City of Literature – Melbourne Walking Tour
About
Melbourne’s stories aren’t only found in books — they’re written into its streets, laneways and meeting places.City of Literature is a 3-hour guided walking tour exploring how Melbourne became a city shaped by writers, readers, publishers and ideas. From early newspapers and publishing houses to bookshops, cafés and laneways filled with words and colour, this tour traces the literary life of the city across time.
We’ll gather at the State Library Victoria before heading further into the CBD, following a trail that reveals where stories were written, debated, printed and shared. Along the way, Paul Daffey brings together well-known names and lesser-known tales, showing how Melbourne earned its place as a UNESCO City of Literature — and why it was named the second city in the world to receive the title.
This tour is ideal for curious readers, history lovers and anyone interested in the cultural forces that shaped Melbourne.
When: 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Where: Meet at 1.45 pm on the steps at the entrance to State Library Victoria
Tickets: $60. Tour price includes tea or coffee. Maximum of 10 people.
Meet your guide – Paul Daffey
Paul is a lifelong Melburnian, journalist and storyteller whose deep connection to the city’s cultural life adds richness and context to every walk. With an eye for detail and a love of language, he reveals the stories that have helped define Melbourne.
Dates
Thursday 19 February 2026 - Thursday 19 March 2026 (UTC+11)Location
State Library Victoria
328 Swanston St,, Melbourne Vic 3000
Choose date
Select a date
Key
Available
Not available
Past session
Loading...
Contact Form
City of Literature – Melbourne Walking Tour
Resend recently purchased tickets to our events to your email.
Enter email to start search
You can review the event organiser's terms and conditions here.