Laneways in Melbourne, Australia: Alleys, Arcades and Street Art by JetSettingFools.com

Laneways in Melbourne, Australia: Alleys, Arcades and Street Art

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Laneways in Melbourne, Australia are local hangouts as well as tourist hot spots. The unique Melbourne alleys are a fascinating side to the city – and proof that the fashionable metropolis is constantly reinventing itself. From the hip Melbourne graffiti alleys to the posh shopping arcades to Melbourne laneway restaurants that offer atmospheric alfresco dining, the Lanes of Melbourne are must-see!

 

Discovering Laneways in Melbourne, Australia

View of Melbourne at Night, Victoria, Australia

There is a tangible energy in Melbourne’s central business district. Historic pubs and modern skyscrapers coexist and a steady stream of trams transport people down the main thoroughfares.

We learned early on to explore beyond the major streets in Melbourne to get a good look at the riveting culture that lies down unassuming lanes. The alleys, arcades and street art are mesmerizing – and discovering the depths of these areas is one of the Best Things To Do in Melbourne!

 

History of Melbourne Laneways

Collingwood Street Art, Melbourne, Australia

The Melbourne Laneways history is an intriguing tale of city planning. In 1837, Melbourne’s street plan was laid out in a grid. The pattern of major and minor streets alternating (99 feet and 33 feet wide, respectively) resulted in blocks of 20 parcels of land.

As building commenced on the streets, the alleys between the buildings provided delivery entrances and a space for rubbish collection. In most cases, the laneways were hidden from the public eye. Only in a few instances were shop entrances located in the back alleys.

Likewise, the Melbourne Arcades were developed with a purpose, albeit an entirely different one. The covered streets, which feature magnificent architecture, were designed specifically as shopping laneways and were part of the original city plan.

As time progressed, some buildings were remodeled (or rebuilt all together) and the shifting boundaries eliminated some of the secret streets. However, many Melbourne lanes remain. The outcome is a maze of hidden Melbourne lanes that are used for a variety of purposes.

 

Melbourne Alleys Today

For a period of time, the dark laneways in Melbourne were far from inviting. In the 1990s, however, there was a campaign to revamp the forgotten streets of Melbourne. Art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars have taken up residence in the laneways and have re-purposed the once seedy space.

New life has been breathed into the lanes creating atmospheric Melbourne shopping, dining and drinking experiences. In the barren lanes that are too narrow or unable to host shops and restaurants, the walls are now used as canvases for street artists; the graffiti laneways in Melbourne are distinctive and impressive.


 

Best Lanes in Melbourne

Discovering Laneways: Melbourne

Exploring the Melbourne famous laneways is an excellent way to experience the city. We walked down the Melbourne graffiti lanes as if they were art museums. We savored the Melbourne coffee culture at laneway cafes and relished alfresco dining in Melbourne hidden streets. Now, we are sharing our top tips for what to see and do in the Melbourne Arcades and Lanes with you!

Pro Tip: We include a Laneways Melbourne Map at the end of the article that is marked our favorite spots.


 

Melbourne Laneway Restaurants And Bars

One of Melbourne's many trendy laneways.

Some of the best bars, cafes and restaurants are hidden in the Melbourne laneways. We are highlighting a few of our favorite lanes in Melbourne for dining and drinking.

 

Melbourne Hardware Lane Restaurants

Hardware Lane is filled with Italian eateries, many offering alfresco dining, like Max on Hardware.

Hardware Lane was one of the first laneways in Melbourne converted into usable space. It was revamped in the 1980s – and was done so with a flair of European ambiance. For most of the day (11am-11pm), the brick lane – which runs from Bourke Street to Lonsdale – is closed to vehicles. Tables spill out into the street from Hardware Lane cafes and restaurants.

Hardware Lane Melbourne restaurants sit side-by-side and eager hosts from each establishment attempt to entice passersby to take a seat. With the heavenly scent of garlic and tomato wafting through the air, we couldn’t pass by the popular Max on Hardware restaurant for a taste of Italy. We dined alfresco and indulged in scrumptious Italian fare.

