About Us

Founded in 2004, Hidden Secrets Tours is Melbourne’s original laneways walking tour company, developed by co-founders in publishing and small business retail. At the time, the concept of walking tours was only emerging in our city.

Two decades later, Fiona continues as owner and the company is powered by a team of equally passionate and curious Melburnians, always exploring the city. Together we have won awards in tourism and innovation, championed the value of local businesses and delight in the wider conversations about Melbourne’s place in the visitor experience in Australia and beyond.

You may have seen us on TV and media promoting the quirky stories and creative people of Melbourne, this is what we love to share. Our team use the city, for fun, work and rest. We hope to inspire you to do so as well.

Meet the team

 

Director and Founder

Fiona first took a tour in a small town in France for English speaking conference guests in the 1990’s, but soon returned to her dressmaking business, and photography habits. In her hometown of Melbourne, Fiona loved seeking out other small business creatives, and travel connections. By her mid 30’s Fiona found herself starting a new tour business that became Hidden Secrets Tours and continues to support her city and her team as they head into another decade.

Finding a passion in the value of tourism, Fiona has been on several industry boards, and industry committees, and thrives in connecting people with stories.  She still loves to travel, seeks out local creatives, and alternative perspectives.

Our guides →

Melinda

As a fifth generation Melburnian, I feel very connected to my hometown.  I love all this vibrant city has to offer and particularly enjoy arts related interests, such as live music, theatre and galleries.  “Some people say I look like Mary Poppins carrying my brollie, but if I can help weave them some Melbourne magic, that’s fine with me!”

Lynne

I love to travel and meet people. I enjoy music, the theatre, football and swimming. I’ve been a walking tour guide for 15 years and am passionate about my hometown. I believe the best way to see Melbourne is to walk to truly see and absorb the sights and the sounds of this amazing city.

Dee

I am passionate about Melbourne’s colourful gold rush history from its exquisite buildings to its rogue characters that have been woven into the fabric of the city today. In my spare time I follow my passion of florals and perfumes from bygone eras and make my own perfumes and potions.

Tour guiding allows me to meet fabulous people from all over the world and immerse them in our amazing city in unique and joyful ways.

Fiona (Fee)

Leading walking tours of Melbourne City is a privilege and a joy. I am a foodie and music lover who thrives in bustling cities, art culture, diverse culinary scenes, and coffee! My years of guiding and sharing Melbourne’s stories have brought me closer to my Australian history and fostered a deeper connection with the city.

Isabel

I have been a specialist tour guide leading walks for 21 years. I have a passion for weaving in and out of the lanes, alleyways and arcades and constantly discovering the new, and the unusual. I delight in meeting people and introducing folks to our historical narrative, our extraordinary architecture, and our ever-changing city.

Melbourne is my city – a truly vibrant place. My very favourite lane is the lush and lovely Guildford Lane, filled with unique small businesses today, in the 1920’s the lane housed chocolate and furniture factories and a motor bike garage. You can guess what I enjoy doing in my spare time – ‘exploring of course’ the grid of Melbourne.

Catherine

Catherine, although born in France and raised in Paris, has succumbed to Melbourne’s charm.

Having worked as a tour guide all over Australia, her present passion is to enthuse visitors and delight them with Melbourne’s many secrets and leave them enchanted.

Just look out for the French twist she may give your tour!

Bronwyn

As a Tour Guide for over 25 years and a member of Tour Guides Australia I love our vibrant city of Melbourne. It is a privilege to share with visitors our city and to give them the opportunity to discover some of its hidden secrets.

Having worked as an exhibition/museum curator I enjoy art, history, heritage and travel exploring new cultural landscapes.

Judy

Born in England but living here since childhood, I worked in education for many years. Wanting a career change, I started volunteering at the city of Melbourne and realised how much there was to share about our city and my passion of showing visitors around Melbourne was born. I love checking out the many cafes of the city and now even have my own little black book of tips to share with people. It’s now a privilege and an absolute pleasure to take local, interstate and international visitors to Melbourne’s hidden secrets.

Alice

Born and bred in Paris, I have a passion for traveling and discovering new countries, cultures and people.

Having lived in France, Germany and Italy, I’m now installed in Melbourne and totally in love with this fantastic city. I will be delighted to meet you, show you around, and tell you some of the hidden stories of Melbourne. And of course, with a bit of an accent!

Office staff →

Meg

With a background in travel sales and wholesale, I love creating unique experiences, from booking walking tours of Melbourne to exploring new destinations. I’m passionate about art, architecture, and design, and enjoy spending my weekends on long walks with my dog or catching an AFL game at the MCG.

Stef

Although born in Germany and living in the US for a few years, I consider myself a passionate Australian calling Melbourne home for the majority of my life. I have worked in the tourism sector for well over 20 years in all areas from tour guiding, marketing, accounts & HR to office management for various attractions and tour companies. I have always been an enthusiastic traveller, love exploring nature and learning about different cultures. I joined Hidden Secrets in the post Covid world as Office & Operations Manager and am excited to be part of such a great team.

Recognition & Awards

Since 2004, we have been striving for excellence in our field, and as the original laneway walks, we are innovating all the time towards business excellence.

We are honoured to have been recognised with:
  • Bronze winner in 2017, Victorian Tourism Awards
  • A Melbourne Award for Contribution to the profile of Melbourne in 2008,
  •  We won the 2017 Business 3000 awards for the Female Entrepreneur Award
  • We won the 2024 Small Business Achievement award from the City of Melbourne.
  • We have accreditation by ATIC – including sustainable practices
  • We are paid members of VTICATDWTour Guides Association of Australia  and Collins Street Precinct