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Street · Melbourne, Victoria
Hosier Lane
Central laneway covered in graffiti and posters that change all the time, the best-known of Melbourne’s street-art laneways.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane is a cobbled laneway off Flinders Street, opposite Federation Square, with walls covered in graffiti, murals, stickers and posters from ground level to the tops of the buildings. Street art is permitted there, and the works change frequently: someone returning after a few months will find a different laneway.
Hosier Lane is the most famous of a network of central laneways that have become a city trademark. A few minutes away are AC/DC Lane, with tributes to the band, Centre Place and Degraves Street, narrow and full of cafés with outdoor tables, and the covered 19th-century arcades Block Arcade and Royal Arcade.
The laneways are part of Melbourne’s strong café culture. Many visitors walk the route on their own; there are also guided street-art tours that explain the artists and techniques.
The lane is usually full of people taking photos, and it’s common to see artists painting during the day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour for Hosier Lane and the neighbouring laneways.
Best time
In the morning, before it gets busy, to photograph in peace. The lane is busier on weekends.
How to get there
On foot from Federation Square, crossing Flinders Street.
Tip
Make a walking circuit through Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, Centre Place, Degraves Street and Block Arcade.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hosier Lane
Is the art in Hosier Lane permanent?
No. The works change constantly because artists paint over previous pieces. Each visit finds a different laneway.
What other laneways should I visit?
AC/DC Lane, Centre Place and Degraves Street with cafés, and the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade galleries — all a few minutes’ walk away.
Are there guided street-art tours?
Yes — there are guided walking tours of the city’s laneways. Book in advance during holiday periods.