Imagine the walls of a city as canvases and an art gallery open to the skies. The artists follow their hearts and paint the walls with what they see and what they wish to see around them. Beyond the skyscrapers, the high-fashion boutique stores and bustling markets, I discovered a Melbourne which showcases its creativity in its narrow lanes, building facades and alleys. Every corner I turned, every wall I came across, I came face to face with the city’s dynamic street art scene – one which is flocked by tourists from across the world. From striking murals to vibrant paintings and creative graffiti, the streets of Victoria’s capital are a colourful showcase of its urban culture.
Back when it started
According to Visit Victoria – the tourism and events company for the State of Victoria in Australia - Melbourne’s street art scene started in the 1980s, and was heavily influenced by the global rise of hip-hop culture. Over time, this art form evolved into a celebrated part of Melbourne’s urban culture. “The early 2000s marked a turning point as Melbourne embraced street art as an essential element of its creative identity. Iconic locations like Hosier Lane became renowned as ever-changing, open-air galleries where artists from around the world could contribute their work,” says an official statement.
Pioneering artists such as HaHa (Regan Tamanui) helped shape the early narrative with his distinctive stencil style, while Miso (Stanislava Pinchuk) brought an intricate, poetic quality to the streets. Artists such as Meggs and Rone further elevated the scene, gaining international acclaim for their large-scale, emotionally charged murals. Melbourne’s commitment to supporting public and street art extends beyond the city to regional areas as well, with vibrant street art trails in Frankston, Geelong, Warrnambool, Shepparton, and Tongala, each showcasing unique local narratives and community involvement.
Making a statement
As I entered a narrow lane called Duckboard Place, the first thing that struck me is how vibrant and alive it looked with street art and gig posters covering the walls on both sides. Home to the Indian-inspired Tonka, the popular Chinese eatery Lee Ho Fook and the Danish steakhouse A Hereford Beefstouw, the lane was buzzing with tourists who often stopped to admire and click pictures against the large-scale murals. One of the most photographed murals here – which could easily be a tattoo – is of large red roses and a butterfly painted with ‘Melbourne’ written in the middle. Australian artist Steen Jones, who is known for his tattoo-influenced style, shares on his website, “A tribute to the city where my (street) art began. What started as a simple ‘love letter’ quickly turned viral and one of countries most well-known, sought-after, photographed murals.”
At the end of the street, adjoining AC/DC lane, is another beautiful mural by Sydney-based social realist painter Fintan Magee – also known as ‘Australian Banksy’ - who is known for his paintings and murals with underlying themes such as migration, diversity and the environment. Created in 2016, the mural which is almost four storeys high shows an aboriginal man carrying a Eucalyptus tree in his arms – possibly a reference to the impact of colonisation on indigenous Australians.
Culture-scape
Adjoining Duckboard Place is the AC/DC lane. As the name suggests, it is a tribute to the legendary rock band formed in the 1970s. Earlier known as Corporation Lane, it was renamed AC/DC lane in 2004 and has a number of music-themed art and graffiti. The most prominent feature of this lane, is a sculpture of the band’s former lead singer Bon Scott by artist Mike Makatron. “It’s an honour to add a permanent 3D element that pays tribute to a great Australian rock’n’roll band and its lead singer, Bon Scott, but also to music in general,” Makatron had told The Sydney Morning Herald in 2018, when he created the sculpture which seems to be bursting out of the wall.
Diversity, both in terms of style and themes, dominates the adjoining Hosier Lane, another cobblestoned alleyway known for its ever-evolving and changing street art. The lane, which also serves as a back entrance for the streetwear hub Culture Kings, is certainly one of the most colourful and vibrant of the lot, with bright and bold murals and paintings leaping out of the walls. Don’t be surprised if in the middle of all this, you come across podcaster Lui Diaz shooting one of his podcasts against the background of a colourful graffitied wall.
Amidst all the pop art and revelry, take a breather and look up. You will be rewarded with the sight of a 23-metre-tall mural painted by Melbourne-based artist Adnate. Painted in muted shades, it shows a boy from the aboriginal Wurundjeri people, looking towards the inner-city park Birrarung Marr – once again, a reminder of who the land originally belonged to.
A hat-tip to India
As enthralled as I was taking in the local art, graffiti and murals, it came as a pleasant surprise to suddenly encounter Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya on a wall on Higson Street, which runs alongside the popular pan-Asian eatery ChinChin. The mural, we were told, was painted in 2022, just ahead of the India-Pakistan match at the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground. It certainly brought out my patriotic side, making me and my companion break into ‘Bharat hum ko jaan se pyara hai!’
The city’s open art galleries are more than just decoration, according to Visit Victoria. Embracing creative spirit and freedom of expression, – “From vivid political statements to deeply personal reflections, these artworks spark thought and foster inclusivity. They empower underrepresented voices and bring art into the everyday lives of citizens and tourists alike.”
Street art on Croft Alley
Although one can easily saunter in and out of the alleyways and take in the street by oneself, it is a good idea to join one of the tours curated by some of the notable operators that include Melbourne Street Tours, Hidden Secret Tours, Depo8 Street Art Walks, The Blender Studios and Drinking History Tours – the latter combining Melbourne’s laneway art with the city’s bar scene. “Culturally, street art makes Melbourne not only visually distinctive but also emotionally resonant. Economically, the street art scene supports local businesses, inspires fashion and design trends, and draws thousands of visitors each year eager to explore the city’s colourful laneways. In essence, Melbourne’s street art defines the city as one that celebrates creativity, embraces change, and champions public storytelling—qualities that have helped it emerge as a global leader in contemporary urban culture,” says a statement from Visit Victoria.
As I entered another lane revealing a burst of colour and yet another striking surprise, I was reminded of French architect Jean Nouvel’s famous remark, “Art should be created for life, not for the museum”.