Exploring Melbourne Street Art: A One-Day Itinerary for Motorhome Travellers

Melbourne is world-renowned for its vibrant street art scene, with murals, graffiti, and stencil work transforming laneways across the city. This one-day itinerary for motorhome travellers will guide you through some of the best spots, offering tips on parking, dining recommendations, and walking times between locations!

Total Distance: 9.7 Kms

Total Walking Time: 2 Hour 20 Minutes

Image: Melbourne Street Art Map Guide

1. Motorhome Parking in Melbourne

Parking a motorhome in Melbourne can be challenging due to narrow streets and height restrictions. Top choices include Yarra Park Car Park, near the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), for affordable all-day parking, or Alexandra Gardens parking on St. Kilda Road, an open-air area ideal for motorhomes. Both are about a 20-minute walk to the city centre, with excellent access to public transport and street art hotspots.

Be mindful of the height and length of your Cruisin’ Motorhome when looking for a carpark!

Tips: Some apps, like CamperMate, WikiCamps Australia, and Parkopedia, can help find a car park. Check parking options and restrictions in advance. Many cities have dedicated motorhome parking areas on the outskirts, with good public transport connections to the city centre.

2. Morning: Breakfast at a Local Café

After parking, make your way to Bullrun Café for breakfast. This popular spot is known for its vibrant atmosphere, house-made pastries, and expertly brewed coffee. Arrive early to beat the weekend crowds and enjoy the perfect start to your day in Melbourne.

Alternatively, you’ll find many other options on your way to Meyers Place. Melbourne is full of cafes and restaurants, so the choice is yours!

Stop 1: Meyers Place (Walking Time: 8 Minutes from the Bullrun Café)

Meyers Place, Melbourne’s oldest and most iconic laneway, blends historic charm with modern art and culture. This intimate laneway offers a unique, lesser-known side of the street art scene, perfect for photos and exploration.

Image: Meyers Place, Visit Victoria

Stop 2: AC/DC Lane (Walking Time: 9 Minutes from Meyers Place)

Named in tribute to the rock band AC/DC, this laneway is full of vibrant murals and graffiti celebrating Melbourne’s music culture. It’s an essential stop for rock lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Image: AC/DC Lane, Visit Victoria & Mike Makatron

Stop 3: Hosier Lane (Walking Time: 5 Minutes from AC/DC Lane)

Hosier Lane is perhaps Melbourne's most iconic street art location. Situated just across the street from Federation Square, this laneway is famous for its ever-changing colourful graffiti, stencil work, and large-scale murals.

Image: Hosier Lane, Visit Victoria

Stop 4: Centre Place and Degraves Street (Walking Time: 5 Minutes from Hosier Lane)

Centre Place and Degraves Street are bustling laneways filled with street art and cosy cafes. Take your time to wander, observing how art blends with Melbourne's lively café culture.

Centre Place is known for its narrow layout and crowded feel. This laneway has an energetic vibe that brings Melbourne’s art and café scene together. Every surface, from shop shutters to alley walls, is adorned with artistic expression. The laneway is perfect for grabbing a quick coffee, taking photos, and soaking in the local atmosphere.

Just around the corner, Degraves Street is a broader laneway with more dining options and boutique shops. Here, you’ll find cosy outdoor seating and eateries that serve everything from fresh pastries to light lunches, with walls decorated with graffiti art, posters, and murals that change often.

If you have extra time, explore other nearby laneways like Union Lane and Tattersalls Lane, each with their own distinct style of street art. These alleys are less crowded than Centre Place and Degraves Street, providing a more laid-back viewing experience.

Image: Degraves Street, Visit Victoria

3. Lunch Break: Street Food and Laneway Cafés

For lunch, enjoy authentic Italian flavours at Il Tempo on Degraves Street, with a cosy setting and fresh pasta or wood-fired pizzas. It is a great spot to relax and refuel during a busy day of exploring Melbourne’s laneways. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a rich espresso for a true Italian touch!

