Here are the must-do Melbourne tours that you should take to explore the incredible nature, sightseeing and wildlife nearby the city. 

Eight must-do Melbourne Tours

Great Ocean Road

Why you should do it – unrivalled natural landscapes, stunning beaches, wild koalas and the incredible 12 Apostles. 

When you should do it – we recommend Spring or Autumn to avoid the crowds but still have nice weather. 

Our tour itinerary 

  • Enjoy morning tea on the picturesque beaches of Victoria’s Surf Coast
  • Scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road
  • See the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park
  • Visit the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck
  • See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
  • Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay

Phillip Island 

Why you should do it – Little Penguins, feeding kangaroos and wallabies, and photo opportunities at the colourful bathing boxes. 

When you should do it – any time of year, although the Penguin Parade can be very chilly in winter! 

Our tour itinerary 

  • A visit to the famous Brighton Beach boxes
  • A guided tour at the award-winning Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
  • Meet and feed a wide range of Australian animals including koalas, wombats, dingoes, and many more
  • Visit Point Grant to view the Nobbies and Seal Rock
  • Stroll the coastal boardwalks to enjoy amazing panoramic views
  • See the penguins waddle up the Phillip Island Penguin Parade at sunset

Yarra Valley 

Why you should do it – tasting world-calls wines, eat chocolate, cheese and fresh fruit, and indulge in a gourmet winery lunch

When you should do it – autumn in the Valley is harvest season and you’ll see the changing colours of the leaves on the vines 

Our tour itinerary 

  • • Taste some of the valley’s freshest fruits, juices, and other local products at Yarra Farm Fresh
  • Sample wine and cheese at the iconic Balgownie Estate – one of the great wineries of the Yarra Valley
  • Taste the valley’s freshest cheeses at the Yarra Valley Dairy
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Rochford Wines – choose from four different meal options and enjoy a glass of Rochford’s quality wine
  • Sip away at a wine tasting in one of Australia’s great wineries, Yering Station
  • Enjoy an exclusive chocolate tasting at the valley’s sweetest location, The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Peninsula Hot Springs

Why you should do it – the award winning Peninsula Hot Springs are not to be missed, plus you’ll visit the Peninsula’s best lookouts. 

When you should do it – this is an excellent winter tour choice as the Hot Springs will warm you up, no doubt!

Our tour itinerary 

  • Relax in the thermal hot springs of Peninsula Hot Springs Bath House
  • Take advantage of the massaging showers and a Turkish steam bath
  • Lunch break in the historic seaside town of Sorrento
  • Visit the Peninsula’s most scenic lookouts
  • View the colourful bathing boxes at Mt Martha

Sunset tour of the Great Ocean Road

Why you should do it – stunning beaches, wild koalas and sunset at the famous 12 Apostles 

When you should do it – summer sunsets are amazing, plus you’ll get the great weather minus the crowds. 

Our tour itinerary 

  • 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

Wilsons Promontory 

Why you should do it – to explore Victoria’s hidden secret – pristine beaches and coastal walking trails with incredible views

When you should do it – spring or autumn is the best time to enjoy the walking trails and beaches without any crowds

Our tour itinerary 

  • 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

Grampians National Park 

Why you should do it – to explore true Aussie bushland, explore waterfalls and lookouts, and meet our native animals

When you should do it – spring or autumn provide the best weather for walks and wildlife in the Grampians 

Our tour itinerary 

  • 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

Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade 

Why you should do it – experience Melbourne’s iconic steam train journey, plus meet Australian wildlife and see the famous Penguin Parade

When you should do it – any time of year, but be prepared to rug up in winter 

Our tour itinerary 

  • 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

Find your ideal Melbourne Tours – and book now!

Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au