Melbourne: Ghost Stories, Laneway Bars & Night Walking Tour

Summary

Haunted Melbourne walks, secret bars & ghostly tales after dark

You’ll walk Melbourne’s shadowy streets with a local guide who knows every creepy tale—from hidden cemeteries at Queen Victoria Market to unsolved murders near Federation Square. Sip drinks in tucked-away laneway bars, test your wits in a pub quiz, and listen for ghosts among graffiti-lit alleys. It’s not just history—it feels personal by the end.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, the Queen Vic Market used to be a cemetery,” our guide Sam said, grinning like he knew we’d squirm. I could smell the rain still clinging to the pavement as we gathered under the flickering streetlamp. There was this weird hush around the market at night—like the city was holding its breath for us. I kept glancing at my shoes, half-expecting to step on something… well, you get it. Sam told us about bodies underfoot and how the first graveyard is still somewhere beneath all those fruit stalls. That’s when I realized this ghost tour wasn’t just old stories—it felt close, like Melbourne’s past was brushing up against your sleeve.

We ducked into our first laneway bar (I’d never have found it alone), and the bartender slid me something smoky in a chipped glass. The walls were covered in old photos of bushrangers and gold miners—Sam pointed out one who apparently haunts the Old Melbourne Gaol. I tried to pronounce “gaol” properly and Li laughed—probably butchered it. At bar number two there was a quick-fire pub quiz about murders and hauntings; somehow my team won a free drink even though I blanked on Jack the Ripper trivia. The laughter kind of cut through all those grim stories for a minute.

Walking through Chinatown, you could almost taste incense hanging in the air (or maybe that was just me being dramatic). Sam told us about opium dens and unsolved crimes from back when this part of town was wild. Hosier Lane looked different at night—graffiti shimmering under streetlights—and there was this moment where everyone went quiet listening for footsteps behind us. Not sure if anyone else felt it but my skin prickled.

The last stop was Federation Square, which looks so modern but apparently hides stories about morgues and fishermen ghosts. By then my feet were sore but honestly, I didn’t want it to end yet. It’s strange—now when I walk past those places in daylight, I remember Sam’s voice and that feeling of not knowing what might be around the next corner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Melbourne's dark past and bars

• Meet at Queen Victoria Market
• Visit Melbourne's first cemetery
• Stop at original gold rush pub
• Learn about Old Melbourne Gaol
• Enter Melbourne's oldest Chinatown
• Drink at hidden laneway bar
• Visit Melbourne's first marketplace
• Hear ghost story of young lady
• Learn about WW2 bar and serial killer
• Explore Melbourne's best bars and restaurants
• Drink at top cocktail bar
• See Melbourne's famous graffiti laneway
• Visit Federation Square's dark secrets

Top questions

How long does the Melbourne ghost tour last?

The walking tour covers several locations in central Melbourne over an evening; exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including bar stops.

Are drinks included on this Melbourne laneway bar tour?

The tour includes stops at three bars; drinks are available for purchase at each stop.

Is there an age limit for this ghost & bar walking tour?

The minimum age is 18 years due to entry into licensed venues.

Does the tour include Federation Square and Hosier Lane?

Yes, both Federation Square and Hosier Lane are featured stops on the route.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and public areas are wheelchair accessible; however, uneven surfaces may be challenging for some guests.

What happens during the pub quiz on this tour?

The group participates in a themed quiz at one of the bars with a chance to win a prize.

Where does the ghost stories walking tour start?

The meeting point is Queen Victoria Market in central Melbourne.

Can I get photos from my Melbourne ghost tour?

Yes, photos of your experience can be provided at no extra charge upon request.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided storytelling through Melbourne’s most haunted sites, entry into three unique laneway bars (drinks available for purchase), participation in a themed pub quiz with prizes up for grabs, plus expert tips from your local guide—and if you want them, free photos from your adventure too.