Australia

Specials / Suggested packages / Nature Tours / 18-35 year old tours
Active Tours / "Rail Cruises" / Sydney / Cairns / Brisbane / Melbourne
Cruises / Alice/Ayers Rock / Adelaide / Darwin / Hobart / Perth

Melbourne Package Options

Price per person in US$ for 3 nights hotel and roundtrip airport transfers

Day Tours (prices subject to change due to currency fluctuations)

Day tour passes - 4 for US$255

Penguin Parade (1pm-1030pm)
See cosmopolitan St Kilda and the bayside suburbs of Brighton and Beaumaris Have pectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and Westernport Bay, with Water birds and
Mangroves. Visit Warrook Homestead for afternoon tea (own expense). Enjoy a short introductory video " The Little Penguin". You will have panoramic views of French Island and San Remo, a maritime fishing village. Then we will reach Phillip Island Nature Park, a natural home for koalas, seals, Shearwaters and Little Penguins. Stop at the Koala Conservation Centre and look for koalas in their natural habitat from tree top boardwalks. We pass The Nobbies, a rugged rocky outcrop, and Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest colony of fur seals. Then witness the Penguin Parade - Every evening at dusk the Little Penguins come home from the sea at Phillip Island. From the waves, across the beach , to the sand dunes. The Little Penguins can almost be touched as they waddle to their burrows. Sunset at Summerland Beach has drawn millions of visitors to Phillip Island. It is the nightly ritual of these little flightless birds which will enthrall you as you observe from the beach and the elevated boardwalk.
Departs daily at 130pm. Price: Adults = US$79, Child = $40

Penguin Express (530pm-1030pm)
An evening tour for those with time constraints that takes you directly to the natural phenomenon of the Penguin Parade. This tour can be combined with Melbourne Highlights, Puffing Billy or Sovereign Hill when the departure time is at 5.30pm during summer months.
Departs daily at 530pm. Price: Adults = US$72, Child = US$36.
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Penguin + Farm Activities (10am-1030pm)
We head for the Blue Dandenong Ranges, with it's superb traditional gardens and towering mountain ash forests. At Warrook cattle farm, experience Aussie country hospitality as guests of Chris, Lina and Keith. Try grooming a Murray Grey! Watch Kelpie sheep dogs mustering sheep and share in sheep shearing fun. Feed kangaroos and meet the local wombat family or join in on a hay ride. Take a guided tour of Warrook - an original Australian country homestead and enjoy a sumptuous homestead lunch (included in the cost for Tour 366 passengers.Light farmhouse lunches and snacks are available for Tour 376 passengers at your own expense). Then on to Phillip Island Nature Park for all it has to offer, including the Penguin Parade Tour.
Departs daily at 10am. Price: Adults = US$86, Child = US$43 ($105/$53 with homestead lunch included.)

Penguin + Farm Activities + Puffing Billy (840am-1030pm)
A combination tour commencing with the first section of our Puffing Billy Tour and then at Menzies Creek joining our Penguin + Farm Activities Tour .
Departs daily at 840am. Price: Adults = US$105, Child = US$53 ($124/$62 with lunch)

Penguins + Seal Island cruise (10am-11pm)
Pass through Melbourne's eastern suburbs to Ferntree Gully, at the foot of the Ranges, and on to the Dandenong Ranges National Park - home of the Lyrebird, superb traditional gardens and towering mountain ash forests. We then reach Western Port Bay, with it's waterbirds and mangroves Enjoy panoramic views of French Island and San Remo, a maritime fishing village. Then board the Wildlife Coast Cruises seal watching cruise for one of Australia's most unique natural experiences. Be enthralled at the sight and sound of over 5000 fur seals close up while drifting in the shelter of Seal Rocks in Bass Strait. Then on to Phillip Island Nature Park for all it has to offer, including the Penguin Parade Tour.
Departs daily at 10am Oct. 26-March 27. Price: Adults = US$163, Child = US$102

