Hosier Lane
Melbourne's signature street-art lane, with cobbled paths and ever-changing graffiti covering the walls from ground to rooftop. It is the most popular free photo spot beside Federation Square.
Hosier Lane lies east of Federation Square, between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane. It is about 150 m long and is one of the city-sanctioned legal street-art zones. Since the 2000s it has attracted local and international graffiti artists. Walls, and even bins and drainpipes, are repainted every few weeks, so it looks different on every visit. Rutledge Lane at the corner leads to more works. Artists such as Banksy, Rone and Adnate have created pieces here, and it is a popular backdrop for films and wedding photos. A slow walk through both lanes takes about 20 minutes. Highlights include the Movida Spanish tapas restaurant at the entrance and the Culture Kings store at the far end. Three-hour street-art tours (Melbourne Street Art Tours and others, about AUD 69) are led by artists and extend to AC/DC Lane, Duckboard Place, Union Lane, Croft Alley and other graffiti laneways. Fitzroy and Collingwood have larger murals, making them a good next step. Related lanes include AC/DC Lane (named after the rock band, with many bars), Centre Place and Degraves Street (coffee and breakfast), and Presgrave Place (small art installations). Transport: it is a short walk from Federation Square, and the Flinders Street Station tram stop is nearby. Note: artists sometimes paint live in the lane, so do not touch wet works. The streets are narrow, so watch for vehicles. It is dim at night but still safe; photograph during the day if possible. Do not add graffiti to other people's work.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- City Circle Tram (Route 35)
- Flinders Street Station & Federation Square
- Degraves Street & Centre Place
- Block Arcade & Royal Arcade
- Chinatown, Melbourne
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International)
- Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka Tower)
- State Library Victoria