Melbourne is a fantastic port for shore excursions because of its diverse attractions and easy access to wildlife, coastal scenery, and vibrant city life. Whether you’re craving a close-up with native animals, scenic drives along the coast, or a taste of local wine, Melbourne offers options that fit different interests and schedules. One standout is the Shore Excursion Melbourne, Sights, Kangaroos, Koalas Lunch & Wine, which combines wildlife, stunning vistas, and a delicious meal — a well-balanced taste of Australia in just 7 hours. For a more personalized experience, the Private 12 Apostles or Melbourne Tour takes you directly to Victoria’s most iconic coastal formations without the crowds, ensuring a tailored, intimate visit. We love the variety here, as it shows how Melbourne can cater both to wildlife lovers and those seeking dramatic scenery or cultural insights.
If you prefer a deeper dive into Melbourne’s city scene, the Melbourne Shore Excursion: Private City Tour offers a compact, scenic overview of the city’s highlights, perfect for those with limited time but a desire to see the best. For wildlife and wine, the Melbourne Shore Excursion, Aussie Wildlife, Lunch, Wine & Sights delivers a full day of tasting both Australian nature and local flavors. Our list also features tours that combine wildlife experiences with coastal beauty, like the Melbourne and Moonlit Sanctuary Shore Excursion, which includes a visit to Brighton Beach’s colorful bathing boxes. No matter your style, these tours show the many ways to enjoy Melbourne’s coast, wildlife, and culture on your cruise.
1. Shore Excursion Melbourne, Sights, Kangaroos, Koalas Lunch & Wine
This full-day adventure offers a great introduction to Melbourne’s surrounding attractions with a focus on wildlife, scenic views, and good food — perfect for travelers wanting variety in a single trip. The tour includes a visit to the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can feed kangaroos, meet koalas, and see wallabies and wombats under the supervision of a ranger. It’s a genuine Australian wildlife experience and a highlight for animal lovers, especially since Moonlit Sanctuary emphasizes animal welfare and conservation efforts.
Next, you’ll stop at Dendy Street Beach to admire the famous bathing boxes, which are some of Melbourne’s most photographed sights. Then, a 2-course lunch paired with wine at Merricks General Store gives you a chance to relax and enjoy local flavors. The final stop at Arthur’s Seat offers sweeping views over Port Phillip Bay from a 314-meter summit — the perfect spot for photos. Reviews consistently praise this tour for its well-rounded itinerary, from wildlife encounters to scenic vistas and tasty meals. The guide’s commentary is insightful, making the day both fun and educational.
Bottom line: This tour balances wildlife, scenery, and culinary delights at a reasonable price, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive taste of Melbourne’s surrounds.
2. Private 12 Apostles or Melbourne Tour – Shore Excursion
This private tour provides an exclusive look at Victoria’s legendary coastline, focusing on the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. For those pressed for time but eager to see the most famous natural attractions, this 8-hour journey in a spacious Mercedes minivan offers maximum flexibility and comfort. The guide will customize the stops based on your interests, ensuring you spend more time at sites that matter most to you.
The route takes you along the inland highway for a quicker journey, avoiding the crowds common at the Twelve Apostles. You’ll also visit London Bridge, another iconic formation, and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the coast. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guide and the clean, comfortable vehicle as key perks, with visitors noting how personalized attention enhances the experience. This tour is especially good for families or small groups seeking a private, stress-free way to see the coast without the hassle of large tour buses.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a tailored coastal experience with the convenience of private transportation, ideal for travelers who value comfort and exclusivity.
3. Melbourne Shore Excursion: Private City Tour 5 Hours
For those who want a quick yet thorough introduction to Melbourne’s cityscape, this private 5-hour tour is a solid choice. The itinerary covers key sights like the Brighton Beach Boxes, Shrine of Remembrance, Old Treasury Building, and Parliament House, along with a walk through the city’s famous laneways filled with street art. It’s an efficient way to get a taste of Melbourne’s architecture, history, and vibrant street life, especially if your cruise has limited time.
The guide’s storytelling, combined with stops at notable landmarks, makes this tour engaging. Travelers appreciate the personalized attention and the ability to adapt the schedule. The transport is air-conditioned and comfortable, so you stay cool while exploring. This tour works well for travelers who want a snapshot of the city, combined with some local flavor, without committing to a full-day outing.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers with limited time who want an overview of Melbourne’s highlights in comfort and style.
