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Melbourne Beach trips

Our most recommended Melbourne Beach trips

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

1. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

2. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

Discover the beauty of Port Campbell National Park on this day trip from Melbourne. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned coach and enjoy a refreshing morning tea. Stop for pictures viewpoints, take a stroll at Apollo Bay and admire the 12 Apostles limestone stacks. Enjoy morning views of Melbourne city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge, at just under 1.5 miles (2.6 kilometers). Embark on one of the world’s greatest drives to tour the Great Ocean Road. Take in a scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. Stop for photos opportunity the Memorial Arch at Eastern View as well as at Kennett River, home to a large population of cute and cuddly wild koalas. A sighting is almost guaranteed as they munch away on Eucalyptus leaves. Marvel at Apollo Bay and walk around the famous coastal town. Afterward, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the water and into the mountains. Proceed through the spectacular Otway Ranges and stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool, temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. Continue to Port Campbell National Park, with its iconic array of rock formations. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, and be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the 12 Apostles. Take advantage of a dinner stop on the journey back to Melbourne at the township of Colac. Enjoy a scenic view of the illuminated city as you cross Westgate Bridge on the way home.

Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

3. Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

Experience a day of Australian animals and nature on this guided day trip from Melbourne. Begin your animal adventure with hotel pickup and a trip to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. Experience up-close encounters with kangaroos, wombats and echidnas in this unique habitat. Next, it's time for Phillip Island. Witness the waves and die-hard surfers of Woolamai Surf Beach, then journey to the dramatic west coast and the dramatic scenery of the Nobbies. Enjoy the commentary and learning about the scenery from your expert, local guide. Finally, settle into your seat on a beachside protective platform for the famous Penguin Parade. Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle out onto the beach in this adorable natural spectacular.

Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Rainforest Trip

4. Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Rainforest Trip

Leave the city heading over the Westgate Bridge bright and early to maximize your time on the Great Ocean Road. After just over an hour’s drive, stop on a popular surf beach near the town of Anglesea for a rest break. Take a short drive before stopping at Memorial Arch, which commemorates the returned soldiers who worked on the construction of the 151–mile stretch of road following World War I. Continue along the Great Ocean Road taking in the spectacular ocean, beach and cliff views. Your guide will help you spot koalas among the eucalyptus trees, as you journey along this famous coastline. After stopping for lunch at Apollo Bay, the road and the ocean part ways for the next few hours as you head into the Otway Rainforest. (lunch is at the guest's own expense) Take a short 30-minute guided walk right into the heart of the rainforest. Feel dwarfed by some of the largest tree species in the world. Wind further through the forest and return to the ocean, making a stop at the mighty Shipwreck Coast. Here, spend a large portion of the day exploring the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge, all a short drive from one another. Your guide will share the tales of disaster, destruction, and survival. After a long day, relax on the drive back to Melbourne and reflect on a great day spent on the Great Ocean Road.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Reverse Eco Tour

5. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Reverse Eco Tour

Embark on a guided tour along the Great Ocean Road of Australia's southern coast, departing from Melbourne. See the stunning rock formations along the coast, enjoy a picnic lunch, explore a section of the Great Otway National Park, and search for koalas at Kennett River. Depart the Melbourne CBD (Central Business District) early in the morning, and travel inland to arrive at the "Shipwreck Coast" before the rest of the tour buses arrive. See the beautiful limestone rocks of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Steps without the crowds. Hear the story of Loch Ard as you step down into a gorge carved by the Southern Ocean over hundreds of years. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of these breathtaking spots. Then, drive back along the Great Ocean Road, waving at the other tour buses as they pass in the opposite direction. Stretch your legs in the Otway Ranges on a guided rainforest walk amongst some of the tallest tree species in the world. Drive back to the coastal road and visit the seaside town of Apollo Bay. Continue along the coast, traveling a twisting route with spectacular ocean, beach, and cliff views. Stop in Kennett River to look for koalas in their natural habitat amongst the eucalyptus trees. Pass through small seaside towns as you continue your journey and stop at Memorial Arch, where a sign honors the workers that built the road. Return to Melbourne for the end of your perfect Great Ocean Road experience.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Otway Overnight Tour

6. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Otway Overnight Tour

Day 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell (D) You'll begin your tour with a drive through the ancient lava fields of Western Victoria on your way to the country seaside town of Warrnambool. You'll take a detour to Tower Hill on the way, to explore Australia's most recently extinct volcano which is bursting with wildlife. Following that, take a guided walk with Worn Gundidj, learning about the traditional lifestyle of Australia's Aboriginal people and learn about their culture. You'll then drive the Great Ocean Road "backward", starting with Shipwreck Coast and its icons such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto, and London Bridge, with time to explore the village of Port Campbell. Try some locally made beers from the Sow & Piglets Brewery with dinner, before finishing off your day at the 12 Apostles for sunset. Day 2: Great Ocean Road to Melbourne (B) The second day starts off with a climb down the stairs onto the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, well before the crowds arrive, for a unique take on this ever-so-popular attraction. It's then off for a stroll along a section of the Great Ocean Walk and down to the beach level at the Apostles at Gibson Steps before retreating into the Otway rainforest. Hidden in a place most don't venture, the Redwoods of the Otways will simply amaze as you admire the tallest and second-tallest species of trees in the world side by side. It's then back on the road to continue the breathtaking coastal drive with quality stops in the townships of Apollo Bay and Lorne to soak in the Aussie beach town lifestyle. You'll have time to check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery for some delicious treats, as well as one of the most popular surf beaches in Australia, before heading back to Melbourne at around 7:30pm.

Melbourne: Private Helicopter Flight to the 12 Apostles

7. Melbourne: Private Helicopter Flight to the 12 Apostles

Soar over the limestone stacks at the 12 Apostles beach with this 1.25-hour flight from Melbourne. Land nearby and have free time to appreciate the views or descend the Gibson Steps to the beach. Capture pictures with your helicopter before the flight.  Travel above stunning countryside on the ride to the 12 Apostles beach. Marvel at the golden stacks from the helicopter's large windows as the blue and white waves crash over them. Spot the Great Ocean Road before your private landing at the 12 Apostles Helipad. Enjoy 2-hours of free time once you land where you can take the Gibson Steps all the way down to the sands of the 12 Apostles beach or head up to the Castle Rock lookout, one of the best scenic viewpoints to capture pictures of this unique landscape. 

Frankston: Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour

8. Frankston: Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour

After a safety briefing and operational overview, participants will be fitted to their waterbike and given lifejackets before departing from Frankston Pier with coffee or tea of choice. The tour will head out around the iconic Frankston Pier heading south towards the Olivers Hill scenic lookout. We will head towards Daveys Bay, home to Daveys Bay Yacht Club founded in 1909 and the historical jetty onstructed in the 1840s to ship his local produce to Melbourne. The Canadian Bay Club, formed in 1958, is our turnaround point. One of the founding members was Sir Laurence Hartnett, the then Managing Director of General Motors Holden and the designer and developer of the first Holden car. We return towards Frankston, perhaps accompanied at times by some of the Mornington Peninsulas Bottlenose Dolphins known to frequent this stretch of water and friends of our eco-friendly waterbikes. We we will finish back at the Frankston Pier

Frequently asked questions about Melbourne

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Melbourne?

The best day trips and excursions from Melbourne are:

Great Ocean Road

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What people are saying about Melbourne

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 646 reviews

We are a group of tourists from 3 different countries, and we have formed a positive impression of Melbourne after this great experience. Our super friendly and professional guide, Elliott, provided great commentary about Phillip Island and Melbourne history, he went out of his way to accommodate us, and he was also very caring to everyone, especially the elderly. Thank you Elliott! The penguin parade was absolutely amazing, I will definitely recommend this day trip to my friends and family.

Great trip and Craig was an excellent tour guide. My only complaint was that certain spots like the 12 Apostles towards the end could have had more time to explore other hikes without being rushed, and perhaps cut the coffee/chocolate stop shorter. Otherwise I highly recommend taking this tour, reminded me of my times in the south coast of Portugal.

Lots of wonderful views of the great ocean road. The guide took us to all the best viewpoints with an interesting and informative description of each.

It was really great, got a lot of wild life to see. Best Tourguide, would definitely recommend

Go west tours !!! Luke tour guide. Very helpful, funny, and the tour is a MUST!