19 Melbourne Podcasts: The Best Ones to Listen to Right Now
If you want to know Melbourne beyond the postcard shots, a good podcast will get you there faster than most guidebooks. We’ve worked through a huge range of options to find the ones worth your time — the local history digs, the culture chats, the everyday Melbourne stories that make you feel like you’ve lived here for years.
This guide points you straight to our favourites, whether you’re after something for the commute, a long walk, or a quiet night in.
Melbourne’s Best Podcasts 2026
1. Storytowns Railway Stories
One of the best podcasts for train or tram travel, listeners are taken on a journey through the history and stories surrounding Melbourne’s towns, blending narrative storytelling with historical facts. The podcast episodes are based on your geo-location, so they will pop-up automatically as you travel into the area. Download the app “Storytowns” to access all the features.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Storytowns, Spotify,
Episode to Start With: “Flinders Street: The Story of the Clocks” – Uncover some stories of the world’s busiest train station.
2. Past Lives: History Victoria Podcast
Presented by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, this podcast delves into Melbourne and Victoria’s past, sharing fascinating tales and historical anecdotes. It’s at the top of our vote for the best podcasts 2024 has to offer.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Amazon Music, Spotify
Episode to Start With: “Voices from Melbourne’s Chinatown” – Explore the evolving identity and culture of the vibrant Chinese-Australian community in Melbourne.
3. Life and Crimes with Andrew Rule
One of the most popular true crime podcasts in 2025, Andrew Rule explores some of Australia’s most notorious crimes and criminals.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Radio Australia, Spotify
Episode to Start With: “The Underbelly of Melbourne” – An in-depth look at Melbourne’s criminal history.
4. The Wheeler Centre Melbourne Podcast
An essential listen for book lovers, this is one of the best podcasts featuring recorded talks and discussions with renowned authors and thinkers hosted by the Wheeler Centre.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Wheeler Centre, Apple Podcasts
Episode to Start With: “Chanel Contos: Consent Laid Bare” – Explore discussions on consent, gender equality, and combating misogyny in Australia with powerful advocate Chanel Contos.
5. Catholics of Oz Podcast
Join Melbourne-based team Lindsay, Lino, and Caroline as they discuss Catholic news, faith, science, and more with an Australian perspective.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: SQPN, Spotify
Episode to Start With: “High-Performing Parishes” – delves into the characteristics of great parish leadership, including humility, hunger, and smarts.
6. Salty Dog Blues N Roots Podcast
For blues and roots music enthusiasts, this podcast features the best of both genres, curated by passionate hosts from Melbourne.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Salty Dog Blues N Roots, Spotify
Episode to Start With: “Blues Legends of Melbourne” – A tribute to the great blues artists who shaped Melbourne’s music scene.
7. Look History in the Eye, Melbourne Podcast
This Melbourne podcast by Public Record Office Victoria, offers a deep dive into historical archives and stories, providing a unique perspective on Melbourne’s past.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Public Record Office Victoria, Apple Podcasts
Episode to Start With: “The 1890s Depression and Its Impact on Melbourne” – A look at how the economic downturn shaped the city.
8. At The ‘G Melbourne Sports History Podcast
One of the best podcasts for sports enthusiasts, it focuses on everything happening at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, from sports events to concerts.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: MCG Website, Spotify
Episode to Start With: “A Day at the Boxing Day Test” – Experience the excitement of one of Melbourne’s biggest sporting events.
Related reading: MCG Tour Melbourne: An Absolute Must-Do!
9. Melbourne Writers Festival Podcast
Features interviews, readings, and discussions with authors from around the world, recorded during the annual festival. The best podcast for bibliophiles.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: MWF, Apple Podcasts
Episode to Start With: “Voices from the Festival” – Highlights from various author talks and readings.
10. City of Melbourne Libraries Podcast
This City of Melbourne podcast explores various topics through discussions and interviews, focusing on literature, local history, and community stories.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: City of Melbourne Libraries, Spotify
Episode to Start With: “Melbourne’s Literary History” – A deep dive into the city’s rich literary past.
11. The Melbourne Digest Podcast
A comprehensive look at Melbourne’s cultural, social, and culinary scenes. This podcast features interviews with local personalities, chefs, and artists. The best podcast for Melbourne foodies.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: The Melbourne Digest Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Episode to Start With: “A Culinary Tour of Melbourne’s Laneways” – Dive into Melbourne’s hidden culinary gems with local chefs.
12. Essential Ethics Podcast
For those who are medical-minded, this is one of the best podcasts discussing ethical issues in healthcare. Hosted by professionals from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Essential Ethics, Apple Podcasts
Episode to Start With: “End-of-Life Care Decisions” – A sensitive and informative discussion on a critical healthcare topic.
13. Melbourne Theatre Company Podcast
Get behind the scenes of Melbourne’s theatre productions with this Melbourne Theatre Company podcast, featuring interviews with actors, directors, and playwrights.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: MTC, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Episode to Start With: “Behind the Curtain: ‘The Tempest’” – Insights into the production of this Shakespearean classic.
14. Melbourne AWS User Group Podcast
Tech enthusiasts will love this podcast, which covers the latest in Amazon Web Services and tech trends relevant to Melbourne’s tech community.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, PodBean
Episode to Start With: “Building Cloud Solutions for Melbourne” – Practical insights into cloud technology applications.
15. Radio Stories U3A Melbourne Podcast
The U3A Melbourne City Scriptwriters class brings their scripts to life with this engaging podcast. Each month features 3-4 segments, including mini-dramas, monologues, reminiscences, or comic pieces, professionally narrated and enhanced with music and sound effects.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: U3A Melbourne City, Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Episode to Start With: “Childhood Memories” – A captivating blend of mini-drama and comic pieces that showcases the podcast’s range and production quality.
16. COTA Conversations Podcast
COTA Conversations offers insightful discussions for older Victorians, hosted by Peter Thomas on Golden Days Radio. This fortnightly podcast connects listeners with experts from COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria, exploring essential themes like community support, elder abuse, and resources to empower seniors, fostering a more informed and supportive community.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Where to Listen: Spotify,
- Episode to Start With:
17. The Thoughtful Travel Podcast
Amanda Kendle’s “The Thoughtful Travel Podcast” delves into the nuances of travel, focusing on meaningful experiences and the deeper impacts of exploring new places. Kendle’s engaging style and insightful interviews make this podcast a must-listen for anyone who loves to travel thoughtfully (for Melbourne and beyond).
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Episode to Start With: “What People Think About Australia” – Gives a glimpse into cultural perceptions and stereotypes associated with Australia.
18. Bonsai Stuff Podcast
The best niche podcast for bonsai enthusiasts, discussing techniques, events, and interviews with local bonsai artists, based in Melbourne.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Episode to Start With: “Creating Miniature Masterpieces” – Tips and techniques for growing beautiful bonsai.
19. Hold the Moment Podcast
Created by Dementia Australia, Hold the Moment shares heartfelt conversations with people living with dementia, carers, researchers and health professionals. Each episode offers practical advice, inspiring personal stories and expert insights to help listeners better understand dementia and navigate the journey with confidence and compassion.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Listen: Dementia Australia, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Episode to Start With: “Living Well with Dementia” – Hear firsthand experiences and practical tips for living positively after a dementia diagnosis.
What’s your vote for the best podcast 2026 has seen?
I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.
