Best tours of Melbourne

Melbourne is considered one of the most important cultural sites in Oceania, the most populated city in Australia and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. One of the best alternatives to visit it and get to know its beautiful landscapes, its rich gastronomy and the surrounding attractions is to go on an organised tour. Here I will tell you about the best options so that you can put together your travel plan.

Some of the best things to do in Melbourne during your visit include visiting the Great Ocean Road, taking a tour of the city's street art, taking a hot air balloon ride to discover the skyline from above, going on a food tour to explore the local delicacies, taking a cruise on the Yarra River and exploring the hidden bars. I'll tell you all about each activity!

The Great Ocean Road is a scenic route that offers an exciting tour full of natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. Connecting the coastal cities of Melbourne and Adelaide, this stunning 1,000 kilometre-long route is a real gem for lovers of coastal scenery, especially if you plan to visit Melbourne during the summer.

The journey along the Great Ocean Road begins in Melbourne and winds through Victoria's famous wine region. The tours usually cover a little less than a quarter of the way, but you'll enjoy panoramic views of vineyards, rolling hills and picturesque villages offering tastings. There you can stop at wineries for wine tastings and gourmet pairings.

As you head away from wine country, the Great Ocean Road will delight you with its breathtaking coastal scenery. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy golden sandy beaches, cliffs and spectacular rock formations. The Twelve Apostles National Park is one of the highlights of this tour, with its majestic limestone cliffs and famous rock formations emerging from the sea.

This road will also offer you the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Migrating whales can be spotted from strategically placed lookouts along the coast, as well as koalas and kangaroos in nearby national parks. Nature lovers will enjoy the rich diversity of flora and fauna found along this scenic route.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 80 euros.
• Duration: between 10 and 13 hours, depending on the weather.
• Benefits of this tour: you will get to see one of the most famous roads in the world.
• Disadvantages of this tour: it is a full day tour, so it might not be compatible with a short stay in the city.

A Melbourne street art tour is a unique experience that will immerse you in the vibrant world of urban artistic expression. The city has become a giant canvas where local and international artists have made their mark, turning streets, alleys and buildings into open-air galleries.

As you embark on this tour, you'll enter Melbourne's most bohemian and colourful neighbourhoods, such as Fitzroy and Brunswick. As you walk the streets, you'll discover stunning murals that tell stories, convey social messages and invite you to reflect. Every corner is an opportunity to marvel at the creativity and talent of the street artists who are featured on Melbourne's best tours.

Aside from the murals, Melbourne's street art tour allows you to explore famous graffiti-filled alleyways such as Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane. These narrow passages are filled with diverse colours, shapes and styles. Each piece of art is unique and conveys the energy and personality of the city. You can also opt to take a night tour, one of the best things to do at night in Melbourne.

During these tours you will also have the opportunity to meet some of the artists behind these incredible creations. Some of the creators offer guided tours where they share their inspirations, techniques and experiences. This direct interaction gives you a deeper insight into the creative process and the meaning behind each work.

Interesting details

• Price: around 50 euros.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Pros of this tour: You will see one of the major sites that contribute to Melbourne's status as Australia's cultural capital.
• Disadvantages of this tour: You will not have free time to explore the neighbourhoods on your own.

A sunrise hot air balloon tour in Melbourne is a magical experience that allows you to view the city from above as the sun slowly rises over the horizon. These tours usually start early in the morning, especially during Melbourne's summer, which offers clear skies and balmy weather.

From the heights you can admire the city's iconic buildings and landmarks, such as the Eureka Tower and St Paul's Cathedral. You can also catch glimpses of other tourists by experiencing hot air balloon tours in Melbourne.

During these experiences you'll also enjoy views of the natural landscapes surrounding Melbourne. From sprawling parklands to meandering rivers, you'll get a unique perspective of the natural beauty that complements the bustling urban life of the city. The contrast between the urban and the natural will leave you in awe.

These tours usually include a toast to celebrate the experience. You will also be able to take home some of the best photographs of your trip.

Details of interest

• Price: around 282 euros.
• Duration: approximately 4 hours.
• Benefits of this tour: one of Melbourne's most iconic sightseeing experiences.
• Disadvantages of this tour: It is not an economical experience and is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Melbourne, among other things, is considered the food capital of Australia and a culinary tour of the city's delicacies will help you understand why. These tours will be a feast for the senses and will immerse you in the cultural diversity reflected in the local cuisine, as Melbourne is a haven for foodies and food exploration.

During these tours you will embark on a journey through the city's different neighbourhoods, such as Fitzroy, Richmond and St Kilda, to discover a wide range of flavours and culinary delights. From high-end restaurants to street stalls, each stop on the tour is an opportunity to indulge in unique and exquisite dishes that are a must on Melbourne's best food tours.

