Melbourne · TOUR REVIEWS
A long weekend or a fortnight, the problem is the same: one city, four directions worth driving. The 15 below are the days that earn their place, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath when you want to go deeper.
Travel from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, and Mait’s Rest in a small-group minibus. Guides such as Thomas, Lucy, Jacqui, and Reuben add local stories, wildlife tips, and safe driving to a very full day.
“Robbo was an excellent driver and tour guide. He made the whole day fun for everyone. We all enjoyed it”
Travel from Melbourne with an English-speaking guide such as Warren or Theo, spotting wild koalas and parrots, walking through tall forest, and visiting Torquay, Apollo Bay, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. Morning tea, transport, and hotel pickup are included, but lunch and dinner are not.
“The Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles are spectacular!! We were really lucky with the weather, it was such a beautiful day!! I was in awe of the beauty of the coastline, there were so many amazing viewing platforms and the 12 apostles just took my breath away!! Really recommend this trip, when you‘re in Melbourne, it’s an absolute must do!”
Spend about 8.5 hours exploring the Yarra Valley with Teepee Tours. Guides such as Matt, Callum, Andrew and Peter keep the day social and flexible, with wine, cider, gin or beer tastings, chocolate, live guitar and scenic cellar doors. Lunch is separate, and the group helps shape the stops.
“I cannot recommend this tour enough. Andrew was phenomenal. I've been to a ton of wineries so it was refreshing to try the wines with some tasting notes and interesting facts about the wines we were drinking. Super laid back setting which also was very different than other wine tours I've been on. I think the most unique factor was the flexibility that the tour provides. It was able to adjust around individual's desires with ease. Bonus, was being able to see kangaroos at the last winery! Thank you, Andrew, for a great tour and some core memories.”
Start early from Melbourne and travel inland to the Twelve Apostles before following the Great Ocean Road back toward Apollo Bay. With a maximum of 11 people, guides such as Marty, James, Chris, or Anne lead you to cliffs, rainforest, koalas, and coastal views in an air-conditioned minivan.
“It would seem that a fly net to cover your face, head, mouth extra would be extra helpful or a mask & a fan to fan away the non stop small flies all along the coast- in fact I am not sure why that was noted as a necessity for enjoyment for many stops on the trip”
Spend about 12 hours with Go West Tours, traveling from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Guides such as Cloe, Jools, Bob, and Graeme are known for lively commentary. Expect a late return, cool evening weather, and no photography at the parade.
“Very informative touring experience. Simon is very friendly, informative, puncture and funny. Everything is on schedule. The tour experience went smooth for us.”
Travel from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley in a small group of up to 19, with wine tastings at Soumah, St Huberts and Balgownie, chocolate at the Chocolaterie, and countryside views. Guides such as Tom, Gilberto, Richard and Matt add music, local tips and an easygoing mood.
“Other options available including barrister coffee if you don't drink wine. Food at extra cost but menu choices were good and costs reasonable.”
Travel from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles with Go West Tours in a minibus for up to 24 people. Guides such as Lucy, Tim, Jono, and Sherif combine coastal stories with koala spotting, Maits Rest rainforest, Apollo Bay, and multilingual audio support.
“This was great! Very well organized and we learned a lot about the history and geology of the area. Alex was a fun and informative tour guide - she also made great meal and trail recommendations for each stop. Would recommend this company/tour!”
Travel from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road in a reverse-route coach or small-group van. Expect London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, wildlife stops, and Memorial Arch. Guides including David Hsu, William, Philip, and Daniel are known for clear commentary and careful driving.
“The tour was wonderful! We traveled with Daniel, an incredible person! He described the places and told stories with great enthusiasm. Besides the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles, we had the chance to see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. I thought the trip would be tiring, but it was great! I highly recommend it!”
Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Dirk, Simon, Matt, or Charlie, traveling from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Expect a small-group day with wildlife, coastal views, free time, and a late return.
“Incredible trip with lots of lovely stops, really breaking up the journey. The sanctuary was incredible and I still can’t believe I hand fed a kangaroo! The guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, would definitely recommend this tour for value for money and the about learned.”
Travel from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road with an English-speaking guide such as Tony or Vance. Stop at the Chocolaterie, Lorne, Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge, with koala spotting along the way. Expect a scenic but full 12-hour day.
“Vance was a great tour guide. He knew lots of information! Very helpful at showing where to go. A great tour to see the Great Ocean Road in one day. Would recommend!”
Spend about 8.5 hours exploring the Yarra Valley from Melbourne with Dancing Kangaroo Tours. Guides such as Sean, Stefan, Posi, and Danny lead small groups to boutique wineries, a two-course lunch, chocolate and ice cream, plus optional Four Pillars gin or Watts River beer tastings.
“Three wineries, one brewery, and ice cream stop off, and an extremely experienced and welcoming tour guide and driver. The lunch was excellent with a choice of four mains, and the choice of wineries superb. Unhurried and relaxed. When it comes to value for money, this tour wins by a country mile. Highly recommend.”
Cruise upstream and downstream on Melbourne’s Yarra River, passing Docklands, Southbank, sporting grounds, Herring Island, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll have GPS-triggered English commentary, tea and coffee, indoor seating, and an open back deck for photos. The cruise may change boats midway.
“it was easy to access and the commentary was very interesting. the skipper was also very polite and knowledgeable.”
Spend 8.5 hours tasting Yarra Valley wine, strawberries, chocolate, cider, and optional gin with Dancing Kangaroo Tours. Small groups of up to 20 depart central Melbourne, and guides such as Shaun, Danny, Posi, and Stefan keep the day relaxed and social. Lunch is extra.
“well organised day trip with lots of great stops and a great group of people!! our tour guide, danny, was also lovely and made sure the day ran smoothly”
Travel with up to 11 people from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles before the main crowds arrive, then return along the coast. Expect Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Maits Rest rainforest, Apollo Bay, wildlife stops, and guides such as James, Ann, Peter, and Marty sharing local stories.
“Fabulous. Our guide Chris gave us great history and stories along the way. Very knowledgeable, friendly and I liked how he corralled everyone up so we didn't have to waste time waiting for people. There is nothing I can think of to improve. This tour is a must see!❤️”
Board at Southbank Promenade for a three-hour evening cruise past Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Rod Laver Arena, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll receive four courses, Australian wine, beer, spirits, coffee, port, and attentive table service aboard the enclosed Yarra Countess or Yarra Empress.
“The good: service was excellent...the seating process, initial drinks, appetizers all done very efficiently and with warmth and care. The appetizers were quite tasting including duck slice, oysters, beef, scallops. The needs improvement: overall, Read more”
Pick a direction out of the city.
