7-Day Magnificent Melbourne and Surrounds Guided Tour

Introduction

If you’re looking to get a well-rounded taste of Melbourne and its surrounds in just a week, this 7-day guided tour offers a balanced mix of city culture, stunning coastlines, wildlife encounters, and picturesque drives. For $1,686.02 per person, you’ll enjoy six nights of comfortable accommodation and a thoughtfully curated itinerary designed to introduce you to Victoria’s must-see sights.

What we love about this tour is how it combines urban exploration with natural beauty — from the artistic streets of Melbourne to the breathtaking Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. The tour’s inclusion of wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary and penguin watching at Phillip Island provides authentic Aussie experiences that tend to leave a lasting impression. Plus, the local guides are praised for their knowledge, making each stop both educational and fun.

A consideration worth noting is the busy schedule — with many sights packed into each day, you’ll want to be prepared for long hours on the road. Also, since some parts of the tour involve full-day excursions, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a fairly active pace. This tour is perfect for those who want an all-encompassing taste of Melbourne and Victoria without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

If you enjoy a mix of city culture, scenic drives, and wildlife adventures, this tour offers excellent value for a comprehensive experience of southern Australia.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary blending Melbourne city highlights with scenic coastal drives and wildlife encounters
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of local culture, nature, and history
• Iconic sights like the Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach, and Phillip Island penguins
• Balanced pace allowing sufficient time at each stop without feeling rushed
• Comfortable accommodation included for six nights, providing convenience and rest
• Good value for a comprehensive 7-day experience covering many top attractions

Exploring Melbourne and Its Surrounds: A Deep Dive

Arriving in Melbourne: The Gateway to Victoria

Your journey begins with a taxi transfer from the airport to your hotel. Melbourne’s vibrant streets, historic architecture, and lively neighborhoods await. The city itself is a perfect starting point for getting a feel for Australia’s cultural capital, known for its street art, coffee culture, and sporting enthusiasm. After settling in, you have the evening free, which is ideal for a leisurely stroll or a quick exploration of nearby cafes.

Day 2: The Mighty Great Ocean Road and the Surf Coast

The highlight for many travelers is the full-day trip along the Great Ocean Road. Departing early, you cross the Westgate Bridge, offering a panoramic view of Melbourne’s skyline and Port Phillip Bay. The journey takes you through Geelong, a regional hub with a laid-back vibe, before reaching the Surf Coast and Bells Beach.

What makes this drive special isn’t just the ocean views — it’s the sense of adventure that comes with seeing the famous Twelve Apostles. These limestone stacks rising dramatically from the sea are a true icon of Australia’s coast. The tour offers multiple photo opportunities and scenic stops, making it a day packed with incredible vistas. The route also includes other natural formations and awe-inspiring cliffs, which, for many, are photos they’ll treasure forever.

One traveler noted, “The Views along the Great Ocean Road are breathtaking — it’s one of those drives you remember long after you leave.” Just keep in mind, the day is long, and weather can shift quickly along the coast, so dress in layers and bring a camera.

Day 3: Wildlife and Wineries in Yarra Valley and Healesville Sanctuary

This full-day excursion provides a window into native Australian wildlife and wine country. You begin at Healesville Sanctuary, where guides help you get close to iconic animals like koalas and kangaroos, making it both enjoyable and educational. Many travelers appreciate the sanctuary’s focus on conservation and the chance to see animals in naturalistic settings.

Afterward, the day continues into the Yarra Valley, famed for its vineyards and scenic landscape. You’ll taste local wines, often with knowledgeable guides explaining the nuances of each varietal. One reviewer remarked, “The wine tasting was fantastic — I learned a lot about Australian wines and enjoyed the stunning vineyard views.”

This pairing of wildlife and wine offers a uniquely Australian experience, balancing nature and gastronomy.

Day 4: A City Tour of Melbourne’s Highlights

A 3-hour city tour introduces you to Melbourne’s most significant landmarks. Expect to see Federation Square, the historic Town Hall, and the bustling Queen Victoria Market. The guide’s insights help you understand Melbourne’s colonial roots and its evolution into a vibrant cultural hub.

