If you are looking to get off the beaten track and explore some of the lesser-known destinations – here’s 5 Melbourne Tours you’ve probably never heard of!
Visitors to Melbourne may have heard of the city’s iconic touring destinations – the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley and Phillip Island. While these destinations should be high on your list – who doesn’t love a road trip, wine tasting, or Little Penguins – Melbourne does have a lot more to offer.
In fact, if you are looking to get off the beaten track and explore some of the lesser-known destinations – we may have just the tour for you!
Check out these options for exploring national parks, relaxing in hot springs, or riding century-old steam trains. You might just find yourself adding a whole lot more Melbourne tours to your bucket list!
Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
Did you know Melbourne has hot springs? Just one hour’s drive from the city on the Mornington Peninsula. The award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs is the ultimate place for relaxation and pampering. Our tour lets you spend the morning soaking in hot mineral pools and choosing from more than 70 different spa experiences. As well as the hot pools, there is a reflexology walk, cold dip pools, ice chambers, Turkish bath, massage showers and more. You can hire a robe and towels if needed, then venture out to the mineral spring baths set in natural surroundings. The pools are built into a hillside, with the one at the top boasting 360 degree views of the surrounding bushland and hills.
After an indulgent morning, you return to the bus for an afternoon exploring some of the highlights of the Mornington Peninsula. Grab some lunch in one of the historic seaside towns, then explore some of the Peninsula’s scenic coastal lookouts. To finish the tour, you will take a ride on the Arthur’s Seat Eagle gondola where you’ll have the best views of the peninsula and Port Phillip Bay as you glide above the trees.
Our Tour:
- Relax in the thermal hot springs of Peninsula Hot Springs Bath House
- Take advantage of the massaging showers and a Turkish steam bath
- One-way gondola ride on the Arthur’s Seat Eagle
- Chocolate tasting at the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie
- Optional strawberry picking (November-March)
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Gariwerd / Grampians National Park
This national park is the epitome of Australian flora and fauna. If you want to experience the quintessential Aussie bush, in an incredible mountain setting, this is the tour for you.
Our Gariwerd / Grampians day tour is a chance to connect to nature. You’ll marvel at the waterfalls, wilderness and wildlife that is part of the Grampians National Park.
Walk with your guide along some of the trails to learn about the Aboriginal history of the area. Keep an eye out for native Australian wildlife such as wallabies, emu and cockatoos. Gaze at the tree-covered mountains and valleys from various lookout points. You’ll even finish off the tour with a visit to the local kangaroos – they like to come into the town of Halls Gap in the afternoons.
Our Tour:
- Take a stroll through shady forests to Silverband Falls
- Time to explore the wildlife and surroundings of Grampians township of Halls Gap
- Take a short hike from the Wonderland Turntable into the spectacular Grand Canyon
- Hike to one of the Grampians most famous sites, MacKenzie Falls
- Enjoy panoramic views from Reeds Lookout and views over the mountain range from Boroka Lookout
- Spot wild animals in their natural habitat
Wilsons Promontory
Wilson Promontory might just be our best kept secret. Luckily, we’re willing to share it with you. This coastal national park boasts pristine beaches, sandy trails, and mountains with epic panoramic views from the summits. It is affectionately known as The Prom to Melburnians.
Adventure to The Prom for a day of exploring nature and wildlife. We’ll take a walk to a scenic lookout to take in views of the beaches below and offshore islands. You can stroll on the trail from Tidal River to Squeaky Beach and marvel at the pristine white sand squeaking beneath your feet. You’ll also explore the Wildlife Walk, a now-unused airfield that is home to kangaroos, emus and wombats.
Our Tour:
- Explore pristine beaches and hear the sand squeak on Squeaky Beach
- Walk along Squeaky Beach to Tidal River
- Join a guided walk to the summit of Mount Oberon or Mount Bishop for stunning coastal views
- Marvel at the rugged granite mountains that make this area so picturesque
- Spot native wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and emus
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Puffing Billy
Ask any Melburnian about Puffing Billy and they’ll no doubt have a tale of riding the century-old steam train as a child. Climb aboard at Belgrave Station as the whistle blows and steam billows out of the engine. You’ll enjoy the scenic journey through Melbourne’s magnificent Dandenong Ranges.
After your ride on Puffing Billy our tour heads to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park. It’s here that you can get up close to a whole range of Australian animals. You can see koalas, wombats, snakes, eagles and more – plus you’ll have the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. To finish off the day you’ll visit Phillip Island for spectacular coastal views and the nightly Penguin Parade – where thousand of Little Penguins waddle to shore and return to their burrows in the sand dunes.
Our Tour:
- A memorable journey on the century-old steam train, Puffing Billy through Sherbrooke Forest, situated in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges
- Guided tour of the wildlife exhibits at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- Explore Phillip Island’s scenic coastline at The Nobbies Boardwalk
- Gaze out to sea and be met with spectacular views at Point Grant
- Watch the little penguins waddle up the shore to their nests at the magical Penguin Parade
- Spot other local wildlife like Australian fur seals on the beautiful coastline of Phillip Island
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Sunset on the Great Ocean Road
You’ve no doubt heard of the Great Ocean Road – but have you considered taking a Sunset Tour there? It is the once in a lifetime chance to see one of Australia’s most iconic views – the spectacular Twelve Apostles – at golden hour. As the sun dips down in the sky, the limestone cliffs and rock formations glow a deep yellow. On a cloudy day, there are ever-changing tones in the sky – a final performance at an epic location.
Start the day with a later departure time than most other tours. Meaning you can relax and sleep in or sit down to breakfast before meeting your tour bus. You will avoid the crowds as you journey along the Great Ocean Road. We tour the Surf Coast, stop to spot koalas and enjoy lunch in a seaside town. All before exploring the Shipwreck Coast and finishing the day at sunset viewing the Twelve Apostles.
Our Tour:
- Visit the beaches of Victoria’s famous Surf Coast
- Spot wild koalas while strolling in the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest
- Drive through the Great Otway National Park
- Marvel at the natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge and hear the famous tale of shipwreck survival
- View two of the Apostles from beach level at Gibsons Steps (time permitting)
- Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay
Whatever tour you choose, we guarantee you’ll be satisfied with your Melbourne day trip and we look forward to welcoming you aboard a Go West Tour!
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
