Things to do in Melbourne, Victoria: The Best Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

January 23, 2022 Chanda Heide

Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife. Cruise on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out unique attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, which buzzes with local animal species.
Restaurants in Melbourne

1. 2-Hour Self-Drive Boat Hire on the Yarra River

45 Newquay Promenade, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia Melbourne Boat Hire
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Hop aboard the Harvey A private vessel and self-drive with up to 10-people down the Yarra River. With no boat license required, choose between a morning, lunch or afternoon departure as you take in some of Melbourne's iconic attractions. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city you'll see popular attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, Herring Island Park, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Southbank, Federation Square and Docklands.

Inclusions: Fridge, Stereo with AV jack input, Champagne buckets, Glasses and cutlery, Table clothes, Laminated Map

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Hayley A

We hired a self drive boat for our work team activity. It was a great way to spend the afternoon. The boat was immaculate and had everything you needed. The boats are much nicer than the other self drive boats you can get on the Yarra. I would highly recommend Melbourne Boat Hire.

2. 2-Hour Boat Rental in Melbourne

WTC Wharf Melbourne, 18-38 Siddeley St, Melbourne VIC 3008, Australia ON A BOAT
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5.0 based on 135 reviews

Price is per boat, fits up to 9 people. You don't need to have a boat licence or be an old salty to skipper yourself and explore Melbourne's spectacular Yarra River in our easy-to-operate electric boats. Get your crew of up to 9 people and see Melbourne from amazing new perspective. • No boat licence required  • Up to 9 people • Bring your own snacks & drinks • Suitable for all ages • Dog friendly!

Inclusions: Price is per boat - Fits up to 9 people, Suitable for all ages. Kids life jackets provided, Private transportation, Captain your own boat on Melbourne's spectacular Yarra River

Exclusions: Bring your own drinks and snacks!

Reviewed By 743vaughanb

Loved going through Melbourne on the river. A much different experience than walking the footpaths. Kids loved it. Enjoyed piloting a boat and haven't done this before.

3. 1.5-Hour Boat Rental in Melbourne

WTC Wharf Melbourne, 18-38 Siddeley St, Melbourne VIC 3008, Australia ON A BOAT
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5.0 based on 81 reviews

Price is per boat, fits up to 9 people. You don't need to have a boat licence or be an old salty to skipper yourself and explore Melbourne's spectacular Yarra River in our easy-to-operate electric boats. Get your crew of up to 9 people and see Melbourne from amazing new perspective. • No boat licence required  • Up to 9 people • Bring your own snacks & drinks • Suitable for all ages • Dog friendly!

Inclusions: Price is per boat - Fits up to 9 people, Suitable for all ages. Kids life jackets provided, Private transportation, Captain your own boat on Melbourne's spectacular Yarra River

Exclusions: Bring your own drinks and snacks!

Reviewed By Brockzila

We booked a 1.5 hour sailing and within 5 minutes we were trying to extend our cruise unfortunately due to it being mother’s day an extension wasn’t possible but that in no way dampened our spirits. The staff were friendly and helpful, we were nervous operating the boat but they were informative and reassuring. The boats were better than we expected, they were clean, stylish and very easy to operate. We will be making another booking in the future for sure. Highly recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. 3-Hour Boat Rental in Melbourne

WTC Wharf Melbourne, 18-38 Siddeley St, Melbourne VIC 3008, Australia ON A BOAT
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4.9 based on 17 reviews

Price is per boat, fits up to 9 people. Captain your own boat on the Yarra River and explore Melbourne's waterways in our easy-to-operate electric boats (no licence or experience needed). Get your crew of up to 9 people and see Melbourne from amazing new perspective. • No boat licence required • Up to 9 people • Bring your own snacks & drinks • Suitable for all ages • Dog friendly!

Inclusions: Price is per boat - Fits up to 9 people, Suitable for all ages. Kids life jackets provided, Private transportation, Captain your own boat on Melbourne's spectacular Yarra River

Exclusions: Bring your own drinks and snacks!

Reviewed By 743vaughanb

Loved going through Melbourne on the river. A much different experience than walking the footpaths. Kids loved it. Enjoyed piloting a boat and haven't done this before.

5. Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

Go West Tours
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4.8 based on 233 reviews

Departing Melbourne at around 8am, you'll pass through Western Plains of Victoria on the way to historic Ballarat. Ballarat boomed in the 1850’s with the widespread discovery of gold in the district. Learn a little about the history and enjoy morning tea at the site of the infamous Eureka Rebellion. Continue the drive through the picturesque western volcanic plains, passing through the town of Moyston, the birthplace of Australian Rules Football. Arrive at the foot of the Grampians Range known as Gariwerd in the local Jardwadjali language and immerse yourself in the Australian bush with a gentle stroll to Silverband Falls. Continue to the township of Halls Gap for lunch. Keep an eye open for the local kangaroos and the abundant birdlife that can be seen in the main street. After lunch, head to the Wonderland Turntable for a short hike to the Grand Canyon. Your last stop is MacKenzie Falls. No trip to the Grampians would be complete without a visit to these majestic falls.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Friendly & Informative Tour Guide, Pickup from Selected Hotels, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Meals other than as stated, Gratuities

Reviewed By E8500BCjustinec

We traveled from Melbourne with go west. Rachel was the most fun and entertaining tour guide while hitting us with some interesting facts. Got to sit up front too!!! Would recommend to anyone!!! Ask for Rachel!!!!

