Off the Beaten Lane: An Insider's Walk

Melbourne reveals itself differently when you walk with an artist. David sees layers where others see surfaces – stories imprinted in bluestone, centuries buried beneath your feet, a city that shares its secrets with those who pause to listen.

This intimate walk for no more than six curious souls traces Melbourne from its foundation to the cosmopolitan city it has become.

Encounter street art as visual poetry, uncovering stories about the artists and the meaning behind their works. Hear tales from the city's past that aren't found in guidebooks. View fragments from lives lived in these same streets over a century ago.

Stop for a coffee at Pellegrini's, virtually unchanged since 1954. This is where Melbourne's love affair with coffee began.

Then discover a pint-sized bakery tucked within heritage archways, where two artisans have poured their restaurant pedigree into the ancient craft of baking. Sample their signature canelé – a fusion of Asian heritage and French tradition.