Melbourne tours include a dazzling array of attractions and things to do, since Melbourne is, after all, one of Australia's premier cities. Visitors on these tours get a look-see at everything from the Melbourne Zoo to Federation Square and the MCG. With all these wonderful choices, it's hard to come up the perfect itinerary, so make good use of these tours:
Sightseeing Tours: An exploration of Melbourne's most-famous sights is usually done in 3-5 hour tours. Popular stops on such a tour include the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral, Flagstaff Hill and Federation Square. Also popular are cafe breaks in St. Kilda and Williamstown, plus of course the beach.
One very important landmark that every tour includes is the MCG. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the Mecca of cricket, at least within Australia. For tennis fans, the Rod Laver arena is a similar place to appreciate the sport and pay respects to the legend.
On the lighter side, there will be long breaks for shopping and dining at hotspots like the Southbank waterfront and Collins Street. Another stop along these lines would be the Queen Victoria Market. Lastly, the sightseeing is incomplete unless visitors have seen all of Melbourne from the Eureka Skydeck 88.
Day Tours: There is no shortage of getaways and destinations within driving distance of Melbourne. But since visitors have limited time, it's better to focus on the best of this lot. That would be either Phillip Island or a Great Ocean Road bus tour.
For those who like the thought of a nice long drive along the coast, with beaches and koalas popping up now and then, a Great Ocean Road day trip is recommended. It comes with visits to Bells Beach and the rocks of Port Campbell National Park. Along with an Otways Rainforest guided tour, there's also the Twelve Apostles to see.
The Phillip Island trip consists of visits to the Koala Conservation Centre, the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and the Australian Garden. The real action comes as the sun sets, and the little fairy penguins start coming in with the waves. The entire group - sometimes numbering in the hundreds - then starts making its way up the beach. It is a truly unforgettable spectacle that takes place every night, throughout the year.
Cruise Tours: It is also possible to enjoy
Melbourne tours and all the sights with a cruise that takes visitors up and down the Yarra River. A Highlights of Melbourne tour that usually takes about 2 hours includes a guide who points out all the attractions and explains each one in detail. Also on the path are the famous and historic Victoria Docks and Herring Island. Some might also enjoy the peace of an evening dinner cruise, with the shifting lights of Melbourne as a view.
Walking Tours: To taste and smell the real Melbourne, the one that isn't mentioned on shiny brochures, set out on a themed tour. There are many kinds, include art, food and history tours. But mostly, it's about seeing important parts of Melbourne, like Chinatown, Flinders Lane, Southbank and the Docklands area.
In summary, any good travel agent will inform visitors to put aside at least a week to enjoy Melbourne to the hilt. All these Melbourne tours put together solve the problem of an itinerary for Melbourne. But unless there's a full week to do Melbourne, the question still remains as to which of these tours to choose, or skip.
Jasmine Zahara is a popular article author with a home office in
Melbourne Accommodation and is well educated on this district of Australia. Jasmine publishes articles on virtually all provincial Victorian subjects and recognises Beechworth as among the most fascinating country Australia vacation spots.