Show Me Melbourne
Show Me Melbourne
3.9
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
Show Me Melbourne provides small group or private tours of Melbourne's sports, shopping, history or music culture as well as hidden bar tours, gin tours and wine tours. They offer both group tours and private tours.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
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6,057 within 3 miles
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1,663 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.9
70 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
21
Average
7
Poor
4
Terrible
7
Tink031
Perth, Australia14 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
Well, bus was late picking us up. We couldnt hear anything at the back of the bus. Thought the tour leader was condesending ("get in, buy lots so I get my commision, and hurry up" attitude)We were rushed through places, and there was no agenda so we didnt know where we were going. There was no jewelley.
Lunch was at a pub and the toilets were disgusting.
There was supposedly an afteroon tea break but as were were always last as we were at the back of the bus, by the time we could get served and out of the shop everyone was back on the bus.
We didnt see any amazing discounts that you couldnt get just walking in off the street, so made us wonder why we had bothered. We were expecting to go places public werent allowed.
And to top it off there was no room on the bus for everyones shopping, so it took everone ages to actually untangle themselves and get off the bus so by the time we got off, the first off were finished in that shop..
Lunch was at a pub and the toilets were disgusting.
There was supposedly an afteroon tea break but as were were always last as we were at the back of the bus, by the time we could get served and out of the shop everyone was back on the bus.
We didnt see any amazing discounts that you couldnt get just walking in off the street, so made us wonder why we had bothered. We were expecting to go places public werent allowed.
And to top it off there was no room on the bus for everyones shopping, so it took everone ages to actually untangle themselves and get off the bus so by the time we got off, the first off were finished in that shop..
Written October 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Although your review was not what we hope to read, we do take all feedback seriously.
Our itinerary does have a degree of flexibility about it, and we do ask if guests have any particular items or styles they are searching for, at the start of the day, once all guests are on board. It is at this time we go through a loose agenda, and answer general questions guests may have about the day. Unfortunately, it appears that you would not have heard that as the microphone was not in use that day (this is now policy to use microphones for all groups over a certain size). We try to not rush guests through the outlets, but we also try to maximise time we have. This enables us to visit more locations. The stores / warehouses / outlets we visit tend to suit the majority of our guests, and generally offer savings between 20 to 80% off retail rates. We are always striving to stay contemporary, and include speciality outlets such as jewellery. We also aim for a mix so we are not 'doubling up' on specialty outlets.
Your concern about the state of the rest rooms at the lunch venue is shared by us, and we have received guarantees that this will never be the situation again. Morning and afternoon tea are not formal stops within the tour, as many guests are happy without, and we feel it is unfair to penalise them the shopping time. For this reason, we do allow guests to bring takeaway drinks on the bus. Very few tour companies allow this.
I hope this addresses your concerns, and apologise that your experience with us was not as either of us were hoping for.
Written October 21, 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wheretogonext24
Adelaide1 contribution
Oct 2013 • Friends
I am not really sure how to rate this. Our group had a fantastic day, but I mostly think that it was becuase we hadnt been together for so long and we would have had a ball doing anything if we were together. We found that the tour wasn't really customised at all to what we wanted to do. We said that were werent interested in sports gear and clothing, yet we went to several sports / surf / ski stores. We also found that when we were on a street with multiple stores on it Tracey didnt like it if we entered any other stores other than the 3 or so that she pointed out. She seemed to be very keen for us to buy, buy, buy so she could take her commission. We also found that she was rude to other customer in a couple of the stores by cutting in the check out queues so they we could get out of there and get to the next place. It was certainly convenient that we didnt have to lug shopping bags around all day, but I definitely think that if you did your research you would be able to put together the same thing on your own very easily.
Written October 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreerShanasa
New Zealand181 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
The morning was fantastic with a great range of outlets and it was fun and interesting and very enjoyable. However a "pub" lunch was OK and the afternoon dragged on a bit, plus TOO much walking. The afternoon wasn't that good and trying to find a park then having to walk was a bit much. Needs to be shortened.
Written March 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill K
Hawaii2 contributions
Apr 2023
Jess provided a excellent tour of Sovereign Hill and Ballarat surrounds going the extra mile to show the old architecture of Ballarat.
We could not fault the tour Jess's efforts and knowledge that she passed on to two older Australians already well versed on our history. We learnt a lot.
Jess was a safe driver and always prompt
Jess also gave us space for our own appropriate amount of time without prompting.
Well done Jess
We could not fault the tour Jess's efforts and knowledge that she passed on to two older Australians already well versed on our history. We learnt a lot.
Jess was a safe driver and always prompt
Jess also gave us space for our own appropriate amount of time without prompting.
Well done Jess
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott F
25 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
After a technical hitch in February we had rebooked our Sporting tour with brewery tasting for today. And can I say what a great day we both had. Tamara our driver was very knowledgeable as was Jess. The flemington race course was outstanding with the great sunny day. A trip around part of the Albert Park F1 track in the Hiace at full noise lol. Then off to the MCG for a sporting tour with Rod our guide who was great and showed and explained everything to us. Then a very nice lunch at a pub in Richmond followed by a beer tasting. A most enjoyable day and we are looking forward to booking another tour in the future. Thank you guys for a very memorable day. We highly recommend this tour.
