"Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia, has gained international acclaim for its diverse range of street art and associated subcultures. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, much of the city's disaffected youth were influenced by the graffiti of New York City, which subsequently became popular in Melbourne's inner suburbs, and along suburban railway and tram lines." Wikepedia

Some years ago we received a thoughtful Christmas gift from our son and family living in Bangkok, Thailand at that time. It arrived as a special voucher through "Red Balloon" - an opportunity to join a small group guided tour around the often secret streets and lanes of Melbourne, including drinks of choice at a funky pop-up bar hidden away in a lane and, afterwards, an afternoon drink of choice, coffee and a delectable gourmet spread in a smart Bourke St cafe.

We thought we knew our hometown very well, aware of Melbourne's popular street art in well traversed lanes and side streets. Our guide, artist and lecturer, led us to places we never knew existed. Lanes off lanes, among backstreet alleys, round corners, industrial fencing and shipping containers. places one would normally walk past and upstairs to rooftop bars and spaces. She explained the difference between recognised "Street Art", much of it sanctioned by the Melbourne City Council, and graffiti or "tagging", unacceptable but still a part of the scene.

We viewed paste-ups, stencils and murals, some huge and often wildly impressive. Much of the art is temporary as others are at liberty to cover it with their own work. Much is highly regarded. That of Banksy is known world wide, and brings high prices among collectors.

More images of street art around Melbourne are being added to the start of this gallery.