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Things to do in Melbourne

Stylish and cosmopolitan, with a heady dose of hipster, this cultural capital marries modernity with electric energy.

Our most recommended things to do in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

1. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

After being picked up from your Melbourne CBD accommodation, explore the world famous Great Ocean Road on this full-day tour. Follow along in many different languages via the app so you won't miss a thing. Spend the day in an airconditioned vehicle not only exploring the coastline features but also seeing first hand koalas and birds in their natural habitat. Take a guided forest walk where you will see some of the tallest trees in the world. Morning tea is also included. Stop at Torquay Surf Beach to experience firsthand the iconic beaches and coastal views. You will also be within clear viewing distance of the world-famous Bells Surfing Beach. Take coastal photos and smell the fresh seaside air. Refresh with morning tea before heading to the Pole House. Enjoy a roadside photo opportunity of the most photographed house on Great Ocean Road. Suspended 40 meters above the ground by a singular concrete column, its unique architecture maximizes the stunning coastline view. Snap a selfie at the iconic Great Ocean Road sign and send it to your friends. Then see koalas and parrots in their natural habitat. Your experienced guide will take you to the best viewing spots. Stop at a location along the Great Ocean Road and take in the iconic coastline vista at Cape Patton. Head then to the coastal town of Apollo Bay where you can purchase lunch from the many restaurants and cafes on offer. You can also walk around the coastal town or even take a swim in the beach if the weather suits. Follow your guide on a forest walk where you will see some of the tallest trees in the world. You will also take in the wonderful fresh natural smells the trees have to offer. At the Gibson Steps, tide and wind permitting, you will be able to see some of the 12 Apostles from sea level on the beach. You will feel like you can reach out and touch them. Take your time to check out the world-renowned 12 Apostles. An awesome sight with fantastic photo opportunities. See for yourself why these limestone beauties are known all around the world. The final touring stop is at Loch Ard Gorge. Witness firsthand this magnificent formation of rocks and rolling sea. Enjoy ground-level viewing that will excite you with the natural glories it possesses. See the unique jagged razorback formation and then the Island Archway. The original archway collapsed in 2009, however, two striking stacks remain, standing nearly as tall as the Apostles. Purchase dinner from one of the many restaurants and cafes in Colac.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

2. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

Discover the beauty of Port Campbell National Park on this day trip from Melbourne. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned coach and enjoy a refreshing morning tea. Stop for pictures viewpoints, take a stroll at Apollo Bay and admire the 12 Apostles limestone stacks. Enjoy morning views of Melbourne city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge, at just under 1.5 miles (2.6 kilometers). Embark on one of the world’s greatest drives to tour the Great Ocean Road. Take in a scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. Stop for photos opportunity the Memorial Arch at Eastern View as well as at Kennett River, home to a large population of cute and cuddly wild koalas. A sighting is almost guaranteed as they munch away on Eucalyptus leaves. Marvel at Apollo Bay and walk around the famous coastal town. Afterward, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the water and into the mountains. Proceed through the spectacular Otway Ranges and stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool, temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. Continue to Port Campbell National Park, with its iconic array of rock formations. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, and be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the 12 Apostles. Take advantage of a dinner stop on the journey back to Melbourne at the township of Colac. Enjoy a scenic view of the illuminated city as you cross Westgate Bridge on the way home.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

3. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

4. Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

Climb aboard a pleasure boat with a sundeck for a cruise along the Yarra River in Melbourne for a narrated tour. Glide past landmarks including the Polly Woodside, West Gate Bridge, Southgate, Princes Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Olympic Park, Herring Island, Botanic Gardens, and more. Cruise past beautiful buildings, skyscrapers, bars, and parks. Catch some sun on the sundeck or enjoy the views from the inside cabin. Enjoy a round-trip journey that allows you to really enhance your knowledge of what is known as one of the "most livable cities in the world." Travel both down river and up river to see highlights such as the Docklands Crown Entertainment Complex, West Gate Bridge, a 19th-century sailing ship, the Polly Woodside, Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center. Admire up river landmarks, such as Princes Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Government House, Olympic Park, Herring Island, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Arts Centre Melbourne, and National Tennis Center where the Australian Open is played.

Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

5. Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

Drive from your central accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Puffing Billy steam train. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. Enjoy morning tea at the scenic Emerald Lake then take a leisurely walk around the park. Then, explore the Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander around, observing native animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take a seat at the animal education lessons and live shows. You can also purchase lunch here. Finish the tour with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can sample complimentary chocolates. Return back to your accommodation in central Melbourne.

Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket

6. Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket

Experience an African adventure among beautiful natural surroundings at Werribee Open Range Zoo, just 30 minutes from Melbourne. Get onboard a complimentary guided safari across the unique open-range savannah and spot rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. Come face-to-face with a pride of lions, visit one of the world's largest gorilla exhibits, see cheeky monkeys at play, and discover a family of hippos in their wetland home. As you travel, keep your eyes open and spot kangaroos, emu, brolga, koalas, and other Australian animals on a beautiful walk through the Australian Journey grasslands.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

7. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

Discover some of Australia's most well-loved creatures on a bus tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island to see the beloved Penguin Parade. See the best of Victoria’s nature and wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, getting up close to its animals and learning about them. During the day, get up-close-and-personal with the friendly residents of the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, have your photo taken with a koala, and learn about the conservation of these lovable native animals. While at the sanctuary, see some lesser known, but equally adorable, endangered species, including the Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls and rare Fluffy Gliders. Visit the stunning Cape Woolamai surf beach (time permitting) and the Nobbies before arriving at Summerland Beach for the nightly Penguin Parade. Home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins, Summerland Beach provides a spectacular backdrop to the world famous Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins make their way across the beach and through the sand dunes to their burrows. Come and enjoy the beauty and native wildlife of Phillip Island and make this a journey to remember.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Tour

8. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Tour

Drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road and experience the breathtaking Loch Ard Gorge and 12 Apostles on a day trip from Melbourne. Gaze at picturesque coastal towns, sunny beaches, and lush rainforests as you look out for local wildlife. Depart Melbourne later than most other tour buses in order to avoid the crowds along the Great Ocean Road. Travel onboard a 24 seater bus with free WiFi. Your driver-guide boasts extensive local knowledge and will point out the best sights in Victoria. Journey along the coastline, enjoying breathtaking views at every twist and turn. Drive west through Geelong, Victoria’s second largest city, before heading south through the coastal township of Lorne and Apollo Bay. See wide beaches with uninterrupted views and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges. Look out for native wildlife, such as koala and birds in their natural habitats. To complete the tour you arrive at the Shipwreck Coast. Here you can visit Loch Ard Gorge to learn about the famous shipwreck, plus view the mighty 12 Apostles and enjoy a spectacular sunset.

Yarra Valley: Full-Day Gourmet Tour with Lunch

9. Yarra Valley: Full-Day Gourmet Tour with Lunch

Discover some of the Yarra Valley's top wineries by bus to sample delectable local wines and food. Savor quality wines at three wineries, tuck into a delicious local lunch, and top everything off with a visit to a chocolaterie for a sweet finish. Begin your full-day gourmet tour of the Yarra Valley with an exclusive farm gate visit to Yarra Farm Fresh, for a palate-cleansing fruit tasting experience. Next, travel to one of the valley’s iconic wineries, Balgownie Estate, to enjoy a tasting from their extensive range of quality wines. Learn how to swirl and sniff like true connoisseurs, while sampling some of the very finest cool-climate wines. At the Yarra Valley Dairy the amazing products will truly melt in your mouth. The cheeses here are stunning and have your taste buds working overtime! Stop for lunch at the fabulous Rochford Wines and choose from four different main meals, with a glass of wine, tea, or coffee. Take some time to explore the gift shop, or perhaps climb the spiral staircase to enjoy the panoramic views from Rochford’s famous lookout tower. After lunch, make your way to one of Australia’s great wineries and member of the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Yering Station. Home of Victoria’s oldest vineyards, first planted in 1838, the wines here are of exceptional quality and a tasting here is not to be missed. The final destination is the amazing Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Here, enjoy a complimentary tasting of the spectacular delights handcrafted by the chocolaterie’s French and Belgian chocolatiers.

