Small-Group Abbotsford Walking Tour in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Trip Type: Walking Tours
Duration: 3 hours
Explore city streets with those who know them best: the people who live on them. Escape the touristy CBD and discover the corners even locals don’t know about. Hear the story of a neighbourhood’s transformation, told by a social enterprise that’s helping Melbourne’s homeless.
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Explore city streets with those who know them best: the people who live on them. Escape the touristy CBD and discover the corners even locals don’t know about. Hear the story of a neighbourhood’s transformation, told by a social enterprise that’s helping Melbourne’s homeless.Your beyond Melbourne tour will first lead you to the original ticket gates of Victoria Park, Collingwood’s historic football grounds and once a place of escape from daily life and unemployment during the Great Depression. From here, you’ll walk around the back of this once-abandoned (but now revitalised) stadium and talk through the history of Collingwood FC, spotting where old food stands and ticket gates once stood, and seeing where the seats have been removed but the frames of the stands remain. You can check out the interactive area where you can hear the haunting recorded sounds of the cheering crowds from the stadium’s old glory days.
Next up, you’ll stroll along the Yarra River to Dights Falls, where you’ll learn about the area’s past and present, from the historic flour mill to the tragic tale of the Pappas brothers, to the “rough sleepers” of today.
From there, your guide will lead you down the river and show you some Indigenous art, while also explaining the history of the Wurundjeri people and the significance of the Yarra. Amid all the luscious green flora of the Yarra banks is an abundance of street art that holds some interesting stories.
Next up, a stop at the Abbotsford convent and a wander through its landscaped gardens. This imposing building has played many roles throughout its history, and you’ll learn how the gold rush, the recessions, and immigration all played a part in shaping the architecture and local industry over the years.
We’ll then head to F.A. Andrews Reserve, and learn how this area has been a training pad for world champion cyclists. You’ll also uncover the history and significance of Studley Park, and take in some incredible views of the city.
We’ll head back onto the Yarra trail and spot some Australian flora, and learn about the region’s native plants and animals. Your walking tour will lead you to Dickinson Reserve, past a little-known city winery, and finally a photo op of the Skipping Girl Vinegar sign, Australia’s first animated neon sign.
You’ll finish up your in focus tour on the back streets of Abbotsford, where you’ll see evidence of this former industrial area’s future — warehouses and factories are being converted or knocked down for modern-day apartments. You’ll spot some more street art, a few old worker cottages, and finally come to the impressive Kodak building.
Your final stop will be the Moon Dog Brewery, where you’ll be free to stay for a drink, or continue on your own exploring the rest of this neighborhood.
Next up, you’ll stroll along the Yarra River to Dights Falls, where you’ll learn about the area’s past and present, from the historic flour mill to the tragic tale of the Pappas brothers, to the “rough sleepers” of today.
From there, your guide will lead you down the river and show you some Indigenous art, while also explaining the history of the Wurundjeri people and the significance of the Yarra. Amid all the luscious green flora of the Yarra banks is an abundance of street art that holds some interesting stories.
Next up, a stop at the Abbotsford convent and a wander through its landscaped gardens. This imposing building has played many roles throughout its history, and you’ll learn how the gold rush, the recessions, and immigration all played a part in shaping the architecture and local industry over the years.
We’ll then head to F.A. Andrews Reserve, and learn how this area has been a training pad for world champion cyclists. You’ll also uncover the history and significance of Studley Park, and take in some incredible views of the city.
We’ll head back onto the Yarra trail and spot some Australian flora, and learn about the region’s native plants and animals. Your walking tour will lead you to Dickinson Reserve, past a little-known city winery, and finally a photo op of the Skipping Girl Vinegar sign, Australia’s first animated neon sign.
You’ll finish up your in focus tour on the back streets of Abbotsford, where you’ll see evidence of this former industrial area’s future — warehouses and factories are being converted or knocked down for modern-day apartments. You’ll spot some more street art, a few old worker cottages, and finally come to the impressive Kodak building.
Your final stop will be the Moon Dog Brewery, where you’ll be free to stay for a drink, or continue on your own exploring the rest of this neighborhood.
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