Which Melbourne Shopping & Market Tours To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best

Melbourne stands out as a city where shopping isn’t just about buying souvenirs — it’s about experiencing local culture, tasting incredible food, and uncovering stories behind every stall and street. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling aisles of Queen Victoria Market, fascinated by Melbourne’s gangsters and speakeasies, or eager to hunt for designer bargains at outlet malls, this city offers a variety of tours that fit different tastes and budgets. We particularly like the Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour for its fresh tastings and personal vibe, and the Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops for a peek into Melbourne’s shadowy past. If shopping is your main goal, the private outings to DFO outlets are unbeatable for finding deals from top brands.

Quick Overview

This list covers food-focused walks, history and crime tours, and luxury shopping excursions. Options range from small-group food tastings at iconic markets (Queen Victoria Market Food Tours) to private shopping trips (Private Shopping Tours) that take you to Melbourne’s best outlet malls. There are guided historical walks (Melbourne: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops) that explore Melbourne’s colorful past, as well as early access market tours (Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour) perfect for food lovers.

Now, let’s look at each tour in detail to help you find your perfect shopping or market experience.

1. Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

A walking tour of Melbourne’s most famous market, this experience is perfect for those who love fresh food and local stories. With about 2 hours and a small group, your guide will introduce you to the market’s history, vendors, and seasonal delicacies. Tastings typically include seafood, grilled kangaroo, local cheeses, dips, and gelato, making this tour a true taste of Melbourne’s vibrant food scene. The inclusion of a Queen Victoria Market shopping bag is a thoughtful touch, and the small group format ensures personalized attention. The reviews consistently praise Irene and Mandy for their friendliness and knowledge, highlighting the variety and generosity of tastings.

Bottom Line: For around $74, this tour offers a delicious, intimate, and educational introduction to Melbourne’s cultural heart. It’s ideal if you want to combine sightseeing with a real food experience.

2. Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops

Step into Melbourne’s gritty past with this engaging 2-hour walk. Starting in the 1870s, your guide will reveal stories of notorious gangsters like Squizzy Taylor and the role of lolly shops as fronts for crime, including drug operations. You’ll visit buildings that once housed brothels and speakeasies, including Melbourne’s only surviving cottage at Little Lon. The tour includes a stop at Little Lon Distilling Co., where police files uncover stories of former inhabitants. Reviewers praise the depth of knowledge and the engaging storytelling, making this tour a must for history buffs interested in Melbourne’s underground stories.

Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for history lovers who want a lively, detail-rich exploration of Melbourne’s criminal past in a compact 2-hour walk.

3. Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour

Focusing on Melbourne’s notorious “Little Lon” district, this 2-hour tour takes you through the streets once filled with opium dens and brothels. You’ll learn about women who ran this red-light district and their fight against the police and gangsters. Highlights include stopping outside Squizzy Taylor’s former home and discovering buildings that functioned as houses of ill-fame a century ago. The tour also explores the people who frequented these spots, giving a vivid picture of Melbourne’s rough-and-tumble past. The reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling and the opportunity to see historic buildings still standing.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those fascinated by Melbourne’s criminal history and urban legends, this tour offers a 2-hour window into the city’s seedier side.

4. Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour

For food lovers who want to explore Melbourne’s multicultural flair, this 3-hour tour is a highlight. With a maximum of 12 guests, you’ll explore the market before it gets crowded, sampling diverse treats and hearing stories behind each vendor. From local produce to international delicacies, the tour reveals how immigration shaped Melbourne’s culinary scene. Meet passionate vendors and get insider tips on shopping and eating. The small group size ensures a personal experience where you can ask questions and savor the flavor.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, intimate food tour that immerses you in Melbourne’s vibrant market culture, perfect for those who want a deep dive into local flavors.

5. Queen Victoria Market: Flavours of Australia Food Tour

This shorter, 1.5-hour early access tour offers a quick but rich taste of Australia’s best foods. You’ll get to meet vendors, learn their stories, and sample some of the most unique Australian foods — all before the market opens to the crowds. It’s a great choice if you’re short on time but want to experience the market’s essence and gain local tips for the rest of your visit.

Bottom Line: A perfect pick for foodies wanting a swift yet authentic sampling of Australian cuisine in a quiet setting.

6. South Melbourne Market Foodie Tour

Since 1867, South Melbourne Market has been a favorite for locals. This 1.5-hour guided tour takes you behind the scenes with specialist traders, sampling fresh seafood and artisan creations. As a lively local spot, it offers insight into seasonal produce and cooking tips. The reviewers emphasize the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about the secrets of artisanal foods. It’s ideal for those seeking a quick, authentic taste of Melbourne’s foodie culture away from tourist crowds.

