Hardware Lane Tours and Activities

Hardware Lane showing outdoor eating and café scenes as well as a large group of people
Hardware Lane which includes signage
Hardware Lane featuring drinks or beverages
Hardware Lane
Hardware Lane


Be spoiled for choice as you browse the restaurants and bars of this atmospheric dining district, hidden in a laneway in Melbourne’s CBD.

True to the city’s reputation for hiding its treasures down secret alleyways, one of Melbourne’s finest dining districts is tucked away in Hardware Lane. This inner-city laneway offers a pocket of excellent restaurants and bars along a pedestrianised strip. Get swept up in the atmosphere of this buzzing district and take your pick from a selection of international and contemporary restaurants while local buskers play live jazz.

While many of the restaurants in Hardware Lane are open for lunch, the laneway truly comes alive at night. Swinging lanterns and the orange flames of gas heaters illuminate the strip of sheltered outdoor dining areas and give the lane a warm ambiance. Walk up and down the lane, browsing the menus and specialties of each restaurant. From traditional Italian and French fare to contemporary pan-Asian dishes, Hardware Lane has a wide selection of dining options. Wait staff may offer you special deals on wines or starter dishes to help you with your decision.

The best seats in Hardware Lane are at the outdoor tables that spill into the laneway itself. After you have chosen a restaurant and taken a seat, you can experience the lane’s nighttime mood and people-watch. Sit back and enjoy intriguing dishes paired with local wines.

Many nights of the week, a rotating collection of musicians congregates outside the restaurants and plays easy jazz tunes while you dine. Some restaurants offer live music entertainment indoors, too. If you enjoy the music, don’t forget to tip or purchase a CD.

After dinner, try barhopping down Hardware Lane and try a range of local or imported wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks. Order delicious cocktails or try beers that are brewed in nearby neighbourhoods.

Hardware Lane is open daily for free, although different restaurants and bars will have different opening hours. The lane is pedestrianised between 11.00am and 11.00pm. Approximately halfway between Elizabeth Street and Queen Street in Melbourne’s downtown area, Hardware Lane runs north to south and is bordered by Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street. The nearest train station is Melbourne Central, located approximately 8-minutes’ walk away, and trams operate on the lane’s adjacent streets.

Plan a trip to see Hardware Lane

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Top Hardware Lane Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne

Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne

4 out of 5
380 William Street, Melbourne, VIC
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hardware Lane

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Hardware Lane, where you'll find fantastic shopping options and lively entertainment districts. Enjoy a delightful mix of boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for immersing yourself in Melbourne's cultural scene. Whether you're keen on retail therapy or seeking a fun night out, Hardware Lane offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Shopping

Discover Melbourne Central, a vibrant shopping hub just 483m from Hardware Lane, offering a mix of entertainment and dining. Queen Victoria Market, 966m away, is perfect for local produce and souvenirs. Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, located 644m away, features stunning opal jewellery.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, 1.3km from Hardware Lane, offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Just 1.4km away, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl provides a lively setting for musical performances. For family-friendly fun, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, located 3.2km away, boasts excellent aquatic facilities.

Adventure

Embark on an outdoor adventure at Tan Track, located 1.6km from Hardware Lane, perfect for a refreshing walk. For a scenic hike, explore the Merri Creek Trail, 4.8km away, surrounded by stunning views. For a unique experience, take a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Hardware Lane with a visit to the Regent Theatre, showcasing captivating performances just 483m away. Enjoy a drink at Young & Jackson's, a lively pub 644m from the lane, before catching a show at the Forum Theatre, located 805m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hardware Lane

Hardware Lane in Melbourne offers a vibrant mix of attractions, perfect for culture seekers and families alike. Explore the lively street scene, unwind at nearby urban parks, and visit historic colleges and universities that enrich the local culture. Don't miss the chance to indulge in Melbourne's famed coffee culture and enjoy the myriad of eateries that line the lane, making it a delightful spot for both relaxation and exploration.

  • Collins Street: A bustling hub of Melbourne's city vibes, Collins Street is renowned for its stunning architecture, high-end boutiques, and charming cafés. Strolling along this iconic street offers a taste of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
  • Rod Laver Arena: Known for its exhilarating entertainment, Rod Laver Arena is a must-visit for families and sports fans alike. Home to the Australian Open, this arena buzzes with energy and excitement, hosting various concerts and events throughout the year.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: A premier venue for business events, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre showcases a modern design and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a key player in Melbourne's business landscape while also hosting exhibitions and public events.

Best time to go to Hardware Lane

The best time to visit Hardware Lane can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hardware Lane falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Hardware Lane falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hardware Lane

To save on your visit to Hardware Lane, plan your trip during the off-peak months of May to June or August for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting results from lowest to highest prices, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package to save even more. Exploring the area on foot is a great way to avoid transport costs while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hardware Lane are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hardware Lane is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Hardware Lane is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget and preferred location, among other options. You can organise your search results from the lowest to highest prices, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you’ll be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation choices.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Hardware Lane hotel booking with flights and activities through an Expedia package.