Hidden Secrets Tours Cafe Culture Tour

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A walk through Melbourne's cafe scene, away from the main tourist drags, to reveal hidden cafes and the tales behind how Melbourne became such a coffee and food-centric city.

Days

3 hours

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Melbourne, Bourke St / Bourke Street Mall

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Walking tour of the city centre

Meals

Coffee and tastings, then a cafe lunch with a non-alcoholic drink

Route

Map of Hidden Secrets Tours Cafe Culture Tour

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Included experiences

Melbourne laneways — hidden cafes
Specialty coffee tasting
Local chocolate salon — chocolate
Cafe lunch in a hidden location

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

LATE MORNING: BOURKE STREET AND THE FIRST CUP

Your walk starts at 11am at the top end of Bourke Street, where your guide meets you outside the Hill of Content bookshop under a yellow umbrella. This end of the city has been serving coffee for a long time: a few doors down, Pellegrini's Espresso Bar opened in 1954 and was one of the first places in Melbourne to pour espresso from an Italian machine. It's a fitting place to start the story. Before long you're settled with your first coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and a cake, biscuit or pastry to go with it.

THE LANEWAYS: FROM COFFEE PALACES TO SPECIALTY ROASTERS

From there your guide leads you off the main streets and into the smaller lanes, where some of the city's most interesting cafes hide behind narrow doorways. On the way you hear how Melbourne's coffee habit grew, from the grand coffee palaces of the 1880s, built as alcohol-free hotels when the temperance movement was strong, to the migrant communities who brought espresso with them, and on to today's roasters. At a specialty coffee stop you learn how coffee is made and the different ways to drink it, and why Melbourne is known around the world for its own blends and styles. Can you tell a flat white from a latte by the end?

SWEET STOPS: CHOCOLATE AND MACARONS

This isn't only a walk for coffee lovers. Along the way you call in at a local chocolate salon for a taste of its chocolate, and there's a macaron too. Between stops your guide points out the lanes that are worth coming back to, and you're given a curated city cafe guide and map so you can find them again on your own.

EARLY AFTERNOON: LUNCH IN A HIDDEN SPOT

The walk ends at about 2pm with a cafe-style lunch and a non-alcoholic drink at another tucked-away Melbourne spot, and a small Hidden Secrets gift to take home. You finish in the city centre near the Bourke Street Mall, the city's main shopping strip since it was closed to cars in the 1980s, so the rest of the afternoon is yours.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Outside the Hill of Content bookshop, 32 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
Departure time: Weekdays at 11am, finishing about 2pm.
Finishes: Bourke Street Mall.

What is included

Coffee, tea or hot chocolate
Cake, biscuit or pastry
Chocolate from a local chocolate salon
Macaron
Specialty coffee experience and tasting
Cafe lunch with a non-alcoholic drink
Hidden Secrets Tours gift
Curated city cafe guide and map

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

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