What to do and see in Victoria, Australia: The Best Tours

Take a walk through downtown Melbourne and learn of an era in which there was much more on offer at the local confectionery store than just lollies and soft drinks. Explore Melbourne’s underworld c.1870’s to 1930’s, an era in which Melbourne’s downtown slum district, ‘Little Lon’, was mostly run by women. Learn about the battle for supremacy, madams who stood their ground against well-known gangsters such as Squizzy Taylor, and an all-female crime syndicate known as ‘The Combine’. Stop outside buildings which were once brothels and sly grog shops (speak easies), and hear the stories of what occurred within their walls and on the streets and laneways around them. Shootings, bombings, bashings, brothels, robberies, opium, cocaine and sly grog (speak easies). The tour is designed and delivered by writer and historian, Michael Shelford.

Inclusions: A tour booklet featuring photos of the characters discussed along the way.

Exclusions: Please bring along your own food and drinks.

Visit 4 of the regions best wineries with guided local knowledge the winning key to ensuring you have an experience that will create everlasting memories. Stop along the way for panoramic views of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula where you can take photos. Lunch with a glass of wine and tastings at all wineries visited will be on offer. See for yourself why the Mornington Peninsula wine region is rated as one of the best wine regions in Australia. Please note wineries visited may vary from day to day

Inclusions: Pick up and drop off., Lunch with a glass of wine at a chosen winery., Tastings at 4 chosen wineries., Free Wifi

Exclusions: Gratuities

Discover Melbourne's multicultural heritage with your taste buds on a walking food tour that takes you where the city’s real culture thrives. Ride the tram alongside locals and visit markets to see how residents shop, sampling delectable bites along the way. Learn how Melbourne evolved into a foodie destination as you chat with vendors and cooks at a range of ethnic eateries, and cap it off with a drink at a cozy pub or delicious Gelato depending on the group wishes on the day.

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, A selection of International and local food tastings, Coffee and/or Tea, Interaction with different vendors at the market

Exclusions: A tram or train fare may be required depending on the market, additional food and drinks

Hike rugged coastlines, marvel at wild oceans, and unwind in magical hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula. Time to hit the highway with our small group (max 8 guests) and make our way to the idyllic Mornington Peninsula. Our first stop is the summit of Arthur’s Seat where we’ll share panoramic ocean views and a bite of morning tea. This is just a taste of things to come. We move onto Bushrangers Bay for a 8km return hike featuring unreal coastal scenery, rocky bays, wild oceans and one picturesque lighthouse. Spot local kangaroos and listen to the songs of native birds as we wander along the undulating path. After we return from our first hike, we will head to Cape Schanck for a smaller walk along the boardwalk before a delicious cafe lunch at The Hidden Kitchen. Our final stop, Peninsula Hot Springs which is an award-winning natural hot springs and outdoor day spa destination. It’s the perfect way to end a great date with nature! (Bathing time 2h)

Inclusions: One guided 8km hike to Bushrangers Bay, Plenty of chances to see wildlife including kangaroos and native birds, Organic Fruit & Healthy Snacks, Freshly Brewed Coffee Supreme & Organic Tea, Entrance to Peninsula Hot Springs (Bath house) & Mornington Peninsula National Park, Air-conditioned vehicle, Rain Ponchos, First Aid & Towels, Friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, Unforgettable memories, Towels are included

Exclusions: Hotel pickup/dropoff, Lunch

Learn about the art of winemaking as you blend your own red wine during a 1.5-hour experience at Tahbilk Winery in Tabilk, Victoria, about 75 miles (120 km) north of Melbourne. Guided by a wine ambassador, you'll start with individual wines, blending them to create a varietal that is truly yours. At the end of your session, you can take home a 750-millilitre bottle of your blend. Select a morning or afternoon session when booking.

Inclusions: Wine-blending class, Professional wine ambassador, 750-ml bottle of wine, 2-course lunch (if upgrade option selected)

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions, Food

The future of entertainment is now here with Virtual Room – the world’s best team-based VR experience located in central Melbourne. Blending the escape room concept with a full 3D cinematic experience to deliver a unique, immersive and mind-blowing time travel adventure lasting ~40-50 minutes. Your mission is to help save the world and you and your team of 2-4 players will travel back into historical periods of time such as ancient Egypt and the moon landing to solve the puzzles and challenges. Each player has their own dedicated room, specially designed and equipped with the latest VR gear. You will get to move around, search for items, manipulate objects and collaborate with your fellow team members. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before - immersion, freedom, adrenaline, the ultimate thrill! Fun for all ages (no gore or horror) - friends, families (ages 10+), birthday parties, kids’ parties, hens/bucks nights, school groups and corporate team building.

Inclusions: 40-50 minute VR experience, In game photo shoot, Post game photo shoot with props

Exclusions:

Located an hour from Melbourne and known internationally as a quality producer of chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines, the Yarra Valley enjoys the highest profile of any Victorian wine region. With this small group tour, take the scenic route from Melbourne that travels through bushland, vineyards and farmland. The 5 cellar doors that are visited are a mix of small, medium and large producers who provide a great overview of what the Valley does best. Enhancing the day is an excellent a la carte lunch at Yering Station as well as a wonderful pairing of wine and cheese at De Bortoli.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Hop on this alternative Yarra Valley wine tour for an upbeat experience of the region. Our awesome local guides will take you to visit 3 eclectic wineries for tastings that offers a broad range of styles and good vibes. You'll enjoy a main course lunch with a glass at a beautiful winery. We'll stop over at a local famous Chocolate Factory for some tempting sweets. And finish the day (usually the last stop) with a thirst quenching beer at regional brewery. This is an all inclusive day trip with the tour price covering all fees for wine tastings, lunch, beer, and transfers from and back to the Melbourne.

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees at three selected boutique wineries, A seasonal main course lunch with glass of wine at a winery (can cater to most dietary requests), Visit either Coldstream Brewery or Watts River Brewery to enjoy a glass , Visit Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-creamery

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Wilsons Promontory Cruises is the only cruise operating out of the Wilsons Promontory National Park. Travel is world's first amphibious boats and see a coastline that few have experienced from the water on this 2.5 hour wilderness cruise.

Inclusions: Waterproof and windproof jackets are provided but we encourage you to dress warmly and in layers.

Exclusions:

Experience stunning views of Melbourne's skyline on this 2.5-hour kayak paddle along the Yarra River at sunset, led by an experienced, friendly guide. Explore Victoria Harbour and enjoy unique on the water dining (fish n chips), then paddle right into the heart of Melbourne along Southbank just in time for the dramatic fire-ball display at Crown Casino. As the city lights come on soak up the atmosphere of downtown Melbourne before finishing the tour next to Princes Bridge in the center of the city.

Inclusions: Use of equipment (All paddling accessories, waterproof bags), Fish n Chips, Bottle of water, Experienced guide, Dinner, Bottled water

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off