Melbourne · HISTORICAL TOURS
22 reviewed
Of the 22 historical tours covered on this site, these 15 are the ones that earn a place in a Melbourne trip. Prices, running times and the standout details are all below, so you can choose in five minutes and get back to the rest of the planning.
A 3-hour small-group walk through Melbourne’s lanes, gold-rush buildings, street art, and historic sites, with coffee and a drink included.
“Great tour! Hugo was great - fun and insightful, we learned a lot about Melbourne and it's unique history.”
Ride Puffing Billy in the Dandenong Ranges on a 1900-built steam train, with volunteer-led service, scenic stops, and a great Lakeside visit.
“We had a wonderful time riding on Puffing Billy. The scenery in the Dandenong region is stunning. The volunteer staff were very efficient and great fun. I travelled with my adult granddaughters and we all had an amazing time. At the age of 74 it’s the first time I have travelled on a train, sitting with my legs dangling over the side!”
A small-group 3-hour Melbourne walk through Gold Rush stories, Hosier Lane street art, and included coffee plus a pub drink.
“This was a fantastic tour covering a great portion of Melbourne's CBD, including the history and laneways. Our guide, Beau, made learning about the history of the city interesting and engaging, and he was also really funny! We loved getting to try a coffee from one of the local spots as well as a beer/wine at the end of the tour from a local pub.”
A 90-minute Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Melbourne Gardens with a local guide, plant stories, food and medicine uses, and lemon myrtle tea.
“Make sure it takes place - we have lost half a day sine the tour - despite booking confirmation- took place the day before.”
Walk Tae Rak (Lake Condah) with a Gunditjmara guide, spot eel-country wildlife, and learn how ancient lava-flow aquaculture worked.
“Knowledge of the guide, respect for culture. Sensitivity of infrastructure and main building design.”
Walk Melbourne’s CBD gangster trail, from Little Lon and Squizzy Taylor to brothels, speakeasies, and lolly shop fronts. 2 hours.
“Michael was one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had. His knowledge and passion for Melbourne history came through. He was entertaining, polite, fun and interesting. Everyone on our tour had a fantastic time.”
Melbourne bar hop with history from Old Treasury Building. 3 hours, 3 drink stops, small group, mobile ticket.
“Tristan was a well informed guide and made the tour very enjoyable. He made great pub selections and we definitely recommend the tour.”
A 2.5-hour Melbourne walk mixing iconic laneways, big landmarks, and two fresh donut tastings plus coffee with a small-group guide.
“A superb tour and knowledgeable and fun guide (Matt)! the donuts were yummy too! we saw some fantastic street art too. Highly recommended”
Walk Melbourne’s laneways on a small-group history tour with complimentary coffee and donuts, finishing at State Library Victoria.
“Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Well paced and interesting history recommended for those who can walk around for a couple of hours. The donut stops are well considered and sooo tasty..”
A 3-hour Melbourne history and bar tour for up to 12 people, starting at Sir William John Clarke Memorial and ending with laneway and speakeasy drinks.
“A wonderful way to spend an afternoon, and Tristan took us to 3 fabulous places that we would never have found on our own. The history was an added bonus!”
Take a 70-minute Melbourne Yarra River cruise on a vintage vessel, with live captain commentary, classic sights, and BYO snacks.
“Departed on time. 1/2 hour up river, return pick up more guests then 1/2 down river. Pleasant, relaxing. Captain gave some good/interesting commentary along the route which was nice. All in all, worth the money. Thanks”
A 2-hour guided walk at Tae Rak, Lake Condah, with a Gunditjmara story of eel harvesting and ancient fish traps at Budj Bim.
“This tour was incredibly moving, informative, and awe-inspiring. Jake’s history and information were mind-blowing, and hearing his ancestors’ stories truly touched me. I highly recommend this tour, and I’ll definitely return for the half-day or full-day option later this year.”
Yarra Bend Park hike with flying foxes, Dights Falls Wurundjeri insights, and Abbotsford Convent tea, cake, and guided heritage stops.
“I really enjoyed my tour on the weekend with Yarra Bend Tours!! Even though I've lived here my whole life, I had no idea about the history of the Abbotsford Convent - it was so fascinating to learn and the colour of the foliage was just stunniRead more”
A Melbourne history walk plus a professional portrait shoot. See Collins Street, Flinders Street and Princes Bridge, then get edited photos in 48 hours.
“Absolutely fantastic tour! My tour guide, Sandy, was really nice and incredibly knowledgeable about Melbourne history. He throughly prepared to ensure that I had a memorable experience. Plus, he's a great photographer! Highly recommend!”
1-hour Aboriginal heritage walk to Birrarung Wilam, finishing with hands-on tools at Koorie Heritage Trust, $28.
“I hate giving bad ratings, but I am blown away by how bad this tour truly way. The tour guide was a really sweet guy, don’t get me wrong, I feel bad saying just how bad the tour way, but he clearly didn’t know much on the subject. For starters, there were no introductions, I walked away not even knowing the man’s name. I was hardly sure he was even the tour guide had it not been for the logo on the shirt. He fumbled through the entire tour, struggling to speak and could barely answer any questions. His demeanor was so awkward, I felt uncomfortable just being there. I…”