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so sorry that we somehow missed responding to this review! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your thoughts. I remember this tour very well - you were such a fun group of people to have on a tour. We like to treat all our guests as if they were our friends and you made that very easy! Tamara certainly has an encyclopedic knowledge of sport and I'm amazed every time I join her just how much she knows. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your tour and hope that now lockdowns look like they might be behind us that you can join us again! We have a new Hidden Bar tour that I think you'd love!
Jess
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosa L
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Friends
We had a fabulous day on our Gin Flight. Discovered places I’d never heard of and tasted some beautiful Gin.
A relaxing day with a beautiful lunch provided.
Our guide was friendly and it was a lovely way to spend time reconnecting with friends after so long. Lots of laughs and drinks. We honestly didn’t want to come home.
I couldn’t recommend this tour more highly.
A relaxing day with a beautiful lunch provided.
Our guide was friendly and it was a lovely way to spend time reconnecting with friends after so long. Lots of laughs and drinks. We honestly didn’t want to come home.
I couldn’t recommend this tour more highly.
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren and Caro... G
Melbourne, Australia6 contributions
Nov 2021
I thought I knew a lot of the bars in Melbourne, but I do not. Behind the most inconspicuous doors, in quiet laneways are those intimate bars that we search out for taking someone special or just show off to your friends that you know the hip places!! If you want to know these places, then this is the tour for you. Loved learning about how the bar came into existence (Melbourne has a very chequered history), not to mention the delicious cocktails. Tour guide was very knowledgeable about the bars and Melbourne in general. Great night.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for such a lovely review! I'm so pleased you enjoyed yourself and learnt something new about our wonderful city as well. We are very passionate about Melbourne and it's always extra special to have guests on our tours who love the city as much as we do.
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy S
Melbourne, Australia34 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
We went on the gin flight and were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the places we went to. I couldn't have discovered these gems myself. Great food, great company and of course fabulous gin! We weren't rushed and had ample time to relax and enjoy our surrounds.
Written January 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FisherFamily5
Sydney2 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
This tour was a joke. We started as a group of nine and only two remained with the tour! Very telling! I expected to visit reasonably 'high end' outlets. Instead, we went to cheap poor quality outlets that offered nothing of interest. It became clear that there was an agenda... we were asked to wear little tour tickets with our names on. I did not feel comfortable with this but the guide was insistent. At the first stop, I noticed that the salesperson kept a written list of all purchases made by the tour group. These guides ONLY take you to shops where they get a commission. I felt like I had been hoodwinked! The third place we went to was suppose to by leather products. However it was a strange mix of '80's leather jackets (all agreed the stock was hideous) and kids 'Wiggles' backpacks. At this point a number of participants asked if we could just be taken to an outlet centre and be allowed to roam according to interest. We were told this just doesn't work. As a result, when we went to Bridge Road, we were ushered into only two shops (that were not even side-by-side) and then driven down to the 'Bonds' outlet (No thank you!!!) After lunch three group members (a family group) made their excuses and left. The remainder soldiered on. However, the stop after lunch was more than four more of us could tolerate. We asked to be dropped back at Bridge Rd and were made to feel guilty for making the tour go about 1-2 kms out of its way. We were asked several times if we were sure we didn't want to continue on to see makeup and handbags. Clearly commission, not customer service is this company's priority. By the time we escaped from the torturous mini van experience, the guide was simply rude. It is a firm ZERO rating from me (althought this is not an option on this review). Several hours of my life that I just won't get back!
Written May 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate you taking the time to review the tour, and apologise that the tour did not meet your expectations. We would like to clarify a couple of things, to enable readers to make their decision based on all the facts.
We do not offer “high-end” shopping (ie. Chapel St), as a rule. Nowhere in our marketing material, be it online or printed, do we offer “high-end” style shopping. What we do offer is good quality, well known international brands, as well as local labels/designers, at extremely competitive prices, with the convenience of the comfortable bus to leave shopping on, not worry about parking or public transport, and enjoy a decent lunch selected from a planned menu (and a glassy of Bubbly). Many of the Outlets we might visit are listed on our website under FAQ’s.
Nb. The outlets with the “80’s leather jackets and Wiggles backpacks” also has a significant range of travel bags and cases, leather belts, wallets, handbags, and contemporary jackets. Understandably, this will not be on everyone’s shopping list, but history shows us that this is usually a very popular outlet.
We are constantly looking for more outlets to service more diverse shopping requirements, while maintaining value for money for our guests. These do, and will continue to be, a mix of hard-to-find back street warehouses, Local designers, Pop-Up Sales, and shopping strip retail outlets.
The name badges you are asked to wear have multiple functions, including helping each guest on the bus know each other’s name, it has our phone number on the back in case you get lost or are delayed in a shop you like, have a discount offer for return visits, enable staff in the outlets to offer priority service to you with fittings and at the register, and collate sales figures.
