Melbourne: Street Art Laneways Tour & Blender Studios Visit

Summary

Melbourne’s laneways alive with art stories and real studio moments

You’ll follow a street artist through Melbourne’s famous laneways, catch the scent of fresh spray paint in Hosier Lane, then end up inside Blender Studios for snacks and drinks while meeting real artists at work. It’s not just about seeing murals — you’ll feel part of the city’s creative pulse for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a marker — fat, still sticky from the last color — and I’m standing in Hosier Lane, right where the paint smells sharpest. Our guide (Ben, who wears paint on his shoes like it’s part of his skin) just grinned and told us how artists feel about this place now. “It changes every week,” he said, waving at a fresh mural that looked like it was still drying. I tried to pronounce one of the artist names — Li laughed when I butchered it. The walls here aren’t just backgrounds; they’re loud, layered arguments in color.

We ducked down alleys I’d never have found alone, following Ben as he pointed out tiny stencils peeking from under old posters. There’s this weird quiet between the trams clanging by and the spray cans rattling somewhere nearby. He told us about a Banksy that got painted over years ago — “that’s Melbourne for you,” he shrugged. It started drizzling halfway through but nobody seemed to care; someone had an umbrella covered in doodles anyway. The city felt different walking like this, slower somehow.

The tour ended at Blender Studios (it’s tucked behind a warehouse in West Melbourne), where the air smelled of turps and toast from someone’s lunch. We wandered around with plates of cheese and glasses of wine — honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so welcome in a working studio. Artists nodded hello as we watched them work; one showed me how she layers paste-ups with her fingers stained blue. That little moment stuck with me more than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Melbourne street art and studios

• Meet at ACMI sign on Flinders St
• Introduction by guide and artist
• Visit Hosier Lane street art
• Explore Melbourne laneways and street art
• Finish at Blender Studios with tour
• Enjoy cheese platter and drinks
• Meet and see studio artists at work

Top questions

Where does the Melbourne street art tour start?

The tour begins at the ACMI sign on Flinders St, next to the double decker buses.

Is there food or drink included on this tour?

Yes, afternoon tea with cheese platter and drinks is provided at Blender Studios.

How long does the street art tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect an afternoon experience including time at Blender Studios.

Is the Melbourne street art tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can use a pram or stroller.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?

Yes, it runs rain or shine—just dress appropriately for Melbourne weather.

Can vegetarians be accommodated during afternoon tea?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking time.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Service animals are permitted throughout the experience.

Will we get to meet local artists during the tour?

You’ll meet artists working inside Blender Studios at the end of your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes walking with a local street artist guide through Melbourne’s laneways, all stories and insights along the way, plus entry to Blender Studios where you’ll enjoy afternoon tea with cheese platters and drinks before heading out again into the city streets.