Top Melbourne How to Get Around - page 2

Driving the Great Ocean Road yourself means long hours at the wheel and missing the stops you can't spot from the road. Ride it in a small group from Melbourne instead, with a guide handling the route to the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge. Walk among the tall ash trees in Great Otway National Park, and watch for koalas at one of the area's larger colonies along the way.

Take in a bounty of Melbourne’s highlights along the scenic Yarra River on this narrated sightseeing cruise. Spend a delightful hour aboard a riverboat as you glide under the Princes Bridge and past beautiful river gardens, Herring Island, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and other top cultural attractions.

Spend a full day exploring the landmarks of the Great Ocean Road. Watch the sunset at the famous Twelve Apostles rock formation, pass the Otway Ranges and spot koalas, explore landmarks in Port Campbell National Park and more. Known as one of Australia's most beautiful drives and one of Victoria's most popular destinations, the Great Ocean Road offers great photo ops of coastal scenery, picturesque seaside towns and pristine wilderness—a must-do excursion from Melbourne.

Experience the delights of Victoria’s wine country on this Yarra Valley wine tour from Melbourne. With an informative wine guide, you’ll visit four popular wineries, which may include Balgownie Estate, Soumah Yarra Valley, Greenstone Vineyards, and Yering Farm. Enjoy plenty of tastings as well as a winery lunch while you learn about winemaking in Australia and admire the picturesque landscapes.

Take a walk through Melbourne's seedy side on a true crime tour of Fitzroy, once the city’s most dangerous and notorious district. Feel transported back to the turn of the 20th century while a historian guide shares the dark deeds of thieves, murderers, gang bosses, pimps, and other scoundrels who once stalked the streets. Meet these hardened criminals through a booklet with historic photos that bring the chilling stories to life.

Discover Australia's Great Ocean Road—where coastal views and lush rainforests meet—on this full-day adventure from Melbourne. Heading out from the urban landscape of the city, keep your eyes peeled for koalas, walk through rainforests, and visit local landmarks like the Memorial Arch. A local guide is on-hand to fill you in on the area's history—something many travelers miss out on. Once you've refueled with lunch (own expense) in the beautiful town of Apollo Bay, marvel at the Twelve Apostles (a set of giant limestone stacks), and explore other panoramic views, including the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge.

Travelers short on time can still experience one of Melbourne’s best day trips with this afternoon tour to Phillip Island. After a free morning, travel in the early afternoon to Phillip Island, with time for some sightseeing before watching the famous penguin parade at sunset. For people not sure what to do in the morning, you can choose to include a morning trip to ride the Puffing Billy steam train.

The Grampians sit a few hours west of Melbourne, with waterfalls, lookouts, and wildlife spread across the park—hard to link by self-driving. Ride out in a small group with the route handled, stopping at the gold-rush town of Ballarat before a bushwalk to Silverband Falls. Watch for kangaroos at Halls Gap, hike to the Grand Canyon rock formation, and take in MacKenzie Falls before the return.

Enjoy one of Australia's most incredible wildlife experiences on this magnificent Phillip Island tour. Witness the world famous penguin parade from the brand new exclusive penguins plus viewing platform, definitely the highlight of this day tour. Your day trip includes a visit to Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you can see the iconic Australian koalas up close.

Save time and hassle during your visit to the Mt. Buller Village and conserve your energy for the slopes. This return-trip coach transfer from Melbourne takes you directly to Mt. Buller Village, eliminating the need to get on a shuttle bus. Enjoy the day on the snow-covered mountain as you please then hop back on board for the return journey back to Melbourne.

Getting your bearings in Melbourne for the first time can be tricky, but with a guided tour like this one, you needn’t worry. Instead of fussing around trying to plan the ideal route, an expert already has it in hand and is ready to share their unique local stories that don’t make it into the average guidebook, while you check out landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral.

Exploring the Great Ocean Road in one day can be overwhelming, but this group tour takes you straight from the city center to attractions like Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, the Razorback rock formation, and the town of Apollo Bay, where lunch is at your own expense. This National Heritage-listed road promises incredible sea views from your comfortable coach seat.

