Melbourne’s 14 Top Drinking Tours

Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s coffee capital is well earned, but its bar scene is equally impressive. The city’s laneways are filled with century-old pubs, speakeasy-style cocktail bars, and innovative breweries—hidden behind unassuming doors or tucked away in heritage buildings. Whether you’re after a craft beer, a local wine, or a spooky ghost story with your drink, Melbourne offers options that go beyond the ordinary. We particularly like the Melbourne’s Living Laneway Scene: Local Bars and Their Stories, which combines the city’s best-hidden pubs with some fascinating stories. The city’s mix of history, creativity, and a dash of rebellion makes its bar scene one of the most lively and authentic in Australia.

Melbourne’s craft beer culture is thriving, with numerous tours exploring its breweries and local favorites. If you’re into wine, the nearby Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s top wine regions, offering tastings, scenic views, and gourmet lunches. For those who prefer spirits, whiskey and gin tours highlight Melbourne’s innovative distilleries. Whatever your drink of choice, Melbourne’s drinking tours promise a mix of history, local flavor, and fun.

Quick Overview

This list covers a variety of tours suited to different tastes and schedules. You’ll find small-group walking tours exploring hidden laneway bars (Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends), full-day wine adventures (Yarra Valley Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer, & Choc Tour), and even sports and beer combined excursions (Full-Day Sports and Beer Tour). For a quick pub crawl, the Melbourne Pub Crawl is a budget-friendly way to sample several venues in one night. Want to go underground? Check out the Hidden Bar and Cocktail Tour or explore the spooky side with the Creepy Tales, Bars & Laneways**.

1. Melbourne’s Living Laneway Scene: Local Bars and Their Stories

At number 1 on our list, this small-group tour takes you through Melbourne’s best-hidden laneway bars, including a classic pub, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, a local wine bar, and a rooftop haven. The tour runs for about 3.5 hours and includes the first drink at each venue. What makes it stand out is the personalized attention and the focus on bars you wouldn’t discover on your own.

Guests love the mix of history and modernity—you’ll learn about Melbourne’s transformation from industrial quarters to legendary hospitality venues. Reviewers praise guides like Emily, who share local stories and trivia, making each stop memorable. The tour is perfect for those wanting an insider’s perspective on Melbourne’s hidden bar culture. With a small group, you get intimate access and a chance to try drinks you might not find alone.

Bottom Line: A highly-rated, immersive way to explore Melbourne’s best-hidden bars with expert storytelling and a relaxed pace.

2. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer, & Choc Tour

For around 8 hours, this relaxed day trip guides you through the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s top wine regions. The tour includes tastings at Yering Farm Wines and Tokar Estate, along with visits to a gin distillery, brewery, and chocolate factory. The itinerary is flexible—you can tell the guide what you want to focus on, like wine, gin, or cheese.

What makes this tour appealing is the chance to tailor the experience and enjoy scenic views of lush vineyards. The tour includes lunch at Hubert Estate, with a glass included, and visits to boutique producers. Reviewers highlight the casual vibe and tasty tastings, with some calling it a “perfect balance of wine and fun.” The 8-hour length offers a good value for those wanting a comprehensive day out.

Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers who want a customizable, leisurely exploration of Yarra Valley’s top producers with scenic views and delicious food.

3. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine Tour + Lunch & Gin/Beer Option

This 8.5-hour tour provides a perfect blend of wine tasting at four wineries, a two-course lunch, and a visit to the chocolate factory. You can opt to switch the last stop to visit the Four Pillars Gin Distillery or Watts River Brewery, depending on your mood. The tour starts from Melbourne’s Arts Centre and includes shared antipasto and main dishes with a glass of wine.

Guests rave about the personalized experience and the flexibility in choosing the last stop. The inclusion of lunch and tastings makes it excellent value. Reviewers mention the beautiful winery views and the informative guides. This tour suits those wanting a luxurious, all-in-one day of wine, spirits, and chocolates.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for wine and spirit fans who want a mix of tastings, lunch, and scenic views—perfect for a relaxed day away from the city.

