Walking Tours in the Heart of Melbourne
The Laneways Capital
We’ve teamed up with local writer and guide Paul Daffey, who knows the city like few others. Paul has developed a growing range of Melbourne tours that bring to life the people, places, and pubs that shaped the city. Think laneways layered with history, hidden courtyards, and corners you’ve probably walked past a hundred times without knowing their story.
These new Melbourne walking tours have been specially designed for our 60+ community — full of stories, gentle pace, and good company.
Each walking tour of Melbourne is relaxed, entertaining, and filled with fascinating tales — perfect for those who love discovering something new about the city without feeling rushed.
Book a Melbourne City Tour
Join us for a walk through Melbourne’s heart — starting right under the clocks at Flinders Street Station.
When: Fridays, 10 am – 1 pm
Where: Meet at 9.45 am on the steps of Flinders Street Station (under the clocks)
Tickets: Seniors pay $60. Tour price includes tea or coffee. Maximum of 10.
Bookings open. For questions, contact info@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
Learn more from Paul about the tour here.
Meet Paul Daffey
Paul is a lifelong Melburnian, journalist, and storyteller. His love of local history and character comes through in every step of his tours around Melbourne. Whether he’s recounting tales of a century-old pub or pointing out a detail most people miss, Paul has a knack for making the city’s past feel alive and wonderfully human.
Why You’ll Love These Tours
- Designed with comfort in mind — gentle pace, regular stops, and small groups
- Led by a local guide with a gift for storytelling
- Focused on connection, curiosity, and a sense of place
- Ideal for anyone who enjoys learning about Melbourne’s rich past in good company
- Stay for a cuppa after the tour and socialise a little longer
Get in touch to book a group tour by emailing info@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
More tour dates coming soon
5 Walking Tours in the Heart of Melbourne
1. City Special I: Under the Clocks
- Gather under the famous clocks at Flinders Street Station
- Experience the vibrancy of Degraves Street and Centre Place
- Step back in time at the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade
2. City Special II: Market Day
- Meet on the steps of the General Post Office in Bourke Street
- Get a taste of colourful stories at Queen Victoria Market
- Marvel at the switch from grime to glamour in Guildford Lane
Booking requests: info@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
3. City Special III: Laneway to Heaven
- Meet outside the Windsor Hotel, a beacon of Marvellous Melbourne
- Unravel the evolution from Rag Trade to restaurant hub in Flinders Lane
- Weigh up whether AC/DC Lane is a Highway to Hell
Booking requests: info@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
4. Writing Tour: Rainbow Alley
- Gather on the steps outside the entrance to State Library Victoria
- Trace the city’s literary arc from under the rainbow in Howey Place
- Discover why Melbourne became the world’s second City of Literature
Booking requests: info@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
5. Politics in Melbourne: Ballot Blocks
- Meet on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House
- Consider the shades of the Green Ban at the Regent Theatre
- Pencil in the vote for women at the Great Petition sculpture
Booking requests: info@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
6. Pub Tour: Hop City
- Meet outside the Mitre Tavern in Bank Place, just off Collins Street
- Toast the history of the Mitre, which is in the city’s oldest building
- Raise a glass to Chloe, our barroom icon of art, at Young & Jackson’s
Booking requests: info@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
Private group tours on request $60 per person
- All tour options available
- Start at agreed meeting place
- Tour price includes tea or coffee
- Maximum of 10
- Contact info@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
Seniors in Melbourne partners with tour guide Paul Daffey to promote and manage bookings for these walking tours. A commission is received from ticket sales to support the running of the Seniors in Melbourne website. All opinions and recommendations are entirely our own.