Mornington Peninsula (815am-5pm)
We start with spectacular views of rolling hills, pastures and vineyards before we visit Nedlands Lavender Farm - home of fragrant fields of lavender. Witness harvesting, pruning, distillation and see and smell many different varieties of lavender. Enjoy a lavender style morning tea of scones, jam and cream with tea or coffee overlooking stunning scenery of the 100-acre property. Then on to Sunnyridge Strawberry Farm - Australia's largest strawberry producer. Wander through Strawberry Fields and pick your own luscious strawberries (Included on Tour 348). Then visit Red Hill Estate for tasting and spectacular unspoilt views over Western Port to the Nobbies and Phillip Island (Included on Tour 358). Visit Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove for a further tasting and inspection (Included on Tour 358). At Ashcombe Maze & Water Gardens you can lose yourself in Australia's oldest traditional hedge maze. Enjoy a delightful two course lunch while overlooking the maze and gardens. Take in the serenity of the water gardens, bird life and the impressive rose maze. Then climb to the top of Arthurs Seat
for spectacular views of the Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. On to the beach side hamlets of Dromana and Mt Martha, then follow the coast road with wondrous views of Port Phillip Bay. Visit the picturesque seaside resort of Mornington and perhaps a walk along the pier or simply relax on the beach.
Departs Mon.,Wed.,Fri.,Sat at 815am Oct. 26-March 27. Price: Adults = US$94, Child = US$47

City tour ( 845am-returns at noon)
On this tour we will see Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square development, St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Town Hall, Law Courts & Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne University, Royal Exhibition Buildings, Chinatown, Parliament House and Princess Theatre, St Patricks Cathedral. Visit Fitzroy Gardens and see Captain Cook's Cottage (opportunity to inspect), then Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park and the National Tennis Centre. HIGHLIGHTS are Trendy Southbank on the river, Arts and Cultural Centre, Gracious tree lined St Kilda Road, Albert Park Lake - Grand Prix site, Ornate Victorian terraced homes, Revitalised South Melbourne, Port Melbourne by the Sea, Views of historic Williamstown, West Gate Bridge (spectacular City Overview), Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, perhaps enjoy a Devonshire Tea or walk by the lake, The Shrine of Remembrance.
Departs daily at 845am. Price: Adults = US$39, Child = US$19

City tour with river cruise (ends at Flinders St. Station at 130pm)
Departs daily at 845am. Price: Adults = US$50, Child = US$25

City Highlights (130pm-530pm)
See Chinatown, St Paul's Cathedral and Flinders Street Station, Arts and Cultural Centre
Kings Domain Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance (Photo Stop), Fashionable suburbs of South Yarra and Toorak, Melbourne's green and leafy eastern suburbs, The Dandenong Ranges National Park - home of the lyrebird, superb traditional gardens and towering mountain ash forests. Visit Sherbrooke Forest - heart of the Dandenongs, with tall eucalypts, kookaburras and bellbirds. HIGHLIGHTS will be Sharing Bush Billy tea with the locals...colourful crimson rosellas and king parrots! (Opportunity to hand feed with seed provided). Passing through quaint villages noted for their restaurants, craft shops and beautiful gardens. Visiting Mt Dandenong summit, with spectacular views of Melbourne & Port Phillip Bay (photo stop)
Departs daily at 130pm. Price: Adults = US$40, Child = US$20

City Highlights + Yarra River Cruise (1210pm-530pm - starts at 180 Swanston St.)
Departs daily . Price: Adults = US$52, Child = US$26

Best of Melbourne (1210pm-730pm)
First we start with a RIVER CRUISE. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Yarra River and experience our early settlement days with views of the barque "Polly Woodside". You'll have spectacular views of the city skyline and will see the West Gate Bridge. Then we have a COACH TOUR to see China Town, St Pauls Cathedral and Flinders Street Station, Arts and Cultural Centre, Kings Domain Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance, Fashionable suburbs of South Yarra and Toorak. Then visit Sherbrooke Forest - heart of the Dandenongs, with tall eucalypts, kookaburras and bellbirds. Share Bush Billy tea with the locals...colourful crimson rosellas and king parrots!Pass through quaint villages noted for their restaurants, craft shops and beautiful gardens and visit Mt Dandenong summit. Then return to the city, passing Fitzroy Gardens and St Patricks Cathedral, Old Melbourne Gaol, Queen Victoria Market, Law Courts & Flagstaff Gardens. Then savor an unforgettable experience of dining in the 1927 colonial tram car restaurant as it cruises Melbourne's streets. A sumptuous three course dinner including beverages. Late bookings are subject to availability.
Hotel drop off's are not available on this tour.
Make your own way to office at 180 Swanston Street by 12.10pm., ends at Normanby Rd.
Departs daily at 1210pm. Price: Adults = US$109, Child = US$54

