About this tour
A 2.5-hour walking tour through Melbourne's spirit-making history, stopping at three bars to taste whisky and gin. You'll hear stories of prohibition-era sly grog shops and shipwrecks while sampling spirits at a heritage cottage, Melbourne's first whisky bar, and a hidden distillery. Includes three tastings at each venue and a local bar map.
Highlights
- Three spirit tastings at each of three bars—nine drinks total
- Heritage brick cottage where bootleg grog was once housed
- Melbourne's first dedicated whisky bar with Scottish single malts
- Hidden distillery venue as final stop
- Historical narratives: prohibition, shipwrecks, sly grog shops
- Starting point at State Parliament building
- Free bar map and tour photos upon request
What to expect
You'll meet at State Parliament and begin with stories of Victoria's early spirit-making past—bootlegging, shipwrecks, and prohibition. The first stop is a heritage cottage where you'll taste gin whilst learning about its clandestine history. A short walk takes you to Melbourne's first whisky bar, where you'll sample a range of Scottish whisky styles: peaty, honeyed Highland, and blended varieties. The tour wraps at a hidden distillery bar for your final tasting. Throughout, your guide weaves historical anecdotes into each venue.
What travellers say
- Strong historical storytelling woven through each venue
- Nine total tastings across three quality bars
- Knowledgeable guide familiar with Melbourne's spirit heritage
- Hidden distillery finale appeals to experienced drinkers
- Manageable walking distance between stops
- Free map and photo captures included
- Three spirit tastings per bar—high alcohol volume over 2.5 hours
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers or those with cardiovascular concerns
- Requires standing and walking between venues
- May feel crowded if bars are busy during peak hours
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Best for history buffs and spirit enthusiasts keen on Melbourne's colonial and craft scene—not primarily a hard-drinking night out. You'll walk between venues at a leisurely pace and stand most of the tour. Not recommended if pregnant or with serious cardiovascular concerns. The tour involves alcohol consumption over 2.5 hours; pace your tastings if you prefer. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Service animals welcome. Public transport is nearby. The gift and photos are free upon request after booking.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.