15 Best Shopping & Market Tours In Melbourne

Melbourne stands out as one of Australia’s top destinations for shopping and market tours thanks to its diverse food scene, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant street life. Whether you’re craving a foodie exploration at the bustling Queen Victoria Market or eager to uncover Melbourne’s gangster past, this city offers unique ways to shop, taste, and explore. We love the Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour for its intimate tastings and local insights, and the Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops for an edgy look into Melbourne’s past. Whatever your interest, these tours promise authentic experiences that go beyond typical shopping.

Quick Overview

Melbourne’s best shopping & market tours include food-focused experiences, like queen Victoria Market food tours and early access tastings, as well as history-rich gangster walks and vintage shopping tours. Some tours feature private classes and tailored shopping excursions, giving you a full picture of Melbourne’s culinary and retail scenes. Below is a detailed list of the top experiences, each with its own character and appeal.

1. Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

At number 1, the Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour is a crowd favorite, with a perfect 5.0-star rating from nearly 300 reviews. For just $78.18, you’ll spend around two hours sampling the market’s best bites and learning about Melbourne’s culinary culture. The tour includes advice on choosing seasonal produce, hands-on tastings, and a handy shopping bag for your market haul. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for food lovers who want both education and deliciousness. Guests rave about guides like Hannah, who combines knowledge and fun, and appreciate the variety of tastings—oysters, cheese, gelato, and more. This tour ends at the market, giving you time to explore independently.

Bottom line: Best for foodies wanting an insider’s look at Melbourne’s famous market with plenty of tastings and tips for future shopping.

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

Number 2 on our list offers a 2-hour stroll through Melbourne’s gangster past, rated 5.0/5 with 137 reviews. For only $35.86, you’ll explore the CBD’s hidden crime hotspots, visiting buildings that once housed brothels, speakeasies, and crime dens from the 1870s to 1930s. Highlights include stories about notorious gangsters like Squizzy Taylor, and a visit to Little Lon Distilling Co., a former house of ill-repute. The tour is praised for its detailed, well-paced storytelling and the guide’s passion, with reviews noting how surprisingly gritty and fascinating Melbourne’s underbelly really was.

Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs or anyone interested in Melbourne’s dark side and the stories behind its buildings.

3. Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour

At number 3, a Queen Victoria Market Food Tour focuses on multicultural flavors and local delicacies. Lasting 2.5 hours and rated 4.7/5 from 63 reviews, this tour offers a more intimate experience with a max of 12 guests. Your guide takes you through the market before the crowds arrive, introducing you to passionate vendors and their stories. Tastings include regional and multicultural food, and you’ll gain insight into how Melbourne’s diverse immigration shaped its food scene. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a deeper culinary immersion in a cozy group setting.

Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers looking for a personal, early-morning market experience that celebrates Melbourne’s multicultural palate.

4. Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour

Number 4 dives into the city’s back alley history with a 2-hour tour rated 5/5 by 41 reviews. It explores Melbourne’s old red-light districts, with stops outside the former home of the infamous Squizzy Taylor. You’ll see buildings that once housed houses of ill-fame, opium dens, and cocaine cafes. The tour provides stories of women fighting against gangs and police, offering a vivid picture of Melbourne’s less polished past. Participants enjoy the detailed storytelling and the chance to walk the streets once filled with danger and intrigue.

Bottom line: A compelling tour for history enthusiasts interested in Melbourne’s criminal underworld and colorful past.

5. Queen Victoria Market: ‘Flavours of Australia’ Food Tour

This 1.5-hour tour, rated 5/5 from 9 reviews, is short but sweet. It’s designed to showcase Australian flavors at the market, with early access to beat the crowds. For $52 per person, you get to meet vendors, sample unique Australian foods, and learn about local ingredients. The tour emphasizes insider recommendations and a relaxed pace, making it ideal for travelers wanting a quick, authentic taste of local produce while enjoying more free time afterward.

Bottom line: Great for visitors seeking a quick, high-quality taste of Australia’s culinary essentials.

6. South Melbourne Market Foodie Tour

Rated 5.0/5 with just 3 reviews, the South Melbourne Market Foodie Tour is a 1.5-hour adventure that costs $85.35. This historic inner-city market is famous for its fresh seafood and artisan goods. On this guided tour, you’ll meet specialty traders, learn about seasonal produce, and pick up tips for cooking and shopping. It’s perfect for those who value local craftsmanship and want an insider’s perspective on Melbourne’s food culture.

Bottom line: Ideal for foodies who love fresh seafood and want expert advice from passionate vendors.