Bottom Line: For seafood lovers and fans of local artisan foods, this tour offers fresh flavors wrapped in a historic setting.

7. Private Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class with a Local Chef in her Home

This full-day experience combines a private market tour with a hands-on cooking class taught by a professional chef. After selecting fresh ingredients, you’ll head to her home for a step-by-step cooking lesson featuring three Australian dishes. You’ll enjoy your creations with a glass of wine or beer and receive recipes to take home. At $240, it’s a premium experience suited to those wanting personal attention and a culinary souvenir. During the market visit, you learn about local produce, and the class is tailored to your skill level.

Bottom Line: An immersive, personalized culinary adventure ideal for foodies who want to learn new skills and make lasting memories.

8. Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne city to DFO Essendon

For serious shoppers, this private tour takes you from your hotel directly to DFO Essendon, a major outlet mall with over 100 stores offering up to 70% off. With a 5-hour round trip, you’ll have plenty of time to browse designer brands and find great deals on clothing, accessories, and homewares. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient. Prices start at around $360 per person, reflecting the personalized service and access to premium outlet bargains.

Bottom Line: Best suited for dedicated shoppers craving designer discounts in a hassle-free way, especially if you value comfort and convenience.

9. Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne hotels to DFO Essendon

Similar to the previous, this private tour offers a more tailored experience with a slightly shorter 4 hour 40-minute schedule. Starting from your hotel, you’ll visit the same outlet, with plenty of time to browse and buy. The focus here is on comfort and exclusivity, with the added benefit of hotel pickup. While the price is slightly higher at $328, it’s an excellent way to avoid the crowds and explore top brands at discounted prices.

Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers seeking a private, luxury shopping trip with flexible timing.

10. Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne hotels to DFO Moorabbin

Heading further south, this private tour takes you to DFO Moorabbin, with over 130 outlet stores including Adidas and Ralph Lauren. The 5-hour trip offers a chance to hunt for discounts on premium brands, with pickup from your hotel. The experience is especially suitable for families or groups looking for a dedicated shopping day with plenty of variety. Expect to find savings up to 70%, making it a worthwhile splurge.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive outlet shopping experience with personalized service.

11. Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne Hotels to DFO South Wharf

Located near Docklands, this multi-level outlet features over 150 stores, including major brands and designer labels. The 4.5-hour private trip includes hotel pickup, giving you time to browse and buy at your own pace. With a wide selection and attractive prices, it’s perfect for style-conscious travelers who want quality and savings without the hassle of navigating alone.

Bottom Line: Best for shoppers wanting a centrally located outlet with extensive options and personalized service.

12. Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne hotels to DFO Uni Hill

This 4-hour private outing takes you to DFO Uni Hill, with over 90 brands including fashion, footwear, and homeware. Starting from your hotel, the tour provides a comfortable journey and ample time to explore. It’s a good fit for those who want a curated shopping experience focusing on trendy and well-priced items from local and international brands.

Bottom Line: Perfect for fashion-forward travelers who appreciate a carefully curated outlet shopping trip.

13. Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour

Finally, for early risers and serious foodies, this 1.5-hour tour offers exclusive access to Queen Victoria Market before it opens to the public. You’ll meet local vendors, taste Australian cheese and charcuterie, and get a head start on the market’s delights. This experience is ideal for those who want to beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere in the market.

Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for early birds eager to savor Melbourne’s culinary scene in a peaceful setting.

How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Melbourne

When deciding among these tours, consider your interests and time constraints. Are you after authentic food experiences? Try the Queen Victoria Market Food Tours. Interested in history and crime stories? The Melbourne Crime & Gangsters Tour is a fun, immersive option. If shopping is your main goal, private outlet tours (DFO Essendon) and multi-store outlet trips (DFO Moorabbin) provide the best value and convenience.

Also, think about timing — early market access tours (Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour) are great for avoiding crowds, while full-day experiences suit those with plenty of time and a desire for a deep dive.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne offers an incredible variety of shopping and market tours catering to culinary explorers, history buffs, and bargain hunters alike. Whether you prefer tasting your way through Queen Victoria Market, exploring Melbourne’s gangster lore, or snagging designer deals at outlet malls, there’s a tour designed for you.

A few tips: book early, especially for popular experiences like private shopping tours or early access market walks. And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes — Melbourne’s streets and markets are best enjoyed on foot. Dive in, explore, and enjoy all that Melbourne’s vibrant shopping scene has to offer.