Or try Ginger Olive, which offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu of chargrilled meats and mezze platters, perfect for sharing in a relaxed, contemporary space.

Stop 5: Guilford Lane (Walking Time: 16 Minutes from Degraves Street)

Guilford Lane is a hidden gem in Melbourne’s CBD, known for its charming blend of historic buildings, street art, and a few tucked-away eateries and cafés. It is distinguished by its beautiful heritage buildings (mostly dating back to the 19th century), rustic red-brick walls, and cobbled streets. The lane’s atmosphere feels almost European, with ivy-covered buildings and vintage architecture that give it a timeless feel.

Image: Guildford Lane - Brick Lane Coffee, Visit Victoria

Stop 6: Royal Exhibition Building (Walking Time: 19 Minutes from Guilford Lane)

The Royal Exhibition Building is one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. It was completed in 1880 for Melbourne’s first International Exhibition and has since become a symbol of the city’s rich history and cultural pride. It’s also recognised as one of the world’s oldest surviving exhibition pavilions and holds a UNESCO World Heritage listing, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting Melbourne.

If you have time, take a guided tour to admire the dome’s frescoes up close and learn about the building’s role in Melbourne’s development! Alternatively, explore the Carlton Gardens, a Victorian-era garden featuring formal flowerbeds, fountains, and tree-lined avenues. The gardens offer scenic spots for a stroll, picnic, or photography, especially when the flowers are in full bloom.

Image: Royal Exhibition Building, Visit Victoria

Stop 7: Fitzroy and Collingwood (Walking Time: 19 Minutes from Royal Exhibition Building)

For a deeper dive into Melbourne street art, head to Fitzroy and Collingwood, two suburbs famous for their murals and outdoor galleries. You’ll find stunning large-scale artworks scattered around Smith Street and Johnston Street.

Fitzroy has long been Melbourne’s bohemian capital, attracting artists, musicians, and creatives since the 1970s. Explore the Fitzroy Gardens, a tranquil, lush park that is a great relaxing place.

Collingwood, bordering Fitzroy to the south, has an edgier, industrial vibe. Known for its converted warehouses, Collingwood is a hotspot for breweries, experimental galleries, and unique dining experiences. The area has undergone a creative resurgence with the addition of boutique hotels, microbreweries, and innovative restaurants.

Image: Bodriggy Brewing Co. – Collingwood, Visit Victoria

4. Evening: Wrap Up with Dinner

Grab a lovely dinner at Pincho Disco, a 9-minute walk from Collingwood Street. A celebration of new-age Latin American dining with a vibrant blend of signature dishes, extravagant libations and live entertainment. Alternatively, you will find a restaurant of your taste on every corner!

Returning to the car park takes 45 minutes by foot or 30 minutes by tram.

Exploring Melbourne’s laneways, vibrant street art, and historic sites offers an unforgettable experience. The city promises endless inspiration, whether you’re savouring Italian cuisine, admiring murals, or learning about Melbourne’s heritage at the Royal Exhibition Building. So, inspired to hit the road?

Image: Blender Studios Street Art Tours, Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria

5. Tips and Advice

• Best Time to Visit: The street art is accessible year-round, but weekdays are generally less crowded.
• Respect the Art: While it's tempting to add your own mark, remember that the artworks are pieces of public expression, and it's best to admire them without altering them.
• Public Transport: For longer distances, use Melbourne's tram network, especially from the CBD to Fitzroy. It’s convenient and affordable.
• Stay Hydrated and Wear Comfortable Shoes: Walking and exploring all day can be tiring, so bring a water bottle and wear shoes suitable for urban exploration.
• Parking Advice: If you choose to park at the Yarra Park Car Park, be aware of event days at the MCG, which may affect availability.

Don’t miss this chance to explore Melbourne’s iconic street art! Secure your motorhome rental with us by calling our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!

Check out our itineraries page for more travel inspiration!

Don’t hesitate to share your Cruisin’ Motorhomes adventure with us with the #cruisinmoments!