If you’re looking for a way to add some spooky fun to your Melbourne visit, the Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour offers a blend of ghost stories, history, and local pub culture all wrapped into a 90-minute walk through the city’s darker corners. While it’s not a deep dive into Melbourne’s past, it’s a lively, entertaining experience that’s especially good for those curious about ghostly tales or seeking a different evening activity.
What we love about this tour is the engaging guides—they often share fascinating stories that bring the city’s haunted spots to life—and the value it offers for the price, especially with most stops being free to explore. On the flip side, some might find the storytelling a bit heavy on ghostly belief, which could feel a little uncomfortable if you’re skeptical. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of spooky entertainment paired with local history, perhaps while enjoying a drink or two.
Key Points
- Authentic Melbourne spots: The tour hits historic pubs and laneways with stories that add depth to your city experience.
- Engaging guides: Many reviews praise the guides for being fun, knowledgeable, and engaging.
- Free stops: Most locations allow you to look around or listen to stories without extra cost.
- Short but sweet: The 1 hour 30-minute duration is perfect for a quick, entertaining evening activity.
- Value for money: At $27.97, it’s an affordable way to explore Melbourne’s dark side without breaking the bank.
- Mixed reviews: While many find it fun and informative, some feel the focus on ghosts can overshadow historical context.
The Melbourne Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour offers a fascinating mix of ghost stories, local history, and pub culture. Starting at the iconic Young and Jacksons on Swanston Street, the tour takes you through some of Melbourne’s most storied laneways and historic buildings, ending at the popular Mitre Tavern. The entire experience lasts about an hour and a half, making it a manageable evening activity, especially if you’re limited on time but want to get a taste of Melbourne’s secretive side.
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MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour
“Fantastic experience with a terrific host and lots of interesting stories and some great places to stop at. Found it extremely entertaining and inf…”
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Contents
- Key Points
- The Itinerary Explored
- Stop 1: Church Lane
- Stop 2: InterContinental Melbourne by IHG
- Stop 3: Olderfleet Building
- Stop 4: The Mitre Tavern
- Stops 5-8: Melbourne Savage Club, Block Arcade, Centre Place, and another visit to The Mitre Tavern
- Our Top Picks in Melbourne
- More Drinking Tours in Melbourne
- More Tours in Melbourne
- More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Melbourne we have recnetly reviewed
The Itinerary Explored
Stop 1: Church Lane
The tour kicks off in Church Lane, a dark alley with a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported feeling a presence, with the Ghost of Church Lane often cited as a restless spirit lingering in the shadows. It’s a perfect introduction to the eerie atmosphere that pervades the city’s hidden corners. The stop is brief—about 10 minutes—but sets the tone for the rest of the tour.
Stop 2: InterContinental Melbourne by IHG
Next, you visit the Rialto Intercontinental, a hotel with a storied past. While the focus is on its historical significance, it also reportedly harbors ghostly tales, making this stop a mix of architecture appreciation and ghostly lore. It’s a renowned landmark that adds a touch of grandeur to the spooky walk.
Stop 3: Olderfleet Building
The Olderfleet Building is another historic site where ghost sightings have been reported. As you listen to stories about encounters with the Ghost of Olderfleet, you’ll gain insight into Melbourne’s early days. The stories are well-received, adding depth to the city’s architectural history.
Stop 4: The Mitre Tavern
A true highlight is The Mitre Tavern, one of Melbourne’s oldest pubs and a central part of the tour. This pub is known not only for its history but also for a scandalous love affair that adds a human dimension to the ghost stories. It’s an opportunity to purchase a drink and listen to tales that bring the place’s haunted reputation to life. Several reviewers mention how engaging and fun the stories are, especially with a drink in hand.
Stops 5-8: Melbourne Savage Club, Block Arcade, Centre Place, and another visit to The Mitre Tavern
The tour continues through the Melbourne Savage Club, a venue with a treasure trove of secrets, and the Block Arcade, famous for its architecture and ghostly tales. Then, as you stroll through Centre Place, one of the original laneways revitalized in the 1980s, you get a glimpse of Melbourne’s modern yet historic character. The tour ends back at The Mitre Tavern, sealing the experience on a convivial note.
Guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the stories engaging rather than just ghostly tales told in a monotone. One reviewer describes Linda, the guide, as “fun and engaging,” which hints at a lively, personable approach. The storytelling often balances spooky stories with snippets of Melbourne’s history, which appeals to those who like a bit of both.
Most stops are free to look around or listen to stories, with the option to purchase drinks at certain venues. This makes the experience flexible—you’re not forced into extra expenses unless you want to sip on a beer or cocktail amidst the ghostly tales.
The group size is capped at 20 people, creating an intimate atmosphere where questions and interactions are welcomed. The tour departs at 8:30 pm from Young and Jacksons, making it an excellent evening activity, especially for those who enjoy a bit of night-time wandering with a spooky twist.
Priced at just $27.97 per person, the tour offers good value—especially considering you visit historic sites and hear stories that are not always available in guidebooks. The fact that most stops are free to explore or listen to makes it a cost-effective way to add some ghostly fun to your Melbourne stay.
Booking is typically done a few weeks in advance, with the tour often booked about 26 days ahead, indicating its popularity. The experience is suitable for most travelers, with good accessibility near public transportation.
Cancellation policies are flexible—full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Weather is a consideration, as bad weather might lead to rescheduling or cancellation, but this is standard for outdoor or walking-based activities.
While some reviews note a focus on convincing participants of ghosts’ reality, others find the mix of stories and historic context genuinely enriching. One reviewer mentions, “the stories and history are well worth doing,” emphasizing the value of the guide’s knowledge and the atmosphere created.
It’s clear that this tour is less about hardcore ghost hunting and more about enjoying a fun, atmospheric stroll through Melbourne’s haunted past. The stories are often described as entertaining and engaging, making it suitable for casual ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
This haunted pub tour is perfect for those interested in local history, pub lovers, and ghost story enthusiasts. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, social experience that combines a walk through Melbourne’s historic laneways with engaging storytelling. The moderate price, short duration, and lively guides make it a good value, particularly for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Melbourne’s darker side without a heavy commitment.
However, if you’re looking for a serious paranormal investigation or a deep dive into Melbourne’s extensive past, this might not be the tour for you. The focus is on entertainment and storytelling, which is appreciated by most but might not satisfy everyone’s curiosity about the city’s true history.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, though the spooky stories and dark themes might be better suited for adults or older teens.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Young and Jacksons on Swanston Street and finishes at The Mitre Tavern on Bank Place.
Is there an option to buy drinks along the tour?
Yes, at The Mitre Tavern, which is included as part of the experience, you can purchase drinks while enjoying the stories.
Do I need to prepare anything special?
No special preparation is needed; just wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a walking tour through city laneways.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a risk-free booking.
Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
To sum it up, the Melbourne Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour offers a spirited, approachable introduction to the city’s mysterious side. It’s well-suited for those seeking casual entertainment, good value, and a taste of Melbourne’s haunted lore—all delivered by friendly, knowledgeable guides. Whether you believe in ghosts or just enjoy a good story, this tour helps you experience Melbourne in a lively, memorable way.