Pro Tip: Looking for the best Hardware Lane bars? Kirk’s Wine Bar gets rave reviews. More top Hardware Lane cafes are actually on Hardware Street (which continues north of Lonsdale).

 

Bank Place Laneway Melbourne

Mitre Tavern on Bank Place is the oldest building in Melbourne - sort of an original of Laneways

Situated in the city’s Financial District, Bank Place Laneway is a historic gem, with most heritage buildings dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

To travel back in time, we went to The Mitre Tavern on Bank Place. It’s the oldest building in all of Melbourne and has retained its historic appeal as the city has literally grown up around it.

Originally built as a private residence, the first liquor license was issued in 1868. Today, businessmen huddle around tables with an after-work pint. We joined the Tuesday night trivia and our team, The Best Yank Trivia Team in the Southern Hemisphere, came in dead last, but that didn’t take away from our good time!

 

Corrs Lane

Tucked deep into the crevices of the city are incredibly fun theme bars; it seems to be a Melbourne specialty. The odd and eccentric establishments add an extra touch of entertainment to an already thriving bar scene.

On Corrs Lane, the speakeasy-style Berlin Bar will make you feel as if you have been let in on an incredible secret. The bar’s east-versus-west décor is a visual representation of Berlin during the Cold War. Rather than choosing just one side, we had drinks in both sections!

 

Driver Lane 

Just a short lane off of Little Bourke Street, Drive Lane hosts one of the best bars in the city: Beneath Driver Lane. The underground bar sits beneath the street. This basement boozer is lit by candles – and is renowned for their whiskey selection and exceptional cocktails. Plus, they have live blues bands.

 

Degraves Street and Centre Place

Degraves and Centre Place are easy-going laneways that welcome visitors with friendly vibes. Located just steps from the Flinders Street Station, Degraves Street is a bustling laneway that is home to several cafes and restaurants. Among the many, Degraves Espresso stands out…however, the artisan ice cream at Pidapipo is not to be missed! 

Across Flinders Street, Centre Place continues north and is absolutely packed with a variety of inexpensive Melbourne eats. The Soup Place is a longstanding favorite, but ShanDong MaMa Mini Dumplings Restaurant is also a good choice.

 

Tattersall Lane

What we like best about Tattersall Lane is that it is boasts both fantastic eateries and phenomenal street art. The narrow alley, which is located within Melbourne’s vibrant Chinatown district, is lined with tall, brick buildings – which house a few of the best Asian restaurants in the city. 


 

Arcades in Melbourne, Australia

Block Arcade Entrance

The arcades in Melbourne differ from Laneways, as they were purposely built for shopping. The Melbourne Arcades are for pedestrian use only and exude a refined character with tiled floors and natural sunlight filtering through glass ceilings.

In the Melbourne Shopping Arcades, rather than urban bars, there are fancy cafes, extravagant chocolate shops, artist galleries and boutique clothing stores.

 

Famous Melbourne City Arcades

Arcades in Melbourne, Australia

Only a few original shopping streets have been preserved and are still used as originally intended. Two of the oldest Melbourne arcades, Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, were developed in the late 1800s – and remain as luxury shopping streets in Melbourne today. Cathedral Arcade, which was built in the 1920s, is the city’s best Art Deco arcade. 

 

Block Arcade Melbourne

Block Arcade Shops

The Block Arcade, located at the corner of Elizabeth and Collins Street, was completed in 1893. It is a striking example of Victorian era architecture. Lined with specialty shops featuring local products, the mosaic floor is the highlight of the arcade – and it is absolutely stunning. The Tea Rooms 1892 is an elegant Block Arcade restaurant that is not to be missed!

Note that the longtime Hopetoun Tea Room Café, which long lured many Block Arcade shoppers in for a sweet treat, has relocated to the nearby Kozminsky Building. 

