Victoria offers a diverse range of city tours that let you experience its vibrant cities and scenic landscapes from unique perspectives. Whether you prefer soaring above Melbourne’s skyline, capturing the colorful Brighton Beach boxes from the air, or strolling through Bendigo’s historic streets, Victoria’s tours provide memorable ways to explore. We love the Melbourne City Scenic Helicopter Ride for its iconic landmarks seen from above and the personal touch it offers, like in-flight recordings. Meanwhile, the Melbourne City & Brighton Beach Boxes Helicopter Tour is perfect for those wanting a broader view of the coast and city in one flight. The Historic Bendigo City Walking Tour offers a slower, more detailed look at Victoria’s gold rush history. Below, we compare each experience to help you pick the perfect adventure.
1. Melbourne City Scenic Helicopter Ride
At number one, the Melbourne City Scenic Helicopter Ride delivers an exhilarating bird’s-eye perspective on Melbourne’s most famous sights. For around $200, this 1-hour private helicopter tour whisks you over landmarks like the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Eureka Skydeck, and Rod Laver Arena. The tour includes flying past the MCG and Luna Park, offering fantastic photo ops from above—an experience that can be upgraded for live streaming or in-flight recordings, which makes it ideal if you want to share your adventure.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach—a private helicopter means you get undivided attention from your pilot, who often shares insider tidbits about the city. Reviewers praise the pilot’s friendliness and the quality of the aerial views, with one calling it “a great experience” and highlighting the spectacular sights of St. Kilda Beach and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The tour starts at Rotor One in Essendon Fields and offers a flexible, memorable way to see Melbourne from above.
Bottom Line: If a private, customizable aerial tour of Melbourne sounds appealing, this ride combines excellent views, personal service, and the chance to make incredible photos. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a quick, breathtaking overview.
2. Melbourne City & Brighton Beach Boxes Helicopter Tour
At number two, the Melbourne City & Brighton Beach Boxes Helicopter Tour broadens the perspective, including both city sights and the famous Brighton Beach colorful bathing boxes. For roughly $200 and about an hour in the air, this tour offers a mix of urban and coastal scenery, making it a great choice for those who want variety.
This flight begins with a panoramic view of Melbourne’s skyline, then heads south over the St. Kilda area, passing the Melbourne Cricket Ground and cruising along the coast of Port Phillip Bay, where you’ll see the Brighton Bathing Boxes—a photo opportunity you won’t forget. The tour also passes landmarks like the Sunken J7 Submarine at Sandringham Marina and the Royal Botanic Gardens from above. Reviews note that the pilot’s commentary is engaging, and the aerial view of the Rod Laver Arena during the Australian Open adds a special touch.
What sets this tour apart is that it’s ideal for celebrating special occasions such as birthdays or proposals, thanks to its personalized private flight. Plus, the inclusion of both city and seaside sights makes it a well-rounded experience, especially for those wishing to see Melbourne from a truly different angle.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a combination of Melbourne’s urban landscape and iconic coastal scenery in a single flight. It’s a great value for its variety and personalized experience.
3. Historic Bendigo City Walking Tour
Number three on our list is the Historic Bendigo City Walking Tour, a two-hour stroll through Victoria’s gold rush heritage. Starting at the Bendigo Visitor Centre, this guided walk takes you through the grand Pall Mall, home to French-inspired architecture, and past the historic Sandhurst Mining Exchange, once second only to London in trading volume.
What makes this tour special is its focus on local history and architecture. You’ll explore Rosalind Park, with stories of the Red Ribbon Rebellion, and visit the Old Bendigo Gaol, which once held colonial justice trials. The tour also includes a walk through the Chinese Precinct and Yi Yuan Gardens, revealing the resilience and cultural legacy of Bendigo’s Chinese community. The detailed narration makes history come alive, giving you a deeper understanding of Bendigo’s gold rush past.
While it’s a shorter, more relaxed experience than the helicopter tours, it offers a rich, immersive look at Victorian regional history. The tour costs about $46.62 per person and is best suited for those interested in history, architecture, and local stories. Though it currently has no reviews, its well-rounded itinerary and focus on the city’s heritage make it an engaging choice for travelers preferring walking tours.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a slower-paced, educational experience that explores Bendigo’s past in detail, this walk offers a meaningful way to connect with Victoria’s history.
How to Choose
When deciding among these tours, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. For quick, breathtaking views of Melbourne from above, the Melbourne City Scenic Helicopter Ride provides a personal and memorable experience. If you want both city and coast in one go, the Brighton Beach Boxes helicopter tour offers a diverse aerial perspective. For those who love history and walking, the Bendigo historic tour gives an in-depth look at Victoria’s regional past without leaving the ground.
Booking early is wise, especially for helicopter tours, which tend to fill up quickly—particularly during peak seasons in spring and summer. Think about what kind of experience excites you most: a high-flying morning in Melbourne, a scenic coastal flight, or a walk through a historic gold rush town.
Final Thoughts
Victoria’s city tours provide a rich palette of experiences—flying high over Melbourne’s skyline or walking through historic streets in Bendigo. For those seeking stunning aerial views, the helicopter tours stand out, especially the private options that offer customization and personal touches. The historic walking tour is perfect for travelers eager to understand Victoria’s past in a relaxed setting.
If you want to see Melbourne’s iconic landmarks from above, the Melbourne City Scenic Helicopter Ride is a top pick, especially if you enjoy a private, personalized experience. For a broader perspective, including the colorful Brighton Beach boxes, the helicopter tour combining city and coast is a fantastic choice. And history enthusiasts will find the Bendigo walking tour a rewarding way to connect with Victoria’s gold rush legacy.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure your spot and help you make the most of your time in Victoria. Happy exploring!