Things to do in

Melbourne City Centre

Take a journey through the heart of magnificent Melbourne while indulging your inner chocoholic. Be greeted by a very passionate guide at Chocolate Bar New York where you will receive your chocolate survival kit (map, 'I'm a Chocoholic' badge and bottle of water). Then the mini discovery begins as your guide takes you from plantation to plate. Taste the raw ingredients followed by the only Australian grown chocolate. Be educated on the difference between coverture and compound and get prepared with your tasting techniques for the day. Then the real discovery begins. Visit a wine bar and pair it with a masters handcrafted chocolate, discover some of the finest chocolatiers, talk to the store owners to learn about their personal journey, stop for 10 tastings and enjoy walking in a small group of no more than 12 people. Your guide will be full of Melbourne historic knowledge about the famous lanes and beautiful arcades so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open along this decadent walking tour as you don't want to miss anything.

Winery tours have never been so much fun and so affordable! This full-day tour takes in some of Victoria's best wineries in the stunning region of the Yarra Valley, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Begin by learning the art of the swirl, sniff and slurp from your expert wine guide and then try a range of cellar door tastings. Move on to lunch at the next venue and enjoy a winery restaurant meal with a glass of wine. In the afternoon travel through the gorgeous scenery to a smaller boutique winery for some tastings and finish the day at another top winery. Return to Melbourne having had an unforgettable day out in the Yarra Valley. Detailed Itinerary 09:00–09:40 AM: Pick-up at designated stations and departure for the Yarra Valley (just under an hour’s journey in the touring coach). 11:00 AM– Greenstone is beautifully situated on a single site in the picturesque Yarra Valley, an hour's drive from Melbourne. The Winery and Cellar Door, which are nestled in to the base of the Christmas Hills, have unparalleled views of the Estate vineyard and Great Dividing ranges. It is here that winemaking operations are carried out, making Greenstone one of the most progressive wineries in the valley. 12:00 PM– Balgownie Estate: One of the Yarra Valley’s jewels, Balgownie Estate is a stylish winery featuring great views and an excellent restaurant, where you’ll enjoy lunch with a glass of the Estate’s wine. And, of course, there are more great wines to taste at the Balgownie cellar door. 01:30 PM– Yering Farm: This stop is one of the Yarra Valley’s most charming boutique wineries. Yering Farm boasts stunning views and a delightful sense of heritage. At the cellar door you’ll have the opportunity to experience traditionally-made wines and to see the antique copper wine-making equipment used by the Yarra Valley’s pioneer vignerons. 02:15 PM – Soumah of Yarra Valley: The cool climate allows this winery to specialize in styles and varieties typical to northern Italy and south eastern France. With awards for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, you’ll be sure to find something pleasing while overlooking the rolling hills of the vineyard and the majestic Warramate Hills. 03:30 PM: Depart the Yarra Valley for Melbourne. 04:30–05:00 PM: Return to drop off stations.

Be picked up or meet at the pickup location in the morning and drive to the launch field. You will be taken up-wind to where the equipment will be prepared and inflated. Passengers are welcome to participate in the various interesting and fun tasks needed.  After about 30 minutes, the balloon will be inflated and ready for flight. Once all passengers are on board and after a short safety briefing, up you go to enjoy the stunning views Melbourne has to offer. Discover the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Yarra River, Melbourne's fantastic parks and botanical gardens from the best vantage point there is - a hot air balloon. Be amazed by how gentle ballooning is and take part in the adventure of floating in the wind. Enjoy the warm rays of the early morning sun along with fascinating views. Share this unforgettable and unique experience with family and friends. Don't worry if it's a cloudy day. Sometimes the best light comes on cloudy days when the sun manages to penetrate and cast lovely light in different areas. With three airports, the bay to the South and a huge metropolitan area, Melbourne is a very technical location to fly and the pilot will use the winds at different heights to guide the flight to a safe landing spot. Balloons float in the wind so you will end up in a different location from where the flight started. The ground crew will follow during the flight and meet at the landing spot. The pilot will maneuver the winds to guide the aircraft to the landing site where, after touching down, the gear will be packed away and you will be driven back to the meeting point.

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). You are embarking on one of the world’s greatest drives to tour the Great Ocean Road! The scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road takes in some truly amazing coastal scenery, with new views being revealed around every bend. You will make plenty of scenic stops, including a photo opportunity at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View and a stop at Kennet River, home to a large population of cute and cuddly wild Koalas. A sighting is almost guaranteed as they munch away on Eucalyptus leaves. Then it is on to Apollo Bay for a chance to walk around the famous coastal town. Afterwards, 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. Be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the 12 Apostles. A dinner stop is made on the journey back to Melbourne at the beautiful township of Colac, before enjoying a stunning view of the illuminated city as you cross Westgate Bridge on the way home.

After pick-up from your accommodation in central Melbourne or St Kilda, journey out through the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne to the small country town of Tooradin. Continue above the top of Westernport Bay and stop at Maru Koala and Wildlife Park. Here you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Australian wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, dingos, wombats and of course, koalas. You’ll also have the option to have your photo taken with a koala (not included, pay at the time) and hand feed kangaroos! From here it is a short drive to Phillip Island where you’ll make your way to the spectacular views of Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Walk along the beach, dip your feet in or sit back and relax. A short drive along the island will take you to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. The far western end of the Island is some of the most spectacular coast line in Australia, featuring the ancient volcano remains known as The Nobbies. Then, go along the coastline spotting wallabies in the wild on the way to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Settle yourself into the little penguin’s environment as you watch them come ashore for the night, waddling next to and underneath the boardwalks. It’s a beautiful and heart rendering experience that will stay with you forever.

