Lost Laneways of Melbourne

Take a tour through Melbourne's backstreets and uncover the history, anecdotes and lore hidden within the 'City of Lanes'.

'The barbarous system which prevails in Melbourne, of huddling little cottages together in obscure back lanes.'

Melbourne is Australia's city of laneways. It has been that way ever since European settlement. But the lacework of back streets and alleys famous for their bars, restaurants and vibrant street art emerged from a more squalid history—and did so in a whirlwind of shonky construction and ruthless demolition that saw the streetscape change with bewildering rapidity. Whatever happened to Magnet Parade? Or Felix Place, or Roach Terrace?

Robyn Annear has trawled the historical records to trace the existence, over the years, of around 320 distinct Melbourne laneways, known by almost five hundred names. In Lost Laneways of Melbourne she takes the reader on a series of guided walks around the modern city to discover the ghost city behind it, and the stories of the people who lived there.

If you don't know Melbourne, this is a delightful introduction. If you do, it is a revelation.

'An unexpected delight...On this tour of Melbourne we are in the best possible hands.' Saturday Paper on Adrift in Melbourne

'Robyn Annear is the perfect guide for this city tour, comprising seven walks (which can be done on foot or in your armchair)...There's a gallery of characters too, but none more interesting than the city itself.' Age on Adrift in Melbourne

'Always a first port of call when it comes to the history of our city and the state.' ABC Radio Melbourne on Corners of Melbourne