The 5 Best Tours and Excursions From Melbourne

Trade the bustling city for verdant topography and ocean views on this day trip from Melbourne. Departing from the city centre, you’ll be out in the fresh country air in no time. Your route starts with a hike through wild scenery along the cliffs at Cape Schanck (keep your eyes peeled for fur seals and dolphins), before biking up to Arthur’s Seat for views over the peninsula. Should all the physical activity work up a thirst, you can take a quick detour to a vineyard, before finishing off the day with an easy kayak or paddle board along the coast. The best bit? You’ll be back in the city by cocktail hour.

Immerse yourself in the coastal wilderness with this full-day guided tour from Melbourne. The area plays home to a number of native animals, so you can expect to find yourself well acquainted with furry friends including kangaroos and wallabies in no time. Your guide will keep you entertained on the drive down with notable facts and snippets of history about the area, and will keep you well informed with the various sights to be expected on the hikes, as you ascend mountains and explore the native bush.

Take in dizzying views from the mountaintops, and marvel at the power of Mother Nature from the foot of MacKenzie Falls. Make sure to pack your best walking shoes, as this tour will take you up mountains and hiking through canyons, with a pit stop to meet kangaroos at Halls Gap. Learn a bit of social history over tea with a visit to the gold rush town of Ballarat, where you’ll visit the Eureka Stockade Memorial, which remembers those who passed away during the pivotal Eureka Rebellion of 1854.

Visit four stunning wineries in the area – including the Australian outpost for world-renowned Moët & Chandon – with this vino-centric tour. Including a vineyard lunch, the day will be well spent sampling local wines and eating delectable food. Your knowledgeable guide will fill you in on the Valley’s history and the background of the vineyards you visit, providing some context and colour to each of the wines you taste. Learn the art of swirling, sniffing and slurping in order to truly access the full flavour profiles – you’ll be an expert on Aussie wine by the end of the day.

The Great Ocean Road is among the world’s most captivating drives, so don’t miss out due to the lack of a car. This minibus tour operates with a small group, allowing you a personal experience, as well as getting you off the beaten track to the spots that are inaccessible to larger buses. Traversing stunning coastline, you’ll stop at natural wonders such as the Twelve Apostles and visit a few of the towns dotted along the route – gaining an insight into the area’s history alongside incredible views.