Begin with coffee on Degraves Street
Start at the Flinders Street end of Degraves Street. We recommend Degraves Espresso for coffee or brunch before the walk: its lane-side setting makes a useful introduction to this part of Melbourne. Keep entrances clear and allow people to pass when taking photographs.
Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.
Find Centre Place and the Majorca Building
Cross Flinders Lane to Centre Place. Look towards the blue-tiled Majorca Building at the lane’s southern end, then follow the passage north towards Collins Street. Notice how cafes and shopfronts fit into the narrow space. Use street signs when you emerge; the little passages can make the city grid feel less obvious.
Look closely inside the Block Arcade
Continue to The Block Arcade, entering from Collins Street. Pause for the glass canopy and mosaic floor without blocking the shop doors. This is a shopping passage with its own opening arrangements, so use public streets around the block if an entrance is shut rather than expecting a permanent through-route.
Finish with Gog and Magog
Go via Block Place and Little Collins Street to Royal Arcade. Look for the two figures beside Gaunt’s clock and compare its checkerboard floor with the Block’s mosaics. Finish near Bourke Street Mall, or return to Collins Street for a shorter loop. Shops and cafes are separate visits; you do not need to buy a tour to follow this route.
A useful shorter version
For a brief outing, keep Degraves Street, Centre Place and one arcade. Roofed passages provide some shelter, but the streets connecting them remain outdoors. Wear shoes that grip wet paving and take a light rain layer rather than assuming the whole walk is covered.
For a food-focused alternative to the independent circuit, Compare the Melbourne food and laneways walk. Walk Melbourne Tours combines a three-hour CBD walk with seven tastings and coffee. It replaces part of the day rather than fitting between every planned stop. Declare dietary restrictions and allergies before booking, confirm what can be accommodated, and bring rain protection; hotel transfers are not included.
Check before you go
Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.
