Our Picks For The 13 Best National Park Tours In Melbourne

Melbourne’s proximity to stunning national parks makes it a perfect launching point for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re after a day exploring rugged mountain ranges, spotting native wildlife, or enjoying coastal walks, Melbourne offers a variety of tours to suit every interest. We particularly love how some tours combine historical highlights, like the Eureka Stockade Memorial, with majestic scenery, or how others provide intimate wildlife encounters in places like Wilsons Promontory. If you’re keen to escape the city’s hustle, we recommend checking out the small-group eco tour of the Grampians for a personalized experience that includes wildlife sightings, bushwalking, and sweeping lookouts.

Quick Overview

Our list covers half-day, full-day, and multi-day tours in the Grampians National Park, Wilsons Promontory, and even the Great Ocean Road. Some tours focus on wildlife viewing and hiking, like the Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Day Tour, while others combine scenic boat cruises, such as the Wilsons Promontory Morning Wilderness Cruise. Whether your budget is tight or you’re after a private, tailored experience, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

At number 1, this small-group eco tour promises a highly personalized day exploring the stunning terrain of the Grampians. The tour includes a bushwalk, wildlife spotting—particularly kangaroos—and panoramic views from popular lookouts. The focus on a small group ensures attention from your guide, who shares curated stories and images to add a historical dimension. The itinerary features highlights like MacKenzie Falls, Reed Lookout, and the Wonderland Loop hike, which includes some rock hopping and steep tracks—so sturdy shoes are a must. With an average rating of 5.0 based on 761 reviews, travelers praise the guide’s friendliness and the well-organized day. Priced at $111.17, this tour offers excellent value, especially for those seeking a deep, intimate connection with nature.

Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers who want a rich, guided experience with plenty of wildlife and scenic stops in a small-group setting.

2. From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Group Tour

At number 2, this group tour offers a comprehensive day exploring iconic landmarks like MacKenzie Falls and the Grand Canyon. Guided by local experts, you’ll see native kangaroos and colorful birdlife, with an added bonus of audio guides available in 16 languages. The relaxed, 13-hour schedule makes this a good choice for travelers who prefer comfort and a relaxed pace. For around $102, the tour provides a good mix of scenic stops and cultural insights, making it ideal for those who want a broad overview without worrying about logistics.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers interested in a guided, group experience that balances natural beauty with cultural context.

3. Melbourne: Wilsons Promontory Morning Wilderness Cruise

Number 3 on our list is the Wilsons Promontory Morning Wilderness Cruise, which offers a unique scenic boat trip in Victoria’s southernmost marine park. This 2.5-hour cruise takes you past iconic Skull Rock and other islands, giving an up-close view of marine wildlife and rugged coastline. The use of a custom-built amphibious boat makes this experience stand out, providing both land and water perspectives. The reviews highlight the stunning scenery and the knowledgeable commentary. Priced at a competitive rate, it’s ideal for travelers who want a short, memorable excursion with a focus on marine environments.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a quick, scenic adventure with wildlife and coastal insights.

4. From Melbourne: Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Tour

At number 4, this full-day Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Tour takes you into the heart of one of Victoria’s most beautiful parks. The itinerary includes scenic lookouts, Squeaky Beach, and self-guided hikes at Mt Oberon or Mt Bishop. The tour is designed to maximize your time in nature, with wildlife sightings like emus, kangaroos, and wombats. The 12-hour schedule is well-paced and includes stops for photos, walks, and relaxing at the beach. With a rating of 4.8 based on 97 reviews, travelers praise the personalized attention and the breathtaking scenery. It’s suitable for those who want to enjoy fresh air and wilderness without strenuous hiking.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a full day of scenic exploration and wildlife encounters in Wilsons Promontory.

5. From Melbourne: Grampians National Park & Kangaroos

Number 5 offers a guided tour that combines aboriginal culture, scenic hikes to waterfalls, and wildlife viewing of kangaroos and emus. This 12.5-hour tour is great for travelers who want a balance of cultural insight and nature. The itinerary includes walking to The Balconies and Jaws of Death, where the views are dramatic. The tour emphasizes native Australian animals and Aboriginal heritage, making it suited for those interested in both wildlife and cultural stories. The price is very reasonable at $89, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious explorers.

Bottom Line: Perfect for nature and culture enthusiasts wanting a full-day adventure that’s rich in native wildlife.

6. From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Small Group Tour

Number 6, the small group bushwalking tour, offers an in-depth look at the scenic splendor of the Grampians. The 12.5-hour experience includes visits to Reeds Lookout, The Balconies, and MacKenzie Falls. The focus on guided walks and scenic viewpoints makes it ideal for active travelers who enjoy hiking and photography. The tour provides insights into aboriginal heritage and local fauna, enriching your understanding of the landscape. With a strong reputation reflected in its reviews, this trip suits those who want more than just a drive—they want to walk and explore.

Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers interested in hiking and detailed landscape exploration.

7. Grampians National Park with MacKenzie Falls and Kangaroos

Number 7 is a comprehensive full-day tour, offering round-trip transport from Melbourne. It takes in multiple locations like MacKenzie Falls, Reeds Lookout, and The Balconies, with plenty of time for wildlife spotting and photo stops. The itinerary is designed for travelers who want to check off many highlights in one day, including Aboriginal cultural sites. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and well-organized schedule. For $96.83, it offers good value for those wanting a full, varied experience without the fuss of planning.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers looking for a comprehensive tour of the Grampians with lots of iconic sights.

8. Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Day Tour

This Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Day Tour ranks high for its small-group format and personalized attention. The 12-hour trip includes stops at Norman Beach, Mount Bishop, and Squeaky Beach. The tour features self-guided hikes at Mount Oberon or Mt Bishop, and opportunities to see native wildlife like kangaroos and wombats. Its reviews mention the friendly guides and the scenic diversity. With a price of $114.04, it offers a full day of nature and wildlife with a more intimate experience.

Bottom Line: Great for those who want a personalized, small-group day in Wilsons Prom.

9. Wilsons Promontory National Park Full-Day Eco Tour

Number 9 is an eco-focused full-day experience in Wilsons Promontory, emphasizing wildlife, scenic trails, and coastal views. The 12-hour journey includes stops at Squeaky Beach, Tidal River, and the Mount Bishop walk. The tour includes guided walks and wildlife encounters, with the guide sharing stories and factual insights. The price isn’t listed but is well worth the value for those wanting a focused eco-tour with small-group comfort. Reviews highlight the informative guides and beautiful scenery.

Bottom Line: Ideal for environmentally-conscious travelers who want an educational and scenic day.

10. Great Ocean Road & Grampians 3-Day Tour from Melbourne

This 3-day tour combines iconic coastal sights like the Twelve Apostles with wildlife and hiking in the Grampians. It includes accommodation, some meals, and park entry fees. Day 1 covers the Great Ocean Road, while days 2 and 3 explore lesser-known spots and nature walks. Priced at $498.48, it’s best suited for travelers wanting more than just a day trip and who enjoy multi-day travel.

Bottom Line: For those wanting a comprehensive exploration that mixes coast and mountains over multiple days.

11. Melbourne: Private Grampian National Park Tours

Number 11 offers a private tour for up to 13 people, providing a flexible, tailored experience. It includes stops at MacKenzie Falls, The Balconies, and Lake Bellfield, with personalized guidance. The itinerary is customizable, making it excellent for travelers with specific interests or limited time. The price of $1258.76 per group reflects its exclusivity and flexibility. Reviewers haven’t rated it yet, but the private format appeals to those seeking a bespoke adventure.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a customized, private day in the Grampians with personalized service.

12. Melbourne: Private Wilsons Promontory National Park Day Tours

This private tour offers the same intimate experience as other Wilsons Prom options but with a tailored itinerary. Covering coastal walks, wildlife spotting, and Mount Oberon hikes, it’s ideal for families or small groups seeking flexibility. The $1258.76 price allows for personalized attention and planning. Travelers looking for a customized, in-depth exploration will find this very appealing.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a bespoke day trip with flexibility.

13. Wilsons Promontory National Park Day Trip

Finally, this day trip offers a straightforward, full-day experience. It includes hiking to Mount Oberon, exploring the Big Dune, and relaxing on Squeaky Beach. Although reviews aren’t listed, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want an affordable, no-frills day in Wilsons Prom.

Bottom Line: Suitable for budget-minded visitors seeking a simple, comprehensive day in the park.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you love hiking and wildlife, the small-group eco tour of the Grampians or the Wilsons Prom Wilderness Tour are excellent. For a shorter, scenic experience, the Morning Wilderness Cruise offers a quick marine-focused adventure.

If you want a private, flexible experience, the private Tours or Wilson Prom private trips provide tailored itineraries. For those interested in a multi-day trip combining coast and mountains, the Great Ocean Road & Grampians 3-day tour is ideal.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons in spring and summer, to secure your preferred dates and ensure a smooth experience.

To sum it up, Melbourne’s surrounding parks offer a wide variety of experiences—from wildlife encounters in Wilsons Promontory to spectacular hikes in the Grampians, and coastal adventures along the Great Ocean Road. Whether you’re after a guided group tour, a private custom trip, or a half-day cruise, there’s an option tailored for your preferences. For most travelers, a full-day tour strikes the perfect balance, but if your schedule permits, a multi-day adventure can deepen your appreciation of Victoria’s stunning landscapes. Remember to book early, pack comfortable shoes, and prepare for some awe-inspiring scenery.