Australia · MELBOURNE TOURS
Melbourne itself takes a morning on foot and the rest of the state takes the week. These 15 cover the laneways and the river, then the wine hour out, Phillip Island at dusk and the coast road, each priced and honest about the driving.
See Melbourne from the Yarra River on a two-hour cruise with English GPS-triggered commentary. Travel upstream and downstream past Docklands, Southbank, the MCG, Olympic Park, Herring Island and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Choose indoor seating or the open rear deck, with tea and coffee included.
“Value for Money, You Should take Down Stream and Up Stream as well”
Board at Southbank Promenade for a three-hour, fully enclosed dinner cruise past Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Rod Laver Arena, and the Botanic Gardens. Your four-course meal includes Australian wine, bubbly, beer, spirits, dessert, cheese, coffee, tea, and port. Boats may be the Yarra Countess or Yarra Empress.
“excellent experience! very very atentive staff! me and my wife enjoyed evey moment! good food and appropiate drinks. 5 stars… clear!”
Walk Melbourne with a local English-speaking guide in a group of no more than 12. See Federation Square, Hosier Lane or nearby street art, arcades, Chinatown, the Yarra, Old Melbourne Gaol, and more. You also receive a Melbourne coffee, a final drink, a map, and practical tips for the rest of your stay.
“It was an amazing tour and the tour guide was great at teaching and very funny. It wasn’t any ordinary tour because of how many fun things we got to do along the way and how it wasn’t all about the history while still getting to learn so many awesome things. I would totally recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great time in Melbourne, Australia!”
Leave central Melbourne for Puffing Billy’s steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, then walk around Emerald Lake and explore Healesville Sanctuary. You’ll have time for koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and animal talks before ending at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Guides such as Peter, Matty, David, and Emily are known for clear commentary and attentive service.
“Well planned., enough time at sanctuary., didn’t feel rushed..”
Ride Puffing Billy, a preserved steam railway built in 1900, through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. Choose a journey from Belgrave or Lakeside, enjoy the famous sill-side seating between Belgrave and Lakeside, and allow 2 to 4 hours for the train and Emerald Lake Park area.
“The journey was just as eventful as I had hoped for and I do it again”
Join Yarra River Cruises at Federation Wharf for a one-hour sightseeing trip through central Melbourne. Your crew points out Eureka Tower, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Southbank, bridges, and riverside districts. Tea and coffee are included, drinks can be bought onboard, and guides such as Gilbert, Bridgette, Paul, and Pete have added plenty of humor and local detail.
“Lovely experience from start to finish. Absolutely amazing river cruise! Beautiful views of Melbourne City from the river side, smooth ride, and excellent service. Highly recommended!””
Meet your English-speaking MCC member guide at Gate 3 for a 75-minute look inside the MCG. You’ll visit the Long Room, MCC Library, player changing rooms, media centre, viewing room, and selected members’ areas, then step onto the arena. Guides vary, with Malcolm, John, Peter, Ian, and David among those leading recent tours.
“Fantastic tour. As an American, I knew absolutely nothing about cricket. This tour won't help introduce you to the sport but rather will go through all the history as you walk from the field to the suites, to the locker rooms. I have so much respect for their honor of their sports' past.”
Ride through Melbourne with a local guide such as David, Craig, or Murray, stopping at the Yarra River, Shrine of Remembrance, Royal Botanic Gardens, MCG, Rod Laver Arena, laneways, and rooftop-bar districts. Bikes, helmets, and safety gear are included. The mostly flat route suits confident casual cyclists, with an eBike upgrade available for A$40.
“What a great tour of Melbourne! Murray and the staff were great in getting the bikes ready. The tour of beautiful Melbourne was made even better by our guide's knowledgeable commentary and entertaining stories. Traveling by bike is a wonderful way to see the city.”
Explore Melbourne Zoo for one full day, just 10 minutes from the city centre. See lions, tigers, monkeys, meerkats, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, penguins, and fur seals. Your ticket includes keeper presentations, while paid upgrades offer closer behind-the-scenes encounters. Plan for several hours of walking.
“Great day. Eady to walk around and see the animals.”
Cruise from Southbank along the Yarra River in both directions, passing the MCG, Royal Botanic Gardens, Docklands, Crown, and the port. Commentary covers Melbourne’s past and present, while panoramic windows, a sun deck, tea, and coffee keep the ride comfortable. High tides can sometimes shorten or alter the route.
“Very good experience. I thought it was fun and enjoyable and something worthwhile to do for people who like cruises”
Ride from Southbank through Melbourne’s major sights with a local Blue Tongue Bikes guide such as Finn, Marcus, Matt, or Max. Expect a safety briefing, bicycle and helmet, Aboriginal and settler history, a one-hour Fitzroy lunch stop, and a small group capped at 10 people. Standard bikes and e-bike options may be available, so check carefully when booking.
“Finn is a great tour guide. The trip covered all the city highlights and we learned so much history of Australia in general Melbourne specifically.”
Spend a full day exploring Werribee Open Range Zoo, 35 kilometres west of Melbourne. Your ticket includes the 40-minute guided safari, where you may see giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and kangaroos roaming open grasslands. Walk among gorillas, lions, hippos, meerkats, and Australian wildlife, with keeper talks offered during the day.
“Took our grandchildren and we all loved our day. We went early so we avoided the crowd, who seemed to arrive around mid day. We took our own lunch and snacks as there are lots of picnic areas to sit and eat (take a picnic blanket to sit on). The safari bus was a highlight, the kids loved the animals wondering around and coming up close to the bus.”
Leave Melbourne by minibus for a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the classic leg-dangling tradition. Then spend about two hours at Healesville Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, and birds of prey. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Gina add local context along the way.
“Loved the entire trip. The Puffing Billy was a great experience... Something different and such lovely views along the way. The wildlife tour was so good also, had loads of time to go around it and a bit of souvenir shopping time also LeeLee our tour guide was great...her bubbly personality from the moment of pick up to drop off made the day trip a memorable one. Would definitely recommend”
Spend about 12 hours beyond Melbourne with a guide such as Alan, Gina, Jose, or Stuart. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, stop at The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. General Penguin Parade entry, transport, guide services, train fare, and park fees are included. Bring warm layers and expect a long day.
“The transport arrived on time, and we could all hop on the bus alright. Stuart, the driver, was witty and spoke only when required, giving us rest during the long drive. Puffing Billy was great; there were some delays, but nothing major. The penguin parade was fabulous—recommend everyone to get the Penguin Plus. As the seating is where the penguins will walk up to, and all along the boardwalk when you finish. Great trip, even if you were to drive yourself; it will probably take around the same time as you.”
Spend a flexible day at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium beside the Yarra River. Your ticket covers entry to 12 zones with more than 10,000 animals, including King and Gentoo penguins, Pinjarra the saltwater crocodile, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses, and elephant sharks. Expect self-guided exhibits, animal presentations, feeding sessions, touch pools, and a possible 4D cinema experience.
“Quick and easy to get tickets. Bypassing big lines”
Pick a reef, a cellar door or a coast road.
