Melbourne is a vast and vibrant city perched on the southeastern coast of Australia. It’s the capital of Victoria and is often touted to be Australia’s cultural capital. The lanes are lined with world-class street art and are always buzzing with the sound of live music!
Melbourne’s culinary, cafe, and sporting scenes are all just as impressive, and the city frequently hosts world-class cultural events.
There is plenty to see and do during a trip to Melbourne, and a wide range of tours on offer! Tours can help you get the most out of your visit, and are a great way to see the city and its stunning natural surroundings.
There’s a tour for every kind of traveler in Melbourne, from adventurous to romantic and everything in between!
• The 21 Best Tours in Melbourne •
#1 – Spirit of Melbourne Cruise
- $$$
- 3 hours
- A romantic atmosphere and stunning night time views of the city and some iconic sights
- Delicious four-course meal (entree, main course, dessert, and cheese platter) paired with Australian wines
Climb on board a floating restaurant and cruise down the Yarra River. This tour offers a four-course meal and an impossibly romantic atmosphere!
Soak up the sparkling lights and cityscape views as your boat meanders along the Yarra. You’ll be served a delicious four-course meal, prepared by talented chefs, while you relax and enjoy the ambiance. Enjoy a selection of beverages throughout the cruise and conclude your meal with tea or coffee and a glass of liqueur or port.
#2 – Werribee Open Range Zoo
- $
- One day admission
- See a vast variety of animals from around the world
- A refreshing zoo experience, where the animals are free to roam
At Werribee Open Range Zoo, the animals roam free rather than being in small enclosures. The premises is around 200 hectares, and a game drive through it allows you to observe the animals in a more natural setting.
Embark on an African adventure through the park with the included safari drive, and spot some Australian wildlife on a walk through the Australian Journey grasslands.
During your visit, you’re likely to see rhinos, lions, monkeys, kangaroos, koalas, and gorillas to name a few!
#3 – Melbourne City Sightseeing Kayak Tour
- $$
- 2 ¾ hours
- A fun and unique way to see the sights of Melbourne
- The kayaks are stable and easy to paddl
Experience Melbourne’s sights from the water on this kayak tour. You’ll be kitted up and briefed before hopping on a kayak and paddling downriver. On your journey through the heart of the city, you’ll be able to soak up the Melburnian atmosphere and some great views!
Pass sights such as the Polly Woodside Tallship, Flinders Station, Crown Casino, and the vibrant South Bank district. You’ll also stop for a break in Yarra’s Edge Marina, and your guide will tell you some fascinating stories about the city!
Editor’s note: Save a bit of cash in Melbourne with our guide to budget hostels in Melbourne!
#4 – From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koala Tour
- $$$
- 12 hours
- See the famous nightly journey of the world’s smallest penguin species
- Experience the natural beauty of Phillip Island, and get close-up with some Australian animals
Experience the wonders of Australia’s wildlife on this tour from Melbourne. You’ll start in the city and head to Maru Koala and Wildlife Park where you’ll have the opportunity to hand feed some Australian animals.
Next, travel to Phillip Island where you’ll spend a few hours admiring its natural beauty as your guide shows you some of the best bits!
The highlight of the tour takes place at sunset, as you gather to watch the tiny fairy penguins waddle to the safety of the dunes after a long day of fishing out at sea!
#5 – Melbourne Cricket Ground Tour
- $
- 75 minutes
- Explore the home grounds of Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC)
- Learn about the hallowed grounds from an MCC member who will guide the tour
Explore the grounds of the legendary MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) on this immersive guided tour.
Amongst other things, you’ll get to see the MCC long room, the player changing rooms, the MCG Tapestry, and the cricketers viewing room. You’ll also get to walk onto the sacred arena itself!
The tour is guided by an MCC member and is peppered with interesting facts and stories about the stadium and the club!
#6 – Melbourne Eureka Skydeck
- $
- Ticket valid for 1 day
- Experience beautiful panoramic views by day or by night
- The option to add ‘The Edge Experience’, which sees you step into a glass-floored cube protruding from the building
If you want to see Melbourne from above, then this is the experience for you. The Eureka Sky Deck is situated on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower and offers the best panoramic views in the whole of Melbourne!
During the day you’ll have a birds-eye view of the city and the Dandenong mountain range. By night, there are views of Melbourne’s dazzling city skyline. For more immersive views, you can brave a walk out onto the open air terrace.
#7 – Melbourne Ghost Tour
Perfect for Fans of Dark History
- $
- 1 ½ hour
- An informative, enthusiastic guide who will keep you captivated throughout
- Not just an immersive ghost tour, but a refreshingly unique exploration of Melbourne and its history
Explore Melbourne’s darker side with this immersive guest tour. The tour takes place under the darkness of night and explores the city’s most haunted locations!
You’ll be taken back to 19th century Melbourne as your guide shares stories of some of the city’s most harrowing events, and paranormal activity. You’ll pass many of Melbourne’s attractions and sights as you wander through hidden lanes!
This tour takes you on a journey through lesser-known Melbourne and explores a past that is seldom discussed.
