What are the most popular tour routes from Melbourne?

Tours from Melbourne primarily focus on two main routes. The coastal journey along the Great Ocean Road takes travelers through Apollo Bay and to the Twelve Apostles with stops in coastal towns like Lorne. The Uluru route requires a flight to Australia's Red Centre where visitors stay in Yulara at places like the Desert Gardens Hotel or Lost Camel Hotel. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The scenic route along the Great Ocean Road was beautiful. We were given sufficient time at each point of interest to enjoy the experience."

What type of accommodation can I expect on tours starting in Melbourne?

Melbourne tours feature a range of places to stay from city hotels to regional properties. The central business district offers established hotels like the Crowne Plaza and Sofitel Wentworth. Along the Great Ocean Road travelers often stay at local spots such as Chris's Beacon Point Villas in Apollo Bay or the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The accommodation was of an extremely high standard on each of the three days in apartment style accommodation."

What's included in group tour meals departing Melbourne?

Tour packages typically cover daily breakfast and select other meals at local restaurants. Great Ocean Road itineraries often feature dining at well-known spots like Chris's Restaurant at Beacon Point and the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Food quality and choices have been excellent with veggie options available. All restaurants have been preselected and excited not only me but the entire group."

What cultural experiences are typically included in Melbourne at the start of tours?

Tours often begin with Aboriginal experiences in the city. These include walks with Koorie Heritage Trust guides along the Yarra River visits to Aboriginal art at the Ian Potter Centre and meals at Indigenous-owned establishments like Big Esso by Mabu Mabu. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Learning about Aboriginal culture and stories of Melbourne while walking along the Yarra River with our Indigenous guide was an incredible way to start the tour."

What are the most popular day trips from Melbourne included in longer tours?

Day trips from Melbourne center around three main destinations: the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles (12-14 hours) Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade (8-10 hours) and wine tasting in the Yarra Valley. Most tours use hotels like the Victoria Hotel or InterContinental Melbourne as starting points. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The Great Ocean Road tour was incredible - watching surfers catch waves and seeing the striking limestone stacks along the dramatic shoreline was unforgettable."

What transport options are available from Melbourne Airport to tour starting points?

The main ways to reach central Melbourne hotels are by taxi or the SkyBus service. The trip usually takes 20-30 minutes to hotels like the Victoria Hotel or InterContinental Melbourne. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The SkyBus was an easy option to reach our starting hotel in the city dropping us right in the heart of Melbourne where our tour began."

Australia Tours from Melbourne

Want to experience Melbourne's vibrant culture and gardens, drive the Great Ocean Road to see those famous 12 Apostles rising from the sea, or dine under the stars at sacred Uluru. Don’t forget to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from a catamaran, and discover the Blue Mountains with native wildlife all around. Australia's highlights, all in one trip. From cosmopolitan cities to natural wonders that take your breath away.

10 best Australia tour packages from Melbourne

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Explorer
Best of Australia with Sightseeing Tours
2.6 (5 traveler reviews)
"This tour was one of the most thoughtful and rewarding trips I've ever taken. In 12 days, we experienced the heart, soul, and wild beauty of Australia."
Zerene, traveled in December
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Apollo Bay,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Yulara,Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Cairns,Great Barrier Reef,Daintree National Park,Sydney,Blue Mountains+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
From
US$4,445per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"It was an excellent tour very well balance between the time spent in each place, the included hours, the hotels and transportation."
Ignacio, traveled in August
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
From
US$2,475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Melbourne to Kangaroo Island Adventure (from Melbourne to Cape Jervis)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Daylesford, Ballarat, Great Ocean Road,Apollo Bay,Anglesea,Otway,Warrnambool,Grampians,Adelaide,Murray Bridge,Kangaroo Island,Cape Jervis,Penneshaw,Kingscote,Seal Bay,Vivonne Bay,Flinders Chase National Park+14 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$4,430per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
3 Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Melbourne Loop Tour (Accommodated)
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Tour was fantastic! So many animals in nature and great landscapes."
Ross, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Geelong, Anglesea, Apollo Bay,Great Otway National Park,Loch Ard Gorge,Warrnambool,Grampians National Park,Halls Gap,MacKenzie Falls,Ararat,Beaufort+8 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Great Ocean RoadVictoria+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
From
US$632per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Great Southern Journey: 40th Anniversary Loyalty Departure
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Warnambool, Mount Gambier, Barossa Valley,Adelaide,Kangaroo Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
From
US$11,994per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Journeys: Discover Australia National Geographic Journeys
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"This trip was a dream come true to mystical magical places around Australia!!!"
Allison, traveled in March
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Uluru, Sydney, Port Douglas,Cairns+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
From
US$6,499per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Introducing Australia – Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Phillip Island, Apollo Bay, Sydney,Blue Mountains,Cairns,Fitzroy Island,Green Island National Park+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
From
US$2,469per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Essence of Australia 14 Days
1.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
From
US$2,184per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
2 Day Melbourne to Adelaide Overland Escape (Accommodated)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Geelong, Anglesea, Apollo Bay, Otway,Port Campbell,Halls Gap,Adelaide+3 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
From
US$406per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Hike the Great Ocean Walk (5 destinations)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Great Ocean Road
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Great Ocean RoadVictoria+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $2,955
US$2,660per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great choice of cities in Australia. Tours in all three places were very good."
Catherine, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
10% Off
From
US$1,437per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
The Great Ocean Road Melbourne - Adelaide 4 day 3 night Tour
4.9 (55 traveler reviews)
"Lots of information and background on the high spots. The accommodations and meals were top notch."
William, traveled in April
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell, Port Fairy,Naracoorte,Adelaide+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Great Ocean RoadVictoria+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
See Adelaide and Beyond
10% Off
From
US$1,549per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
Welcome to Melbourne
4.9 (148 traveler reviews)
"The welcome to travel team were so professional and even helped me plan out my whole trip."
Kim, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Phillip Island
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Regions
East AustraliaGippslandVictoriaPhillip Island+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Welcome To Travel
10% Off
From
US$832per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Contrasts of Australia
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Everything was Excelent."
Iveta, traveled in December
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Great Barrier ReefEast AustraliaSouth East QueenslandQueensland+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $3,980
US$3,582per person
+$1,030 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Great Ocean Road & Grampians Adventure (from Melbourne to Adelaide)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"We saw a great deal of very interesting views and places. Well worth the upsets and confusion."
maureen, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Daylesford, Ballarat, Great Ocean Road,Apollo Bay,Warrnambool,Grampians National Park,Stawell,Adelaide+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Great Ocean RoadEast AustraliaVictoria+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From
US$1,995per person
Price based on Shared Room
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