Private Melbourne’s History with a Drink Tour

5.0 (6 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

6 reviews

5.0

Booze Makes History Better Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover Melbourne/Naarm’s hidden past with a local guide, three unique bar stops, and stories you won’t find in guidebooks—where history meets great drinks and local flavour.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Beer & Brewery Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Intrepid Urban Adventures - Australia

Ages: Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local English-speaking guide

Not included

Not included: Drinks, food
Not included: Tips/gratuities for your guide

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

Your guide will meet you here before setting off to your first bar. We begin next to the Sir William Clarke Memorial next to the Old Treasury Building. A symbolic area of Melbourne and home to our Parliament. The order of the venues may change, but together we will visit a variety of our favourite local watering holes, these may include a classic craft beer establishment, a laneway bar, a hidden speakeasy. Everyone has their favourite drink but you’ll be encouraged to try something different on this tour. Many of Melbourne’s most popular bars are in tiny, hidden laneways and survive on word of mouth alone.
Stop 2

50 min

Depending on the weather, your drinking preferences and what's open on the day, your guide will choose 3 amazing bars to take you to. One of our favourites is a hidden Cocktail bar behind an historic church
Little Lon Distilling Co.

50 min

A thriving red light district, brothels, opium and gambling dens, Melbourne certainly had an interesting past! There's plenty of history to uncover on this tour, but don't worry it's not the boring history lesson you got in school!
Chinatown

50 min

Depending on your interests your tour could end up in any part of the city. One of our favourite places to take guests though is to the many hidden laneway bars of Chinatown!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Sir William Clarke Memorial Statue, Corner of Spring St and Treasury Place (next to the Old Treasury Building)

Find the exact meeting point with what3words:

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End point

City - Central Business District, within the free tram zone

Using your ticket

COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy

While we strongly recommend that all travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of transmission and avoid putting undue strain on healthcare services, vaccinations are not a requirement to join an Intrepid Urban Adventures tour. For further information, please review COVID-19 Health & Safety at https://www.urbanadventures.com/en/about-us/covid-19-customer-info

Dress Code

Melbourne is known to have four seasons in one day – please check the weather report and dress accordingly!

Additional Information

Most establishments accept bank cards, but there is occasionally a minimum spend. You may wish to bring cash if you want to avoid this.

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Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Bring card or cash? While most stalls take cards, a few may require a minimum spend — consider carrying some cash.
Rain or shine? This tour runs in all weather — just bring layers and a sense of adventure.
Under 18? This tour is for adults only — guests must be 18 or older to join.
Is the tour accessible? Some areas may have limitations, but we’ll tailor the experience with early communication.
How far do we walk? The tour covers around 1.5 km (0.9 miles), but this may vary based on group interests.
Are drinks included? Drinks are not included, so you’re free to choose whatever you love at each stop — from craft cocktails to wine, beer, or alcohol‑free options. No fixed menu, no generic inclusions, just total flexibility to match your taste. Read more about - Melbourne History Walk with Bar Stops & Local Stories - https://www.viator.com/tours/Melbourne/Booze-Makes-History-Better-Melbourne-History-with-a-drink-in-hand-Tour/d384-5255P12?mcid=56757
This tour is operated by a Certified B Corp™