Laneways and arcades
A free self-guided walk through Melbourne's centre, from Flinders Street Station through Degraves Street, the Block Arcade and Hosier Lane to Federation Square.
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Allow
- About 2 hours with stops
- Stops
- 6
Open the route in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Melbourne city guide
About this walk
This walk threads through Melbourne's famous laneways and Victorian arcades.
Stop for coffee on the way: that's the point.
- Terrain: Flat and paved.
- Best time: Weekday late morning, when the cafés are open.
Route map
The stops
Flinders Street Station
Start at the station's clocks.
Degraves Street
A laneway of cafés.
Block Arcade
The Victorian mosaic-floored arcade.
Royal Arcade
Melbourne's oldest arcade.
Hosier Lane
The street-art laneway.
Federation Square
Finish in the cultural square.
Tips
- Trams in the centre are free.
- Hosier Lane's art changes constantly.
- Carry a layer; the weather changes fast.
Prefer a guide?
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Sources and review date
- Melbourne, Wikivoyage (accessed 2026-10-28)
- Stop locations and walking route: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) (accessed 2026-10-28)


