Melbourne Highlights & Queen Victoria Market with Local Guide

Summary

Melbourne Walking Tour: Market Tastes & Creative Corners

Spend an afternoon exploring Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, historic Chinatown, and creative Fitzroy with a local guide who tailors every stop to your interests. Taste market treats, hear real stories behind city corners, and discover hidden details you’d miss alone — all at your own pace. It’s the kind of city walk you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Sam, right outside the tram stop — he waved first, which helped since I’m always second-guessing faces in new cities. He’d already messaged us the night before about what we wanted to see (I’d mentioned coffee and street art), so it felt like meeting up with a friend who actually knows where they’re going. First stop was Queen Victoria Market. The air inside was thick with spice and something sweet — maybe those Portuguese tarts? Sam introduced us to a vendor who handed me a slice of cheese and grinned when I tried to pronounce “pecorino” the Italian way (I failed). It’s loud in there, but not in a bad way — more like everyone’s just happy to be out shopping or gossiping over fruit stalls.

After that, we wandered through Chinatown. I didn’t expect the lanterns overhead to make such a difference, but they really do — kind of softens the light on your face as you walk. Sam pointed out his favorite dumpling spot (he swears by the pork ones) and told us how his parents used to come here for special occasions. There was this moment where an old man shuffled past with a bag of steamed buns, humming under his breath — I don’t know why but that stuck with me. We talked about Melbourne’s mix of cultures and how you can feel it just by listening to people order food in three languages at once.

The last stretch took us into Fitzroy. The walls are covered in murals — some wild, some just odd little doodles tucked between doorways. We ducked into a vintage shop because it started drizzling (classic Melbourne), and Sam showed us this old postcard rack full of local band flyers from the 90s. I still think about that view down Brunswick Street: wet pavement, neon signs flickering on early, someone playing guitar badly near the corner. It wasn’t rushed; we just walked until it felt right to stop for coffee again. Honestly, if you want a day trip in Melbourne that doesn’t feel scripted, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Melbourne's Local Highlights

• Discover city’s creativity and culture
• Visit Queen Victoria Market
• Walk through historic Chinatown
• Relax in Royal Exhibition Building gardens
• Explore Fitzroy’s boutiques and street art

Top questions

Is this Melbourne walking tour private or group-based?

This is a private walking tour customized just for you and your group.

How long does the day trip in Melbourne last?

The experience lasts around 3 hours.

Does the tour include entry fees or food tastings?

No entry fees are required; tastings at Queen Victoria Market are available for purchase.

Can I choose my own stops or interests?

Yes, after booking you'll fill out a questionnaire so your guide can plan stops based on your preferences.

Is pickup included for this Melbourne highlights tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you'll meet your guide at an agreed location in central Melbourne.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it's wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Are public transport costs included?

No; if needed, public transport or taxis are paid separately and discussed directly with your host.

Can infants join this private Melbourne tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the walk.

What’s included

Your day includes direct communication with your local guide before arrival to shape your itinerary around what you love most—whether that's food stalls at Queen Victoria Market or street art in Fitzroy—plus insider stories along every stop. No entry fees or pickups are needed; just meet up downtown for three hours of relaxed exploring tailored entirely to you.