From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Group Tour

10. From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Group Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne on a small group eco-tour to the Grampians National Park, and discover a nature lover’s paradise. Depart Melbourne and travel through the western plains of Victoria on route to historic Ballarat, a boom town of the 1850s following the widespread discovery of gold. Learn the history of the region over morning tea at the infamous Eureka Rebellion site. Continue through the picturesque western volcanic plains, and pass through the town of Moyston, the birthplace of Australian Rules Football. Arrive at the foot of the Grampians Range (Gariwerd in the local aboriginal language), and take a short walk to Silverband Falls. Then, head to Halls Gap for lunch. Keep a look out for kangaroos and abundant birdlife that can be seen in the main street. After lunch, go to the Wonderland car park to take a walk through the Grand Canyon and marvel at the rock formations. See high rising rock walls, crisscrossed with layering and fault lines that showcase the area’s unique geology. Next, visit the majestic surrounds of MacKenzie Falls, and watch the water cascade down the rocks in a gorge surrounded by eucalyptus forest. Walk the Bluff trail along the top of the cliffs for panoramic views of the falls, or journey downstairs to the base of the steep gorge. Another stunning photo opportunity awaits at Reeds Lookout, a vantage point that overlooks the towering Stringybark Forest and Victoria Valley. Your next port of call is Boroka Lookout, where panoramic views of the surrounding region and town of Halls Gap await. Look further afield to Lake Bellfield and beyond. Make your way back to Halls Gap to spot some wild kangaroos before returning to Melbourne. Stop for dinner on route back to the city, and enjoy a stunning view of the illuminated city on your return home.

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Frequently asked questions about Melbourne

What top attractions are a must-see in Melbourne?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Melbourne?

The best day trips and excursions from Melbourne are:

Great Ocean Road

Other Sightseeing Options in Melbourne

Want to discover all there is to do in Melbourne? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Melbourne

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 8,238 reviews

What can I say …. Awesome !!! It took me a while to decide whether todo this as ‘I don’t really do tours ‘ but I’m so glad I did !!! The tour itself pretty much did everything . Accommodation was fab . Lovely stops for lunch and good breakfasts ( all included in price ) which exceeded what I was expecting. Mick our tour leader was just brilliant !!! Friendly , funny and flexible !!! The tour wasn’t rigid and we went with the flow which I really liked . We had 10 in our group and it was a fab group of people I must say . For those wandering about ages …. I’m 54 … the youngest on our tour was 35 and the oldest , a very young 72 !!!! I feel we saw everything and stuff I wouldn’t know about seeing too. Would I recommend ?? Yes , yes and yes !!! X

It was an excellent day out Peter the tour guide was on time picking us up, very informative and great fun. Puffing billys was excellent what a way to travel by train hanging your legs out the carriage. Healesville sanctury was good too and then stopped off for chocolate and ice cream at the chocolatier on the way back. Only improvements I would say is need a new tour bus and slightly longer at the train station when you get off the other end.

I greatly recommend this tour of Brighton beach, the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, and the penguin parade. Very well organised, well structured day, and we had an absolutely amazing tour guide!

All good. The last attraction is very beautiful. I think Australia government should build more toilets on the way, especially from Apollo Bay to the twelve apostles rock.

It worked nicely. Only thing we need to set the APN settings and activate Data Roaming