Melbourne, Australia, offers one of the most vibrant, creative scenes the world over for urban street art, ranging from spray-painted murals and stencils to paste-ups. However, the art is scattered in several places — along hidden laneways, alleys and even sidewalks. To discover the nooks and crannies requires a map: You won’t stumble on them easily.

Stop by the information booth in Federation Square for a free map identifying street art locations. Directly across the street and diagonal from the square is the best place to start — Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane.

Here you will discover a larger-than-life mural of the Joker from The Dark Knight – a tribute to the late, great Australian actor Heath Ledger. Over on Degraves Place look for a paste-up from the Melbourne street artist Be Free. Known for whimsical imagery reminiscent of the innocence of childhood, her paste-ups reflect optimism for the future. This one depicts a child with pigtails pouring paint from a can, as if creating a rainbow of opportunities. The same girl appears in other secret alleys with equally alluring messages.

At the end of Croft Alley and Paynes Place in Chinatown, past the graffiti, discover a portrait of a man with a tattooed face, puffing on a cigarette. Nearby on a side wall is a spray-painted portrait of a seductive woman gazing skyward. Her mixed message juxtaposes harsh reality with dreams of hope.

Melbourne’s street art represents a significant cultural movement among artists looking for outlets of expression. However, the street art scene constantly changes and evolves, guaranteeing new visuals each time you come.

Look for street art in these locations:

• Hosier and Rutledge Lane opposite Federation Square
• Caledonian Lane, off Little Bourke Street
• Union Lane off Bourke Street Mall
• Rear of 280 Queen St. in Finlay Avenue
• 21 Degraves St.
• Flinders Lane and Cocker Alley
• Centre Place between Collins Street and Flinders Lane