Degraves Street

Degraves Street is the quintessential Melbourne laneway, a narrow, atmospheric cobbled lane in the heart of the CBD that perfectly captures the city's world-famous café and coffee culture. Lined cheek-by-jowl with tiny independent cafés, their tables and chairs spilling out under colourful awnings, it's a buzzing, bohemian little strip where the smell of espresso fills the air and people linger over brunch, coffee, and people-watching. Add eclectic boutiques, street art, vintage stores, and the constant hum of conversation, and you have a microcosm of what makes Melbourne's laneways so beloved.

Running between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane (with a pedestrian subway link to Flinders Street Station), it's right in the centre and easy to find. There's nothing to 'see' as such, the point is to soak up the atmosphere, grab a great coffee, and experience Melbourne's laneway life firsthand. Free to wander, liveliest by day, especially at brunch. Pull up a chair, order a flat white, and watch the city go by.

Don't miss

• Quintessential Melbourne café and coffee culture
• A narrow, cobbled, atmosphere-packed laneway
• Alfresco tables under colourful awnings
• Independent boutiques, street art, and vintage stores
• A central spot linked to Flinders Street Station

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• It's all about the coffee and atmosphere, grab a flat white.
• Liveliest by day, especially at weekend brunch.
• It's right beside Flinders Street Station via a pedestrian subway.
• Soak up the laneway vibe, there's no 'sight,' just the experience.

A bit of history

Like many of Melbourne's service laneways, Degraves Street was transformed from the late 20th century as the city embraced its lanes for hospitality and small business. It became an emblem of Melbourne's celebrated coffee culture and laneway revival.