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The 12 Best Full-Day Tours in Melbourne
Melbourne’s diverse landscape, vibrant city life, and surrounding natural wonders make it a perfect base for full-day tours. Whether you’re craving a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, an immersive wildlife encounter, or a taste of Yarra Valley wines, this city has a lot to offer. We particularly like the Great Ocean Road Sunset Eco Tour (see here) for its breathtaking sunset view at the Twelve Apostles, and the Full-day Melbourne City Sightseeing with Penguin Parade (see here) which combines urban exploration with a magical penguin-watching experience.
Melbourne is unique in offering a variety of nature, wildlife, and cultural tours, often with expert guides and flexible options, making it easy to pick a trip that suits your interests and schedule. Planning ahead is key—these tours fill up quickly, especially during the holiday seasons and weekends.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a broad spectrum of experiences, from iconic coastal drives like the Great Ocean Road (see here) to city sightseeing combined with wildlife encounters such as Phillip Island's famous Penguin Parade (see here). There are wine and gourmet food tours in the Yarra Valley (see here), private options for deeper customization (see here), and even sunset tours that avoid crowds while showcasing Australia's stunning coastlines (see here).
Below, you'll find detailed breakdowns of each tour, so you can decide which full-day adventure suits your style.
1. Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Eco Tour from Melbourne
This tour offers a full day exploring Australia’s most iconic coastal drive, culminating in a spectacular sunset at the Twelve Apostles. Spend approximately 11 to 14 hours soaking in sweeping ocean views, spotting koalas in the Otway Ranges, and exploring Port Campbell National Park. The highlight is watching the sun dip behind the limestone stacks, which adds a touch of magic to an already breathtaking landscape. The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides who share insights into local wildlife, including koala sightings, and the region’s history.
What sets this tour apart is the sunset at Twelve Apostles, providing a spectacular photo opportunity that many daytime visits miss. Many reviewers call it a “fantastic, well-organized day,” with a guide named David N singled out for his friendliness and expertise. The tour costs $107.80 per person, offering excellent value for such a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a scenic and relaxing day with a memorable sunset finale.
2. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip
This 14-hour journey focuses on an immersive exploration of the Great Ocean Road, led by an experienced guide who shares stories about the region’s history, geology, and wildlife. The trip includes wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see koalas and native birds in their natural habitat, plus a rainforest walk through ancient forests, adding a lush contrast to the coastal scenery. The trip is perfect for those wanting a balanced mix of nature and culture.
Guests praise the comfort of the air-conditioned vehicle and the expert commentary. At $98 per person, it offers excellent value, especially considering the full day of sightseeing and storytelling. Tour guides like Kelly and James have received high marks for their local knowledge and ability to keep everyone engaged.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience with a focus on wildlife and the region’s natural beauty.
3. Full-day Melbourne City Sightseeing with Penguin Parade
This tour combines urban exploration with a wildlife highlight. It starts in Melbourne, visiting landmarks like Flinders Street Station, Hosier Lane, and the Shrine of Remembrance, before heading to Phillip Island to witness the Penguin Parade at sunset. The trip includes stops at Fitzroy Gardens, the NGV, and the vibrant street art of Hosier Lane, making it perfect for those wanting a city + wildlife combo.
Rated a perfect 5.0 with many reviews mentioning the knowledgeable guides and well-paced itinerary, including the drive in comfort. The penguin parade is a must-see and a real highlight, especially at sunset when the tiny penguins return to their burrows. Price is $148.48 per person, reflecting the full-day experience and transportation.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want both city sights and a magical wildlife encounter in one day.
4. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Tour
This scenic Sunset Tour offers a more relaxed way to experience the Great Ocean Road, avoiding the crowds. For around 13 hours, you’ll travel in comfort, spotting koalas and native birds, with stops at Anglesea and the historic Memorial Arch. The star of this trip is the sunset at Twelve Apostles, creating ideal photo moments.
Reviewers love the expert guides and the less crowded experience. The tour costs $98 per person, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy a spectacular sunset along one of Australia’s most famous coastlines.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a scenic sunset experience with fewer people and plenty of wildlife encounters.
5. Melbourne: Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch
This 8-hour tour combines wine tasting with scenic views of Victoria’s premier wine region. You visit four premium wineries including St Huberts and Tokar Estate, and enjoy a lunch with a glass of wine at a winery restaurant. The tour offers tastings of wines, local produce, and picturesque vineyard scenery, making it ideal for wine lovers and foodies.
Guests frequently mention the friendly guides and the delicious food and drink experience. With most tastings included, the tour costs a reasonable $119 per person, providing good value for a full day of tasting and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a relaxed day exploring vineyards with excellent wine and food.
6. Yarra Valley Full Day Grazing Tour: Gin, Wine, Pizza, Cheese
This 8-hour adventure takes your taste buds on a gourmet journey through Yarra Valley’s top wineries, distilleries, and food producers. You’ll sample artisanal gins, cheeses, chocolates, and wines at several stops, all included in the price. Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll learn about the region’s gourmet culture while enjoying delicious local treats and scenic vineyard views.
Reviewers love the variety of tastings and the friendly guides. The tour costs $125 per person, making it an all-inclusive gourmet experience that’s perfect for foodies.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a gourmet food and drink experience, with plenty of opportunities to taste local specialties.
7. Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour
This 10-hour trip offers a wildlife-rich day, including visits to Koala Park, Seal Rocks, and the Summerland Peninsula. The highlight is the Penguin Parade at sunset, where you can watch hundreds of tiny penguins waddle back to their burrows. It’s a well-rounded tour for animal lovers, especially those keen on koalas, seals, and penguins.
The reviews emphasize friendly guides and memorable encounters, with many noting how well-organized the day is. For $102 per person, it provides a full day of wildlife with plenty of photo opportunities and relaxing stops.
Bottom Line: Best for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to see Australia’s iconic animals in their natural habitat.
8. Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade
This 10-hour tour is a comprehensive wildlife experience, including visits to Moonlit Sanctuary, Woolamai Beach, and the Nobbies. The Penguin Parade is the main event, and you’ll also have the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and see fur seals. It’s a relaxed, guided tour perfect for families or wildlife lovers wanting a personalized experience.
Rated highly for friendly guides, many say it’s a long but worthwhile day. At $98.31 per person, it offers excellent value for a full day of wildlife, beaches, and stunning viewpoints.
Bottom Line: Great for those seeking a personalized, wildlife-focused tour that covers multiple species and scenic spots.
9. Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Food, Wine & Gin Adventure
This 8-hour gourmet tour takes you through Yarra Valley’s best wineries, gin distilleries, and food shops. Tastings include wines, gins, chocolates, and cheeses, with most included. Guided by an expert, you’ll also enjoy scenic vineyard views and learn about the region’s food culture.
Reviewers praise the friendly guides and the diversity of tastings. For $91.53 per person, it’s a great value for food and drink lovers who want a relaxed yet enriching experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and wine enthusiasts wanting to indulge in Victoria’s gourmet scene.
10. Full-Day Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour
This tour offers a comprehensive full-day adventure, including Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles. It combines scenic drives, wildlife sightings, and local landmarks, with a focus on relaxed exploration. You can upgrade to a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the Twelve Apostles, adding a thrill to the experience.
Rated highly for friendly guides and well-paced stops, at $114.76 per person, it represents good value for a full day immersed in Australia’s coastal beauty.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a balanced mix of scenery and adventure, with optional helicopter rides.
11. Full-Day Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Sunset Tour from Melbourne
This tour emphasizes spectacular sunset views over the Twelve Apostles, along with coastal drives and wildlife spotting. It includes stops at Anglesea, Kennett River, and Loch Ard Gorge, with the highlight being the sunset at the Apostles—a photogenic finale.
Guests describe the guide as knowledgeable and friendly, and many praise the less crowded experience. The tour costs $101.02 per person, perfect for those seeking a less busy, scenic evening.
Bottom Line: Ideal for sunset lovers who want a memorable, quieter experience.
12. Half-Day or Full-Day Tour with Private Guide from Melbourne
This customizable private tour allows you to pick your preferred destinations, whether that’s Melbourne city, the Great Ocean Road, or Healesville Sanctuary. With a private guide, your group (up to 7 people) gets a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and fitness level.
Rated 5.0 with many praising the flexibility and personalized attention, at $745.81 per group, it’s an ideal choice for families or groups wanting a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting full control over their day, with a luxury, private touch.
How to Choose Your Perfect Melbourne Full-Day Tour
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, interests, and desired pace. For wildlife lovers, tours like the Phillip Island Penguin Parade (see here) or the Wildlife Full-Day Tour (see here) are excellent options.
If you prefer scenic coastal drives with fewer crowds, the Sunset Eco Tour (see here) or the Sunset Tour (see here) are perfect for stunning photos at sunset.
For food and wine fans, the Yarra Valley tours (see here) and Grazing Tour (see here) deliver gourmet tastings in scenic settings.
Lastly, a private guide (see here) is best if you seek flexibility or have a specific focus.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne’s full-day tours span nature, wildlife, city sights, and gourmet experiences, offering something for every traveler. For a breathtaking coastal adventure, the Great Ocean Road Sunset Eco Tour is a top pick. Wildlife enthusiasts should consider the Phillip Island tours, while food and wine lovers will enjoy exploring the Yarra Valley.
Booking early is advisable—these tours tend to fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Whether you want a guided group experience or a private customized trip, Melbourne makes it easy to fill your day with unforgettable moments.