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Melbourne Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Melbourne Nature & adventure

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

1. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

After being picked up from your Melbourne CBD accommodation, explore the world famous Great Ocean Road on this full-day tour. Follow along in many different languages via the app so you won't miss a thing. Spend the day in an airconditioned vehicle not only exploring the coastline features but also seeing first hand koalas and birds in their natural habitat. Take a guided forest walk where you will see some of the tallest trees in the world. Morning tea is also included. Stop at Torquay Surf Beach to experience firsthand the iconic beaches and coastal views. You will also be within clear viewing distance of the world-famous Bells Surfing Beach. Take coastal photos and smell the fresh seaside air. Refresh with morning tea before heading to the Pole House. Enjoy a roadside photo opportunity of the most photographed house on Great Ocean Road. Suspended 40 meters above the ground by a singular concrete column, its unique architecture maximizes the stunning coastline view. Snap a selfie at the iconic Great Ocean Road sign and send it to your friends. Then see koalas and parrots in their natural habitat. Your experienced guide will take you to the best viewing spots. Stop at a location along the Great Ocean Road and take in the iconic coastline vista at Cape Patton. Head then to the coastal town of Apollo Bay where you can purchase lunch from the many restaurants and cafes on offer. You can also walk around the coastal town or even take a swim in the beach if the weather suits. Follow your guide on a forest walk where you will see some of the tallest trees in the world. You will also take in the wonderful fresh natural smells the trees have to offer. At the Gibson Steps, tide and wind permitting, you will be able to see some of the 12 Apostles from sea level on the beach. You will feel like you can reach out and touch them. Take your time to check out the world-renowned 12 Apostles. An awesome sight with fantastic photo opportunities. See for yourself why these limestone beauties are known all around the world. The final touring stop is at Loch Ard Gorge. Witness firsthand this magnificent formation of rocks and rolling sea. Enjoy ground-level viewing that will excite you with the natural glories it possesses. See the unique jagged razorback formation and then the Island Archway. The original archway collapsed in 2009, however, two striking stacks remain, standing nearly as tall as the Apostles. Purchase dinner from one of the many restaurants and cafes in Colac.

Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo

2. Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo

With your general admission day ticket to the Melbourne Zoo you can become acquainted with over 320 animal species from around the world. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush Asian and African rainforests, where tigers roam and monkeys swing from tree to tree. See eye-to-eye with the lion pride in a special exhibit at Lion Gorge and then continue on through to the Trail of the Elephants. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and emus in an Australian bush setting. Head into the underwater world to see Victoria’s iconic little penguins and Australian fur seals.

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

3. Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

Arrive at the station via car or public transport and prepare to travel on a historic locomotive through the scenic Dandenong Ranges. Built in 1900 and recognised as one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, Puffing Billy continues to travel on its original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, Puffing Billy offers traditional train journeys, first-class wine and dine experiences and so much more to explore off the tracks. Discover the new state-of-the-art facility set in the scenic surrounds of Emerald Lake Park. The new Lakeside Visitor Centre enhances the Puffing Billy experience, featuring a café, function room, significantly upgraded facilities, extensive retail, dining options, and interpretation spaces for you to enjoy.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

4. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket

5. Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket

Experience an African adventure among beautiful natural surroundings at Werribee Open Range Zoo, just 30 minutes from Melbourne. Get onboard a complimentary guided safari across the unique open-range savannah and spot rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. Come face-to-face with a pride of lions, visit one of the world's largest gorilla exhibits, see cheeky monkeys at play, and discover a family of hippos in their wetland home. As you travel, keep your eyes open and spot kangaroos, emu, brolga, koalas, and other Australian animals on a beautiful walk through the Australian Journey grasslands.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

6. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

Discover the beauty of Port Campbell National Park on this day trip from Melbourne. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned coach and enjoy a refreshing morning tea. Stop for pictures viewpoints, take a stroll at Apollo Bay and admire the 12 Apostles limestone stacks. Enjoy morning views of Melbourne city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge, at just under 1.5 miles (2.6 kilometers). Embark on one of the world’s greatest drives to tour the Great Ocean Road. Take in a scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. Stop for photos opportunity the Memorial Arch at Eastern View as well as at Kennett River, home to a large population of cute and cuddly wild koalas. A sighting is almost guaranteed as they munch away on Eucalyptus leaves. Marvel at Apollo Bay and walk around the famous coastal town. Afterward, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the water and into the mountains. Proceed through the spectacular Otway Ranges and stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool, temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. Continue to Port Campbell National Park, with its iconic array of rock formations. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, and be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the 12 Apostles. Take advantage of a dinner stop on the journey back to Melbourne at the township of Colac. Enjoy a scenic view of the illuminated city as you cross Westgate Bridge on the way home.

