Frequently asked questions

If you're curious about Melbourne – not just what it looks like, but how it feels – this walk is for you.

I’ve walked with travellers seeing the city for the first time, locals rediscovering it with fresh eyes, and returners reconnecting with old streets and new stories.

Some come solo, others with a partner or friend. What they share is a desire to understand the city more deeply – to feel part of it, even if just for an afternoon. If that sounds like you, you’ll be in good company.

You can book the Melbourne Art, History, Food and Wine Tour through my Airbnb Experience page. I currently don't take direct bookings. 

Yes – bookings are essential. You can check availability and book directly via my Airbnb Experience page.

Just six. That’s the sweet spot – enough for lively conversation, but small enough that everyone feels seen and heard. It’s not a crowd, it’s a gathering. 

That would be me, David. I’ve lived in Melbourne for more than two decades, and I still discover new, fascinating details every single day. I come from a background in art, poetry and wine, but what I love most is storytelling – the kind that connects people to place. This tour grew out of long walks, quiet discoveries and a desire to share the city that I love with others. I host every tour myself, and I keep the group small so we can talk, reflect and wander together.

The tour usually runs Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. We usually take a short break over the Christmas and New Year period. Check my Airbnb Experience page for up-to-date availability.

The tour is two hours. There’s around one hour of walking and one hour at the wine bar.

We begin the tour at the main entrance of Melbourne Town Hall at 90-130 Swanston Street in the centre of the city. The tour ends on Little Bourke Street, just a short walk from Parliament Station. 

The tour costs $129 per adult in Australian dollars. Guests aged 18 and up are welcome, with a maximum of six guests per tour.

You can cancel at least 24 hours on my Airbnb Experience page before the start time for a full refund. There are no refunds within 24 hours of the tour start time. 

Yes – if you're planning something special with friends or colleagues, feel free to reach out. I occasionally run private tours for groups, depending on availability.

It includes a walking tour through Melbourne’s art-filled laneways, with curious tales from the city’s layered history, and a wine tasting at one of Melbourne’s most iconic and beloved wine bars, featuring three curated wines (half pours, 75ml each), paired with light tapas.

You’ll taste three wines that reflect our vibrant wine culture – often small-batch, local producers from around Australia with a story behind each bottle. They’re served as half pours (75ml), enough to savour without overwhelming.

Yes. While the wine tasting is a big part of the overall experience, you’re welcome to enjoy the atmosphere and tapas without drinking wine. Just let me know in advance, and I’ll happily discuss alcoholic and non-alcoholic alternatives with you.

The tapas are light. Think of them as a flavourful accompaniment to the wine tasting rather than a meal. Many guests choose to continue their evening at one of the excellent restaurants nearby. I’m always happy to share my list of favourites with you.

Yes – just let me know when you book. The wine bar is wonderfully accommodating, and I’ll make sure your experience is just as rich, whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free or have other needs. Everyone’s welcome at the table.

Yes – but not in a textbook way. I share lesser-known stories that bring the city’s past to life.

No need to. You don’t need a background in either – just curiosity. I share stories that are rich, surprising and accessible, whether you’re an art lover or simply someone who enjoys a good tale over a glass of wine.

Absolutely. Many guests come on their own and leave with new stories, connections and a deeper appreciation of Melbourne. The small group size means everyone’s part of the conversation.

No – I never cancel due to low numbers. Whether it’s one guest or six, the tour goes ahead. In fact, some of the most memorable walks have been with just one or two people – slower, more conversational, and deeply personal. The experience is designed to be intimate, and that holds true no matter how many join on the day.

Unfortunately, no. The tour is suitable for adults over 18 years. 

Yes – and it’s a beautiful way to begin. You’ll get a sense of the city’s rhythm, its contradictions, its creativity. It’s not a checklist of attractions – it’s a slow unfolding of Melbourne’s character. 

Absolutely. Curious Wanderers welcomes everyone – all backgrounds, all identities, all levels of knowledge. The only requirement is curiosity. I’ve had guests from every corner of the world, and every walk of life – each one brings something unique to the conversation.

We tread quieter paths. While most tours focus on major landmarks, we weave through lesser-known laneways, art-filled corners and stories that don’t make it into guidebooks. It’s a different kind of map – one drawn in stories, textures and time. You’ll still be in the heart of the CBD, but you’ll see it differently.

Without a doubt. This tour isn’t about ticking off landmarks – it’s about seeing familiar streets through fresh eyes. Locals often tell me they’ve walked past these places for years without knowing the stories behind them. It’s a chance to fall in love with your city all over again.

Not in the usual sense. The tour is designed to make you feel like a temporary insider – someone invited into the city’s quieter stories. We avoid the obvious and embrace the overlooked. You’ll walk away with tales that aren’t in guidebooks, and a sense of having seen something others might miss.

It’s warm, welcoming and quietly elegant – picture dark wood interiors, soft lighting and a handwritten wine list that changes with the seasons. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows easily and the wine is chosen with care.

We spend about one hour walking before settling into the wine bar. It’s not a rushed pace – there’s time to pause, take photos and savour the details.

The walking portion is gentle, and on a slight upward incline, although some laneways have uneven surfaces, so I wouldn’t recommend it for people with mobility issues. 

We walk in all weather (I haven’t had to cancel a tour yet), but it’s wise to dress for the day and bring layers. Comfortable shoes are a blessing, and an umbrella often proves a quiet hero. Think of it as preparing for a city that likes to keep you guessing. Don’t forget your camera!

Yes – and it’s a lovely way to mark something meaningful. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or reunion with old friends, the tour offers space for connection and celebration. 

Gladly. I love sharing places that align with your tastes. Many guests ask for suggestions after the tour, and I tailor them to what you’re drawn to. It’s part of the experience – the conversation doesn’t end when the tour does.