#8 – Grampians National Park Tour from Melbourne
- $$$
- Full-day
- Discover some of Australia’s history on one of the finest day tours Melbourne has to offer
- Experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Grampians National Park
This tour offers a fusion of Australian history and breathtaking natural scenery. The destination is Grampians National park, but the journey there is half the adventure. Along the way, you’ll stop at the historic city of Ballarat and pass through the western volcanic plains!
Once you arrive at the Grampians Range, you’ll visit a couple of waterfalls, walk through a eucalyptus forest, marvel at rock formations, and spot indigenous animals along the way. You’ll also stop for lunch and dinner, and enjoy panoramic cliff-top views on a walking trai
I’m sure you’ve heard of Melbourne, but there are so many other things to do in Melbourne!
#9 – Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch
- $$$
- Full-day
- Enjoy the beauty of the Yarra Valley and its world-class wineries
- Taste a vast range of wines with an expert guide
Explore the fabulous flavors of Yarra Valley on this full-day tour through some of Victoria’s top wineries.
You’ll learn the art of wine tasting before delving into a range of cellar door tastings. Then sit down for a delicious lunch paired with a glass of wine at the next venue. The tour will take you through the scenic countryside to a boutique winery and the house of Moet & Chandon.
#10 – Pentridge Prison Ghost Tour
- $
- 1 ½ hour
- Hear stories about famous Australian criminals, such as Chopper Read and Ned Kelly
- Learn the haunted past of the prison and about the ghosts that remain
Delve into an eerie past as you explore the haunted hallways of Pentridge Prison. Many of the country’s most notorious criminals served time here!
You’ll hear stories about the death penalties that were carried out in the prison, and Ned Kelly, the legendary outlaw whose remains are at the prison. The tour winds through buildings that are closed to the public and uncovers the long, dark past of Australia’s most famous prison.
#11 – Melbourne Laneways Tour
- $$
- 2 ½
- Get immersed in the local culture and way of life
- Explore some boutique and quirky establishments and step off the beaten track
Melbourne’s laneways are bursting with vibrant creative energy. This tour immerses you in the local way of life as you soak up the unique atmosphere and explore off the beaten track!
Your experienced guide will take you into secret galleries, quirky cafes, and the boutique stores! You’ll get to admire the architecture and street art as your guide shares stories and teaches you some of the city’s history.
#12 – Melbourne Star
- $
- 30 minutes
- Enjoy a scenic 30-minute ride with panoramic views of Melbourne
- Day and night time rides are available, each offering a different experience
Melbourne Star is an enormous ferries wheel that rises high above the streets of the city!
Soar up 120 meters into the sky in an enclosed capsule on a 30-minute ride. The 360-degree views of Melbourne are breathtaking, and the ride leaves you with a fresh perspective on the city.
If you take flight on the Star at night, you can admire the wheel’s elaborate light display that sparkles in the night sky!
Will you be in Melbourne a while? Here’s your guide to the top day trips from Melbourne for exploring the area!
#13 – Puffing Billy Steam Train and Dandenong Ranges
- $$
- 5 hours
- Experience a unique ride through dense forest on a beautifully restored steam train
- Stop at the town of Sassafras, known for its local crafts and antiques!
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the beauty of Sherbrooke Forest and the Dandenong Ranges
This tour transports you from Melbourne through the Dandenong Ranges via coach, before boarding the restored Puffing Billy steam train. Hang out of the open-sided train as it meanders through the dense, fern-filled forest, and over enchanting bridges!
You’ll be served tea and scones on board, and get to explore the quaint town of Sassafras before returning on the steam train.
#14 – Melbourne Hidden Bar Tour
- $
- 3 hours
- Hear stories from passionate bar owners and learn the city’s history
- Visit some of the city’s best secret bars and receive a map of the best bars to take with you
Melbourne has a thriving bar scene, but visitors are usually bound to the tourist traps. In order to experience the real bars of Melbourne, you need a local guide with an in-depth knowledge of the city’s secret saloons.
This tour takes you into the lesser-known laneways and grants you access to bars that aren’t advertised or even signposted. Some of them even require a secret password. You’ll stop by four drinking establishments, and speak with the passionate folks that run them! Drink discounts are also included.
#15 – Melbourne Cultural Highlights Walking Tour
- $
- 3 hours
- Hear local tips on the best bars, restaurants, and things to do in the city
- Explore Melbourne’s cultural landscape and vibrant areas
This tour takes you on an adventure through the heart of Melbourne, allowing you to experience the city’s cultural highlights. With a focus on both the past and the present, this tour will enlighten you with stories, facts, and information as you weave through various cityscapes!
The tour covers everything from Melbourne’s Aboriginal Routes to the modern metropolis it is today. You’ll pass several landmarks, walk through the vibrant laneways, and have a warm drink along the way.
#16 – Yarra Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight
- $$$$
- 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours (1-hour flight)
- Drift peacefully like a cloud above the picturesque Yarra Valley
- Learn about ballooning and take part in the various processes
Enjoy a sensational sunrise balloon flight over the idyllic Yarra Valley! Yarra Valley is a world-class wine region with stunning landscapes and a myriad of vineyards.
