go down alleys, and step into basement venues. Rated 4.6/5, guests rave about how the tour uncovers places they’d never find on their own. The guide shares insider tips on Melbourne’s cocktail scene, making it perfect for those wanting an intimate, adventurous experience. Expect to visit three hidden bars, sip craft cocktails, and learn about the city’s speakeasy culture.
Bottom Line: Excellent for cocktail lovers eager to explore Melbourne’s clandestine drinking spots.
10. Melbourne’s Craft Beer Scene with Beer Tastings
Explore Melbourne’s craft beer culture on this 3-hour tour in Collingwood, a hub for breweries and local beer bars. Led by a beer-expert guide, you’ll visit three breweries, sample a variety of styles, and enjoy bar snacks tailored to your tastes. Rated 4.5/5, guests enjoy the behind-the-scenes access and the opportunity to learn about local brewing traditions. The tour emphasizes small-group intimacy and off-the-beaten-path venues, making it a perfect choice for beer enthusiasts who want something more personal than a generic pub crawl.
Bottom Line: Ideal for craft beer fans wanting an authentic, behind-the-scenes experience in Melbourne’s coolest neighborhood.
11. Hidden Bars of Melbourne
This tour takes you to 10-15 hidden bars, many with unassuming entrances and secret passwords. You’ll enjoy two complimentary cocktails and learn about Melbourne’s secret bar culture. Rated 4.5/5, it’s perfect for those who love exploring underground venues and discovering Melbourne’s best-kept secrets. The guide customizes the stops based on your interests, ensuring a personalized experience. Expect to see everything from basement speakeasies to obscure alley venues—each with its own story.
Bottom Line: Great for adventurous drinkers eager to uncover Melbourne’s clandestine bar scene.
12. Melbourne: City`s History and Unique Bar Scene Tour
This 3-hour tour combines Melbourne’s history with visits to unique bars and laneways. You’ll hear stories about the city’s past, from Indigenous roots to the gold rush, as you explore secret speakeasies and local favorites. Rated 4.7/5, it’s tailored for history buffs and those interested in Melbourne’s cultural evolution. The tour includes visits to some of Melbourne’s less obvious venues, and while drinks are available, they are not included in the price. This tour suits travelers who want a mix of storytelling and bar-hopping.
Bottom Line: Best for history-minded visitors wanting a relaxed, educational drink tour.
13. Full-Day Sports and Beer Tour of Melbourne with Lunch
For sports fans and beer lovers, this 7-hour tour takes you behind the scenes at Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and more. You’ll also drive a lap around a Formula 1 circuit and visit a local brewery for tastings. The tour includes lunch with a drink and hotel transfers, making it a convenient way to combine Melbourne’s sports and beer scenes. Rated 4.5/5, travelers appreciate the behind-the-scenes access and the chance to see iconic venues most travelers miss. It’s perfect for active visitors who enjoy a mix of sport, history, and local brews.
Bottom Line: Best for sports enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, day-long experience with beer.
14. Melbourne Beer Tour – Hidden Bars & Local Brews
Discover the craft beer scene on this 3-hour tour in Melbourne’s Collingwood district. You’ll visit three breweries, taste a variety of local brews, and learn about Melbourne’s brewing traditions. Rated 4.8/5, this tour emphasizes small-group intimacy and authentic local experiences, avoiding tourist traps. Perfect for beer connoisseurs interested in regional brews and the stories behind them. Snacks are included to complement your tasting paddles, and you can upgrade to a private tour if desired.
Bottom Line: Excellent choice for serious beer lovers wanting an authentic, laid-back tasting experience.
15. Ice Bar Tour in Melbourne with Cocktails
Experience Melbourne’s coolest bar—the IceBar, made from over 50 tons of ice—on this 45-minute tour. Your admission includes a complimentary Arctic-themed cocktail in a sub-zero environment, with warm gear provided. Rated 4.0/5, it’s a fun, quick escape into a winter wonderland. Perfect for those wanting a novelty experience or a memorable photo opportunity. The staff ensure you stay warm in the icy surroundings, and the unique setting offers a taste of something truly different in Melbourne’s bar scene.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick, fun experience with a cool twist.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Melbourne
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a short, fun introduction to Melbourne’s underground bars, the Laneway Bar Tour or the Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends offer great value. If you’re a wine lover, the Yarra Valley wine and gin tour provides a scenic, full-day experience with tastings and lunch. For craft beer enthusiasts, the Melbourne’s craft beer scene tour offers behind-the-scenes access to local breweries. The ghost-themed Creepy Tales tour is perfect for those who enjoy a spooky story along with their drinks.
Booking early, especially in peak seasons, helps secure your spot on these popular tours. And don’t forget—many tours are customizable, so tell your guide your interests and they’ll tailor the experience.
Melbourne’s diverse drinking scene makes it easy to find something that fits your mood and style. Whether you want to explore secret laneways, enjoy scenic wine tastings, or sample Melbourne’s best craft beers, the city has a tour for you. For a memorable trip, we recommend booking one of these top-rated experiences early—melbournians love to raise a glass, and you should too. Cheers to your Melbourne adventure!