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Original Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour
Highlights
- Explore Melbourne's hidden lanes and arcades, uncovering local cafés and unique shops that enrich your city experience.
- Savour the aromas of amazing food hotspots as you stroll through vibrant back streets, immersing yourself in local culture.
- Discover quirky street art and historical tales that breathe life into Melbourne's architecture during your leisurely walk.
- Enjoy a refreshing drink stop, and opt for a bistro lunch paired with local wine or beer to complete your tour.
Hidden Secrets Tours Melbourne shows you the best lanes and arcades to explore.
Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of and ended up missing everything? Melbourne’s arcades and laneways hide many of these answers.
Join this indulgent morning ( or afternoon) walk through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets, and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love.
Discover local designers and specialty retailers, that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways.
See small business, smell the amazing food hotspots, and drink in the atmosphere on this casual stroll and return to those you like best. There is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike. A sensory experience for all.
A drink stop is included and if you choose the lunch option, the tour is finished with a bistro lunch with a glass of local wine or beer.
Tour details
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Available from 25 June 2025 to 31 March 2027
Features
Service facilities
Sevice Activity
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Companion Cards are accepted.
- Staff are trained in disability awareness.
- Asks all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met.
- Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
Vision
Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss.
- Staff are trained in customer service for people with vision loss (training would incorporate way finding and communicating with people with vision loss).
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Allergies and intolerances
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
- Modify their cooking and cleaning practices to cater for people with food allergies or chemical intolerances (could include menus with meals free from: nuts, dairy, seafood, eggs, gluten etc).
Access & Inclusion
An access and inclusion statement is available on the business website.
- http://hiddensecretstours.com/tour/accessible-tours/
Operation information
Hidden Secrets Tours – Melbourne
Hidden Secrets Tours is Melbourne’s original and award-winning laneway walking tour operator, proudly showcasing the city’s character for more than 21 years. Their passionate local guides live and breathe Melbourne, revealing the countless hidden gems tucked within historic arcades and vibrant laneways.
Rather than handing guests a map, Hidden Secrets Tours offers a highly personal, immersive experience. Each guided walk through the city’s famed 1-mile CBD block blends history, architecture, street art, fashion, food, and local stories—creating a rich understanding of Melbourne’s past and present. Tours are conversational, engaging, and delivered at a relaxed pace, ideal for conference delegates, corporate groups, and families.
With the ability to tailor experiences to specific interests, Hidden Secrets Tours ensures every group discovers a side of Melbourne they would otherwise miss. Thanks to the city’s arcades and covered walkways, tours operate comfortably in all weather and are available year-round.
Tags
Accreditations
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
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Tour Guiding Association
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia (GALTA)
- Professional Tour Guide Association of Australia
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Victoria Tourism Industry Council
- Visitor Information Centre
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