About Arcades and Laneways

Traveling along the tangle of lanes and alleyways around Flinders, Collins and Bourke Streets reveal elegant, interesting and quirky Melbourne at its best. The magnificent Block Arcade in Collins Street is the jewel in the crown. With the mosaic floor, period details and unique shops, this is the place where late 19th Century gentry promenaded, coining the phrase, "doing the block." It's worth visiting for a morning or afternoon tea at the Hopetoun Tearooms. This Melbourne icon is the only original shop still in the arcade today. The opulent Royal Arcade is Melbourne's oldest arcade and Flinders and Degraves Lanes are also well worth exploring. Several companies run guided walking tours of the alleyways and lanes. There are several walking tours available to take you through all these lanes in the city.

A famous and much-loved part of Melbourne culture is its colorful, city laneways that connect the major streets throughout the CBD. Filled with cafes that lure you in with the smell of fresh coffee and covered in street art, the laneways offer a special Melbourne experience that is tucked away from obvious view.

Must See

  • Enjoy the Melbourne culture.
  • Have a great few hours of visiting some really unique stores. 
  • A yummy place to eat out.
  • Street art and architectural history that can be seen in this place are amazing.

How to reach

The laneways are woven throughout Melbourne CBD and can be reached on foot from Flinders Street station (20 minutes maximum).

Trams: Free to $4.30 per trip (with a daily cap of $8.60).
Trains: $4.30 per trip (with a daily cap of $8.60).
Buses: $4.30 per trip (with a daily cap of $8.60).
V/Line trains and coaches: $4.30-$32.60 per trip.

Tips

  • Half-day tours usually start from a particular place with the guide briefing about the history and moving over to stalls for morning tea, chocolate tasting, etc.
  • Snap a picture at AC/DC Lane.
  • Grab some coffee at Center Place.
  • Watch street artists on Hosier Lane.
  • Try a drink at one of the unique bars at Meyers Place and taste the best chocolate in Melbourne.
  • Credit cards and cash accepted here.
  • Children must be accompanied.
  • Carry strollers for younger kids.

Visit Time

Sunday: Open 24 hours.

Monday: Open 24 hours.

Tuesday: Open 24 hours.

Wednesday: Open 24 hours.

Thursday: Open 24 hours.

Friday: Open 24 hours.

Saturday: Open 24 hours.

 

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Waiting Time

No

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

AUD 73 per person.

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2-3 hours

 

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Weather

Broken Clouds 15.37°C

 

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