The Top 15 Melbourne Tours

Melbourne is a city that offers more than just its famous coffee and laneway art. Its proximity to stunning coastlines, lush national parks, and unique wildlife makes it a treasure trove for tour enthusiasts. We particularly love the Great Ocean Road tours for their breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters, like koalas and parrots in their natural habitat. The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a must-see for animal lovers, giving you a front-row seat to the little penguins’ nightly trek home. For culture and cuisine, Melbourne’s foodie walking tours or its living laneway scene reveal hidden bars and culinary delights. And for active travelers, the city’s bike tours showcase Melbourne from a different angle, with options for e-bikes and small groups. Whether you’re after scenic drives, wildlife safaris, or city explorations, Melbourne’s tours deliver.

Quick Overview

Melbourne’s tour scene is impressively diverse. You’ll find full-day coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road, intimate boutique tours in small groups, wildlife safaris to Phillip Island, and culinary walks through its famous laneways. The city’s bike tours are perfect for active explorers, while the Yarra Valley wine trips let you savor local flavors. Each tour offers its own unique perspective on Melbourne and its surroundings, making it easy to tailor your experience.

Below, we detail the best options—highlighting what makes each special and who they’re best suited for—so you can pick the perfect match for your Melbourne adventure.

1. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

Explore one of the world’s most scenic coastlines with this full-day tour led by local guides. This trip covers the highlights like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, but also offers encounters with native koalas and parrots in their natural habitat. You’ll take a guided walk through rainforest, seeing some of the tallest trees in the world, and learn about the area’s geological history and native wildlife.

This tour’s strength is its expert guides who bring stories to life, plus the diversity of stops—from scenic viewpoints to wildlife sightings. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive day of coastal scenery, wildlife, and history. With reviews rating 4.7/5, travelers praise its well-paced itinerary and knowledgeable guides. The 13.5-hour duration makes it a long day but one packed with memorable sights. Perfect for travelers seeking a deep dive into Victoria’s rugged coast.

Bottom Line: If scenic coastal views and wildlife are your priority, this tour offers a balanced mix of both—ideal for nature lovers and avid photographers.

2. Great Ocean Road Tour w/ Deluxe Minibus & Top-Rated Guide

This tour simplifies the classic Great Ocean Road experience with a smaller group (up to 24 people) and a deluxe minibus, making the journey more comfortable. Led by award-winning local guides, it balances scenery, rainforest walks, and wildlife encounters—especially spotting wild koalas in Kennett River.

The itinerary includes highlights like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, with the added bonus of storytelling that connects you to the coast’s history. Audio commentary in 16 languages makes it accessible for international travelers. With a 4.8/5 rating, guests love the relaxed pace and deep local insights.

This 13-hour trip is perfect if you prefer a smaller group and a more intimate experience. The guides’ passion and storytelling make every stop meaningful, and the multilingual commentary ensures you don’t miss a thing.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a comprehensive, comfortable, and educational coastal adventure without the crowds.

3. Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Eco Tour from Melbourne

For those who want to see the GREAT OCEAN ROAD at its most magical, this 11-14 hour tour culminates in a sunset at the Twelve Apostles. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the coast’s wildlife and history while taking in panoramic views. Stops include Anglesea, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, ending with the sunset over the iconic stacks.

Guests rave about the curated “Journey through Time” presentation, which combines stunning visuals with local stories. The tour includes stops for wildlife viewing, a lunch in Lorne, and a scenic drive along the coast. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating, travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and the unforgettable sunset.

This is a great choice for sunset lovers and those wanting an immersive, well-rounded day with plenty of photo opportunities.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a scenic, relaxed day with a spectacular sunset finale.

4. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Boutique Tour in Reverse

This intimate boutique tour (max 11 people) takes the Great Ocean Road in reverse, avoiding the usual crowds. It offers a more personalized experience with stops at Gibson Steps, rainforest walks, and animal sightings—koalas and kangaroos—where big buses don’t go.