6. Wilson's Promontory Small Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

Go West Tours
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

This small group eco tour will take you to one of Australia's truly un-known wonders. In an era of over-tourism, Wilson's Promontory is a welcome and unforgettable place to retreat from the tourist masses. Fortunately, it is yet to be discovered by mass tourism, despite being one of the most stunning coastal locations you'll ever experience in all of your travels. We'll take you there in air-conditioned comfort and show you the location's best highlights, with our informative & engaging guides determined to assist you in creating some wonderful travel memories. Tick off one of Australia's most famous beaches, Squeaky Beach, where the sand will sing as you walk along this pristine coastal area. Enjoy a hike up Mount Bishop and take in stunning views from atop it's peak or alternatively, take the gentler Lilly Pilly Gully walk through lush rainforest. Towards the end of your day, try to spot some of the local furry residents with a guided wildlife walk!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, All Fees and Taxes, Friendly & Informative Tour Guide, Pickup from Selected Hotels

Exclusions: Food & Drink, Gratuities

Reviewed By E8500BCjustinec

We traveled from Melbourne with go west. Rachel was the most fun and entertaining tour guide while hitting us with some interesting facts. Got to sit up front too!!! Would recommend to anyone!!! Ask for Rachel!!!!

7. Full-Day Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Sunset Tour from Melbourne

Bunyip Tours
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4.4 based on 255 reviews

Escape the crowds and experience the spectacular scenery and sunset over the Great Ocean Road on this small group tour. Depart mid-morning making your way towards the Surf Coast with frequent scenic stops, including the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. Along the way you will see pristine beaches, pass through idyllic seaside villages and stop to look for some of Australia’s iconic wildlife like wild koalas and colourful parrots. Discover the Shipwreck Coast, stroll along the historic beaches and see Loch Ard Gorge. Arrive at the 12 Apostles and descend the Gibson’s Steps where you will be dwarfed by the high cliff line and these enormous offshore stacks. One of the many highlights of your day will no doubt be watching the sun set over this spectacular coastline (summer only/subject to weather conditions).

Inclusions: Friendly & informative tour guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Pickup from selected hotels, All Fees and Taxes, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Meals & drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By 888lesleyw

Had a lovely day here today. It was quite warm and we’d forgotten to take a water bottle. One really kind worker there got us a cold bottle of water and warned us to keep hydrated. Such great service. Shout out to Justin for the water Just-in Time.

8. Peninsula Hot Springs tour with restaurant lunch & gondola ride

Go West Tours

Climb aboard your small group tour and transfer to the Peninsula Hot Springs - the first natural hot springs & day spa centre in Victoria. Spend 2 - 3 hours exploring over 20 globally-inspired bathing experiences in a beautiful natural environment. Relax and rejuvenate in some of the many bathing experiences, including a cave pool, reflexology walk, hydrotherapy pool, hilltop pool with 360 degree views, Turkish steam bath and more. In the afternoon enjoy a tapas-styled lunch at a local farmgate and sample some local wines with a complementary tasting. Next on your itinerary is to experience the Mornington Peninsula from a different points of view, amongst the tree tops at the Arthurs Seat Eagle. Get ready for a delicious dessert! Participate in a hand-crafted chocolate tasting at the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie. Or, during November-March you may choose to pick your very own Strawberries instead!

Inclusions: Delicious tapas lunch & wine tasting at the award-winning Green Olive Estate, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, All entry fees to the Peninsula Hot Springs & Arthur's Seat Eagle Gondola, Friendly & Informative Tour Guide, Pickup from Selected Hotels

Exclusions: Meals other than as stated, Strawberries you pick, Gratuities

Reviewed By E8500BCjustinec

We traveled from Melbourne with go west. Rachel was the most fun and entertaining tour guide while hitting us with some interesting facts. Got to sit up front too!!! Would recommend to anyone!!! Ask for Rachel!!!!

9. Mornington Peninsula Small Group day tour

Go West Tours

Just one hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is the playground of the rich and famous. Come & discover why the Mornington Peninsula is Melbourne’s most treasured destination. You’ll find the famous bathing boxes, glorious beaches, national parks, cellar doors, regional produce & adventure activities. Travel to the tip of the Peninsula to visit the seaside town of Portsea, with its famous coloured bathing boxes, stunning cliff top walks, and beautiful lookouts such as London Bridge. Enjoy a delicious tapas lunch at the highly awarded Green Olive and sample some locally produced wines. Later experience a bird’s eye view over Mornington Peninsula on the Arthur's Seat Eagle & fly over the state forest. Then visit the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie for a delicious hand-crafted chocolate tasting. Or, between November-March, you may choose to instead pick your very own Strawberries! The charming Mornington Peninsula truly is one of Victoria's hidden treasures!

Inclusions: Delicious tapas lunch & wine tasting at Green Olive Estate, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, All Fees and Taxes, Friendly & Informative Tour Guide, Pickup from selected Hotels

Exclusions: Meals other than as stated, Gratuities, Strawberries you pick

Reviewed By E8500BCjustinec

We traveled from Melbourne with go west. Rachel was the most fun and entertaining tour guide while hitting us with some interesting facts. Got to sit up front too!!! Would recommend to anyone!!! Ask for Rachel!!!!

10. Melbourne Bar Hunt: It's a Mad, Mad, Melbourne

2 Driver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Let's Roam Melbourne

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Digital Copies of your scavenger hunt photos, Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions

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