You’ll appreciate the opportunity to ask questions and get tailored recommendations for your free time later in the trip. Many travelers mention how informative and engaging the guides are, making this quick tour a great primer for exploring on your own.

Day 5: Phillip Island and Penguin Parades

The full-day trip to Phillip Island is a highlight, especially for animal lovers. You’ll traverse the scenic Gippsland region, stopping at a boutique winery along the way. The main event is the Penguin Parade at dusk, where tiny little penguins waddle ashore after a day of fishing. Watching these adorable creatures return to their nests is a genuinely charming experience.

The day also offers coastal views and opportunities to see seals and other seabirds. Travelers often mention how the penguin parade is the perfect ending to a busy day, with many describing it as “one of the most adorable wildlife shows you’ll ever see.”

Day 6: Leisure and Personal Exploration in Melbourne

This free day is your chance to revisit favorite spots or discover something new. You might explore Melbourne’s street art, visit a gallery, or simply enjoy a coffee in one of its many laneways. The city is lively and walkable, making it ideal for a relaxed day at your own pace.

Day 7: Farewell and Departure

On your final day, a taxi takes you back to the airport, leaving you with memories of a well-rounded trip. While the tour doesn’t include airport transfers, the logistics are straightforward, and the guides can help with transportation tips.

Why This Tour Offers Excellent Value

This 7-day package packs in a lot of highlights for the price. With six nights of hotel accommodation and multiple guided excursions, you avoid the hassle of organizing transport or accommodation separately. The inclusion of key sights like the Twelve Apostles, Phillip Island, and Healesville Sanctuary means you’re getting authentic, memorable experiences that are hard to match with DIY trips.

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, turning what could be a series of sightseeing stops into engaging stories and insights. The tour strikes a good balance — enough structure to keep you on track, but enough flexibility for personal exploration.

How Do We Find the Experience?

Many travelers report that the scenic drives are breathtaking, and the wildlife encounters are genuine highlights. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly demeanor make all the difference, providing context and stories that bring each location to life.

However, the long days and packed schedule might not suit those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The full-day excursions, especially the Great Ocean Road, can be physically demanding if you’re not used to extensive walking or long bus rides.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers eager to see a broad swath of Victoria in one go, especially if you prefer guided tours to planning logistics. It suits those who want a balanced mix of city culture, natural beauty, and wildlife experiences — all within a manageable timeframe. It also appeals to those who appreciate comfortable accommodations and value expert guides.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day Melbourne and surrounds tour offers a thoughtful combination of urban exploration and outdoor adventure. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to Victoria’s most iconic sights, from Melbourne’s vibrant streets to the stunning coastlines and wildlife that define Australia.

The inclusion of well-organized day trips ensures you won’t miss out on top attractions like the Twelve Apostles or the penguin parade, while the city tour provides a solid foundation for exploring independently later. The value for money is solid, with a good balance of guided experiences and free time.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to see Melbourne and Victoria with friendly guides and stunning scenery, this tour will serve you well.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights hotel accommodation at Victoria Hotel or Oaks Hotel, a 3-hour Melbourne city tour, a full-day Phillip Island and penguin parade tour, a full-day Yarra Valley and Healesville Sanctuary tour, and a full-day Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles tour.

Are airport transfers included?
No, airport transfers are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the airport.

How many people are in each group?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 48 travelers, which helps maintain a comfortable group size and personalized experience.

What is the tour price?
The cost is $1,686.02 per person, which covers most activities, transportation during excursions, and accommodations.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the schedule involves long days and some physical activity. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy itinerary.

What should I bring?
Prepare for variable weather, especially along the coast. Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers, and a camera. Meals are not included unless specified, so plan accordingly.

Are guide tips included?
Tips are not specified as included, so consider tipping guides if you feel they did a good job.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is an organized tour with set stops; modifications are unlikely. However, guides often share local tips for additional exploration afterward.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or a different date will be offered.

This guided tour blends the best of Melbourne’s lively urban scene with the natural beauty and wildlife that make Victoria unique. It offers a convenient, well-organized way to experience Australia’s southeastern coast, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure.