Melbourne is a fantastic base for exploring some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife—especially if you’re short on time but want maximum variety. Its proximity to the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park makes it easy to hop on a well-organized 3-day tour that packs in coastal sights, waterfalls, and native animals. For example, many tours include visits to the 12 Apostles, but some go further, offering a mix of rainforests, waterfalls, and even Indigenous cultural experiences. Quite a few options, like the Melbourne to Adelaide 3 Day Southern Coast Overland Tour, take care of transportation and accommodations, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than driving. Whether you’re into wildlife, hiking, or just soaking in breathtaking views, there’s a tour that suits your style.
And if you prefer a more flexible approach, options like the Melbourne City Card let you explore at your own pace with free entry to top attractions like the Eureka Skydeck or Melbourne Star. But for those craving guided adventures through iconic landscapes, the tours in this guide highlight everything from the rugged coastlines to mountain waterfalls—and include some unique experiences like wild animal sightings and rainforest hikes.
Quick Overview
Our list features seven highly-rated multi-day tours that cover the highlights of Victoria’s coast and mountains, with options from small-group adventures to all-inclusive packages. Whether you want luxury guided trips, budget-friendly options, or flexible city passes, you’ll find something here. Some tours focus on the scenic beauty of the Great Ocean Road and the wildlife of the Grampians, while others combine city sightseeing with outdoor exploration. All tours are designed to give you a taste of Australia’s natural wonder and cultural richness, with detailed itineraries and reviews to help you choose.
1. Melbourne to Adelaide 3 Day Southern Coast Overland Tour
At number 1, this all-inclusive 3-day tour offers a hassle-free way to see the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, and beyond, ending in Adelaide. The tour includes transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi, and the guide provides lively commentary. You won’t have to worry about navigation or accommodation; everything is set up for you. Highlights include the 12 Apostles, Mackenzie Falls, and Grampians National Park. Many travelers appreciate the smooth logistics and knowledgeable guides, with reviews praising the trip as “thoroughly enjoyable” and “well-organized.” The cost of $606.82 per person offers good value considering the included sites and transport. Suitable for travelers who want a stress-free, comprehensive experience with plenty of photo stops and natural beauty.
Bottom line: A top pick for those who want to see key sites without the hassle of planning, especially if you prefer guided comfort and a scenic route from Melbourne to Adelaide.
2. Melbourne to Great Ocean Road & Grampians 3 Day Escape
At number 2, this tour combines the iconic Great Ocean Road with the wild beauty of the Grampians. Starting in Melbourne, you explore lookouts, rainforests, and the Twelve Apostles before heading inland to hike and discover towering mountain views. The tour emphasizes small-group experiences, allowing for more personalized attention from guides. Two nights of accommodation are included, and you’ll have chances to see wild kangaroos, emus, and kookaburras in their natural habitat. Many reviews highlight the engaging guides and the diverse scenery, with one stating, “J Dog has been a great guide who shared her enthusiasm and love for the region.” The $606.82 price makes it a solid value for those wanting a well-rounded, immersive experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for nature lovers who want a mix of coastal scenery and mountain hikes, with the comfort of small-group touring and included overnight stays.
3. Oceans to Mountains Explorer: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Tour
Ranking third, this tour hits the highlights of both the heritage-listed Great Ocean Road and the stunning Grampians while adding a cultural dimension. It explores indigenous traditions, ancient rainforests, and mountain waterfalls. The itinerary features visits to Tower Hill, an extinct volcano teeming with native wildlife, and Halls Gap for breathtaking mountain views. During the trip, you’ll learn about Aboriginal cultural traditions, making it not just a scenic tour but also an educational one. Guests note the experience as immersive and informative, with one reviewer mentioning the opportunity to learn about Australia’s indigenous peoples. The tour provides a comprehensive look at Victoria’s natural beauty, perfect for travelers eager to combine scenery with cultural insights.
Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in wildlife, indigenous history, and diverse landscapes, all within three days.
4. 3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour
At number 4, this budget-friendly option offers a packed itinerary: a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, a magical evening at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, and a complimentary city tour. The tour emphasizes a small group experience with guides available in multiple languages, and the flexible city tour lets you explore Melbourne at your own pace. Visitors love the personalized feel and the seamless combination of outdoor adventure and city sights, with reviews mentioning how guides like Woody or Cloe made the experience special. The price of $226.81 makes this a great value for travelers looking to maximize their trip without overspending.
Bottom line: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a mix of scenery, wildlife, and city exploration, all in three days.
5. Melbourne to Adelaide: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Grampians Tour
Ranked fifth, this tour is similar to the second but with a focus on multi-day overland travel from Melbourne to Adelaide. It combines the coast’s rugged beauty with the inland wilderness of the Grampians, visiting highlights like Loch Ard Gorge, the Razorback, and Tower Hill. It’s a good fit for those wanting a comprehensive route with multiple national parks and heritage-listed sites included. Reviews mention the ride as smooth and the itinerary packed, with one saying, “Good food, good accommodations, and a variety of landscapes.” The tour value depends on the included accommodations and meals, making it suitable for travelers looking for an all-in-one experience.