4. Melbourne: Laneway Bar Tour Where Locals Drink

Number 4 on our list offers a 3-hour walk through Melbourne’s historic laneway bars, including a basement pub and a secret rooftop bar. Led by a passionate guide, you’ll visit four venues that shaped Melbourne’s legendary bar reputation. The tour begins with a complimentary drink and continues with a focus on local culture and history.

Guests love the small-group format, which keeps things intimate—perfect for conversational types. The venues are carefully selected for their storytelling and atmosphere. Many reviewers note the hidden gems and unique vibe of each location, making it ideal for those wanting an authentic experience.

Bottom Line: An engaging, storytelling-focused tour that reveals Melbourne’s best laneway bars with decades of stories behind them.

5. Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends Tour Of Melbourne

The 5th spot offers a 3-hour tour combining Melbourne’s famous laneways, cool bars, and fascinating history. Starting at Fed Square, the guide leads you through Oliver Lane, ACDC Lane, and Ridgway Place, sharing stories of Melbourne’s boozy past and street art.

This tour is highly rated for its informative narration and the chance to visit up to 10 bars in a single evening. Reviewers mention how the tour’s balance of history and bar hopping makes it a good value, especially with the small group size. It’s perfect for those interested in urban exploration with a drink.

Bottom Line: A great pick for history buffs who want to combine melbourne’s street art, history, and nightlife in one tour.

6. Creepy Tales, Bars & Laneways Of Melbourne Walking Tour

If you’re into spooky stories and Melbourne’s darker side, this 3-hour tour is a must. It takes you to Queen Victoria Market, Old Melbourne Gaol, and Chinatown, uncovering ghostly tales and eerie histories. Stops include three hidden bars that match the spooky vibe.

The tour gets high marks for its entertaining storytelling and small-group atmosphere, which makes the experience more personal. Reviewers say guide Tess shares creepy stories intertwined with bar visits, creating a fun and chilling experience. It’s perfect for night owls and history lovers looking for something a bit different.

Bottom Line: An entertaining way to explore Melbourne’s haunted history and secret bars with a spooky twist.

7. Melbourne Pub Crawl

Number 7 is a budget-friendly option, a 5-hour pub crawl that makes sure you see several of Melbourne’s best pubs and clubs. The guide handles the itinerary, and you’ll enjoy skip-the-line access and free shots along the way. It’s designed for socializing and meeting fellow travelers.

Guests praise the fun atmosphere and the chance to sample various venues without the hassle of planning. It’s suited for travelers looking for a cost-effective night out with a focus on local favorites and lively crowds. The guide also captures memories with photos, so you can focus on enjoying yourself.

Bottom Line: An excellent, inexpensive way to experience Melbourne’s nightlife with a lively group and a flexible itinerary.

8. Melbourne Pub Crawl (Batmania Tours)

This short, energetic 3 to 4-hour crawl features welcome drinks at four venues and plenty of party games. Led by local guides, you’ll visit Melbourne’s top pubs that travelers often miss. Prizes and prizes keep the night lively.

Guests find this tour perfect for making new friends and experiencing Melbourne’s nightlife safely. Reviewers love the fun games and lively atmosphere, making it ideal for first-timers and party lovers. It’s an affordable, entertaining way to see the city’s hidden bars.

Bottom Line: A lively, fun-packed pub crawl with a focus on socializing and offbeat venues.

9. Melbourne: Hidden Bar and Cocktail Tour

Number 9 takes you into Melbourne’s secret cocktail bars, hidden behind unmarked doors and alleyways. The 3-hour walking tour emphasizes secret passwords and knocking to access exclusive venues.

Reviewers mention how guides reveal the best-kept secrets of Melbourne’s cocktail culture. This tour is ideal for adventurous drinkers who want to experience the city’s speakeasy scene firsthand. You’ll leave with a full list of insider favorites.

Bottom Line: Perfect for lovers of mixology and secret venues, offering a peek behind Melbourne’s unassuming facades.

