Uncover the hidden stories, colourful street art, and rich history of Melbourne’s urban core on our Laneways Discovery Running Tour. This guided 8km (5-mile) run begins at 8:00 am from Federation Square and offers a vibrant and energising way to experience the city before the crowds wake up. Designed for runners of all levels, the pace is relaxed and conversational, with plenty of stops for stories, photos, and hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
Our adventure kicks off with a short jog to Hosier Lane, Melbourne’s most iconic street art alleyway. Here, towering walls burst with ever-changing murals and graffiti, creating an outdoor gallery that reflects the city’s bold, creative spirit. Your guide will share how this once-overlooked laneway became one of the world’s most photographed urban art spots.
Next, we swing past ACDC Lane, a tribute to Australia’s beloved rock legends. With its grungy aesthetic, buzzing music venues, and edgy eateries, this laneway hums with the city’s rebellious personality — you can almost hear the guitars.
From there, we run along the leafy paths of Birrarung Marr, a riverside park that offers panoramic views of the Yarra River and Melbourne’s evolving skyline. This peaceful stretch reveals how Melbourne has transformed from colonial outpost to cutting-edge capital of culture, design, and sport.
We’ll then pass by the Mitre Tavern, tucked away in the city’s oldest laneway and pouring pints since the 1860s. With tales of secret meetings and ghostly sightings, it’s a true slice of old Melbourne.
Our journey continues past the grand State Library Victoria, a public institution brimming with more than two million books and some jaw-dropping architecture. Just around the corner lies the haunting Old Melbourne Gaol, where infamous bushranger Ned Kelly met his fate. The Gaol’s grim facade tells a darker chapter of Melbourne’s past — one of law, order, and the people caught in between.
Next, we breeze through Little Lon, once a bustling working-class district full of boarding houses, sly grog shops, and scandal. Today, it’s been transformed into a lively pocket of bars and eateries — but the stories linger in the laneways.
From there, we jog through the vibrant streets of Chinatown, one of the oldest in the Western world. Its red lanterns, lively markets, and mouth-watering aromas remind us of the important role Chinese migrants played in shaping Melbourne’s identity.
Finally, we wrap up in the bustling heart of Centre Place, a laneway café hub where we’ll grab a well-deserved coffee and soak in the morning buzz. Surrounded by hole-in-the-wall espresso bars, tiny galleries, and tucked-away boutiques, it’s the perfect place to reflect on your run through the layers of Melbourne’s culture and history.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, the Laneways Discovery Running Tour offers a fresh perspective of the city — combining movement, stories, and a whole lot of Melbourne magic.
We are committed to providing an enjoyable experience for all participants. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance to discuss how we can accommodate you.
The tour starts and finishes at Federation Square, corner of Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne. We'll meet near the orange umbrellas outside Time Out Café. The nearest station is Flinders Street.
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