Melbourne is famous worldwide for its dynamic street art scene, transforming laneways and walls into open-air galleries bursting with color, culture, and creativity. For anyone visiting the city or even locals looking to explore their own backyard, Melbourne’s street art offers an ever-changing, free-to-access art experience. Here’s your guide to the iconic street art spots in Melbourne that shouldn’t be missed!
One of the most famous street art locations in Melbourne, Hosier Lane is a must-see. This bustling laneway near Federation Square is renowned for its vibrant murals, stencils, and tags covering every inch of wall space. Artists from around the world come here to leave their mark, making it a continually evolving gallery with new works to discover each visit.
Location: Off Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: Large-scale murals, constantly changing artwork
Named after the legendary rock band, AC/DC Lane is home to edgy, music-inspired street art that perfectly captures the grungy, rebellious spirit of Melbourne. In addition to tributes to rock legends, you’ll find a mix of colorful murals and gritty graffiti. The laneway itself feels like an ode to Melbourne’s rich music culture, with nearby bars and live music venues adding to the vibe.
Location: Off Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: Music-themed murals, edgy vibe
Blender Lane is a hidden gem just off Franklin Street, filled with eclectic, experimental pieces that attract a creative crowd. Unlike some of the more well-known spots, Blender Lane has a raw, underground feel. It’s a hub for local street artists who showcase everything from stencils and paste-ups to intricate murals. If you’re seeking a spot that feels less touristy, Blender Lane is your place.
Location: Off Franklin Street, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: Eclectic, experimental art with a local vibe
Union Lane is a long, narrow laneway running off Bourke Street Mall, packed with vibrant art from top to bottom. Though tucked away in a shopping district, the colorful walls make it a surprising discovery. It’s popular for artists starting out and offers a broad mix of styles, from spray-painted portraits to intricate stencils. Union Lane provides an interesting contrast to the nearby high-end shopping strip, giving visitors a glimpse of Melbourne’s artistic soul.
Location: Off Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: Wide variety of styles, vibrant colors
Tucked away in Melbourne’s Chinatown district, Duckboard Place is a hidden spot with a fantastic range of street art. Known for its combination of murals, political messages, and abstract works, this laneway showcases bold and thought-provoking pieces. It’s often overlooked by tourists, so you can enjoy the art with fewer crowds, making it a great spot for photos.
Location: Near AC/DC Lane, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: Political art, peaceful atmosphere
This small laneway near Melbourne Central is an iconic spot known for its bold colors and big murals. Caledonian Lane showcases some of Melbourne’s best street artists, with walls often refreshed to reflect current cultural trends or social themes. This spot feels like an intimate art gallery where you can take time to appreciate each piece up close.
Location: Off Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: Bold murals, cultural themes
If you’re looking for something a bit different, Presgrave Place offers unique street art featuring 3D installations and mini frames that cover the walls. This laneway has a quirky, avant-garde feel, with art pieces that are a little more experimental. From intricate shadow boxes to miniature portraits, Presgrave Place is perfect for those who want to explore beyond traditional graffiti.
Location: Off Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: 3D installations, mini framed art pieces
Known for its edgy vibe and bold colors, Croft Alley in Chinatown is home to some truly unique murals. It’s hidden, narrow, and filled with bright pieces that cover the walls in layers of art. The alley feels like a secret treasure, with large murals that seem to tell a story. It’s a top spot for those who enjoy discovering art in lesser-known spaces.
Location: Off Little Bourke Street, Chinatown
Highlights: Bright, large murals with an edgy style
Tattersalls Lane is a bustling laneway with a lively atmosphere, thanks to its surrounding bars and restaurants. The art here reflects a mix of cultural influences, vibrant colors, and intricate designs. Its street art is ever-changing, reflecting the diverse and inclusive community that calls Melbourne home. A visit here combines street art with great food and drinks, making it an ideal evening destination.
Location: Off Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: Multicultural themes, vibrant colors
Located adjacent to Hosier Lane, Rutledge Lane feels like an extension of Melbourne’s main street art hub. It’s filled with layers of graffiti, stencils, and murals that create a wild, chaotic mix of colors. The art on these walls changes frequently, sometimes overnight, making it a fascinating spot for return visits. It’s the perfect place to end a street art tour and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s colorful, creative chaos.
Location: Off Hosier Lane, Melbourne CBD
Highlights: Constantly changing art, creative chaos
Melbourne’s iconic street art spots are a vibrant reflection of the city’s cultural diversity, creativity, and love for art. Each laneway and alley tells a unique story, offering locals and visitors an immersive experience that’s truly one of a kind. So, grab your map (or let yourself get a little lost), and start exploring Melbourne’s colorful laneways to see some of the best street art the city has to offer!