The views are spectacular as you float gracefully above the valley below, with the sunrise golden hour setting a dreamlike tone. You’ll be able to take part in the inflation and deflation process of the balloon and learn all about the practice from your experienced balloon pilot!
#17 – Fitzroy True Crime Walking Tour
- $
- 2 hours
- A historically accurate tour that is based on original police files from 100 years ago
- Receive a booklet with pictures of the criminals you’ll learn about during the tour
This tour takes you on a journey through Melbourne’s criminal history as you walk through the streets of Fitzroy – a historic hotspot for criminal activity 100 years ago.
As you wander through the suburb, your guide will show you a variety of buildings in which speakeasies, brothels, and thieve dens were once set!
You’ll walk down dark alleys and streets were gang shootings once occurred, and learn about the illegal practices which took place in the area a century ago.
#18 – Melbourne Multicultural Markets Tour
- $$
- 3 hours
- Discover Melbourne’s colorful culinary culture
- Interact with the local market vendors and hear their stories!
Experience the wonders of Melbourne’s diverse cuisine on this culinary culture tour. You’ll delve into Melbourne’s multicultural market scene, and embark a journey full of flavor.
Sample over a dozen foods from around the world, and get to know the owners of the vibrant market stalls. Along the way, you’ll learn about Melbourne’s fascinating culinary history and hear the stories of Melbourne’s markets!
The tours start early to avoid the rush, and end just after the markets really start to buzz!
Don’t worry! We have more hostels in our article on the best party hostels in Melbourne!
#19 – Great Ocean Road from Melbourne: Day Tour
- $$$
- 13 hours
- Incredible views as you drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road
- Stop to see various famous sights and partake in activities
Dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives during WWI, this 150-mile stretch of coastal road is the world’s largest war memorial. It’s a popular tourist attraction due to its hugely varied terrain and stunning scenery!
This tour takes you on the famous road trip along the coast, visiting iconic sights such as the 12 Apostles, Shipwreck Coast, Gibson Step, and Ard Gorge along the way. Koala sightings are guaranteed, and you’ll get to enjoy a mystical forest walk!
Before your trip, find out about Melbourne’s best hostels!
#20 – Moonlight Kayak Tour Melbourne
- $$
- 2 ½ hours
- A lot of fun and a truly unique way to see Melbourne
- Suitable for all experience levels; the kayaks are stable and the guides are patient
Experience Melbourne from the water as you cruise peacefully along the Yarra River in a kayak. This tour departs as the sun sets over the city skyline, making for exceptional views!
You’ll explore the sights and sounds of Melbourne as you paddle, before docking for a fish and chips dinner on the water. Next, you’ll paddle through Melbourne’s lively and colorful downtown. Stay seated in your kayak for the best views of the breathtaking South Bank fireball display!
Pass several iconic sights along the way, and end the tour in heart of the city!
#21 – Full-Day Gold Rush Tour
- $$$
- 8 hours
- Try your hand at panning for gold
- Immerse yourself in 1850s Ballarat at Sovereign Hill
After a meetup in Melbourne, you’ll travel to Australia’s largest inland city: Ballarat. The city was once a booming town in the 1850s thanks to Australia’s prolific gold rush!
This tour takes you past several of the former gold mining areas in the state en route to Ballarat. Once you arrive, you’ll travel back to the 1850s at Sovereign Hill, an immersive living museum that accurately recreates the city’s gold rush days.
Explore the machinery of the period, and learn about what life was like for the miners!
FAQs about Melbourne Tours
We’re sure you have a few questions about tours in Melbourne. So, we’ve put together some answers for the ones that we hear most often!
How do I book a Melbourne tour?
By far the easiest way to book a tour in Melbourne is through an online tour provider. There are several options, but we highly recommend using GetYourGuide.
The platform is easy to use and has a vast selection of Melbourne tours to choose from!
What should I pack for a tour in Melbourne?
Melbourne is prone to unpredictable bouts of rain, so it’s a good idea to take a raincoat on any outdoor tour. Melbourne can also get quite sunny in the warmer months, so pack some sunscreen too.
Comfortable walking shoes will be vital for most of the tours on this list!
How much do tours in Melbourne typically cost?
The cost of a Melbourne tour varies depending on the type of experience and how long it lasts.
The average cost of our recommended tours is around $68 USD, with the most expensive setting you back around $290 USD and the cheapest costing just $15 US.
How long are tours in Melbourne?
Our recommended tours range between 30 minutes and a full day. Generally speaking, Melbourne city tours last just a couple to a few hours, while excursions and day tours from Melbourne can last up to 14 hours.
Closing Thoughts on Melbourne Tourism
Taking a tour is one of the best ways to see Melbourne and its surroundings! They take the stress out of your hands and allow you to experience things that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
Melbourne tours offer an awesome range of experiences. You can drift through the clouds at sunrise, hand feed koalas, watch a fireball show from a kayak, and take a steam train through the jungle! There’s a tour for every kind of traveler!
Each of the Melbourne tours we’ve recommended will help you squeeze every last drop out of your Melbourne trip, and maximize your time in this beautiful city!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
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