Melbourne · 1-DAY TOURS

The 15 One-Day Tours from Melbourne to Know About

29 tours  ·  from $31 a head

Melbourne weather can wreck a plan by lunchtime, so it helps to know what you are booking. Here are 15 one-day tours, priced and timed, with what each one is really like on the day.

Melbourne Zoo: 1-Day Entry Ticket - Lion Gorge, then the Butterfly House
1-Day Tours, Melbourne Tours, Melbourne Wildlife Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Zoos

Melbourne Zoo: 1-Day Entry Ticket

1.Melbourne Zoo: 1-Day Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 747 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Melbourne Zoo’s $37 general admission ticket gives you one day to explore more than 320 animal species, from tigers and monkeys to koalas, penguins and seals. Wander themed habitats at your own pace, catch scheduled keeper presentations and consider paying extra for a behind-the-scenes experience. The zoo is about 10 minutes from central Melbourne by tram, train or bus.

“It was a amazing Zoo. We loved it and would highly recommend it also.”

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Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne - The Nobbies: a quick coastal pause
1-Day Tours, Melbourne Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours, Tour Reviews

Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

2.Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 566 reviews · from $150Top rated

Leave central Melbourne in a small group of up to 11 for Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies and Phillip Island’s evening penguin parade. Air-conditioned transport, live guide commentary and selected city hotel pickup are included. Expect a long afternoon and evening, with penguin viewing times changing by season and food bought separately.

“What a great day! We enjoyed non-stop wildlife - wallabies, kangaroos, shy koalas, a feisty Tasmanian devil, and lots of cool birds. Our tour guide Travis was an expert at spotting them all. Our evening highlight was the penguin parade. We sRead more”

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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform - A quick look at Phillip Island
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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

3.Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · from $172

Spend about nine and a half hours traveling from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with a Koala Conservation Reserve visit, time in Cowes, a stop at the Nobbies and an evening Penguin Parade from the Penguin Plus platform. A driver-guide provides live English commentary. Guides named on this route include Fiona, Craig, Vicky and Catherine.

“It’s cold in the evening when the penguins come out of the ocean so bring warm clothes. It’s a fabulous experience and loved the penguins, the koalas and other wildlife. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.”

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Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne - The Twelve Apostles are the main event
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Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

4.Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 281 reviews · from $154

Travel from central Melbourne in an air-conditioned minivan with a driver-guide and no need to tackle the Great Ocean Road yourself. The day includes free time in Apollo Bay, a stop in Great Otway National Park, and visits to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Groups are capped at 11, and guides such as Fred, Shane and Toby have made the drive lively with local stories and wildlife stops.

“Very nice trip to discover the Great Ocean Road. The van was comfortable and Gary, our driver and guide was very nice.”

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Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne - Cowes: a useful break, not a guaranteed feast
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Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne

5.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 253 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned coach with a driver-guide, stopping at the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before the sunset Penguin Parade. Admission is included, with an option to upgrade your penguin viewing. Guides such as Fiona and Graham have been praised for useful wildlife tips and engaging commentary.

“It was an amazing experience! Everything was on time and just as described on the website. Visiting the koala sanctuary and seeing the penguins was lovely! Highly recommended.”

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From Melbourne: Day Trip to Mt Buller by Premium Tour Coach - The high-country drive and arrival in the village
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From Melbourne: Day Trip to Mt Buller by Premium Tour Coach

6.Day Trip to Mt Buller by Premium Tour Coach

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 220 reviews · 1 day · from $105

Travel by coach from Southern Cross Station to Mt Buller, arriving in Village Square without a second shuttle. You get about six and a half hours of free time for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or exploring the alpine village. Resort entry and return transport are included; lift tickets and equipment are extra.

“Fantastic drive up to Mount Buller. Great bus and driver and good value for money. I will definitely book this again.”

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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne - Free Time at Lakeside
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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

7.1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · from $157

Travel from central Melbourne by air-conditioned bus to Grants Picnic Ground, ride Puffing Billy for an hour, then visit Healesville Sanctuary. The day also includes free time at Lakeside and a scenic Yarra Valley drive. Train and sanctuary entry are included; lunch is extra. Guides vary, with past guides including Andy, Margaret and Mark.

“Amazing tour!! We loved it!!! The train was so funny and interesting. The view was incredible. The visit of the sanctuary was also great!”

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Small-Group Grampians Great Wildlife Escape Day Trip with Hiking - The drive west and first pause in Beaufort
1-Day Tours, Grampians Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Melbourne Tours, Melbourne Wildlife Tours, Tour Reviews

Small-Group Grampians Great Wildlife Escape Day Trip with Hiking

8.Small-Group Grampians Great Wildlife Escape Day Trip with Hiking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $111

Leave central Melbourne early for a 12.5-hour Grampians trip by air-conditioned minibus. Expect about two hours of guided walking, Boroka and Reed lookouts, MacKenzie Falls, Balconies rock formations, wildlife spotting and a visit to Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Guides have included Lauren, Graham, Jacob and Tara, though your guide will vary.

