Melbourne: City Bike Tour with Laneways & Queen Victoria Market

Summary

Ride Melbourne’s backstreets, street art, and lively markets in a few hours

You’ll pedal through Melbourne’s vibrant streets with a local guide, weaving past murals and stopping for stories you won’t find online. Expect spontaneous laughs, market snacks (lunch included), and real glimpses into daily life—from busy laneways to peaceful parks. It’s not just sightseeing—it feels like joining the city for a day.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so much like a local just by hopping on a bike in Melbourne. The first thing I noticed was the way our guide, Dave, waved at a barista as we rolled past this tiny café tucked into an alley—like everyone knows each other here. We started near the Yarra River, dodging joggers and catching that faint coffee smell drifting from somewhere (seriously, it’s everywhere in this city). The bikes were lighter than I thought they’d be—mine had one of those squeaky bells that made me laugh every time I used it.

We zigzagged through neighborhoods where you could hear students arguing about footy outside old pubs and see murals so bright they almost buzzed. Dave pointed out how some of the street art changes every week—he even knew one of the artists (“That’s Jax’s work—she’ll paint over her own stuff if she gets bored,” he said). There was this moment when we stopped under a gum tree near the Shrine of Remembrance and everything went quiet except for distant tram bells. Kind of peaceful, actually.

I’m not usually big on guided tours but this felt more like tagging along with someone who just really loves their city. Lunch was at Queen Victoria Market (unless it’s closed—then it’s somewhere else), where we all grabbed something different and swapped bites at a wobbly table outside. I tried a spicy sausage roll that nearly took my head off; Li laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Mandarin to the vendor—probably butchered it. By the end, my legs were tired but in that good way, you know? Still thinking about that patchwork of smells—fresh bread, rain on concrete, engine oil from passing bikes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Melbourne's iconic sights and neighborhoods

• Ride along the Yarra River
• See barge bars with Ibitha theme
• Drive small boats yourself
• Visit Shrine of Remembrance
• Explore public gardens
• View Melbourne Cricket Ground
• See Rod Laver Arena
• Discover rooftop bars and street art
• Explore hidden laneways

Top questions

How long is the Melbourne city bike tour?

The tour lasts several hours, covering key sights and neighborhoods within central Melbourne.

Is lunch included on this Melbourne bike tour?

Yes, lunch is included—usually at Queen Victoria Market or another spot when the market is closed.

Are bikes and helmets provided?

Yes, all necessary equipment including bike and helmet are provided as part of your booking.

How big are the groups on this tour?

Groups are small, usually eight people or fewer for a friendly experience.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; however, public transportation options are available nearby.

Can children join the Melbourne city bike tour?

Specialized infant seats are available; travelers should have moderate physical fitness.

What’s included

Your ride includes use of a comfortable 21-speed bike and helmet plus guidance from a local expert who leads you through Melbourne’s neighborhoods. Lunch is part of your day—usually at Queen Victoria Market unless it’s closed—and everything you need for cycling is sorted so you can just show up ready to explore.