Winter in Melbourne doesn’t mean staying indoors on the couch – we’ve lined up the top Winter Tours to take in Melbourne – to help you beat the cold and avoid the winter blues.
Whether you want a food and wine experience, to soak in hot springs, or explore an incredible coastline – we’ve got you covered for tour ideas.
Here’s our pick of the top winter tours to take in Melbourne during the colder months:
Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour
If Melbourne’s weather is getting you down and you need a pick-me-up – our Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour could be just what you need. For food and wine lovers, this wine region close to Melbourne is a hotspot to indulge. Just 45 minutes drive from the city you can explore the local wineries and taste the local produce of this famous region.
Join our tour to taste wines, cheese, chocolate and more – as well as indulge in a gourmet winery lunch. You won’t regret your decision when you indulge in a delicious gourmet lunch by an open fireplace, sip wines in the comfort of a cellar door with vineyards views, or return to Melbourne with a full belly and big smile on your face!
Highlights of the Yarra Valley Tour
- 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
Why you should take a tour to the Yarra Valley in winter
- Indoor locations on tour keep you out of the cold
- Sipping your way through a wine tasting will help you beat the winter blues
- You can enjoy a gourmet lunch by an open fire at Rochford Winery
- A hot chocolates at the Chocolaterie will no doubt warm you up
- A heated bus and friendly driver will transfer you to all your stops
What to pack for a winter visit to the Yarra Valley
- A jacket in case you want to venture outside to explore the vineyards
- A bag to carry all the local produce and goodies you might be tempted to buy
- Your wallet (see above!)
- Your phone / camera – there are some great photo opportunities throughout the day
- Your best mates – this is a fun group day out, bring your mates to enjoy it together
Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tour
If you need a day of winter indulgence during your trip to Melbourne – this Hot Springs Tour is for you! Enjoy a morning of relaxation and pampering at the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs. The Peninsula Hot Springs are the ultimate winter destination in Melbourne. When you step out of the cold and down into the hot mineral water pools – you’ll understand exactly why!
Choose from more than 70 experiences including hot pools, reflexology walk, Turkish spa, massage showers and more. Once you are well and truly toasty and relaxed, you can spend the afternoon riding the Arthur’s Seat Eagle gondola and tasting locally-made chocolates.
Highlights of the Mornington Peninsula 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
Why you should take a tour to the Mornington Peninsula in winter
- You can spend the morning soaking in mineral hot springs
- Hire a robe to keep you cosy between dips in the thermal pools
- You won’t even notice the cold after you indulge with Turkish steam bath
- Take in the Peninsula’s best views with an enclosed gondola ride
- Once again, a tasty hot chocolate is a great way to finish the tour
What to pack for a winter visit to the Mornington Peninsula
- Bathers and towel for the Hot Springs (towel hire is available)
- A jacket to rug up and keep you warm after the Hot Springs
- Some money to buy a delicious lunch during you visit to the seaside towns
- Your phone / camera for some great photo opportunities
Great Ocean Road Tour
Winter is an ideal time to avoid the crowds on the famous Great Ocean Road – plus you’ll witness the power of nature along a spectacular coastline. Explore Victoria’s Surf Coast, winding coastal road, rainforest and more on this day trip from Melbourne.
We visit all the regular stops in winter – minus the summer crowds. You can enjoy a 12 Apostles tour, visit picturesque cities and townships and soak up the history of sites like the Loch Ard Gorge. You’ll see epic waves along the Surf Coast, warm up with a hot lunch in Apollo Bay, and feel the power of nature along the stunning Shipwreck Coast.
Highlights of the Great Ocean Road Tour
- 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
Why you should take a tour to the Great Ocean Road in winter
- You’ll enjoy all the highlights of this iconic coastline, minus the summer crowds
- The Southern Ocean is at its most spectacular in winter
- There is a chance to spot whales along the coast in winter
- Travel in a heated bus with a knowledgeable guide who will keep you entertained
- The sun sets earlier in winter, so you will have beautiful light at the Twelve Apostles
What to pack for a winter visit to the Great Ocean Road
- Jacket, scarf, beanie – rug up for this tour, most of the stops are outdoors
- Your camera – this tour have amazing photo opportunities
- Some money for lunch – warm up with some locally-caught fish and chips, or other winter-warmer meals in Apollo Bay
- A sense of adventure – there is so much to explore along this famous coastline
So what are you waiting for? Shake off the winter blues with one of these awesome day trips from Melbourne!
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au