Melbourne has more street art than any other Australian city, because it has more laneways. They were built in the 1800s for deliveries. They are the unique Victorian era alleys, in the state of Victoria, which have been transformed with spray paint, flour paste, photocopies and textas.
Known as numbered Corporation Lanes, they can be renamed (AC/DC Lane, Amphlett Lane) and then become million+ visitor attractions. Hosier Lane has become the most famous street art gallery in Australia.
So what’s up for 2026?
- Big budget beautification of has-been, boring, tag graffiti. See Rush Lane, Toronto.
- Iconic portrait art. See, Tom Gerrard and his Mr. Monopoly ‘moustache’ Seventies man face. Gerrard incorporates the well-known Melbourne man in large-scale art work too. Some people think Mr. Monopoly is Nick Cave in his mo period.
- Gallery and lane crossover. See, The Lennox Street Gallery for original art works for sale, by Melbourne street artists. They sign their murals, the same way they sign their paintings.
- Chalk for children. Don’t forget to look down.
- Installations by thousands of artists, together. See the three kilometre Diesel show in Milan. Over 7000 professional and amateur artists from all over the world were involved.
Take a Guided Melbourne Art Tour
Class Bento guides will take you around the city of Melbourne and its secret (and famous) lanes, with plenty of time for photographs.
It’s three hours along with tickets ranging from $40 to $79.
