Shore Excursion Melbourne, Sights, Kangaroos, Koalas Lunch & Wine

Taking a shore excursion in Melbourne often means choosing between city sights or regional escapes. But this tour manages to blend both seamlessly, offering a balanced experience designed for cruise travelers eager to make the most of limited time ashore.

From cuddling koalas and feeding kangaroos to admiring panoramic views from Arthurs Seat, this trip is packed with highlights that appeal to wildlife lovers, foodies, and those craving scenic vistas. The majority of reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, well-organized schedule, and authentic Australian encounters — but, as with any tour, there’s a consideration for those wanting more leisure or in-depth wine tastings.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see a slice of Australia’s natural beauty without the hassle of independent planning. It’s perfect if you value guided insights, convenient pick-up, and a well-curated itinerary that balances wildlife, scenery, and delicious local food.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience blending wildlife, scenic views, and wine tasting.
• Convenient pickup and transportation from your cruise port.
• Expert guide providing engaging commentary and local insights.
• Time-efficient with a carefully planned schedule to ensure you’re back before your ship departs.
• Authentic Australian wildlife encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary.
• Delicious local cuisine and wine with a 2-course lunch included.

What to Expect from the Tour

This seven-hour adventure provides a chance to explore Melbourne’s nearby highlights with ease and comfort. Starting at the Port Melbourne pier, you’ll hop into a private vehicle with a knowledgeable guide, ready to introduce you to the scenic and cultural treasures of the Mornington Peninsula.

Wildlife Encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary

The journey kicks off with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, a highlight for animal lovers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to feed friendly kangaroos, meet adorable koalas, and see wallabies and other native species in a caring environment dedicated to conservation.

According to reviews, the Moonlit Sanctuary is a “special place” where the animal welfare focus shines through. Visitors describe interactions like touching koalas and feeding kangaroos, which are often memorable highlights. One reviewer emphasizes that this is a “great place for lunch” because of the chance to pet and feed animals directly — an experience many find both fun and educational.

It’s worth noting that koala encounters are scheduled at specific times, with an additional cost of AUD 30 if you want to hold and cuddle a koala. So, if cuddling a koala is a must, be sure to budget for that extra expense.

Scenic Stop at Dendy Street Beach

Next, a quick stop at Dendy Street Beach offers a chance to see the iconic bathing boxes— colorful, vintage wooden structures lining the sand that are a postcard-perfect Australian image. Though brief, this stop lets you stretch your legs and snap some photos, with reviews indicating a warm appreciation for this scenic postcard moment.

Some participants mention that due to traffic, the scheduled time at the beach was cut short, but overall, this stop adds a charming coastal flavor to your day.

Enjoying Local Food and Wine at Merricks General Store

One of the tour’s standout features is a two-course lunch paired with a glass of local wine at Merricks General Store. This hotel isn’t your typical general store; it’s lauded as a fabulous restaurant and wine shop offering some of the best meals and tastings encountered during trips.

Reviewers consistently praise the lunch, describing it as “excellent,” with some stating it was their “best meal of the trip.” The wine tasting complements the meal well, adding a nice touch of regional flavor without requiring extra planning or visits to multiple wineries.

Arthurs Seat for Panoramic Views

The final stop is Arthurs Seat, a 314-meter-high lookout offering sweeping views over Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, and distant mountain ranges. Visiting this spot is about appreciating the landscape’s grandeur — on a clear day, you can see the Melbourne skyline, the You Yangs, and Mount Macedon.

The short 20-minute visit provides ample time for photos and soaking in the scenery. Many reviewers mention their appreciation for the spectacular vistas, with some noting that the sight from the summit far exceeded their expectations.

How the Experience is Organized

Transportation is via private vehicle, which means comfort and reliability are prioritized. Pick-up from your cruise ship and drop-off at the end of the tour are included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the sights without logistical stress.

The group size is capped at 22 travelers, with a suggested minimum of 4 guests to run the tour. If you’re a smaller group or seeking a more personalized experience, you can opt for a private tour at an additional AUD 200.

Timing-wise, the tour starts at 9:00 am and ensures you return to your ship at least an hour before departure, which is crucial for peace of mind. The schedule balances sightseeing and leisure, with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed.

The tour’s price of approximately $263 per person might seem steep, but reviews make clear it offers excellent value when considering the inclusions: transport, wildlife interactions, lunch, wine tasting, bottled water, coffee/tea, and hotel/port pickup. Booking nearly three and a half months in advance shows how popular this experience is among cruise travelers.

The Guide and Overall Experience

Multiple reviews highlight the expertise and friendliness of the guides, especially mentioning “Bill” and “Nicki,” who are praised for being informative, accommodating, and engaging. Their local knowledge enhances the experience, turning what could be a simple tour into a memorable day full of fun facts and stories.

Reviewers love the personalized touch, with some noting that guides ran out of time to visit additional stops like beach bungalows due to traffic, but this seems to be a flexible aspect of the itinerary designed to keep everything on schedule.

What truly sets this tour apart is the balanced mix of activities—wildlife, scenic views, and delicious food—delivered in a relaxed, small-group setting. As one reviewer put it, it’s a “topnotch tour” with “amazing lunch and wine tasting”, making it a well-rounded experience that offers a genuine taste of regional Australia.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This shore excursion in Melbourne offers an engaging blend of wildlife, scenic vistas, and local cuisine, making it a fantastic choice for those who want a comprehensive taste of the area in a single day. The comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and thoughtfully curated stops mean you can relax and enjoy without worrying about logistics.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple who appreciates wildlife encounters and good food, this tour offers great value. Just keep in mind that activities like the koala cuddle are optional and come at an extra fee. It’s also best suited for travelers who don’t mind a structured day and want to see the highlights without the hassle of independent planning.

This tour delivers a well-organized, authentic, and fun day out in Melbourne’s surrounds, capturing the essence of regional Australia with memorable wildlife moments, stunning views, and tasty fare.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel and port pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient for cruise passengers.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 7 hours, with the schedule designed to ensure you return to your ship at least an hour before departure.

What is the price of this tour?
The cost is around $263.03 per person, which includes transportation, wildlife interactions, lunch, wine tasting, bottled water, and tea/coffee.

Can I do this tour privately?
Yes, for a group of 2, you can opt for a private tour with an additional AUD 200.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, koala encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary are $AUD 30 if you wish to hold a koala, and alcohol is available for purchase beyond the included wine at lunch.

What are the main highlights?
Wildlife interactions at Moonlit Sanctuary, scenic views from Arthurs Seat, Dendy Street Beach, and a delicious lunch and wine tasting at Merricks General Store.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers report that the activities, especially wildlife encounters, are great for families, but always check individual guide policies regarding age restrictions for specific activities like koala cuddles.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for outdoor stops.

Enjoy your adventure in Melbourne — this tour promises a mix of wildlife charm, scenic beauty, and fantastic food that’ll leave you with great memories.