Melbourne, too, is famous for its cafe scene, and the food tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to some of the city's best cafes. Here you can enjoy artisan coffees, exquisite pastries and delicious brunches. Some of these excursions also include a tour of the popular Queen Victoria Market.

In addition to the food, the Melbourne food tour also offers the opportunity to explore local markets, where you can sample fresh, artisan produce. From cheeses and charcuterie to baked goods and organic produce, you'll find something to suit every palate.

Interesting details

• Price: around 71 euros.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Pros of this tour: You will be able to discover the best of the local cuisine.
• Disadvantages of this tour: it is a very intense tour with few rest stops.

A cruise along the Yarra River in Melbourne is a delightful way to discover the beauty of the city from a unique perspective. On these tours, as the cruise takes you along the river, you can witness the panoramic views, with its glittering skyscrapers and modern architecture reflected in the calm waters.

During the tour you can relax on the cruise deck and enjoy the changing scenery around you. From the famous Princess Bridge to the bustling Docklands district, each stretch of the Yarra River reveals a new aspect of the city. Your on-board guide will provide interesting commentary and historical facts, enriching your experience and giving you a deeper understanding of the city.

One of the highlights of the Yarra River cruise is the famous Southbank Promenade, where you'll find a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars overlooking the river. Here you can indulge in delicious food and enjoy the lively atmosphere as you watch the city lights begin to illuminate the skyline. Some options are even available in the evening and include dinner.

The Yarra River cruise is also an opportunity to take in Melbourne's cultural attractions, such as the Melbourne Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria, which are located on the banks of the river. These iconic landmarks add an artistic and cultural touch to the tour, giving you a fuller picture of Melbourne's richness and diversity.

Details of interest

• Price: around 35 euros.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• Pros of this tour: You will discover a different side of the city from Australia's largest river.
• Disadvantages of this tour: If you choose the dinner option, the tour will be more limited than the daytime tours.

A tour of Melbourne's hidden bars is an exciting adventure that will immerse you in the city's vibrant nightlife scene. Melbourne is famous for its secret bars, hidden behind unmarked doors or in narrow alleyways, and this tour will take you to discover some of the most unique and fascinating places.

During the tour, you'll delve into the city's most bohemian and alternative neighbourhoods, where the hidden bars find their home. Following the clues and tips from local experts, you' ll enter intimate places with an exclusive atmosphere. Each bar has its own personality, from speakeasy speakeasies to unique themed bars.

The experience of visiting Melbourne's hidden bars goes beyond simply enjoying a drink. These places are thoughtfully designed, with meticulous attention to detail, and will transport you to another world. The craft cocktails, live music and intimate atmosphere create a unique and memorable experience that you won't want to miss, even if you're planning a 3-day stay in Melbourne or even less.

During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to meet the talented bartenders behind the bar, who will guide you through a personalised tasting experience. You'll be amazed by the innovative creations and unique flavours these experts have to offer.

Interesting details

• Price: around 56 euros.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Benefits of this tour: it is one of the most picturesque tours in Melbourne and will help you to understand the local culture as well.
• Disadvantages of this tour: Not available for children if you plan to visit the city as a family.

You can choose to book in advance online or book some of these tours once you are in the city, although if you plan to visit Melbourne in the summer or during peak season months, I advise you to book in advance of your visit to secure your spot and get better prices.

Booking in advance will also allow you to plan a detailed itinerary for your trip, which will help you get the most out of each of your tours and combine more than one activity, which is ideal if you plan to visit the city with children or in a large group.

On these tours you can explore the city's bohemian neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy, St Kilda and Brunswick. These places are full of cafes, restaurants, vintage shops and art galleries, helping you to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the vibrant art scene.

You'll also have some free time to explore these places, especially on the tours around Melbourne, such as the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley tours.

Melbourne is one of the most visited cities in Australia at any time of the year, but if you plan to visit this destination during Christmas, summer or other holidays, you should be aware that prices may increase and tour locations may sell out. Therefore, I advise you to book in advance if your trip coincides with these times.

I also advise you to take the time to plan the itinerary of your tour, as this way you will be able to get the most out of your visit to each of the sites and make the most of your stay in the city.

If you opt for an organised tour instead of touring on your own, you will be assisted by a local guide, who will be able to give you better tips and also save you time and money, especially on food tours or tours around Melbourne.

Joining a guided tour also relieves you of the responsibility of navigation and logistics. You don't have to worry about finding the right transport or wasting time looking for directions. The guides organise your transport and ensure your safety throughout the tour. Plus, you can enjoy the convenience of having someone to take care of the details so you can relax and enjoy your visit.