The tour’s small size allows for more flexibility, and the guides focus on sustainable tourism, including carbon offsetting. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate privacy, quality, and a slightly different perspective on the coast. The detailed itinerary includes scenic stops, rainforest walks, and a visit to Loch Ard Gorge.

Guests, rating 4.9/5, praise the friendly guides and the chance to explore less-crowded spots. It’s a 12-hour day that balances sightseeing with a relaxed pace.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who prefer a boutique, eco-conscious experience with fewer crowds and more personal attention.

5. Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

This full-day wildlife tour takes you from Melbourne to Phillip Island, where the highlight is the world-famous Penguin Parade. But it’s more than just the parade—visit the Moonlit Sanctuary to see koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, and explore Nobbies, home to one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies.

Led by guides rated 5.0/5, travelers love the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and watch the penguins waddle ashore at sunset. The extensive itinerary includes wildlife parks, beaches, and scenic coastal stops. The 12-hour day is full, but the wildlife encounters are worthwhile for animal lovers.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those eager to see Australian wildlife in natural settings and experience the charming penguin parade.

6. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour

For a taste of Victoria’s premier wine region, this 8-hour tour takes you through five top venues. Sample award-winning wines, spirits, and artisan chocolates while enjoying sweeping views of the Yarra Valley. It’s a full sensory experience, with visits to Soumah, St Huberts, and Yarrawood Estate.

Guests rave about the variety of tastings and the guide’s local knowledge. The tour is flexible—tell the guide what you want to focus on—and includes a delicious lunch. The 4.9/5 reviews show how well this tour balances education and indulgence.

Best suited for wine and foodies wanting a relaxed day of tasting and sightseeing.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers looking for a gourmet day with beautiful scenery and multiple tastings.

7. Great Ocean Road Tour Reverse –SML GRP-DLUX Mini Bus Hotel Pickup

This small-group tour (max 13 people) lets you explore the Great Ocean Road in reverse, avoiding the busiest spots. You can start from any Melbourne hotel, making logistics easier. It includes rainforest walks at Mait’s Rest, stops at Gibson Steps, and the option to add a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles.

Rated 5/5, travelers praise the luxury transport, friendly guides, and flexibility. The itinerary combines scenic viewpoints, wildlife spotting, and walking opportunities. It’s a great choice if you want a personalized, comfortable experience with optional extras.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a flexible, small-group adventure with optional helicopter sightseeing.

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

Looking for a nature-focused escape? This 13-hour tour covers the Grampians National Park, with bushwalks, kangaroo sightings, and panoramic vistas from Reed and Boroka Lookouts. It’s led by a passionate guide and limited to small groups for a more intimate experience.

Guests, rating 5/5, highlight the MacKenzie Falls, Grand Canyon circuit, and the personalized attention. The tour also includes Eureka Stockade Memorial and a lunch in Halls Gap. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers wanting to explore nature deeply.

Bottom Line: Suitable for active travelers eager for hiking, wildlife, and scenic vistas in a small-group setting.

9. Famous Melbourne City Bike Tour

This 4.5-hour guided bike ride takes you through Melbourne’s laneways, arcades, and heritage sites. With limited to eight participants, the tour offers personalized insights into the city’s street art, sports venues like the MCG, and public gardens.

Rated 5/5, travelers appreciate the comfortable bikes, local storytelling, and stops at hidden spots many visitors miss. It’s a lively, active way to cover ground and see Melbourne’s diverse neighborhoods.

Bottom Line: Great for active travelers who want a quick, engaging overview of Melbourne’s city life and secrets.

10. The Best of Melbourne Bike Tour

This slightly longer bike tour (4.5 hours) is perfect for those who want to see more of Melbourne from a bike. It covers Southbank, the Shrine of Remembrance, Fitzroy Gardens, and rooftop bars. Bikes and helmets are provided, making it easy to join without gear worries.