From Melbourne: Wilsons Promontory Day Tour

7. From Melbourne: Wilsons Promontory Day Tour

This small group (max 8 guests) hiking tour is made for those who want the best of the beach and the mountains. You arrive at Wilsons Prom and embark on the first hike for the day which goes through beautiful terrain and emerges to the vastness of “The Big Drift” Wilsons Promontory sand dunes. An out of this world and inescapable view that can be often overlooked. Once you return, you will take a small drive to the general store for some lunch. Next, it’s time for the second hike of the day, a 7.8 km return journey to the famous Mt Oberon. From the summit, you will experience arguably the best coastal views in Victoria. Next stop is a favourite, Squeaky Beach. Here you can wander on the incredibly white rounded grains of quartz which make a squeaking sound giving this popular local beach its name. Finally, upon departing the National Park, you will make a stop to see some native furry friends. There is a high chance you’ll see Wombats, Emus, Kangaroos and Wallabies going about their daily business.

From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Group Tour

8. From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Group Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne on a small group eco-tour to the Grampians National Park, and discover a nature lover’s paradise. Depart Melbourne and travel through the western plains of Victoria on route to historic Ballarat, a boom town of the 1850s following the widespread discovery of gold. Learn the history of the region over morning tea at the infamous Eureka Rebellion site. Continue through the picturesque western volcanic plains, and pass through the town of Moyston, the birthplace of Australian Rules Football. Arrive at the foot of the Grampians Range (Gariwerd in the local aboriginal language), and take a short walk to Silverband Falls. Then, head to Halls Gap for lunch. Keep a look out for kangaroos and abundant birdlife that can be seen in the main street. After lunch, go to the Wonderland car park to take a walk through the Grand Canyon and marvel at the rock formations. See high rising rock walls, crisscrossed with layering and fault lines that showcase the area’s unique geology. Next, visit the majestic surrounds of MacKenzie Falls, and watch the water cascade down the rocks in a gorge surrounded by eucalyptus forest. Walk the Bluff trail along the top of the cliffs for panoramic views of the falls, or journey downstairs to the base of the steep gorge. Another stunning photo opportunity awaits at Reeds Lookout, a vantage point that overlooks the towering Stringybark Forest and Victoria Valley. Your next port of call is Boroka Lookout, where panoramic views of the surrounding region and town of Halls Gap await. Look further afield to Lake Bellfield and beyond. Make your way back to Halls Gap to spot some wild kangaroos before returning to Melbourne. Stop for dinner on route back to the city, and enjoy a stunning view of the illuminated city on your return home.

Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

9. Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

Drive from your central accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Puffing Billy steam train. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. Enjoy morning tea at the scenic Emerald Lake then take a leisurely walk around the park. Then, explore the Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander around, observing native animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take a seat at the animal education lessons and live shows. You can also purchase lunch here. Finish the tour with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can sample complimentary chocolates. Return back to your accommodation in central Melbourne.

Wilsons Promontory: 2.5-Hour Wilderness Cruise

10. Wilsons Promontory: 2.5-Hour Wilderness Cruise

Travel in the world's first custom-built amphibious boats, designed for cruising waters in comfort and safety. Witness the iconic South Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia and cruise into the waters of Bass Strait and Victoria's first marine national park. Discover a rugged and raw coast like no other as you explore The Glennies, Anderson Islets, and Anser Island. Marvel at the prehistoric boulders of Mount Oberon, situated behind the white quartz sands of Norman Beach, before uncovering the iconic granite monolith that is Skull Rock. Sculpted by waves and surrounded by crystal blue waters, Skull Rock's eerie facade becomes even more mysterious as more skull shapes reveal themselves the closer you get. Search for abundant wildlife including thousands of seals, dolphins, and migrating whales.

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Frequently asked questions about Melbourne

What top attractions are a must-see in Melbourne?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Melbourne?

The best day trips and excursions from Melbourne are:

Great Ocean Road

Other Sightseeing Options in Melbourne

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What people are saying about Melbourne

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 2,029 reviews

Lots of informatiom from our driver. Tour stayed on time. And got to see everything advertised. A long day so dont book any evening activities you dont get back to melbourne until midnight.

While a long day, it was a great trip and we saw a lot! Our guide Elisha was super and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend.

Friendly staff, great exhibits, staff were very knowledgeable when giving talks. had a blast

Long day but great trip! The guide was knowledgeable. Value for money. Lots of sights to see

A very nice and well organised full day trip. Very nice guide.