Bottom line: A solid pick for travelers wanting both coastal and mountain scenery with a focus on multi-day overland travel.
6. From Melbourne: 3-Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Tour
Coming in sixth, this tour emphasizes natural beauty and wildlife sightings, including Loch Ard Gorge and Mackenzie Falls. It includes hiking and bushwalking opportunities in the Grampians, making it suitable for those who want more active exploration. The itinerary covers Reed’s Lookout, Pinnacles, and wildlife spotting, with reviews noting the “amazing views” and “friendly guides.” It’s a good value with included park fees and some meals. If you’re after a balance of scenery and a bit of adventure, this tour fits well.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want to see major sights and enjoy some bushwalking.
7. Melbourne City Card (3 Days): Visit Unlimited Attractions!
At number 7, this city sightseeing pass offers unlimited access to top Melbourne attractions like the Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne Star, and Healesville Sanctuary. It’s ideal for travelers who want the flexibility to explore at their own pace, with the convenience of free entry and discounts on activities. The card is straightforward, with reviews praising its value and ease of use. For a budget-friendly way to see Melbourne’s urban attractions, this option is hard to beat.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who prefer self-guided sightseeing and want to maximize their time in Melbourne.
8. 3-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Small-Group Tour via Great Ocean Road & Grampians
This small-group tour at number 8 offers a more intimate experience, with professional guides leading the way through stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural sites. It covers coastal scenery, rainforest walks, and native wildlife sightings, including koalas and kangaroos. The trip includes some meals, hotel stays, and park fees, making it a convenient all-in-one package. Many reviews mention the friendly guides and personalized attention. At $471.96 per person, it balances cost with quality, appealing to travelers who want a more focused, less crowded experience.
Bottom line: Excellent for those who prefer a smaller group, more interaction, and a comprehensive, guided itinerary.
9. Melbourne City Card – 3 Days
Ranking ninth, this city pass provides free admission to attractions like Cooks’ Cottage and Arthurs Seat Eagle, along with discounts on tours and food. It’s a flexible option for those who want to explore Melbourne’s urban highlights without a rigid schedule. The single review mentions its value and convenience, making it a practical choice if your focus is city sightseeing rather than regional landscapes.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want to explore Melbourne’s cultural attractions at their own pace.
$187 per person
10. 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Melbourne
This all-inclusive tour focuses on Victorian landscapes with visits to Apollo Bay, Lorne, and the Twelve Apostles, as well as the rugged mountain scenery of the Grampians. It combines sightseeing, wildlife, and cultural insights, with some meals included. The itinerary is detailed, and many reviews praise the seamless logistics and knowledgeable guides. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience covering coastal and inland highlights.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a full picture of Victoria’s varied scenery with the convenience of an organized tour.
$1,629.16 per person
11. Great Ocean Road Grampians 3 Day National Park Tour Melbourne Roundtrip
At number 11, this tour emphasizes hiking and wildlife in both the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians, with stops at Loch Ard Gorge and Pinnacles. Travelers appreciate the chance to see kangaroos, koalas, and emus in their natural environment. The tour includes three nights’ accommodation and some meals, making it good value. It’s best for those who want to combine exploration and outdoor activity.
Bottom line: Suitable for active travelers eager to hike and spot wildlife over multiple days.
12. Melbourne: 2-Night, 3-Day Tour Schedule
Finally, this compact tour packs the Grampians and Great Ocean Road into a short trip with guided walks, wildlife encounters, and visits to sites like the Great Ocean Road Lighthouse. With all-inclusive pricing, it appeals to travelers wanting a quick but comprehensive experience. Reviewers mention good value and enjoyable scenery, making it a flexible option for a quick getaway.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers looking for a short, guided adventure covering major highlights with minimal fuss.
$1,049 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect 3-Day Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, fitness level, interests, and whether you prefer guided or self-guided experiences. For example, if wildlife watching is your priority, tours like the Melbourne to Adelaide 3 Day Southern Coast Overland Tour or the Small-Group Tour via Great Ocean Road & Grampians offer expert guides and wildlife encounters. If you want maximum flexibility, the Melbourne City Card lets you pick your attractions.
For those wanting a more immersive experience with hiking and indigenous cultural insights, tours like the Oceans to Mountains Explorer or the Great Ocean Road & Grampians Tour from Melbourne are excellent choices. Budget travelers might prefer the 3-Day Combo with Penguin Parade, which combines wildlife with scenic driving at a lower cost.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons like summer, when these tours fill up quickly. Think about what landscape or experience excites you most—coastline, mountains, wildlife, or city sights—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne offers a fantastic array of three-day tours suited for different tastes and budgets. From the all-inclusive guided adventures to flexible city passes, you can tailor your trip to include the most iconic sights or focus on wildlife and outdoor activities. For nature lovers, the Great Ocean Road and Grampians are must-visits, while those craving urban exploration can maximize Melbourne’s attractions with a City Card.
Whatever your preference, these tours provide a well-structured way to see the highlights of Victoria. Remember, the sooner you book, the better your chances of securing your preferred dates—these trips are popular for good reason. Happy travels!