Depart the Melbourne CBD (Central Business District) early in the morning, and travel inland to arrive at the "Shipwreck Coast" before the rest of the tour buses arrive. See the beautiful limestone rocks of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps without the crowds. Hear the story of Loch Ard as you step down into a gorge carved by the Southern Ocean over hundreds of years. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of these breathtaking spots. Then, drive back along the Great Ocean Road, waving at the other tour buses as they pass in the opposite direction. Stretch your legs in the Otway Ranges on a guided rainforest walk amongst some of the tallest tree species in the world. Drive back to the coastal road and visit the seaside town of Apollo Bay. Continue along the coast, traveling a twisting route with spectacular ocean, beach and cliff views. Stop in Kennett River to look for koalas in their natural habitat amongst the eucalyptus trees. Pass through small seaside towns as you continue your journey and stop at Memorial Arch, where a sign honors the workers that built the road. Return to Melbourne for the end of your perfect Great Ocean Road experience.

Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told about, and ended up missing everything? Melbourne’s arcades and lanes hide many of these answers. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways. Uncover tucked-away gems like specialty boutiques and local fashion designers, and savor Melbourne’s café culture with some yummy snacks.  There is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike. See many local stores on this casual stroll and return to those you like best in the afternoon. Make a day of it in marvellous Melbourne. Step inside the opulent Royal Arcade to window-shop the upscale boutiques lining this elegant, old world style indoor avenue. For a modern contrast, admire the vibrant street art along Hosier Lane and other alleys, learning about Melbourne’s robust art scene.  Follow the aromas of roasted coffee beans and fresh-baked goods through a series of charming laneways bursting with small sidewalk cafés and eateries. Enjoy a steaming cup of Melbourne’s famous coffee, and indulge your sweet tooth with a chocolate tasting. Tour numbers are limited to 8 people to ensure a personalized experience. 

Explore the food and wine scene of Melbourne on an exciting culinary walk, and experience a gastronomic culture that borders on the obsessive! Sip a delicious cup of coffee, sample some sublime dumplings and sneak in a sweet treat (or two!) before finishing it all off with a drink at a bar the locals love. Discover some of Melbourne’s hidden highlights, tucked down lanes, alleys and arcades off the main streets. Hear about the history of the city and the future of the city while tasting some delicious morsels along the way. Your expert guide will provide the key to a variety of fun spots. Even locals may discover a few new sites! Go to one of the city's grand 19th-century arcades, and dive down grungy looking alleys filled with street art. Venture into small lanes steeped in local history and filled with cafés and boutique stores. Encounter an underground art gallery, and end with a drink to toast the end of the tour at a bar the locals love! 

Depart Melbourne Central Business District and pass over the mighty Westgate Bridge as you make your way through the western suburbs of the city towards western Victoria. Journey through the Victorian goldfields of the 1850s and take a short break in the quaint country town of Beaufort for morning tea.  Approach Grampians National Park and get an appreciation of what makes the giant mountain range so spectacular as it appears from the surrounding flat plains. Marvel at Mt. William as you get your first glimpse of the park, and then go to the Brambuk Aboriginal Culture Center to learn about the art, heritage and 6 seasons of the Grampians as described by the indigenous people. Discover an abundance of kangaroos resting in the areas around the center. Next, make your way into the heart of the park, and enter the small township of Halls Gap. Enjoy the drive into the Mt. Difficult range. Take in the breathtaking views of the plains of western Victoria from Boroka Lookout, before walking to the geological icon of the Balconies, featured in the Japanese animation "Princess Mononoke." Continue to the base of the majestic Mackenzie Falls or Silverband Falls, and follow a series of more than 250 stairs to the bottom of the cascades to cool off and relax. As the sun begins to set, keep an eye out for large mobs of kangaroos that call the area home before your return journey to Melbourne.

Begin the day with an early start leaving the Melbourne CBD where you will drive over the Westgate Bridge towards the Great Ocean Road - one of the few places where the destination and the journey are the same thing. Once you arrive on the Great Ocean Road, enjoy morning tea along the Surf Coast at your first stop, a perfect way to meet your fellow travelers and your guide for the day. As you wind along this iconic road, each twist and turn reveals new spectacular views of the rugged coastline and into the Otway Ranges that lie inland. Hear the history of the road and its workers as you make a stop at Memorial Arch, also known as the Great Ocean Road sign. Pass through quaint yet popular holiday resort towns before your guide takes you on a wild koala spotting adventure amongst their natural habitat of the eucaluptus trees. Make your way to the historical town of Apollo Bay for a bite of lunch. Stroll the streets, meander the main beach or try some unique and award-winning ice cream. After lunch, the road ventures away from the coastline and into the heart of the Otways National Park. Embark on a guided walk through the crisp fresh air of an ancient rainforest. A truly magical part of the day as you're emersed amongst ferns and the world's second tallest species of tree. The journey continues through the rainforest before reaching the Shipwreck Coast where you will find some of the biggest attractions for the day. Hear about the coastline's most famous shipwreck before stepping down into the gorge at the center of the story of the Loch Ard ill-fated journey. Be towered by the sheer limestone cliffs that form the gorge as you stand on the beach or step into the cold waters of the Southern Ocean at the bottom before reaching the major attraction - the 12 Apostles. View these ginormous limestone monoliths formed by hundreds of years of erosion as they stand high and strong against the forces of nature. A true sight to behold and a perfect way to cap off the day before making your way back to Melbourne for the night.