The Melbourne Getaway

Start your morning the Melbourne way on this half-day foodie adventure, designed for those who love to eat, explore, and discover. Travel by private mini bus through the city’s iconic laneways, gardens, historic precincts, and bustling markets, stepping out at each stop to enjoy tastings and explore on foot. Guided by a local expert, savour fresh-brewed coffees, gourmet pies, market-fresh cheeses, garden sweets, and refreshing rooftop drinks, each bite offering a taste of Melbourne’s rich culinary scene. Along the way, your guide shares fascinating stories, cultural insights, and insider tips to bring the city to life. With a small group, this tour is personal, engaging, and immersive, allowing you to experience Melbourne’s unique flavours and vibrant neighbourhoods in style. Perfect for first-time visitors or returning food lovers looking to uncover hidden gems.

Melbourne is the cool, artsy capital of the state of Victoria. Renowned for its laneway art, cafes, bars, restaurants and museums, there is no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink. Grab a coffee on Degraves Street, see the murals on Hosier Lane or Blender Lane, pop over to St Kilda and stroll along the promenade or visit one of the many museums. For a spot of retail therapy, catch the 86 or 96 tram from the CBD to the bohemian Brunswick Street shopping district for an eclectic mix of second-hand vintage and high-end boutique stores. On the opposite side of the city, the Docklands open-air entertainment precinct boasts a myriad of public artwork, family fun activities such as glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and a variety of dining options lining the marina. Get there easily on the free City Circle tram, or wander over the Bourke Street footbridge. To make the most of your time in Melbourne, we recommend taking a city tour to get true local insight into this vibrant city.

Visit the Australian Sports Museum, previously known as the National Sports Museum, located within the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The museum is dedicated to all things Australian sport, offering a comprehensive look into the rich sporting history of Australia. Within the museum, the exhibits features a wide range of sports including Australian rules football (AFL), cricket, Olympic games, tennis, rugby union, rugby league (NRL), basketball, horse racing, boxing and netball. Visitors can also explore the Australian Hall of Fame, the Australian Racing Museum and the Melbourne Cricket Club Museum. You'll leave the museum with a greater understanding on the Australian sporting culture and history. 

Indulge in an evening aboard the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise, with Melbourne River Cruises. This elegant experience offers a unique perspective of Melbourne's glittering cityscape as you dine on a meticulously crafted multi-course menu featuring fresh, local produce. Glide along the tranquil waters of the Yarra River, passing iconic landmarks like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Arts Centre, all beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Live entertainment provides the perfect soundtrack to your journey, creating a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere. The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise promises an evening of culinary delights, stunning views, and an unparalleled ambience. Relax, unwind, and create lasting memories as Melbourne unfolds before you.

Spend the day admiring the Mornington Peninsula on a spectacular sightseeing cruise with Explore Australia Tours. Depart from Melbourne and head south to the London Bridge, an impressive amphitheatre-like rock formation nestled on the Portsea Beach. Board the Searoad Ferry to embark on a 2-hour cruise with a lunch made up of a shared grazing table with local produce and wine. After enjoying the sea breeze and spectacular coastal views of Port Phillip and the Bass Strait, you will be taken to St Andrews Beach Brewery, a converted horse training facility, where you will be invited to a tasting paddle. Then visit Murray's Lookout, the highest point of the Mornington Peninsula where you can admire the stunning views stretching from across the bay to the city. We'll stop for a while at the Peninsula Bathing Boxes, an icon of the Port Phillip Bay. These vibrant boxes nestled on the sand make a fantastic photo opportunity and is the perfect location to end your time on the peninsula.

Come see the amazing Great Ocean Road Coast at sunset! This tour takes you on one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world, culminating in a stunning sunset behind the 12 Apostles. Departing Melbourne around lunchtime, you’ll follow the Great Ocean Road alongside some of southern Australia’s most beautiful surf beaches. Along the way, you’ll have amazing photo opportunities and chances to see some local wildlife. The first stop is the stunning Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, where you can enjoy free chocolate samples while taking in breathtaking views. As you continue winding your way along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, there will be countless opportunities to capture magnificent coastal photos. Keep an eye out for native wildlife before traveling to the seaside town of Apollo Bay. Here, you’ll have time to purchase lunch or dinner, so be sure to take advantage of that opportunity. Driving through the rolling hills of the Otway National Park, you’ll head towards the Port Campbell National Park. Here, you’ll hear some of the tragic stories about the shipwreck coast and view impressive rock formations at Loch Ard Gorge. The day concludes with a final stop at the awe-inspiring 12 Apostles, where you can watch the sun sink behind these impressive rock formations at sunset. On the way back to Melbourne, you’ll stop off at the township of Colac for dinner (not included).

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Melbourne Airport in time for your departing flight.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!