Melbourne is a city of history, landmarks, culture and adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveller, there are so many experiences to be had through the many city tours and day trips on offer. From the city streets to the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne has something for everyone. Led by expert guides, you’ll uncover the city’s secrets, taste the food scene and be amazed by the natural beauty.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through Melbourne’s top tours, whether you’re exploring the city’s history on a Melbourne City Tour, indulging in sweet treats and chocolate tasting in the Yarra Valley, or hours of snow play at Mount Buller and Lake Mountain. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready for an adventure filled with culture, food and natural wonders!
Melbourne City Tour: The Heart of the City
The city centre is steeped in history, culture and landmarks, so it’s the perfect place for a walking tour. A Melbourne City Tour takes you through the busy streets where you can see famous landmarks like Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and the Queen Victoria Market. As you walk through the streets you’ll be surrounded by beautiful buildings and historic buildings that tell the story of Melbourne’s past.
One of the best parts of any city tour is Melbourne’s street art. In laneways like Hosier Lane and Degraves Street, you’ll find amazing murals and graffiti that showcase the city’s creativity. For a deeper look into the city’s art scene, visit Blender Studios, where you can meet local artists and see them at work.
Melbourne is also a foodie’s paradise with a food scene that’s thriving. On a Melbourne City Foodie Culture Tour, you can explore Lygon Street, famous for its Italian food, or visit the Victoria Market for urban experiences like tasting fresh produce and street food. Don’t miss out on trying dumplings in the city’s Chinatown, or go on a Melbourne City Hidden Bar Walking Tour to find secret speakeasies and cocktail bars in the heart of the city.
History lovers, Melbourne is the city for you. A guided city tour will take you through Barrow Street and other cobblestone lanes, where you’ll find out about Melbourne’s oldest buildings and heritage sites.
Great Ocean Road: Coastal Drives and Scenic Views
A Great Ocean Road tour is one of the top day trips from Melbourne. This coastal road has stunning coastal views, greenery and natural wonders so it’s a day trip destination that should be on everyones bucket list. The road winds along the coast, taking you past cliffs, beaches and coastal towns where you can experience the laid-back lifestyle of Victoria’s beach towns.
The most famous stop on the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks that rise up from the ocean. Along the way you can explore hidden beaches, rugged forests and see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Make sure to stop for lunch at a local café or beachside eatery to taste the local flavours. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and photographers, with plenty of favourite views and lookouts.
If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the opportunity to combine your Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne with a Bellarine Peninsula Food & Drink experience. Taste local wines, brewery tastings, and fresh farm food while taking in the coastal views of this region.
Mount Buller and Lake Mountain Snow Tours: Winter Fun
For winter fun Melbourne has access to two of Victoria’s best snow resorts: Mount Buller and Lake Mountain. Both are great for a day trip during winter, with hours of snow play with skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing.
Mount Buller is famous for its big ski fields and modern facilities, so it’s a favourite for winter sports enthusiasts. It’s only a few hours from Melbourne so it’s the closest snow resort to the city. Visitors can ski or snowboard or simply chill out in the mountain village where you can indulge in sweet treats and hot chocolates after a day on the slopes.
For a more family friendly snow experience the Lake Mountain Snow Tour is the way to go. Closer to Melbourne, Lake Mountain is a more laid-back environment with plenty of snow activities for all ages. You can sled, cross-country ski, or build snowmen in the beautiful alpine setting.
Both Mount Buller and Lake Mountain are a must do for winter in Melbourne. Don’t forget to pack your warm clothes and your camera.
Yarra Valley Wine Tours: A Foodies Dream
The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s top wine regions and is only an hour from Melbourne, so it’s the perfect day trip. A Yarra Valley wine tour is a luxurious getaway where you can indulge in wine tastings, gourmet food and vineyard views. Many tours visit famous wineries where you can taste local wines and enjoy winery lunches.
If you have a sweet tooth, the Yarra Valley is also famous for its chocolate tastings, where you can taste artisanal chocolates made from the best ingredients. Whether you’re a wine buff or just looking for a day in the country, a Yarra Valley tour is an experience that is not to be missed.
Don’t miss the local farmers’ markets where you can taste and buy fresh produce, cheese, and other local goodies. The food scene in this region is a must for any foodie visiting Melbourne.
Phillip Island Wildlife Tour: Get up close to Australian Wildlife
If you love animals, a visit to Phillip Island is a must. Only a short drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island Wildlife Tours will get you up close to Australia’s unique wildlife. The island is famous for the Penguin Parade, where you can watch hundreds of little penguins waddling back to shore at sunset. It’s an experience for all ages.
As well as penguins, the Koala Conservation Centre is home to the Koalas where you can walk through treetop boardwalks and see koalas in their natural habitat. You’ll also visit Port Phillip Bay where you can see seals, dolphins and other marine life.
For families, a Phillip Island tour is a fun day trip that combines wildlife encounters with stunning coastal views. Don’t forget your camera for this one.
Puffing Billy and Dandenong Ranges: A day out
For a break from the city, a trip to the Dandenong Ranges is a great idea. Here, you can ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the forests and scenic landscapes of the mountain ranges. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and families looking for a day out in the country.
As you ride the Puffing Billy, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views of the surrounding forests and valleys. Stop off at quaint villages where you can try Devonshire tea or wander the cobblestone streets of the town.
Albert Park Lake is also another lovely spot for a walk or picnic. For a more in depth look into the area’s history and culture many tours offer special experiences.
Why Melbourne Tours?
Melbourne has everything— streets that buzz, history that fascinates, landscapes that stun and a food scene that thrives. Whether you’re sticking to the city limits on a Melbourne City Tour or heading out to the countryside on a Wildlife Tour, Melbourne Tours has something for everyone. With our expert guides, you’ll get to see the inside secrets and experience the best of Melbourne.
Whatever your interests Melbourne has tours to fill your visit with memories. City walking tours to coastal drives Melbourne has something for everyone.
FAQ
What are the best Melbourne tours for first-timers?
First timers should do the Melbourne City Tour which covers major landmarks like Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and the Queen Victoria Market, a great introduction to the city.
Are there family-friendly tours in Melbourne?
Yes, family friendly tours like the Phillip Island Wildlife Tour and Puffing Billy Steam Train tour are great for kids and offer a fun and educational experience in nature.
When is the best time to visit Mount Buller for snow?
Winter (June to August) is the best time to visit Mount Buller for skiing, snowboarding and snow play. Both Mount Buller and Lake Mountain are winter destinations.
What are the top food and wine tours near Melbourne?
The Yarra Valley Wine Tour is the best for food and wine lovers: wine tastings, vineyard tours and gourmet meals in one of Australia’s top wine regions.
Do you have private tours in Melbourne?
Yes. Many operators offer private tours. Personalised city tours or private wildlife tours on Phillip
