Top Victoria On the Water

Get up close to the wildlife of Phillip Island and discover Australia’s largest colony of Australian fur seals on this catamaran cruise. Watch seals lounging on the rocks and swimming in the bays; spot seabirds swooping overhead and look out for dolphins, whales, and penguins as you float around the island. Finally, tuck into afternoon tea on board as you listen to the live commentary and learn more about the island’s varied wildlife.

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.

Spotting whales off Phillip Island means getting out onto the open water at the right time of year, which is hard to arrange yourself. Head out on a winter cruise along the migration route past Cape Woolamai, where humpback and southern right whales pass through. Watch for whales breaching offshore, and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and seabirds 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Witness the spectacular coastal scenery of Australia on a 4-hour whale watching cruise around Phillip Island. Climb aboard a stylish vessel with a professional guide and scour the sea for sightings of rare wildlife. See thousands of fur seals at Seal Rocks; keep your eyes peeled for rare seabirds like the shy albatross and little penguin; and marvel at dolphins diving out of the water with incredible grace. With luck, enjoy the unforgettable experience of watching humpback whales in their natural environment on this exhilarating cruise.

Seize the opportunity to swim with weedy seadragons on a snorkeling tour through the tranquil waters of Port Phillip Bay. Going with a guide ensures you visit the best locations for viewing wildlife, as well as spot seadragon colonies that are known for their expert camouflage abilities. No previous snorkeling experience necessary: Your guide offers basic instruction.

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.

Learn to surf at Torquay Beach—located on Australia’s scenic Great Ocean Road—with a beginner-friendly, small-group lesson. Receive hands-on instruction from professional surf coaches as you learn basic techniques, practice standing up, and work toward catching your first wave. All equipment is provided, including wetsuit and soft beginner surfboard, so there's no need to bring your own gear.

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.

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.

Cruise the iconic Murray River aboard a heritage paddle steamer and explore the vibrant wildlife at Kyabram Fauna Park. This full-day adventure from Melbourne invites you to meet kangaroos, koalas, and the unique cassowary in their natural habitat. Discover the charming river port of Echuca and capture the stunning silo art murals that celebrate local culture. Conclude your day at the breathtaking Pink Cliffs Reserve, where mineral-rich formations offer a fantastic backdrop for memorable photos. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts looking to uncover the beauty of regional Victoria. - Includes entry to Kyabram Fauna Park - Visit the historic port of Echuca - 1-hour river cruise on paddle steamer - Vibrant Silo Art Trail - Visit the Pink Cliffs - Friendly and informative guide provided throughout the journey

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.

Enjoy a private 2-hour cruise on the Yarra River with this self-drive boat rental in Melbourne. No license is required to drive this vessel, which has a fully enclosed cabin option if needed. Bring up to 10 friends and family members on board for a relaxing and scenic cruise. Create your own sightseeing tour by passing top attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Southbank, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Federation Square and the Docklands. You can even disembark at Herring Island Park to walk around its outdoor sculpture park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.