Our business structure does involve us receiving a small sales commission, at some of the outlets we visit. Some of the Outlets offer us a gift to raffle at the end of the day, with the value of the gift generally dictated by the volume of sales by the group that day. Many outlets we visit we certainly do not receive any incentives, we stop where the best sales are on at the present time. We are endeavouring to speed up this process, but unfortunately, we must wait until the last our guests have been through. Overwhelmingly, the outlets we visit we do so because they offer excellent value and quality for our guests. This is proven, and monitored, by the sales figures we have gathered over a number of years.
Above all else, we want our guests to enjoy their Melbourne shopping experience, and your feedback does help us review our own processes.
Written June 5, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SarDav
Adelaide121 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Three of us attended this tour. Prior to arriving in Melbourne I asked about being returned to our CBD hotel (on Flinders Street just down from Swanston St) via email Kirsty told me "we’ll drop you as close as is safely as possible to your hotel at the end of the day when you’re loaded up with shopping!" Sadly, we were put out of the bus next to Federation Sq and told it was too hard to take us up closer because the driver had to turn left at the next street. This was the end of a mixed day that will result in us not recommending this tour to others.
We visited some places that would be hard to find on your own, and having a bus to put all the shopping bags in is very handy, but I found the drivers need to have you purchase as much as possible for commission very off putting and actually irritating by the end of the day!
The lunch was very nice, the bus was comfortable and the shopping we found was for the most part good, however I would have liked to have gone to some more hidden places (or those not as easy to access on public transport) and not had it so obvious that the driver is waiting for you to check out so she can tally up the sales.
Our driver was Tracey - nice enough but not my kind of person. Her attitude at the end of the day, once she had earned her money off us, was rude and to leave us where she did (3 of the 5 attendees who spent considerable money) was unacceptable and not what we had thought would happen. Left us with a bad feeling and tainted the whole experience.
I would not recommend anyone to go on the tour - do some research, see if there is another provider and if you can't find one just give it a go on your own
We visited some places that would be hard to find on your own, and having a bus to put all the shopping bags in is very handy, but I found the drivers need to have you purchase as much as possible for commission very off putting and actually irritating by the end of the day!
The lunch was very nice, the bus was comfortable and the shopping we found was for the most part good, however I would have liked to have gone to some more hidden places (or those not as easy to access on public transport) and not had it so obvious that the driver is waiting for you to check out so she can tally up the sales.
Our driver was Tracey - nice enough but not my kind of person. Her attitude at the end of the day, once she had earned her money off us, was rude and to leave us where she did (3 of the 5 attendees who spent considerable money) was unacceptable and not what we had thought would happen. Left us with a bad feeling and tainted the whole experience.
I would not recommend anyone to go on the tour - do some research, see if there is another provider and if you can't find one just give it a go on your own
Written May 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sarah,
While we welcome and appreciate our guests taking the time to review the tour, we also like to respond where appropriate, to offer readers balance.
It seems your experience was quite good from your review, aside from us being unable to drop you in front of your hotel, and the fact that you have an issue with us, as a commercial business, trying to run at a profit.
As explained to you prior to the Tour, and by our Host on the tour, your hotel is unfortunately located in a “clearway”, in both the morning and afternoon peak period. This prevents us from stopping at the front door. This is usually standard procedure at the end of the day, where legal. It was our Host’s knowledgeable understanding of the peak Friday traffic conditions that it would take at least 10 minutes to get you much closer to your hotel than Federation Square. Believing you were all capable of the 1 block walk from where it was safe and legal to drop you, it would ultimately save you time. This certainly wasn’t the end of the day for our Host, as she then drove, out of her way, the remaining two guests to their St Kilda hotel.
The convenience of the tour, as you have recognised, is to have the comfortable bus to leave shopping on, not worry about parking or public transport, and enjoy a decent lunch selected from a planned menu (and a glass of Bubbly).
Our business structure does involve us receiving a small sales commission, at some of the outlets we visit. Some of the Outlets offer us a gift to raffle at the end of the day, and the value of the gift is generally dictated by the volume of sales by the group that day. We are endeavouring to speed up this process, but unfortunately, we must wait until the last our guests have been through. Overwhelmingly, the outlets we visit we do so because they offer excellent value and quality for our guests. Many outlets we visit we certainly do not receive any incentives, we stop where the best sales are on at the present time. This is proven, and monitored, by the sales figures we collate. We are constantly looking for more outlets to service more diverse shopping requirements, while maintaining value for money for our guests. We also ensure we stop at pop-up sales and other outlets which suit the guests on the tour on the day. These do, and will continue to be, a mix of hard-to-find back street warehouses, Local designers, and shopping strip retail outlets.
Written June 5, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Quelles sont les marques représentées ?
Written November 5, 2019
Thank you for your enquiry. We visit a wide range of outlets, depending on the interests of the guests on each day. Most outlets are mid-range price clothes, shoes, handbags, sporting and outdoor wear, lingerie and cosmetics. I hope that helps!
Written November 6, 2019
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