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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD
Melbourne Private Apartments - Collins Wharf Waterfront, Docklands
Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower

Tours & day trips

See all 304 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 99 activities

History & culture

See all 98 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 71 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 24 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hardware Lane Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
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
Meriton Suites Melbourne

Meriton Suites Melbourne

5 out of 5
140 King St, Melbourne, VIC
Meriton Suites Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis 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
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC
Citadines on Bourke 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 in Melbourne, where you can indulge in shopping and enjoy various sports activities. Experience the local culture with a delightful array of shops open throughout the week, offering everything from unique boutiques to popular retail chains. Don't miss out on the lively dining and nightlife options that complement your shopping adventures, making for an unforgettable visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Melbourne Central, only 483m from Hardware Lane, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shops. Queen Victoria Market, 966m away, is perfect for local produce and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore further markets for unique finds.

Recreation

At Marvel Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the vibrant performances at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, offering a delightful musical experience. For family fun, visit Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, featuring a range of aquatic activities for all ages.

Adventure

Explore the Tan Track, located 1.6km from Hardware Lane, where you can enjoy invigorating outdoor vibes. For a scenic adventure, head to the Merri Creek Trail, 4.8km away, offering picturesque views while hiking. For a unique experience, take a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km away.

Nightlife

The vibrant nightlife in Hardware Lane offers something for everyone. Catch a show at the Regent Theatre, only 483m away, or enjoy a drink with a lively atmosphere at Young & Jackson's, 644m away. For more entertainment, the Forum Theatre, 805m away, is a must-visit.

*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 is a vibrant hub brimming with culture and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore charming streets, relaxing urban parks, and historic colleges that showcase the city’s rich heritage. Whether you're wandering through the lively tourist area or enjoying local cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic locale.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the excitement of world-class sports and entertainment at Rod Laver Arena, just 1.6km from Hardware Lane. This iconic venue hosts major tennis events, concerts, and shows, creating a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Collins Street: Stroll down Collins Street, a mere 322m from Hardware Lane, and soak in the city's charm. Known for its elegant architecture and high-end shopping, this bustling street embodies the essence of Melbourne's cosmopolitan lifestyle.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Located 1.4km away, this state-of-the-art venue is perfect for conferences and exhibitions. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre offers a dynamic business vibe, showcasing the city’s role as a hub for events and innovation.

Best time to go to Hardware Lane

The best time to visit Hardware Lane is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

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 RainMostly 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

For an affordable trip to Hardware Lane, plan your stay between May to June or August when prices are lower, avoiding the peak months of January, March, and November. Book your accommodation for Monday, the cheapest day, and consider using Expedia to filter options by budget and eco-friendly choices. Look for weekly discounts and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. To save on transport, utilise Melbourne's public transport system, which is efficient and budget-friendly.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you're after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best deals and lowest prices, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Hardware Lane hotel reservation with your flights and activities by choosing an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia