Mapped: Melbourne’s best kept secrets revealed
From secret bars that can only be entered through bookcases and wardrobes to secret libraries and lawns, Melbourne has a wealth of hidden places to discover. See our interactive map.
Victoria
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There’s much more to Melbourne than meets the eye, but you have to know where to look.
Hidden beyond the usual tourist traps and popular landmarks you’ll find a wealth of secret places and bizarre sights only visible to those in the know.
Follow our guide to find Melbourne’s best hidden secrets.
1. A gargoyle of Jeff Kennett
There’s no mistaking the long, lean face and distinctive nose and quiff of former premier Jeff Kennett when you see the gargoyle created in his image on St Patrick’s Cathedral.
It was cheekily carved in secret as an unauthorised addition by master stonemason Tom Carson during restoration work in 1992, the year Kennett became premier.
Carson was continuing a centuries-old stonemasons’ tradition of using people in positions of power as models for gargoyles.
As for the model himself, Mr Kennett said he has “probably” seen the gargoyle on the cathedral at some stage, and appears to approve.
After examining close-up photos, Mr Kennett told us, “I see the resemblance”, and added, “But I must say he has weathered the last 25 years better than his subject!”
To find it: Look up to the right of the arch at the southeastern side entrance.
2. The last Banksy
Two stencilled parachuting rats are widely believed to be Melbourne’s last surviving pieces by renowned British street artist Banksy, whose real identity remains unknown.
While you’re there, check out the rest of Duckboard Place and adjoining AC/DC Lane for some of Melbourne’s best street art, away from the tourist hordes in Hosier Lane.
History tour guide Ben Oliver said the Banksy rats are believed to date back to 2003.
“Two other Banksy rats in AC/DC Lane were destroyed in 2016 by construction workers, while his famous ‘Little Diver’ just off Flinders Lane was lost in 2008,” said Mr Oliver, the founder of Drinking History Tours.
To find it: Last doorway on the left in Duckboard Place, off Flinders Lane.
3. Athenaeum Library and historic lift
Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre has been back in the news while hosting the smash-hit 50th anniversary Rocky Horror Show, starring Jason Donovan.
But tucked away on the first floor of the majestic Collins St building, completed in 1842, is a hidden oasis away from the city’s hustle and bustle known to only a lucky few.
The library dates back even further, to 1839 – only four years after the city was founded.
Visitors are welcome to peruse the library’s 30,000-strong collection, heavy on detective fiction and biographies, but only paying members can borrow books.
A highlight is the classically inspired wood-panelled lift, dating back to 1930 and one of the oldest in Melbourne.
Sophie Arnold, the library’s business manager, said the lift was still in daily operation, with plenty of life in it yet.
“The lift is about to get a new motor, so we are very excited about guaranteeing it another hundred years or so soon!” she said.
Info: melbourneathenaeum.org.au
4. A gin distillery in old Melbourne’s red light district
Little Lon was the name of Melbourne’s slum and red light district surrounding Little Lonsdale St, filled with brothels and sly grog joints.
At the heart of the district now stands Little Lon Distilling Co, billed as both the last remaining single-storey brick cottage in the CBD and the only distillery.
The circa 1877 cottage was once a brothel and sly grog shop, so you can knock back gins at the bar while listening to rollicking tales of its debaucherous past.
The distillery produces a range of handcrafted gins named in honour of the colourful characters who once lived in and around the cottage.
Mr Oliver nominates the venue as one of Melbourne’s best hidden treasures.
“At one stage in 1891, 33 men were sharing this tiny two-room cottage – and the whole neighbourhood only had one toilet to share!” he said.
“There is so little of this period left in Melbourne.”
Info: littlelondistillingco.com
5. Melbourne’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Melbourne once had its own version of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, with handprints and footprints of celebrities outside the McEwans hardware store in Bourke St.
Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton, Peter Brock, Greg Norman, John Bertrand, Merv Hughes, Evonne Goolagong, Kamahl and Joan Sutherland were among stars who left their prints in wet concrete.
Originally a pavement at the shop’s entrance, the attraction later became a wall inside.
Bunnings bought McEwans in 1993 and the 41 celebrity prints later faced demolition, but were rescued for the City of Melbourne’s art and heritage collection.
All are hidden in storage, except for two sets.
A handprint and fist print from world boxing champ Lionel Rose can be seen on a free guided tour at Melbourne Town Hall.
And a mysterious handprint labelled only as “D” is temporarily on display at the Town Hall’s City Gallery.
Info: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/art-and-heritage-collection-tour
6. A slice of East Berlin
If you want a taste of life during the Cold War when the German city was split in two by the Berlin Wall, drop into the Berlin Bar.
Once inside, you might choose to drink on the austere communist East Germany side, aka “the bunker”, a dark room with walls splashed with Communist propaganda.
Or cross to the speakeasy-style West Berlin side, aka “the salon”, dripping with opulent decorations and luxurious comfort.
Berlin Bar general manager Cedric Bardou said being hard to find was part of the appeal.
“It’s very hidden; people are always getting lost!” he said.
In Corrs Lane, look for a yellow lightbox featuring the city of Berlin’s coat of arms with a crown over a bear, enter the door and climb three flights of stairs, then ring the bell on the locked door to be admitted.
Info: berlinbar.com.au
7. Melbourne’s most scenic, private meeting place
Under the clocks at Flinders St Station is the city’s traditional meeting spot, but there’s a grassy lookout a stone’s throw away that might just be Melbourne’s most scenic and private hidey-hole.
Tucked behind concert venue Hamer Hall is a lush lawn with stunning views over the Yarra and city skyline.
It’s hidden from the tourist hordes below by a low wall, and most days you’ll have it all to yourself.
To find it: From St Kilda Rd, follow a path uphill around the southern side of Hamer Hall.
8. Speakeasies and secret bars
Unlike the US, Victoria never had a total ban on grog, but several city venues draw inspiration from speakeasy bars straight out of 1920s prohibition America.
Mr Oliver recommends Fall From Grace, in King St, which is hidden behind a bookcase at restaurant State of Grace.
“It’s a proper old speakeasy,” he said.
“You’ve also got Pizza Pizza Pizza (Meyers Place), which looks like a pizza shop but has a hidden speakeasy at the back.”
Mr Oliver also recommends speakeasy bar Eau-de-Vie.
There’s no sign, so look for an antique lamp at the bottom of Malthouse Lane that discreetly marks the entrance.
And for the full Narnia experience, head to Trinket Bar in Flinders Lane.
Guests open a mirrored door of a wardrobe in the main bar, step through the hanging clothes, then walk down the stairs to the secret Garnet Den.
Visit State of Grace Melbourne, Pizza Pizza Pizza, Eau-de-Vie and Trinket Bar for more info.
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