With a 5/5 rating, travelers enjoy the relaxed pace, local commentary, and the chance to combine sightseeing with a light workout. The mid-morning start means you have plenty of time for lunch afterward.

Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers wanting an in-depth, flexible city tour on two wheels.

11. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

This eco-conscious, full-day tour to Phillip Island includes wildlife encounters, the Nobbies coast, and the Penguin Parade. Traveling in air-conditioned comfort, you’ll learn about Australian animals and enjoy scenic stops, including Moonlit Sanctuary for koalas, kangaroos, and wombats.

Rated 4.8/5, travelers value the guides’ stories and the up-close animal experiences. It’s a rewarding day for wildlife fans and families alike.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a mix of wildlife adventures and iconic penguin viewing.

12. Yarra Valley Wine Day Tour

This full-day wine and food tour takes you through Yarra Valley’s best wineries like De Bortoli and Yering Station. Tasting premium wines, artisan chocolates, and enjoying a click-worthy lunch, you’ll get a true taste of this renowned region.

Guests praise the expert guide and the relaxed pace. The tour balances wine education with culinary delights, perfect for wine enthusiasts and food lovers. The 5/5 reviews reflect its success in delivering a memorable day.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a gourmet experience in Victoria’s top wine region.

13. Melbourne’s Living Laneway Scene: Local Bars and Their Stories

This 3.5-hour walking tour takes you into Melbourne’s iconic laneways and hidden bars. Led by a personable guide, you’ll visit four distinct venues, including a speakeasy, a local wine bar, and a rooftop terrace. The first drink at each stop is included.

Rated 5/5, travelers appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to discover Melbourne’s nightlife secrets. It’s a lively, social experience perfect for those wanting insider knowledge and a taste of Melbourne’s vibrant bar scene.

Bottom Line: Best for social travelers interested in Melbourne’s culinary and nightlife scene.

14. Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

For a classic country experience, this 8-hour tour combines a steam train ride on Puffing Billy with a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary. The sanctuary offers a chance to see koalas, platypuses, and emus, while Emerald Lake provides serene scenery.

Guests value the well-paced itinerary and the nostalgic train ride. It’s especially good for families and outdoor lovers seeking a mix of wildlife, scenery, and a touch of history.

Bottom Line: Suitable for those looking for a relaxed, family-friendly escape into the Victorian countryside.

15. Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour

This 3-hour guided food walk explores Melbourne’s laneways and arcades, tasting Chinese dumplings, sweet treats, and local coffee. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about Melbourne’s culinary scene and its multicultural roots.

Rated 5/5, travelers love the variety of tastings and the local stories shared along the way. It’s an excellent way to learn about Melbourne’s food culture in a short time.

Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want an authentic, tasty introduction to Melbourne.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Melbourne

Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and physical activity level. If stunning coastlines and wildlife are your main goals, the Great Ocean Road or the boutique reverse route offers unmatched scenery and fewer crowds. For animal lovers, the Phillip Island and Penguin Parade eco tours combine wildlife encounters with iconic views.

Travelers interested in culinary experiences should consider the Yarra Valley wine tour or the foodie walking tour. For those who prefer staying active, Melbourne’s bike tours—like the famous city bike tour or the best of Melbourne—offer a lively way to explore.

Practical tips include booking early during peak season, especially for the Great Ocean Road and wildlife tours, as they tend to fill up. Consider your fitness level, desired pace, and whether you prefer guided storytelling or self-guided freedom.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne’s range of tours offers something for every traveler—whether you’re after dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife encounters, or vibrant city life. You can’t go wrong with the Great Ocean Road for stunning views, or the Phillip Island Penguin Parade for adorable animal moments. For food and culture lovers, the foodie walking tour and the laneway bar crawl reveal Melbourne’s authentic flavor.

To make the most of your trip, consider your interests and fitness level, and book early to secure your spot. With so many excellent options, your Melbourne adventure is guaranteed to be memorable.