Melbourne is one of the most liveable cities in the world, and for good reason. It’s a cultural hotpot with a rich history, awesome art scene, great food and easy access to some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes. Melbourne Tours gives you the chance to see iconic landmarks and famous sites, wildlife and wine in beautiful regions. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveller, there’s always something new to find. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most epic Melbourne tours featuring Phillip Island, Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park and more.
Contents
- 1 City Sightseeing and Landmarks
- 2 Phillip Island Tours and the Penguin Parade
- 3 Great Ocean Road and Coastal Drives
- 4 Yarra Valley Wine Tours and Food
- 5 Grampians National Park and MacKenzie Falls
- 6 Mount Buller and Lake Mountain Snow Tours
- 7 Bellarine Peninsula Food and Wine Lovers Tour
- 8 National Parks and Bushwalks
- 9 FAQ
City Sightseeing and Landmarks
Melbourne’s city life is cosmopolitan, and there are endless attractions, so it’s one of the best cities for day tours and sightseeing. A Melbourne City Tour is the best way to see the history and diversity of the city. Must-see landmarks include Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Ground and Queen Victoria Market, where you can taste local Australian favourites and shop for fresh produce and artisanal products. For a city view, take a Melbourne River Cruise along the Yarra River and pass by Southern Cross Station and the city skyline.
The public transport system gets you to all these attractions, and a ride on the City Circle Tram is free and a great way to see the CBD. Melbourne is also famous for its street art and hidden laneways, which allow you to see the artistic side of the city.
Phillip Island Tours and the Penguin Parade
Phillip Island is one of the top day trips from Melbourne and a wildlife lover’s paradise. Only an hour’s drive from the city, Phillip Island is where you can see the famous Penguin Parade at dusk when the little penguins come in from the sea. The Penguin Parade is the highlight of any tour, but the island has so much more to offer. Phillip Island Nature Parks is home to a wide range of Australian wildlife, and a visit to Churchill Island will give you an insight into the island’s farming history.
For nature lovers, Phillip Island’s coastal views are stunning. Take in the views of the coastal cliffs and enjoy a leisurely walk along the sandy beaches of Eastern Beach. Phillip Island tours often include stops at other famous spots such as the Nobbies, where you can see native animals like fur seals, and Moonlit Sanctuary, where you can have up close and personal with Aussie wildlife like koalas and kangaroos.
Great Ocean Road and Coastal Drives
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous coastal drives and a must do for visitors to Melbourne. This scenic route takes in the rugged coastline, famous surf beaches like Bells Beach and charming seaside towns like Apollo Bay. One of the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road tour is the Loch Ard Gorge, a site of shipwreck history with towering cliffs and sandy shores.
Further along the Shipwreck Coast you’ll find the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone rock formations that rise out of the Southern Ocean. Tours on this route often include wildlife spotting with stops at places like Kennett River where you can see koalas in the wild.
A Great Ocean Road tour also takes you through the Otway Rainforest, an ancient forest where you can walk among giant trees and greenery. The tour finishes in the seaside town of Lorne, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and enjoy views of the Surf Coast.
Yarra Valley Wine Tours and Food
If you’re a wine lover, a visit to the Yarra Valley is a must—only a short drive from Melbourne and world-class wine and food experiences. A wine tour in Yarra Valley may include visits to wineries such as Domaine Chandon, where you can enjoy a winery lunch with local wines. The valley is also home to gourmet food producers with everything from fresh cheese to handmade chocolates.
Along with the wine, the Yarra Valley has stunning views of rolling hills and greenery. Wine tours often stop at the Healesville Sanctuary, where you can see Australian animals in their natural environment. Another popular stop is the Olive Grove, where you can taste local olive oil.
For those looking for a bit of adventure, the Yarra Valley is also a great place for hot springs and wellness retreats. A day in this beautiful drive through country towns and vineyards is a wine lover’s and foodie’s dream.
Grampians National Park and MacKenzie Falls
A trip to Grampians National Park is for those who love the great outdoors and wildlife. Known for its rugged landscapes, the Grampians offer wildlife spotting, hiking and stunning views of natural wonders like MacKenzie Falls. The park is home to many native animals, and visitors often see kangaroos, emus and echidnas along the way.
A day trip to the Grampians also includes a stop in Halls Gap, a lovely little town close to the park and great dining options with food made from local produce. The park has many lookouts with incredible views and scenery that are perfect for photographers.
Mount Buller and Lake Mountain Snow Tours
If you’re in Melbourne in winter, a Snow Tour to Mount Buller or Lake Mountain is a great way to ski, snowboard and play in the snow. Mount Buller is the closest snow resort to Melbourne, so it is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Lake Mountain is perfect for families with young children, as it has gentle slopes and tobogganing.
These full day tours take you through scenic drives and country towns along the way. Enjoy the views of snow topped mountains and winter landscapes as you head to these popular snow spots.
Bellarine Peninsula Food and Wine Lovers Tour
The Bellarine Peninsula is an up-and-coming food and wine destination. A tour here includes wine tastings, cheese and olive oil tastings and a visit to a dolphin sanctuary where you can see these cuties in their natural habitat. The Bellarine Peninsula Food Tour also includes lunch with local wines and stunning coastal views.
National Parks and Bushwalks
Melbourne is surrounded by national parks where you can see wildlife, hike and bushwalk. Budj Bim National Park and Organ Pipes National Park are two of them, each with its own unique landscapes and native animals. If you want a more relaxed experience, Emerald Lake is a beautiful spot for picnics and walks.
Bush Walk Beach is another popular spot to see wildlife and coastal scenery. Located along the Great Ocean Road it’s perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
Melbourne has it all—natural beauty, wildlife, food and adventure. Whether you’re beaching it, wine touring or road tripping the countryside there’s magic around every corner.
FAQ
What are the best day tours for wildlife in Melbourne?
Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley, Moonlit Sanctuary and the Dolphin Sanctuary on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Which tour has the most scenic coastal driving?
The Great Ocean Road tour has the best coastal driving with views of the Surf Coast, Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Where can I do wine tastings near Melbourne?
Yarra Valley and Bellarine Peninsula for wine tastings with visits to award-winning wineries and local food.
What are the top natural attractions near Melbourne?
MacKenzie Falls in the Grampians, Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, Mount Buller for winter sports.
Can I do a day trip to Phillip Island from Melbourne?
Yes, Phillip Island is a day trip from Melbourne with Penguin Parade, Churchill Island and coastal views.
