You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Private Melbourne’s History with a Drink Tour

6 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 6 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Melbourne, Australia
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover Melbourne/Naarm’s hidden past with a local guide, three unique bar stops, and stories you won’t find in guidebooks—where history meets great drinks and local flavour.

What's Included

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Drinks, food
  • Tips/gratuities for your guide
See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Melbourne VIC
Australia

City - Central Business District, within the free tram zone

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Sir William John Clarke Memorial

Your guide will meet you here before setting off to your first bar. We begin next to the Sir William Clarke Memorial next to the Old Treasury Building. A symbolic area of Melbourne and home to our Parliament. The order of the venues may change, but together we will visit a variety of our favourite local watering holes, these may include a classic craft beer establishment, a laneway bar, a hidden speakeasy. Everyone has their favourite drink but you’ll be encouraged to try something different on this tour. Many of Melbourne’s most popular bars are in tiny, hidden laneways and survive on word of mouth alone.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Caretaker's Cottage

Depending on the weather, your drinking preferences and what's open on the day, your guide will choose 3 amazing bars to take you to. One of our favourites is a hidden Cocktail bar behind an historic church
Read more

50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Little Lon Distilling Co.

A thriving red light district, brothels, opium and gambling dens, Melbourne certainly had an interesting past! There's plenty of history to uncover on this tour, but don't worry it's not the boring history lesson you got in school!
Read more

50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chinatown

Depending on your interests your tour could end up in any part of the city. One of our favourite places to take guests though is to the many hidden laneway bars of Chinatown!
Read more

50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Rain or shine? This tour runs in all weather — just bring layers and a sense of adventure.
  • Under 18? This tour is for adults only — guests must be 18 or older to join.
  • Is the tour accessible? Some areas may have limitations, but we’ll tailor the experience with early communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Melbourne’s History with a Drink Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5255P17

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
6 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

After being picked up from selected Melbourne CBD hotels you will then explore the world famous Great Ocean Road in this full day tour, follow …More

After being picked up from selected Melbourne CBD hotels you will then explore the world famous Great Ocean Road in this full day tour, follow...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (1,044)
from
$87

The Best of Melbourne Bike Tour

See the the iconic sights of Melbourne while discovering it's vast history as you join this small-group bike tour. Enjoy a 4.5 hour relaxing bike …More

4.9 (661)

The Best of Melbourne Bike Tour

4.9 (661)

See the the iconic sights of Melbourne while discovering it's vast history as you join this small-group bike tour. Enjoy a 4.5 hour relaxing bike...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (661)
from
$92

5 Days 4 Nights Melbourne Victoria Scenic Tour

Package includes: Courtesy airport transfers from Melbourne airport, accommodation with free wifi and breakfast, tours, morning tea, entry fees, wifi on most tours. If clients …More

Package includes: Courtesy airport transfers from Melbourne airport, accommodation with free wifi and breakfast, tours, morning tea, entry fees, wifi on most tours. If clients...

5 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$1,261

Private Melbourne City Sights - Morning Tour

With its Victorian architecture, stunning gardens and edgy bar, culinary, fashion and live music scenes, Melbourne is an obvious start to any visit to Victoria. …More

With its Victorian architecture, stunning gardens and edgy bar, culinary, fashion and live music scenes, Melbourne is an obvious start to any visit to Victoria....

4 hours
5.0 (3)
from
$106

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

Experience authentic Melbourne on this 3-hour walking tour with a passionate local guide who unlocks the city's secrets, including complimentary coffee and pub drink (or …More

Experience authentic Melbourne on this 3-hour walking tour with a passionate local guide who unlocks the city's secrets, including complimentary coffee and pub drink (or...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,577)
from
$69

Melbourne Skydeck Packages

Soak up spectacular aerial views of Melbourne with a visit to Melbourne Skydeck—the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Look out toward Port Phillip …More

4.5 (526)

Melbourne Skydeck Packages

4.5 (526)

Soak up spectacular aerial views of Melbourne with a visit to Melbourne Skydeck—the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Look out toward Port Phillip...

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.5 (526)
from
$98

Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

Every night at sunset, the truly incredible spectacle of the Penguin Parade occurs on the beaches of Phillip Island. The local colony of little penguins …More

Every night at sunset, the truly incredible spectacle of the Penguin Parade occurs on the beaches of Phillip Island. The local colony of little penguins...

11 hours Free Cancellation
4.5 (816)
from
$104

Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles & Rainforest Walk with Morning Tea

Travel along the world-famous Great Ocean Road on an unforgettable day trip from Melbourne, packed with iconic sights and hidden coastal gems. This legendary stretch …More

Travel along the world-famous Great Ocean Road on an unforgettable day trip from Melbourne, packed with iconic sights and hidden coastal gems. This legendary stretch...

13 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (512)
from
$83

What's Included

Activity name

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Drinks, food
  • Tips/gratuities for your guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Bring card or cash? While most stalls take cards, a few may require a minimum spend — consider carrying some cash.
  • Rain or shine? This tour runs in all weather — just bring layers and a sense of adventure.
  • Under 18? This tour is for adults only — guests must be 18 or older to join.
  • Is the tour accessible? Some areas may have limitations, but we’ll tailor the experience with early communication.
  • How far do we walk? The tour covers around 1.5 km (0.9 miles), but this may vary based on group interests.
  • Are drinks included? Drinks are not included, so you’re free to choose whatever you love at each stop — from craft cocktails to wine, beer, or alcohol‑free options. No fixed menu, no generic inclusions, just total flexibility to match your taste. Read more about - Melbourne History Walk with Bar Stops & Local Stories - https://www.viator.com/tours/Melbourne/Booze-Makes-History-Better-Melbourne-History-with-a-drink-in-hand-Tour/d384-5255P12?mcid=56757
  • This tour is operated by a Certified B Corp™

Report Product Issue

Activity name