10. Melbourne Craft Beer Tour: Hidden Breweries with a Local Guide

For craft beer enthusiasts, this 3-hour tour explores Melbourne’s hip Collingwood district. It includes beer tastings at three breweries and a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is made. The tour also features local beer foods and stories from a beer expert.

Guests praise the personalized experience and visiting local favorites away from tourist traps. With small groups, you get more interaction and tailored recommendations. Reviewers highlight the friendly atmosphere and learning opportunities about Melbourne’s brewing culture.

Bottom Line: A must for craft beer lovers wanting an authentic and personal brewery experience in Melbourne’s trendiest neighborhood.

11. Hidden Bars of Melbourne

This walking tour takes you to up to 15 hidden bars, each with its own story. You’ll sip two complimentary cocktails and explore bars that many locals know but travelers often miss. The tour emphasizes the secret culture behind Melbourne’s cocktail scene.

Reviewers appreciate the insider knowledge and the opportunity to visit offbeat venues that are “hidden in plain sight.” It’s ideal for adventurous drinkers eager to uncover Melbourne’s underground bar culture.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a deep dive into Melbourne’s secret cocktail scene with a knowledgeable guide.

12. Melbourne: City`s History and Unique Bar Scene Tour

This 3-hour small-group tour combines Melbourne’s history with visits to hidden and speakeasy bars. Starting at the Sir William Clarke Memorial, you’ll learn about Indigenous roots, gold rush tales, and red-light district stories while visiting secrets only locals know.

Reviewers value the personalized experience and the focus on local stories behind the city’s bar scene. The tour is perfect for history-minded drinkers who want to combine learning with their night out.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in Melbourne’s past and its secret bar scene, with a personal touch.

13. Full-Day Sports and Beer Tour of Melbourne with Lunch

Number 13 offers a 7-hour tour of Melbourne’s top sports venues and local breweries. Highlights include the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Flemington Racecourse, and the F1 Grand Prix circuit. The tour includes behind-the-scenes visits and a lunch with a drink.

Guests love the combination of sports and beer culture—a unique way to see Melbourne’s iconic venues while sampling craft brews. Reviewers say the guide is knowledgeable and the experience is worth the price. It’s best suited for sports fans who want a full-day experience mixing culture, history, and beer.

Bottom Line: Perfect for sports fans who want to explore Melbourne’s famous venues with a side of local beer and a hearty lunch.

14. Melbourne Beer Tour – Hidden Bars & Local Brews

Finally, this 3-hour tour focuses on local breweries and hidden bars in Melbourne. You’ll visit three breweries, sample craft beers, and learn about the city’s brewing scene from a local guide. Bar snacks are included to pair with your tastings.

Reviewers like the small group size and the authentic vibe of the breweries, which are often off the tourist trail. It’s suitable for beer lovers looking for a relaxed, local experience.

Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a laid-back, in-depth look at Melbourne’s craft beer scene with insider access.

How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Melbourne

When deciding which tour suits you, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re a history buff, the City’s History & Bar Scene offers a deep dive into Melbourne’s past. For wine lovers wanting a relaxed day, the Yarra Valley Wine Tour is perfect.

If your focus is on craft beer, the Hidden Breweries Tour provides an authentic look at Melbourne’s brewing culture. For those wanting nightlife, the Pub Crawl or Batmania Tour are budget-friendly options to experience multiple venues in one night.

Booking early is advisable, especially during weekends or peak seasons, to secure your spot. Also, check for any special dietary needs or mobility requirements—many tours are flexible or offer options for specific interests.

Final thoughts

Melbourne offers a diverse array of drinking tours—from hidden laneway bars with centuries of stories to full-day wine adventures in scenic valleys. Whether you’re after a quick pub crawl or a deep dive into Melbourne’s spirits scene, there’s something for every drinker. With honest reviews and unique itineraries, you’ll find a tour that matches your style and interests. Remember to book early, and most importantly—enjoy discovering Melbourne’s vibrant drinking culture.