City Explorer
The independent and easy way to get around Melbourne and it’s best attractions. Discover
cosmopolitan Melbourne at your own pace. Stay on board for a one hour guided tour of the city or hop on - hop off all day - it’s up to you!Every stop, every hour.
Departs daily at 930am.,then every 30 miniutes Price: Adults = US$24, Child = US$12

Blue Dandegongs + Puffing Billy (840am-1pm)
Pass through Melbourne's eastern suburbs on the way to the Dandenong Ranges National
Park - home of the lyrebird, superb traditional gardens and towering mountain ash forests. Visit Sherbrook Forest - heart of the Dandenongs, with tall eucalypts, kookaburras and bellbirds. Meet the locals at Grants Picnic Ground ... colourful crimson rosellas and king parrots! (Opportunity to hand feed with seed provided). Enjoy a delicious morning tea of scones, jam and cream with tea or coffee - old fashioned hospitality in delightful surrounds...what a treat! Ride through the forest from Belgrave on Puffing Billy steam train - an original steam locomotive. Pass through quaint villages noted for their restaurants, craft shops and beautiful gardens. Visit Sassafras known for it's local craft and antiques. Great views of Melbourne's skyline, Silvan Dam and the rolling hills.
Departs daily at 130pm. Price: Adults = US$51, Child = US$26

Healesville + Wineries (10am-530pm)
Head to the Blue Dandenong Ranges, with superb traditional gardens and towering mountain ash forests, via Ferntree Gully, at the foot of the ranges. Then visit Sherbrooke Forest, noted for its lyrebirds and fern gullies. You will have an opportunity to taste Australian wines at Fergusson's Winery, a noted Yarra Valley wine producer. Enjoy a delicious spit roast lunch as guests of Peter and Louise Fergusson (Vegetarian meals available). Tour through the Yarra Valley and pass through the township of Healesville - set amidst mountain bushland. Visit Healesville Sanctuary - home for over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles in a natural bushland setting. Stroll through paddocks of kangaroos and wallabies. Walk through large aviaries and pond areas that bring birds of the wild so close to hand - the elusive lyrebirds, eagles, ibis & spoonbills. Witness the "Eagles Fly" demonstration and observe the underwater life of the platypus. Come face to face with a koala! Meet a hairy nose wombat! See dingoes, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, snakes and goannas. Share afternoon tea with an emu.
Departs daily at 10am. Price: Adults = US$88, Child = US$44

Puffing Billy + Wineries (840am-530pm)
Ride Puffing Billy, as above, plus, enjoy a delicious spit roast lunch as guests of Peter and Louise Fergusson (Vegetarian meals available). Tour through the Yarra Valley and pass through the township of Healesville - set amidst mountain bushland. Visit Rochford's Eyton & taste from a selection of fine Australian wines, then visit Moet & Chandon's Australian winery - Domaine Chandon and take a guided tour of the winery. Enjoy a glass of Domaine Chandon complemented by a savoury platter as you take in the atmosphere and panoramic views
of the Yarra Valley from the 'Greenpoint Room.'
Departs daily at 840am. Price: Adults = US$98, Child = US$49

Blue Dandegongs + Wineries (10am-530pm)
Head to the Blue Dandenong Ranges with superb traditional gardens and towering mountain ash forests. Pass through Ferntree Gully at the foot of the ranges and Sherbrooke Forest - noted for its lyrebirds and fern gullies. Then on to the wineries, as above.
Departs daily at 10amm. Price: Adults = US$89, Child = US$45

