Getting Lost In Melbourne’s Laneways

Being a native Melbournian people always ask what the main attractions are to see in the city – Sydney has the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but what does Melbourne have? The truth is, when it comes to ‘famous’ attractions, Melbourne doesn’t have a huge amount…well, obvious ones anyway. But what I love about it is that it’s not obvious, you need to get to know it first before it lets you in, and most of all, you need to get to know a local before you’ll be welcomed to the secret society that is Melbourne laneways.

That’s where I come in…These aren’t just any old laneways, and to the average tourist you could visit Melbourne without ever having known about them – but they are there, lurking with all the cool kids who are eating and drinking some of the best food and cocktails in the whole of Australia – and no, I’m not biased one bit!

Melbourne’s laneways are located in the central business district of the city and consist of anything from actual functioning narrow roads to small paths where dumpsters are kept. As a general rule – If you think it looks a bit dingy or smells like a toilet you should definitely head down there – fun awaits!

Here are my must-sees of Melbourne’s Laneways.

Tattersalls Lane

Tattersalls Lane is located smack bang in the middle of Melbourne’s Chinatown, well known for it’s cheap eats and great bars. Most notable is Section 8, which resembles a derelict block of land with a empty shipping container dropped into the middle of it where the bar is housed. Seats don’t exist here, so grab yourself a crate and sit the hell down – then order one of the most delicious cocktails you’ll sip in Melbourne. Great for lazy Sundays.

Market Lane

This is home to the now famous HuTong Dumpling Bar – a great little spot serving up some the the best and well-priced dim sum in Melbourne. You cant go past their exploding dumplings – little parcels of deliciousness that pack quite a punch! You might want to also get the beers in here, because no visit to Market Lane would be complete without a stop off at Shoya, a popular Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar. Sip on one of their signature concoctions while belting out some Japanese or western hits – deep fist pull-downs at your own peril.

Hosiers Lane

This is probably Melbourne’s most famous laneway, primarily due to the quantity of street art displayed here at one time or another, and the quality of restaurants and bars hidden behind it’s closed doors. If you want to spot a Banksy, this is the place to head – the British artist has left his stamp in Melbourne many times over the years, but it is here that one of his remaining works still maintains it’s place on the laneway walls.

Another Hosiers Lane highlight is Spanish restaurant Movida, a well-known foodie spot in the city. The tapas and wine here is amazing, and it’s actually one of my favorite restaurants in the world – definitely check it out!

ACDC Lane

Formerly called ‘Corporation Lane’ this laneway was changed to ‘ACDC Lane’ in 2004 to honour the great Australian rock band of the same name. What I love about this is the fact that someone has come along and placed a lightning bolt slash around the sign, so I’m pretty sure this is the most rock and roll street sign you’ll see in the world! Fans of the band have now also started leaving ACDC paintings and other street art on the walls, so it really is a cool place to see.

Little Collins Street

This is one of the ‘larger’ laneways in the city, but still remains relatively unknown to non-locals due to it appearing like some kind of industrialised back street, but it’s actually one of the most up-market shopping streets in Melbourne. All the designers are here, and if you want to see yourself some Aussie celebs, this is the place to come!

Photo Credits – Thanks to CxOxS and tauntingpanda (Attribution License).

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