Melbourne History & Donuts Walking Tour

Discover Melbourne’s rich past and sweetest treats on our History & Donuts Walking Tour. This 2.5-hour experience blends fascinating stories with handpicked donut stops. Starting at Federation Square, we journey past Young & Jackson’s Hotel, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the vibrant art of Hosier Lane. After a quick coffee in Centre Place, we explore the city’s historic core, from the Collins Street precinct to the Mitre Tavern, once a hub of colonial wheeling and dealing. We then stroll through Hardware Lane and stop at Short Stop, famed for its gourmet donuts. From there, it’s down Guildford Lane, a peaceful red-brick laneway rich in character, before reaching the bustling Queen Victoria Market for another sweet treat. We wrap up at Old Melbourne Gaol and the stunning State Library Victoria. Perfect for locals and visitors, this tour serves up history with a side of sugar.

Meeting Point

2 Swanston St

2 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

This tour starts at Federation Square outside Time Out Cafe. The nearest intersection is Swanston & Flinders Street. Time Out Cafe has orange umbrellas/ shade sails in front of it. Your tour guide will meet you in front of this cafe.

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Fed Square

Swanston St, Flinders St, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria

We begin at Federation Square, Melbourne’s cultural hub, where your guide sets the scene for the city’s history, landmarks, and morning energy.

5 minutes

Hosier Lane

Melbourne, 3000, Victoria

In Hosier Lane, we explore Melbourne’s iconic street art scene and how it reflects the city’s evolving identity.

5 minutes

Centre Place

Between Flinders Lane and Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria

At Centre Place, we soak in the laneway café culture that helped define Melbourne’s modern-day personality.

5 minutes

Hardware Lane

Melbourne, 3000, Victoria

Wandering through Hardware Lane, we uncover stories of European influence, hidden speakeasies, and Melbourne’s layered past.

5 minutes

Queen Victoria Market

Victoria Street, Corner of Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria

At Queen Vic Market, we highlight its role in Melbourne’s multicultural food story — and grab a legendary donut, of course. (Closed Monday & Wednesday: an alternate donut stop is used)

15 minutes

State Library Victoria

328 Swanston St, , Melbourne, 3000, Victoria

We finish at the State Library, where stunning architecture and public history come together in one of Melbourne’s most treasured institutions.

2 minutes