Degraves Street

Overview

Degraves Street is a narrow, atmospheric laneway running between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, considered the birthplace of Melbourne's world-famous café culture. It is the quintessential Melbourne coffee experience.

Highlights

• Café Culture: Tiny espresso bars with marble counters and hand-pulled coffee line both sides of the lane, operating since the 1990s.
• European Atmosphere: The narrow width, awnings, and small tables spilling onto the cobblestones give Degraves Street a distinctly Parisian feel.
• Street Art: Neighbouring Centre Place features rotating murals and paste-ups.

History

Degraves Street was one of the first Melbourne laneways to be colonised by independent cafes in the mid-1990s. It catalysed the laneway revival that transformed Melbourne's urban identity and its global reputation as a coffee capital.

Visitor Tips

• Peak Times: Busiest at breakfast and lunch — arrive before 8 AM or after 2 PM for a quieter experience.
• Centre Place: Duck into the connecting Centre Place laneway for more street art and indie boutiques.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.