Culture Capital Free Walking Tour

3pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays

Explore hidden lanes & arcades

Join your local guide as we leave the beaten path behind. We’ll uncover the secrets behind Melbourne’s famous culture as we take you through some of the best hidden laneways, arcades and architecture to discover the local and alternative side to Melbourne.

From world class coffee to breathtaking street art, we’ll get to the heart of Melburnian identity and discover how Melbourne’s smallest streets became its biggest attraction.

What we'll cover

– Diverse Street Art

– Coffee Culture

– Old and New Architecture

– Laneway Transformation and Planning

– Hidden Bar Culture

– Live Music Scene

– Indigenous Culture

– Multicultural Influences

– Protests & Entrepreneurs

– Environmental initiatives

– Melbourne Town Hall

– General Post Office

– Australian Rules Football

– Presgrave Place

– Postal Lane

– Union Lane

– Manchester Unity Building

– AC/DC Lane

– Coromandel Lane

– Caledonian Lane

– Russell Place

– Rainbow Alley

– Drewery Lane

Happy snaps

How are we free?

Our tours are offered on a “pay what you think it’s worth” model so people of any budget are able to turn up and enjoy the tour and discover and learn about our great city.

Check the booking calendar

and we’ll see you soon.

At I'm Free we're all about

100% Local Melburnian guides

All I’m Free guides are experienced and knowledgeable locals who are excited to show you around their hometown.

100% Independent advice

We’re all about being real! Each of us will share with you our honest, local advice about where to explore, eat or drink. We are never paid to promote or advertise to you.

5% of profits to charity

To give back to the community around us, 5% of all tour profits are donated to a local charity chosen by all the guides.

Recommended by

Reviews

We like to think we have culture, but don’t take our word for it, have a look at what others think.

This free walking tour is an excellent way to get to know the city. We did it on our first full day in Melbourne, and it was a great way to get an overview of the city and its history.

I was only in Melbourne for a few days and this free walking tour gave me a great overview of the city and introduced me to all major sights and also some of the more hidden hot spots.

I'm so glad my friend in Melbourne recommended this to me. I've been recommending in to friends hoing to Melbourne ever since. Knowledgable guides really help you understand the history and culture of Melbourne Australia.

Had a ripper experience on our walking tour, guide was helpful and informed, learnt some cool stuff, kids (15, 13 and 11) were all engaged and enjoyed our morning. Weather was also good. Would definately recommend.

Highly recommend for both locals and visitors!!

FAQs

Do I need to book ahead?

We currently require bookings so that we can manage numbers and safety during the pandemic.

Once we can, we will return to allowing people to show up to a tour time that suits them. Until then you can book online and we’ll see you soon.

We are a group of 10 or more, can we just show up?

Unfortunately, no. Due to a limitation on the numbers on one tour at the moment it would mean other participants wouldn’t be able to join. Instead we can organise a private tour for you, so flick us an email and we can talk.

Is the tour ever cancelled?

Nope. Not due to weather, we walk rain, hail or shine, and that’s saying something in Melbourne!

We do however, take the current health situation very seriously. In the unlikely event that your guide is at all unwell before the tour and we can’t replace the guide at short notice we may have reschedule. Equally if you’re not feeling well please let us know and we’ll be happy to reschedule your booking to another time when you’re feeling 100%.

I'm lost. How do I get to the start of the tour?

The ‘Culture Capital’ tour start point is outside the State Library Victoria (328 Swanston St) next to the Sir Redmond Barry statue. It is in the heart of the CBD (central business district) and Melbourne Central train station is across the road from our start point. All train lines in Melbourne stop at Melbourne Central Station. Click here for Google Maps directions.

Where does the tour end?

The ‘Culture Capital’ tour ends at ACDC Lane. A short walk from Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.

Is this tour wheelchair and/or pram friendly?

Yes. The ‘Culture Capital’ tour is accessible to both pram and wheelchairs.

Can I do this tour and the 'Melbourne Sights' tour on the same day?

Yes! The Melbourne Sight’s tour ends an easy 12 minute tram ride from the Start point of the Culture Capital tour. Click here for a Google Maps directions.

Is this a walking tour? How fast is the pace?

It is a walking tour. This tour is about 2.5km (1.5 miles) in total and we walk at a leisurely pace, stopping to speak at regular intervals along the way.

Will my kids enjoy this tour?

Our tours are designed to be suitable for people of all ages. Over the years we have toured a wide variety of audiences of all ages and backgrounds including many families and children.

Do you offer this tour in languages other than English?

Currently we only offer tours in English.