As the sun rises over Melbourne, the city’s vibrant energy beckons. A guided tour awaits, promising an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly weaves together the urban charm of Melbourne and the natural wonders of Phillip Island. The morning unfolds with a stroll through Federation Square and the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, before surrendering to the allure of kangaroo encounters, koala cuddles, and the iconic Penguin Parade. But that’s only the beginning – with the city’s secrets barely scratched, the island’s surprises are yet to be revealed.
Key Points
• This Melbourne City Tour and Phillip Island tour combines city sights and natural wonders in a single day.
• Explore Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, Federation Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Royal Botanic Gardens in the morning.
• Visit Moonlit Sanctuary to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and get up close to koalas, wombats, and other native animals.
• Witness the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, with food and drinks provided throughout the tour.
• The tour starts at 8:30 am and ends at the meeting point, with pickup and drop-off from selected city hotels or meeting point.
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Tour Highlights and Inclusions
On this Melbourne city tour, visitors are treated to a unique combination of urban exploration and wildlife encounters, with highlights including a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary and the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.
This carefully curated experience provides a seamless blend of city sights and natural wonders, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.
As part of the tour, guests enjoy access to Moonlit Sanctuary, where they can get up close and personal with native Australian animals.
The Penguin Parade, a Phillip Island staple, is another major drawcard, with its adorable parade of Little Penguins waddling along the shoreline.
With food and drinks provided, travelers can sit back, relax, and soak up the sights and sounds of this incredible Melbourne city tour.
Melbourne City Tour Itinerary
With the tour’s unique blend of city exploration and wildlife encounters already established, the Melbourne City Tour itinerary unfolds with a carefully planned schedule that ensures a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
The day begins at 8:30 am with pickup from selected city hotels or the designated meeting point. From there, the group sets off in an air-conditioned minivan to explore Melbourne’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
City landmarks: Take in the sights of Melbourne’s vibrant streets, including Federation Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Cultural precincts: Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Theatre Company, and the iconic Princess Theatre.
Historic arcades: Wander through the stunning Royal Arcade and the historic Block Arcade, lined with boutique shops and cafes.
The morning’s excitement sets the stage for an unforgettable afternoon on Phillip Island, but that’s a story for later.
Phillip Island Adventure Details
Venturing beyond Melbourne’s urban landscape, the tour takes a thrilling turn as it heads to Phillip Island, where the afternoon is filled with up-close wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural beauty.
At Moonlit Sanctuary, visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and get up close to koalas, wombats, and other native animals.
The tour culminates in the iconic Penguin Parade, where hundreds of little penguins emerge from the sea at sunset, waddling to their burrows in a heartwarming display.
With food and drinks provided, guests can relax and take in the stunning coastal scenery, making for an unforgettable Phillip Island adventure.
Essential Tour Information
Beyond the excitement of Phillip Island’s wildlife encounters, the tour’s logistics are carefully planned to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.
To make the most of this adventure, it’s essential to know the following details.
Pickup and Drop-off
Get picked up from selected city hotels or 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia, and dropped off at the meeting point.
Tour Schedule
The tour starts at 8:30 am and ends at the meeting point, with a maximum group size of 11.
Accessibility
Please note that this tour is stroller accessible, near public transportation, but not wheelchair accessible, and not suitable for cruise ship passengers or children under 3.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
The booking and cancellation policy for this Melbourne City Tour is designed to provide flexibility and protection for travelers, with clear guidelines in place to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but no refund will be given if canceled less than 24 hours before the tour starts. Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be accepted either.
Plus, a minimum number of travelers is required, and if the tour is canceled due to insufficient travelers, a full refund will be provided.
Reviews and Ratings Analysis
With a stellar 4.5-star rating based on 40 reviews, this Melbourne City Tour has clearly impressed travelers, who’ve shared their experiences to provide valuable insights for fellow adventurers. Only two reviewers gave a 1-star rating, indicating that the tour has met the expectations of most participants.
Professional guides: Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Well-organized itinerary: Reviewers appreciate the well-planned schedule, which allows for a comfortable pace and sufficient time at each attraction.
Memorable experiences: Many travelers highlight the unforgettable moments at the Moonlit Sanctuary and Penguin Parade, making this tour a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts.
What to Expect on Tour
As they embark on this Melbourne City Tour, travelers can anticipate a seamless blend of city exploration and wildlife encounters, all within the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan.
The tour kicks off with a Melbourne city tour, where they’ll discover the city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and iconic landmarks.
Next, they’ll head to Moonlit Sanctuary, where they’ll get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies.
The highlight of the tour is the Penguin Parade, where they’ll witness hundreds of little penguins emerging from the sea and waddling along the shoreline.
Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy food and drinks, making this tour a truly unforgettable experience.
Before You Book Reminder
Before finalizing their booking, travelers should carefully review the tour details and cancellation policy to ensure this Melbourne City Tour aligns with their travel plans and expectations. It’s essential to understand the terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings or unexpected fees.
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Pickup points and times: Confirm the pickup location and time to ensure it fits your schedule.
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Cancellation policy: Understand the refund and cancellation terms to avoid any unexpected fees.
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Traveler requirements: Check the age and accessibility restrictions to ensure the tour is suitable for all participants.
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Common questions
Are Booster Seats Available for Children Under 4 Years Old?
When traveling with tiny tots, parents often wonder about booster seat availability. Fortunately, she can breathe a sigh of relief, as booster seats are available for children between 4 to 7 years old, but not for those under 4.
Can I Store My Luggage in the Minivan During the Tour?
During the tour, she can store her luggage in the air-conditioned minivan, which offers ample space to accommodate passengers’ belongings, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable experience, free from luggage concerns.
Are There Any Stops for Lunch or Snacks During the Tour?
During the excursion, food and drinks are provided, alleviating concerns about meal breaks; however, it’s unclear if there are dedicated stops for lunch or snacks, leaving travelers wondering about the logistics of sustenance throughout the day.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?
She wonders if the tour is suitable for people with motion sickness, considering the air-conditioned minivan transport; unfortunately, there’s no specific mention of accommodations for motion sickness, leaving it uncertain for those prone to it.
Can I Request a Specific Pickup Point or Time?
She can request a specific pickup point, selecting from various hotels or 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia, but the tour operator will confirm feasibility, and pickup times are fixed at 8:30 am.
Not for you? Here's a few more great experiences in the region
- Private Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles Tour From Melbourne
- Point Cook Homestead Ghost Tour
- Hidden Bars of Melbourne
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour From Melbourne
- Express Twelve Apostles Day Trip From Melbourne
- Full-Day Sports and Beer Tour of Melbourne With Lunch
- Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Tour From Melbourne
- Private One Day Great Ocean Road Tour (12 Hour)
- Yarra Valley Wine & Wildlife – Private Regional Tour
- 3 Hour Rainforest Walking Tour in Badger Creek
- The 10 Tastings of Melbourne With Locals: Private Food Tour
Final Words
As the day comes to a close, the Melbourne cityscape gives way to the rugged beauty of Phillip Island, leaving you with an unforgettable blend of urban charm and wildlife wonder.
With memories of hand-fed kangaroos, cuddly koalas, and the world-famous Penguin Parade etched in your mind, you’ll return to Melbourne feeling fulfilled, with a deeper appreciation for the city’s natural surroundings and the unique experiences that await just beyond its borders.