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

Number 7 is a 5-6 hour private experience costing $240. It pairs a guided market tour with a hands-on cooking class led by a professional chef. You’ll select ingredients from the market, then learn to cook three Australian dishes in a home setting. Guests rave about the personalized attention and the chance to enjoy a meal with wine or beer afterward, plus take home recipes. It’s a fantastic option for culinary enthusiasts wanting a deep dive into local cuisine.

Bottom line: Best suited for serious food lovers who want to learn and cook authentic Australian dishes.

8. Cosmetic Products Shopping Tour in Melbourne

This 1.5-hour tour costs $99.19 and is perfect for beauty lovers. It takes you through Melbourne’s stunning arcades and streets, focusing on cosmeceuticals, skincare, and perfumes. Led by a dermal professional, the tour offers expert advice and tailored shopping at stores like Dukes Coffee Roasters, where you can chat over coffee. While there are no reviews yet, it’s ideal for those seeking personalized beauty tips and exclusive shopping experiences.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting expert skincare advice and boutique shopping in a stylish setting.

9. Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne city to DFO Essendon

Costing $364.39, this 5-hour private tour offers luxury shopping at DFO Essendon, with discounts of up to 70%. You’re picked up from your hotel and taken to a large outlet centre with over 100 stores, including brands like Adidas and Ralph Lauren. Post-shopping, you’re driven back to your accommodation. The tour provides comfort and flexibility, ideal for those seeking discounted designer labels in a relaxed setting.

Bottom line: Perfect for fashion enthusiasts looking for big-brand bargains with personalized service.

10. Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne hotels to DFO Essendon

A similar experience to Tour #9 but lasting about 4 hours 40 minutes, it focuses on luxury outlets with a slightly shorter schedule. At $331.60 per person, it’s suited for travelers preferring a more compact shopping experience with the same high-end brands and discounts.

Bottom line: Great for shoppers wanting a luxury outlet fix without a full day away from Melbourne.

11. Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne hotels to DFO Moorabbin

Number 11, priced at $368.04, offers a 5-hour trip to DFO Moorabbin, which hosts over 130 outlet shops. With brands like Polo Ralph Lauren and Nike, it’s perfect for fashion hunters wanting broad options. The tour includes an easy hotel pickup and return, making logistics simple for a full shopping day.

Bottom line: Excellent for those seeking a wide variety of brands at discounted prices.

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

Number 12 offers a 4.5-hour trip to DFO South Wharf for $331.60, with over 150 outlet stores and a scenic location on the Yarra River. It’s a prime choice for luxury outlet shopping combined with views and relaxed atmosphere.

Bottom line: Best for shoppers wanting variety and a scenic shopping environment.

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

Number 13 takes you to DFO Uni Hill for about 5 hours at $368.04. With over 90 brands, including fashion, footwear, and homewares, it’s perfect for those seeking comprehensive outlet shopping with top labels.

Bottom line: Suitable for fashion and homeware lovers who want a wide selection.

14. Guided Walking Tour of Vintage Clothing Shops in Melbourne

This 3-hour tour at $128 explores Melbourne’s vintage stores, covering styles from the 1920s to the 1990s. The flexible itinerary allows you to discover hidden shops, learn about the neighborhoods, and find unique apparel. Perfect for fashionistas who love retro clothing and want a personalized experience.

Bottom line: Great for vintage lovers eager to hunt for authentic second-hand finds.

15. Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour

Finally, the Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour offers a 1.5-hour morning taste of the market’s best produce. With a small group and exclusive access, you’ll experience the market waking up, sampling Australian cheeses, charcuterie, and more. It’s perfect for early risers and those wanting a quiet market experience.

Bottom line: Ideal for food lovers who want a quick, intimate market introduction before the crowds arrive.

How to Choose the Right Melbourne Shopping & Market Tour

Choosing the perfect experience depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you’re a foodie eager for tastings and local stories, the Queen Victoria Market Food Tours or Early Access Food Tour will suit you best. For history enthusiasts, the Gangster Walking Tour offers a vivid glimpse into Melbourne’s less-known past. Shoppers seeking discount designer brands should consider DFO tours at locations like Essendon, Moorabbin, South Wharf, or Uni Hill.

Practical tips: book early for popular tours, especially during peak seasons. If you prefer a personalized experience or want to combine shopping and cooking, private tours like the Cooking Class are well worth the investment.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne’s diverse shopping and market scene offers something for every traveler. Food lovers will appreciate the flavors of Australia and bustling markets, while history buffs can uncover Melbourne’s gangster past on guided walks. For fashionistas or those hunting bargains, the range of outlet tours delivers incredible value on designer brands. No matter your style or budget, booking early can help secure the best times and spots — so start planning your Melbourne shopping adventure today.