Alternative Culture & Street Art

Join one of our local insider guides on a 3.5 hour walking tour around Melbourne's most eclectic and fascinating neighbourhoods, Fitzroy and Collingwood. From incredible street art murals to inspiring urban garden projects, symbolic indigenous locations, hidden cultural gems and amazing social enterprises, The Alternative will show you a side to Melbourne you may never knew existed. 

Small-Group Tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers.

After meeting your friendly local insider guide at the main entrance of the Melbourne Museum you will be led on 3.5 hour walking tour through the cultural melting pot neighbourhoods of Fitzroy and Collingwood.

We will begin our tour with an insight into the local Aboriginal history and culture, and talk of the devastating effects of colonisation. Your guide will point out significant Aboriginal meeting places and talk of local Aboriginal hero's who fought hard for Aboriginal rights.

As we are walking, we will cross the trendy and ever buzzing thoroughfares of Brunswick Street and Smith Street, but our tour will stick mainly to the backstreets and laneways where you will discover a treasure trove of amazing street art murals and hear stories of the alternative culture these neighbourhoods are famous for. 

You will get an insight into the grungy underground post punk scene from the late 70's. Hear of the effects of the invasion of the 'suburban refugees' in the 80's and 90's. And learn about what makes these neighbourhood unique to this day. From urban gardening projects to a former chocolate factory turned fancy apartments, a burger restaurant in old trains on a rooftop and the beautiful 19th century buildings, this tour will expose you to the beauty and the beast of suburbia. 

We will take a short break at a volunteer run ethical food co-op cafe created by a world famous environmental activist group and we will conclude the tour at one of our favourite local markets (weekends only).