“The van seat was not very comfortable and could not recline to take a break. The tour was overall good. Kids were excited”

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Reimagined Great Ocean Road 1-Day Tour from Melbourne - The Twelve Apostles in morning light
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Reimagined Great Ocean Road 1-Day Tour from Melbourne

9.Reimagined Great Ocean Road 1-Day Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 147 reviews · from $71

Travel from Melbourne by air-conditioned coach to London Arch, Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles, then return along the coast through Apollo Bay and past the Memorial Archway. The early start aims for softer light at the Apostles. Guides including David Hsu and Daniel have earned praise for lively, bilingual commentary, though guide assignments vary.

“The fact that there is a 10 min walk to the viewing gallery from the kiosk. The fact that food is allowed on the viewing gallery. All these should have been told by our guide but they were not.”

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From Melbourne: Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip - Setting out from Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
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From Melbourne: Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip

10.Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews

Travel from Melbourne in a custom Mercedes with a local English-speaking guide and no more than 11 people. The 12-hour day includes coastal stops, wildlife spotting, a guided rainforest walk and fish and chips in Apollo Bay, before the Twelve Apostles and an inland return. Past guides have included Paul, Brendan and Andy, but your guide may vary.

“This was the best tour you can get. Everything was wonderful. The driver was enjoyable, with stories, history, refreshing inclusion in his telling of history, how to spot animals, how the land was formed ions ago, etc. My DH brought his folding electric wheelchair and the driver was gracious to help get it on and off the vehicle. I cannot say enough about this wonderful trip. And the weather was very cooperative that day. The vehicle was in great shape, had a smooth ride. What can I say more? It was thorourly enjoyable.”

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Wilsons Promontory Day Trip from Melbourne - Squeaky Beach and its singing sand
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Wilsons Promontory Day Trip from Melbourne

11.Wilsons Promontory Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 97 reviews · from $114

Spend a full day at Wilsons Promontory, with guided walks at Squeaky Beach, Mount Bishop or Lilly Pilly Rainforest, and Tidal River. A guide handles the long drive and park navigation; past guides have included Chloe, Chris and Aaron, though your guide may differ. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

“Great Price awesome driver, so much information on the way and there. So much easier than driving yourself as you learn heaps and sit back and relax. Extremely highly recommend!!!!!”

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Peninsula Hot Springs Day Trip with Bathing Entry from Melbourne - What is included, and what costs extra
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Peninsula Hot Springs Day Trip with Bathing Entry from Melbourne

12.Peninsula Hot Springs Day Trip with Bathing Entry from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · from $129

Leave Melbourne by minibus for Peninsula Hot Springs, where Bath House entry lets you try geothermal pools, saunas, a Turkish hammam, hydrotherapy and more. A local driver-guide handles the journey, with guides such as Dom, Vicki, Misty and Jacob praised for helpful advice. Expect about three hours at the springs, plus round-trip transport from the CBD.

“Great way to visit the hot springs if you don't have a car. Easy pickup and drop off from the CBD, plenty of time at the hot springs.”

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Peninsula Hot Springs and Beach Boxes Day Trip from Melbourne - What to bring for a comfortable soak
1-Day Tours, Brighton Beach Box Tours, Melbourne Tours, Peninsula Hot Springs Tours, Tour Reviews

Peninsula Hot Springs and Beach Boxes Day Trip from Melbourne

13.Peninsula Hot Springs and Beach Boxes Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · from $135

Leave Melbourne at 9:00 am in an air-conditioned group vehicle for a day on the Mornington Peninsula. Spend about three hours at Peninsula Hot Springs, where entry and a towel are included, then stop at Murrays Lookout and the beach bathing boxes. Guides such as Matthew, Brooke, Ken, and Stewart have made the drive more engaging with local stories and friendly company.

“It was cloudy&windy day.I don't mind paying more for bath robe so guide should recommend to get it.Otherwise beautiful hot springs and plenty time to explore the different pools.Your trip money should include the robe.Thanks.”

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Melbourne City Tour and Phillip Island in One Day - Melbourne’s lanes and arcades on foot
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Melbourne City Tour and Phillip Island in One Day

14.Melbourne City Tour and Phillip Island in One Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · from $243

Start in central Melbourne with a guided walk through lanes and arcades, then visit Brighton Beach and Moonlit Sanctuary before heading to the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade. The minivan group is capped at 11. Guides have included Fred, Sarah, Jeremy and Kevin, though your guide may differ. Bring warm, waterproof clothing for the island.

“Fred the tour guide was very informative and friendly. He is a great help. The driver was very friendly.”

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Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne - Chocolate, coastal landmarks and Teddy’s Lookout
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Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

15.Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · from $448

Leave Melbourne at 8:00 am with a private guide for a 10 to 14-hour Great Ocean Road trip. Expect coastal viewpoints, Bells Beach, a rainforest walk, Apollo Bay lunch at your own expense and the Twelve Apostles. Guides have included Richard, Milan, Michael and Neil, with time and stops adjusted to suit your group.

“The stunning place is worth every bit of efforts it takes to reach there. The whole journey is an experience of a lifetime. Our driver and guide Neil was excellent and very knowledgable. He let us take in all the sights along the way.”

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Great Ocean Road Tours149Phillip Island Penguin Tours92Yarra Valley Tours74Melbourne Walking Tours73Melbourne Cruises58Melbourne Wine Tours93
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