Top Victoria On the Water

Travelers short on time in the Melbourne area don't need to miss out on one of Australia's greatest coastal road trips. This Great Ocean Road day tour includes many of the route's highlights, including the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and London Bridge. And, because this itinerary is the reverse of what many travelers take, you'll be skipping the worst of the crowds.

Seeing whales off Wilsons Promontory means getting out onto open water at the right time of year, which is hard to arrange yourself. Sail into the national park by catamaran instead, along the route humpbacks follow as they migrate south with their calves. Watch for whales offshore, and take in the historic lighthouse, Refuge Cove, and Waterloo Bay 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.

Discover a hidden gem on Phillip Island, with this cruise around the cliffs, caves, and historic sites of Cape Woolamai. Listen to informative commentary from the captain as you keep your eyes peeled for sightings of marine life such as dolphins, Australian fur seals, and seabirds. Snap photos of the dramatic coastal scenery and turquoise waters during this family-friendly cruise, which includes light refreshments and activities for children.

There is no other boat like this in Australia. The Thundercat doesn't just power through the water, it jumps it. Just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, your 30-minute ride takes you along the wild coastline of Cape Woolamai to places simply unreachable by land: the granite quarry, the dramatic sea caves, and Bird Rock. From time to time you'll also spot seals lounging on the rocks or playing in the surf. Your Captain delivers live commentary on the island's landscape and history. What stands out is how personal it is. Not happy with full throttle? Your Captain reads the group and adjusts. Young kids or someone nervous? Start slow, build up, and by the end they'll be asking for more And here's the part that surprises most people: you won't get wet. All the speed, all the adrenaline and you step off completely dry. Tick it off in the morning and spend the rest of the day exploring the island. This half-hour trip fits neatly into any Phillip Island itinerary, morning, midday, or afternoon.

Experience Melbourne at sunset from the water on a 2.5-hour kayak tour on the Yarra River. Your guide takes you around Victoria Harbour and along Southbank where you pause to see the fire-ball display at Crown Casino. Enjoy an on-the-water dinner of fish and chips, then see downtown Melbourne before your tour ends next to Princess Bridge. Includes guide, use of equipment, light dinner, and kayak tour.

Discover Melbourne’s history and highlights on this guided Yarra River cruise. Float past the city’s towering skyscrapers and lovely urban gardens while learning about the transformation of this vibrant city from 19th-century port town to a modern cultural capital. Your sightseeing cruise takes you upriver and downriver for a scenic overview of attractions on both banks.

Enjoy a new perspective of Melbourne’s port and Docklands area as you cruise down the Yarra River toward Hobson’s Bay. Learn about Melbourne’s history as a 19th-century port town while watching the sights go by on this narrated tour.

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of Mornington Peninsula on a half-day guided kayak tour through the tranquil waters of Port Phillip Bay. In addition to navigating, your guide offers little-known facts about the area’s diverse wildlife, from birds to dolphins. Coastline views rarely seen by visitors and a snack break on the beach make this a convenient choice for active travelers.

This private, half-day Yarra River rafting experience is an exciting way to get out of Melbourne—perfect if you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a guided paddle through Level 2 rapids and see the sights of mini-gorges, valleys, and diverse wildlife along the river’s shore. With lunch provided and time to truly take in the scenery, experience the natural beauty of the Yarra River with no need to organize a thing yourself.

Experience the Great Ocean Road’s top attractions on this guided excursion that follows the iconic road in reverse. Embark on your journey and beat the crowds while learning about the region’s scenic landscapes and pretty coastal towns from an informative guide. Visit sites including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, and Gibson Steps.

Enjoy a 2-hour surf lesson for beginners. Waist deep water, soft surfboard, and experienced instructors will make it easy for you to have an exciting time learning to surf. With the right equipment and good instruction, it is easier than you think. We love to see the faces of students who stand up for the first time.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australian fur seals on this snorkeling tour from Sorrento Pier. Departure times vary depending on the tide. Set off to swim, snorkel, and soak up the views of the coastline, while watching wild seals splash and sunbathe around you. All necessary gear is provided, including wetsuits, as well as refreshments and informative presentations from your naturalist guides.

Embark on a captivating 1-hour sightseeing expedition along the Yarra River, discovering Melbourne's most iconic landmarks with expertly guided commentary. Sail past renowned sites like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Arts Centre, while enjoying complimentary tea and coffee. Marvel at the panoramic views of Melbourne's skyline, capturing the beauty of the Eureka Tower, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the cultural precinct of Southbank. Book now for an unforgettable experience of Melbourne's waterfront wonders.

Experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with dolphins, seals and sea birds as you glide around the Mornington Peninsula. Set sail for a 90-minute cruise, navigating the notorious ‘Rip’ of Port Phillip Bay and spotting Australasian Gannets at the Popes Eye Marine Park. Keep your camera close to hand as you pass bottlenose dolphins and Australian fur seals, and perhaps spot humpback whales or albatross along the way.

Don’t miss a chance to swim with some of Australia’s most beautiful sea creatures on this thrilling 3-hour cruise around the Mornington Peninsula. Glide around the shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay in search of the friendly creatures, and tuck into morning tea or lunch on-board. Then, dive in to swim and snorkel amid schools of wild bottlenose dolphins and colonies of Australian fur seals.

The City Highlights Express Cruise offers a swift and scenic way to experience Melbourne's iconic landmarks from the Yarra River. Whether you're a first-time visitor aiming to get your bearings or a local seeking a fresh perspective of the city, the City Highlights Express Cruise provides a quick, informative, and enjoyable experience on the Yarra River.

Explore beyond Melbourne and combine multiple activities in a single day—without juggling separate reservations and travel plans. Visit the lakeside town of Nagambie, see koalas and kangaroos up-close at an open-range wildlife park, cruise the Murray River onboard a paddle steamer, and take in sweeping views at the Pink Cliffs.

Take the guesswork out of finding ground transportation when you arrive at Melbourne-Tullamarine International Airport (MEL) by prebooking a private transfer service. Once you’ve cleared immigration and retrieved your luggage, meet your driver in the arrivals hall. Then, enjoy a comfortable, private journey to your accommodation in Melbourne’s central business district in luxury Euro People Movers.

Discover the natural delights of Phillip Island with an eco-tour from Melbourne. See the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Head to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park for an up-close encounter with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other native Australian wildlife. Finish the day at a local beach where you can watch hundreds of some of the world's tiniest penguins waddle out of the ocean and across the sand to their burrows.

Experience the magic of Phillip Island at sunset on board this relaxing catamaran cruise. Set sail for a scenic cruise around Western Port Bay, gliding past dramatic landmarks like Reef Island, Churchill Island, and Elizabeth Island. Keep a look out for wildlife like playful dolphins, birdlife, and Australian fur seals as you float around the bay. Then tuck into complimentary snacks or purchase a drink from the on-board bar while you listen to live music.

Experience the Great Ocean Road in a relaxed small group, with an expert local guide bringing the journey to life through stories, local knowledge and insights along the way. Travel from Melbourne in comfort and discover some of Victoria’s most spectacular coastal scenery, from the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge to the rainforest of Great Otway National Park, with opportunities to spot wild koalas along the route.

Go whitewater rafting down the Yarra River on this tour from Wonga Park, a town near Melbourne. In a 2-person inflatable raft, you'll navigate Grade 2 rapids such as "pinball" and "Bob's rock," passing by the native bush scenery as you go.