Melbourne’s shopping tours pack serious value for savvy travelers. The most worthwhile options include the informative Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour, where you’ll sample local specialties and meet vendors in Australia’s largest open-air market. History buffs will appreciate the Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops tour, which brings Melbourne’s fascinating past to life through its downtown streets. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour combines shopping with unforgettable wildlife viewing. Budget-conscious travelers should consider the practical Bargain Shopping Tour, which reveals the best deals across Melbourne’s main shopping districts. Let’s explore these top tours in detail.
Key Points
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The Melbourne Bargain Shopping Tour provides a full-day experience exploring premier shopping districts, with personalized shopping assistance and hotel pickup/drop-off.
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The Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour offers a 2-hour culinary journey through the market, featuring diverse tastings and interaction with local stallholders.
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The Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour provides a 2-hour walking exploration of the Little Lon district, known for its criminal history and vice-related sites.
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The Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour includes a range of nature-based and historical activities, with the highlight being the sunset Penguin Parade.
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The Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops focuses on the illicit history of downtown Melbourne, with a focus on buildings along Lonsdale Street from the 1870s to 1930s.
Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops
The Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops delves into the city’s gritty past, uncovering the illicit operations and notorious figures that once thrived in its downtown district.
Over the course of 2 hours, this captivating walking tour explores the buildings along Lonsdale Street that housed brothels and speakeasies from the 1870s to the 1930s. Guests will learn about local gangsters like Squizzy Taylor and the slum of ‘Little Lon’, as well as how seemingly innocuous lolly shops served as fronts for drug operations.
The tour includes a booklet with photos of the discussed characters, enhancing the experience. Starting at the Coopers Inn Hotel and ending at the corner of Lonsdale Street and Madame Brussels Lane, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and is wheelchair accessible.
Priced at $32.72 per person with free cancellation, it’s a must for those seeking a unique glimpse into Melbourne’s hidden history, as evidenced by its 5-star rating and glowing reviews.
Read our full review: Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops Review
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Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour
This 11-hour tour offers visitors a chance to experience the natural wonders and rich history of Melbourne’s surrounding regions. Priced at Kč 2,356 per person, the tour departs from The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne, with pickup and return to the same location.
The first stop is Churchill Island, where guests can participate in traditional farming activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and blacksmithing, while learning about the island’s history as a continuously operating farm since 1872.
After exploring the island, the tour proceeds to the Nobbies, providing scenic views of the coastline and wildlife.
The highlight of the day is the Penguin Parade, where guests can witness the adorable Little Penguins returning from the ocean to their burrows at sunset.
With the option to purchase meals on-site, and the assurance of sensory-inclusive venues, this tour offers a well-rounded and memorable experience for visitors to Melbourne.
Read our full review: Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour Review
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Melbourne Bargain Shopping Tour
On a Melbourne Bargain Shopping Tour, visitors can explore the city’s premier shopping districts and uncover hidden gems at discounted prices.
The full-day tour departs at 9:30 AM and takes guests to boutiques, warehouses, and outlet strips across Swan Street, Bridge Road, and Smith Street. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience offers personalized shopping assistance from a knowledgeable local guide.
Throughout the day, shoppers can browse a wide range of products, including women’s clothing, handbags, accessories, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, and items for men and children.
Popular brand names like Converse, Diana Ferrari, and Bonds are often available at significant discounts.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a lunch with a glass of sparkling wine or soft drink.
While most travelers enjoy the bargains and comfortable transport, some have noted varying quality at certain stores and occasional pacing issues depending on group preferences.
Read our full review: Melbourne Bargain Shopping Tour Review
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Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour
Stepping back in time, Melbourne’s “Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour” offers a captivating exploration of the city’s seedy past.
Priced from Kč 770 per person, this 2-hour walking tour led by writer and historian Michael Shelford delves into the notorious Little Lon district, once a hub of criminal activity and vice.
Guests will learn about the powerful women who ran the area and their battles with gangsters and police, as well as visit former homes of infamous figures like Squizzy Taylor.
The tour also includes stops at historical brothels, opium dens, and cocaine cafes, with stories of shootings, robberies, and other illicit activities.
Awarded 4.9/5 stars by previous participants, the tour is praised for its engaging storytelling and insights into Melbourne’s gritty history.
Wheelchair accessible and with free cancellation, it’s a must for anyone seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience in the city.
Read our full review: Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour Review
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Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour
For those seeking a delightful dive into Melbourne’s vibrant food scene, the Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour offers an unparalleled experience.
This highly-rated, 2-hour tour takes visitors on a culinary journey through the iconic Queen Victoria Market, where they’ll explore diverse offerings ranging from kangaroo to Australian cheese and raw oysters.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides generous tastings from various stalls, allowing participants to engage with passionate stallholders and enjoy the market’s rich history and culture.
With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, the experience promises an intimate and personalized encounter.
Priced at $64.79 per person, the tour represents excellent value, especially with its included hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a complimentary Queen Victoria Market shopping bag.
While some visitors have suggested improvements to the tasting service, the overwhelming majority of reviews praise the tour’s engaging content and delicious samplings.
Read our full review: Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tours?
The dress code for the tours is typically casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear suitable footwear for walking and dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. No formal attire is required.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Yes, the tours generally accommodate dietary restrictions. Customers can typically request vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special meals when booking the tour. The tour providers work to ensure all guests’ dietary needs are met.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are generally wheelchair accessible, with tour providers offering assistance and accommodations for guests with mobility needs. It’s best to inquire about specific accessibility details when booking to ensure the tour meets one’s requirements.
How Long Do the Tours Typically Last?
The tours typically last between 2-4 hours, depending on the specific itinerary. Most providers offer a range of tour durations to accommodate different schedules and preferences. Visitors should expect to spend a few hours exploring the city’s shopping destinations.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tours?
There are generally no age restrictions for the shopping tours, though some may be more suitable for adults or older children. Tour operators typically accommodate all ages, with options to tailor the experience for families or specific age groups.
Recap
Melbourne offers a diverse range of shopping tours catering to various interests. From historical crime and gangster tours to foodie experiences at the iconic Queen Victoria Market, there’s something for all. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant culture, sample local delicacies, and uncover hidden gems on these guided tours. Whether you’re a shopaholic or a history buff, Melbourne’s shopping tours provide an engaging and memorable way to experience the city.