Private Melbourne: Coffee, Culture & History of Collingwood

What your day looks like

Get to know the story behind two of Melbourne’s most loved neighbourhoods, Fitzroy and Collingwood, on this 3-hour ultimate walking tour. From working class origins, these two neighbouring suburbs have gone through highs and lows to become the hip epicentre of Melbourne’s live music, street art, coffee and food cultures. Brunswick St, Smith St and Gertrude St have long been considered some of the coolest streets in Australia, if not the world, and on this tour you’ll discover them all with a local guide by your side. Exploring the backstreets, which change from leafy and charming to industrial chic, we make out way to STREAT, a social enterprise café that supports disadvantaged youth. Melbourne claims to have the best coffee in the world and here you will get to try one for yourself, direct from their in-house roastery. Walk through historic brewing sites and factory complexes of the area to see how they’ve been transformed for sustainable contemporary uses and learn how Collingwood has transformed into a hub of modern craft beer and alternative fashion. Discover how migrants have turned these areas into some of the most diverse in Melbourne and view an impressive mural on the nearby housing commission towers - one of the largest of its kind in the world. Visit the new Collingwood Yards Arts Precinct to learn about another amazing social enterprise and see one of the most iconic live music venues in Melbourne with the incredible Keith Haring mural nearby. As the tour continues back through the leafy streets of Fitzroy you’ll find more hidden gems, amazing street art, and learn about the many colourful characters of the area’s bohemian history. At the end of this ultimate inner-city walking tour, we’ll grab a refreshment at a truly ‘locals know’ watering hole, depending on the day it could be a charming historic pub, a trendy bar, or a late closing boho café. Armed with our recommendations, you’ll be ready to continue your exploring, shopping or eating in the area or nearby back in the centre of Melbourne. Please note that this tour covers 3.5 km (2.1 mile) of walking.