4. Melbourne and Moonlit Sanctuary Shore Excursion
This all-in-one tour combines city sights with a wildlife experience, making it perfect for travelers wanting a bit of everything. Starting with a visit to Brighton Beach to see its famous bathing boxes, you’ll then head to Moonlit Sanctuary for a chance to get close to Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. It’s an interactive, family-friendly highlight, especially since Moonlit Sanctuary emphasizes animal welfare and offers a genuine wildlife encounter.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore Melbourne’s downtown, enjoying its parks and laneways, rounded out with a flexible schedule. The tour’s reviews speak to its value and variety, with comments about the chance to touch and feed animals and the scenic drive through Melbourne. The tour is ideal for those who want a mix of wildlife, coastal scenery, and city exploration, all in a manageable 8-hour window.
Bottom line: Perfect for families or wildlife enthusiasts who want a balanced day of nature and city sights in a single tour.
$108.61 per person
5. Private Shore Excursion with Aussie Wildlife in Melbourne
This private tour concentrates on wildlife and the Mornington Peninsula, a renowned wine and leisure region just an hour from the port. The trip includes a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary where you can feed kangaroos and meet koalas, along with a stop at Merricks General Store for lunch, known for its excellent food and local wines. After lunch, you’ll visit Murrays Lookout for panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, a highlight for photo enthusiasts.
This tour is tailored for travelers who want a relaxed day with personal attention, emphasizing wildlife, scenic vistas, and regional wine. The reviews laud the guide’s knowledge and the seamless organization, making it a stress-free way to experience the best of the area. It’s suited for those who enjoy a leisurely pace and want to explore beyond the city.
Bottom line: A great choice for wildlife, wine, and scenic lovers seeking personalized service and flexibility.
$1,619.23 per group (up to 6)
6. Melbourne Shore Excursion, Aussie Wildlife, Lunch, Wine & Sights
This tour offers a well-rounded look at Melbourne’s wildlife and scenic spots, with a focus on comfort and local flavors. It includes visits to Moonlit Sanctuary for Australian animals and a stop at Merricks General Store for a memorable lunch paired with local wine. The tour is praised for its relaxed pace and the chance to interact with animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats, along with tasting regional wines in a charming setting.
The highlight is the combination of wildlife viewing and culinary indulgence, making it ideal for travelers who want a laid-back experience that emphasizes local produce and wines. The reviews mention the “best meal in Australia,” and the guide’s commentary makes the day both fun and informative. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies and wildlife lovers who prefer a relaxed, immersive day enjoying the best of Melbourne’s natural and culinary offerings.
$269.87 per person
7. Melbourne Shore Excursion, Wine Region, Wildlife, Shared Tour
This budget-friendly shared tour combines Brighton Beach’s bathing boxes, Moonlit Sanctuary wildlife, and a visit to Merricks General Store for a lunch and wine tasting. It’s an economical choice for travelers looking to see key sights without the cost of a private tour. The itinerary emphasizes interaction with Australian animals, including feeding kangaroos, and exploring the renowned Mornington Peninsula wine region.
The tour’s reviews note the friendly guides and the convenient, relaxed pace. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small group sharing but want to see wildlife, coastal scenery, and enjoy local wines. The price point makes it appealing for budget-conscious travelers.
Bottom line: A great value option that covers wildlife, scenic beaches, and wine tasting in a shared group setting, suitable for casual travelers.
$256.38 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Melbourne Shore Excursion
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you have ashore. If wildlife is your priority, tours like Shore Excursion Melbourne, Sights, Kangaroos, Koalas Lunch & Wine or the Melbourne and Moonlit Sanctuary Shore Excursion offer hands-on animal encounters and scenic drives. For a private, tailored experience, the Private 12 Apostles or Melbourne Tour is hard to beat, especially if you want to avoid crowds.
Travelers with limited time might prefer the 5-hour private city tour to see the city’s highlights, while those with a full day can indulge in the Aussie Wildlife, Lunch, Wine & Sights tour for a comprehensive experience. Budget-wise, the shared tour provides good value, covering plenty of ground at a lower cost.
When booking, consider the season and weather, especially for outdoor activities like coastal drives or wildlife parks. Early booking is recommended, particularly for popular tours like the private coast trip or wildlife encounters.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne’s shore excursions span wildlife encounters, scenic coastlines, and city explorations, offering options for every traveler. For families or wildlife lovers, the Shore Excursion Melbourne, Sights, Kangaroos, Koalas Lunch & Wine is ideal for its variety and positive reviews. If you seek a private, intimate experience, the Private 12 Apostles or Melbourne Tour delivers spectacular scenery with personalized service. For those who want a well-rounded day with good food, the Aussie Wildlife, Lunch, Wine & Sights tour combines nature and culinary delights seamlessly.
Booking early will help secure your preferred tour, especially during peak seasons. Whether you choose a group adventure, a private day, or a quick city overview, Melbourne’s diverse excursions promise memorable moments—so pick what suits your style, and enjoy your time ashore in this lively Australian port.