MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour

A Walk Through Melbourne’s Haunted Past: Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour

If you’re after a different kind of night out in Melbourne, the Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour offers a mix of history, ghost stories, and local pub culture. For about $26, you’ll spend roughly 90 minutes wandering through some of the city’s oldest and most storied venues, from a former police station haunted by a murder to alleyways where spirits are said to linger. Starting at Young and Jacksons on Swanston Street, this tour is ideal for those curious about Melbourne’s darker tales and ghostly legends.

What we love about this tour is how it combines historic insights with a lively pub atmosphere. The stops include notable buildings like the InterContinental Melbourne and Olderfleet Building, giving you a glimpse into the city’s architectural past, all while sharing ghostly tales. Plus, the guide’s engaging storytelling makes history feel alive and a little spooky. Another highlight is the opportunity to purchase a drink at the Mitre Tavern, allowing for a relaxing break between stories.

One potential downside is that some reviewers have found the tour leaning more towards personal ghost stories and emotional accounts rather than strictly focusing on Melbourne’s spooky history. If you’re seeking a deeply historical or fact-based ghost walk, you might find this tour a little more playful and theatrical than scholarly. But if you enjoy lively storytelling with a touch of ghostly mystery, this tour should suit you well.

This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate historic pubs, enjoy urban legends, and want an entertaining evening with a local guide. It’s especially suited for those who like a casual, social atmosphere and don’t mind walking through themed alleyways and busy city streets at night.

Key Points

• Authentic Melbourne venues like historic pubs and laneways are central to the tour.
• Engaging guides provide lively storytelling, mixing history and ghost tales.
• Free stops at notable sites give a sense of the city’s dark past.
• The tour’s duration of 1.5 hours offers good value for the price.
• Most travelers find the storytelling engaging, with some noting a focus on emotional ghost stories.
• The tour is accessible and convenient, starting near public transportation.

Exploring Melbourne’s Haunted Laneways and Pubs

The Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour offers an intriguing look into Melbourne’s darker legends, woven into its historic architecture and lively pub scene. Over the course of about 90 minutes, we visit several sites that each have their own ghostly tales and historical significance. This tour is designed to appeal to those who enjoy a mixture of history, mystery, and a good pub crawl.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Church Lane

The tour begins in Church Lane, a dark alley known for its restless spirits. The story here revolves around the Ghost of Church Lane, believed to haunt the area for reasons unknown. As we stand in this shadowy spot, it’s easy to imagine the ghosts of Melbourne’s past lingering amid the bricks and dim lighting. This stop is brief but sets the tone for the rest of the evening, giving you a taste of the city’s haunted reputation.

Stop 2: InterContinental Melbourne by IHG

Next, we head to The Rialto Intercontinental, a hotel with a notable place in Melbourne’s history. While no specific ghost stories are detailed in reviews, the hotel’s historical prominence makes it a worthwhile stop. It’s a chance to appreciate the architecture and storied past of this landmark, which has seen the city grow around it.

Stop 3: Olderfleet Building

The Olderfleet Building is another historic site where visitors have reported encountering the Ghost of Olderfleet. The stories here tend to blend historical intrigue with supernatural tales, adding a layer of mystery to Melbourne’s skyline. The guide shares stories that make you wonder about the building’s past inhabitants and what might still be lurking there.

Stop 4: The Mitre Tavern

Perhaps one of the most lively stops, The Mitre Tavern combines historic charm with ghostly tales of a scandalous love affair. Here, you have the option to purchase a drink while listening to stories that bring the pub’s history to life. Many reviews praise the guide, Linda, for her fun and engaging manner, making this a highlight of the tour. The pub’s lively atmosphere contrasts nicely with the spooky stories, creating an immersive experience.

Stop 5: Melbourne Savage Club

A brief stop at the Melbourne Savage Club reveals a venue filled with secrets and hidden stories. While only about five minutes, this part adds a mysterious aura to the night, with tales that spark curiosity about Melbourne’s secret society history.

Stops 6 & 7: Block Arcade & Centre Place

The Block Arcade is famous for its architecture and history, making it an ideal spot to appreciate Melbourne’s Victorian-era design. The ghost stories associated with it add a layer of intrigue but don’t overshadow its significance as a shopping and social hub. Then, Centre Place, a revitalised laneway from the 1980s, represents Melbourne’s trendier side—an interesting contrast to the older sites and a reminder of the city’s evolving character.

Final Stop: The Mitre Tavern

The tour concludes back at the Mitre Tavern, tying together the night’s stories and allowing for some reflection or further exploration at your leisure.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour is designed for small groups (up to 20 people), which helps the guide give a more personal, engaging experience. Starting at 8:30 pm, the walk covers short stops at each location, generally lasting about 10 minutes each, with a slightly longer break at the pub.

You’ll walk through Melbourne’s CBD, visiting public laneways and historic pubs, many of which are within close walking distance. The group size, combined with the near public transportation location, makes this a convenient and accessible evening activity.

The Guide and Storytelling Style

Reviews highlight Linda as a fun and knowledgeable guide who keeps the stories lively. She balances history with ghost tales, making the experience engaging without becoming too serious or spooky. Some reviews mention that the guide leans a bit into personal grief and emotional stories, which might be a turnoff if you’re expecting a straightforward ghost walk.

The Value and Atmosphere

Priced at just over $26, this tour offers good value, considering the locations visited and the storytelling involved. While some might hope for more historical detail, the tour’s focus on entertaining storytelling and local legends provides a lively, memorable experience. The casual pub stops allow for socialising and enjoying Melbourne’s pub culture, which adds to the relaxed vibe.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This haunted pub tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy urban legends, ghost stories, and historic pubs. If you’re after a fun, social experience with a touch of the supernatural, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly appealing to those who appreciate guided storytelling that mixes history with entertainment. Conversely, if your priority is a strictly factual or scholarly ghost walk, you might find this a bit more theatrical than serious.

Final Thoughts

The Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour in Melbourne provides an entertaining evening exploring the city’s darker stories. With knowledgeable guides, a well-chosen route, and free stops at historic sites, it offers a good balance of history, mystery, and socialising. The price point makes it accessible, and the small group size ensures a personal touch.

While it might not satisfy everyone seeking a strictly historical or ghostly deep dive, it’s perfect for curious travelers who love urban legends, lively storytelling, and historic pubs. It’s a lighthearted, atmospheric way to discover Melbourne’s haunted past, making it a memorable addition to any evening out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Young and Jacksons, Swanston St, and concludes at The Mitre Tavern in Bank Place.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s geared toward adults due to the pub stops and nighttime setting.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs around $26.31 per person, offering a good value considering the sites and stories.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but at the Mitre Tavern, you have the option to purchase a beverage.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the starting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach.

What kind of stories will I hear?
Stories include ghostly legends, haunted sites, and some personal or emotional tales shared by the guide.

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

Is the tour suitable for history buffs?
While it includes some historical context, the focus is more on ghost stories and legends; history enthusiasts may enjoy the stories but should not expect a detailed historical tour.

Whether you’re a local curious about Melbourne’s spooky side or a visitor looking for a fun night out, this haunted pub tour offers a memorable way to see the city’s dark and lively corners. Just dress comfortably, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a night of ghostly tales and historic charm.