Moonlit Sanctuary is one of the best spots to discover Australia’s unique wildlife around Melbourne—but it’s impossible to reach on public transportation. Avoid the expense and stress of car hire when you book this small-group half-day tour, with pickup (but not drop-off) at selected city hotels. Hand-feed kangaroos and see koalas, dingoes, wombats, and more, with a photo stop at Brighton Beach and its colorful bathing boxes.

Discover the beauty of the Great Ocean Road on this full-day adventure tour from Melbourne. As you cruise along the coast in search of the best lookout spots—like the 12 Apostles—keep your eyes peeled for koalas in the wild. You’ll also go on a guided walk through a forest with some of the tallest trees in the world, stop for a swim at Apollo Bay, and visit Loch Ard Gorge.

Experience the scenic Yarra Valley on the Puffing Billy train. This full-day trip takes you through the Dandenong Ranges to Emerald Lake, the Healesville Sanctuary Zoo, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. At the last stop you can enjoy free samples and chocolate shopping. This trip starts and ends at The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne.

Travel the Great Ocean Road while avoiding the crowds, when you book this small-group reverse itinerary tour. Drive straight from Melbourne to the famous Twelve Apostles, then slowly make your way back to the city. Stop at sites such as Teddy’s Lookout, Gibsons Steps, Apollo Bay, and more while also keeping an eye out for wildlife like kangaroos and koalas. Enjoy incredible views over the sea while you learn all about the road and its storied past.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious wines of the Yarra Valley on this small-group, half-day tour from Melbourne. Leave the organizing to someone else and relax as you visit three of the area's best boutique wineries—Helen & Joey Estate, Payten and Jones, and Soumah—for tours and tastings. Round-trip transfers are included for a seamless experience, and you can even upgrade your day with an optional gin tasting experience.

See the famous Twelve Apostles and hike through the lush forests of Great Otway National Park on a full-day tour from Melbourne. Reach the UNESCO-listed Twelve Apostles before the crowds. Continue to Great Otway National Park to hike, see beautiful waterfalls, observe local wildlife, and admire the ancient forests. On the return trip to the city, stop for an optional ice cream and look out for koalas, parrots, and kangaroos.

It’s so tempting to explore further afield from the city when you’re on vacation, but between planning the route and the itinerary, it can feel like more trouble than it’s worth. But not so with this Puffing Billy tour Penguin Parade combo tour, which treats you to a side of Melbourne that way too many tourists don’t get to see, and with convenient pickup from a selection of hotels too.

Reaching the Puffing Billy railway in the Dandenong Ranges takes some sorting from central Melbourne, especially without a car. Ride out with transport arranged, then board the heritage steam train through the ranges, with the open-sided carriages that the line is known for. At the Lakeside Visitor Centre, walk around Emerald Lake Park and stop for food (own expense) before returning.

Venture beyond the tourist trail on this comprehensive 2-day tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne—with all logistics taken care of. Follow the renowned coastal route past windswept beaches, beautiful bays, and dramatic natural landmarks. Visit surfing beaches, spot wild kangaroos, koalas, and parrots on a bushwalk, and enjoy glorious views over Apollo Bay. After an overnight stop, continue along the Shipwreck Coast and check out natural wonders such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Create your perfect snow day on a fun-filled winter adventure from Melbourne. Travel on a comfortable coach to the alpine wonderland of Lake Mountain, the closest snow resort to Melbourne. Enjoy three hours on the mountain—try tobogganing (own expense), explore cross-country ski trails, or simply build a snowman and enjoy the frosty scenery. After your snow adventure, visit spectacular Steavenson Falls and the Yarra Valley for a chocolate tasting.

Discover the delicious wines and food of the Yarra Valley on a full-day tasting tour from Melbourne. Enjoy a guided tour of Domaine Chandon followed by a two-course lunch and glass of wine at Soumah. Continue to Squitchy Lane for award-winning wine tastings before concluding at Yering Farm with wine and cider tastings. You can also explore the grounds, shops, and art exhibits at the wineries during your tour.

Experience Phillip Island with locals, journeying from Melbourne for a full day of boutique wine, beachside charm, and native wildlife. You'll be able to indulge in wine tasting without worrying about driving, and discover hidden gems and secret beaches in Cowes that most visitors miss. You'll end at the world-famous Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where a general viewing ticket provides full immersion in this world-class wildlife experience.