 

Royal Arcade in Melbourne

The Royal Arcade is a bit of glam as far as laneways go - and has been since its inception.

Built in 1869, the grand Royal Arcade Melbourne features high-end fashion stores and chic coffee shops. The retailers are well-known for their gorgeous window displays – however, don’t forget to look up to see the mythical characters, Gog and Magog, who stand guard at the clock (which chimes on the hour!).

 

Cathedral Arcade at Nicholas Building

Located at the corner of Flinders Lane and Swanston Street, the Nicholas Building stands as a historic treasure. The first floor of the National Trust building is occupied by the dazzling Cathedral Arcade. 

Dating to the 1920s, the arcade boasts various shops, including vintage stores, bookshops and souvenir outlets. 

Pro Tip: Both of the Block and Royal Melbourne Arcades are featured on our Free Self-Guided Melbourne Walking Tour…as are the most famous Melbourne Graffiti Laneways, which we detail next!


 

Laneway Graffiti Melbourne, Australia

Earth Street Art, Melbourne, Australia

Not all laneways in Melbourne have been converted into trendy enclaves filled with eating and drinking establishments. Instead, many of the brick walls of the back alleys have become a place for street artists to express themselves.

Entire laneways are covered in spray paint, stencil work and murals. It’s not technically graffiti (which is still illegal in Melbourne); they are commissioned works of art. Through applications and permits, building owners can offer their walls for painting. The Melbourne Laneway art features some of the best street art murals in the world.

 

Best Graffiti Lanes in Melbourne

Street Art, Melbourne, Australia

The Melbourne Laneway graffiti is constantly changing – especially on walls that can be reached without scaffolding. When a street art mural is painted over, it is lost forever – but the continually creative nature of street art only enhances the dynamics of the laneways in Melbourne.

 

Hosier Lane Melbourne

Street Art Scene, Melbourne, Australia

Hosier Lane is the most well-known graffiti Melbourne laneway and it is seldom void of people. Not only are creators – armed with cans of spray paint and stencils – often found on the famous Melbourne art street, but also locals, tourists and tour groups who come to see the current displays.

 

Union Lane and AC/DC Lane Melbourne

Laneways Street Artists at work on Union Lane.

Union Lane is another popular graffiti lane in Melbourne – and AC/DC Lane features fantastic Melbourne street art displays, as well.

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Melbourne Laneways Map

Visitors can pick up a Laneways Melbourne Map at the tourist information center. Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Melbourne City Laneways Map that is marked with our recommended spots below.

Map of Best Melbourne Lanesways by JetSettingFools.com


 

Melbourne Laneway Tours

Victoria Library, Melbourne, Australia

A great way to get an introduction to the best Laneways in Melbourne is to join a local tour guide. While visitors are certainly free to explore on their own, guides share their favorite spots along with hidden gems.

 

Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour

On this small-group Lanes of Melbourne tour, participants learn more about the history, architecture and Melbourne street art scene. Included in the tour is a cup of coffee at a laneway café – and there is an option to upgrade to a gourmet lunch with wine, too! Reserve your space!

 

Hidden Melbourne Laneway Bars Tour

Guided by a local, guests visit four of the best Melbourne Laneways bars – sipping craft cocktails, regional wine and local beer along the way. A fun way to meet fellow travelers, participants on the tour will also get insider tips to the current Melbourne nightlife scene. Book it now!


 

Laneway Festival Melbourne

Street art is popular in the laneways, but the works are commissioned.

The St. Jerome’s Laneways Festival Melbourne began in 2005 when local musicians closed Caledonian Lane for a summer concert series. The event was a huge success, and has evolved into one of the top indie music festivals and now takes place in multiple Australian cities. Find more info on the official website.

 

Melbourne Travel Guides

As you plan your trip to Melbourne, Australia, organization is key. Use our Travel Planning Printables to keep track of the details of your vacation to Australia!

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Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

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Laneways Melbourne, Australia, Alleys, Arcades and Street Art by JetSettingFools.com

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