Grampians (845am-930pm)
Travel the Western Highway, the stagecoach route of the 1850's, to Bacchus Marsh - a landscape of orchards and once a resting place for the Cobb & Co stagecoach. Arrive at Ballarat, A gracious city of exquisite gardens and noble statues. Then Visit Halls Gap, nestled between the Wonderland and Mt William Ranges and head into the Grampians National Park - known by aboriginals as 'Gariwerd' meaning "Mountain Range". You'll have spectacular views of Fyans Valley from Boroka Lookout and you'll wonder at massive Victoria Valley from Reids Lookout. Have an opportunity to walk along "The Balconies" escarpment and to hike to Jaws of Death. Also, experience the power of McKenzie Falls and top for Bush Billy tea by
McKenzie Creek. Then look for Emus, Corellas and Kangaroos on the northern plains. Return to Melbourne via Stawell and Great Western, famous for its wine and champagne.
Departs Mon. & Sat.at 845am. Price: Adults = US$83, Child = US$41

Echuca (845am-730pm)
Follow the route of the overland cattle drovers as you travel through Kyneton, passing Woodend and beautiful Mt Macedon. See Bendigo, with classic Australian architecture, tour Bendigo on a vintage Talking Tram. Enjoy rural towns with their grand Australian pubs. A short documentary entitled "The Mighty Murray" will be shown prior to arriving in Echuca. Here we see the Murray River - Australia's Mississippi; border between the states of Victoria & NSW. See majestic river gums & waterbirds and look for Cockatoos & Galah. Take a guided tour of the historic Port of Echuca then cruise the Murray River on a genuine paddlewheeler and experience thrashing paddlewheels & high pitched whistles while you hear the stories of riverboat days. Return to Melbourne from arid northern Victoria through historic Kilmore with its bluestone buildings. "All the Rivers Run II" - an Australian movie set during the Echuca Riverboat days will be shown while returning to Melbourne.
Departs Fri. & Sun. at 845am. Price: Adults = US$80, Child = US$40

Sovereign Hill (840am-530pm)
Travel the Western Highway, the stagecoach route of the 1850's, to Bacchus Marsh - a landscape of orchards and once a resting place for the Cobb & Co stagecoach. Arrive at Ballarat, A gracious city of exquisite gardens and noble statues. See the Eureka Stockade, site of the1854 Miner's Rebellion.Visit Sovereign Hill, an authentic recreation of an 1850's gold mining town. Here you can see & experience Gold panning in Red Gully Creek, Take a guided tour of the underground mine (own expense), watch Blacksmiths and traditional craftsmen,
Visit the Gold Museum & "Voyage of Discovery" - An audio visual of life on the Australian goldfields. You'll also have time to visit the many original shops, perhaps try some homemade
boiled lollies or maybe a Devonshire Tea at the New York Bakery. There is a Chinese Village, highlighting Chinese involvement in the goldfields. Why not ride a stagecoach, Take in the atmosphere of Main St., Watch the Giant Crushing Battery or Treat yourself to lunch at the
United States Hotel?
Departs daily at 840am. Price: Adults = US$79, Child = US$40

Sovereign Hill + wildlife (840am-530pm)
See Ballarat and Sovereign Hill, as above, plus visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park, nestled in a native bushland habitat where you can join a guided tour - Be greeted by Patrick the Wombat, feed free range kangaroos, xperience an emu encounter, eet and touch koalas, ee Tasmanian devils feeding, ee goannas and giant lizards, hudder at the sight of venomous snakes and voracious crocodiles!
Departs daily at 840am. Price: Adults = US$86, Child = US$43

Great Ocean Road (8am-730pm or 845am-915pm) (early tour has no stops on return)
See views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay from West Gate Bridge as we head west to
the city of Geelong and Corio Bay, and then on to Torquay and the Surf Coast. Visit famous Bell's Beach and enjoy spectacular coastal views along the Great Ocean Road till we get to the surf beach resort of Lorne. Now we will see precipitous coastal cliffs, long sandy beaches and rolling surf and river inlets and fern gullies. Stop at picturesque Apollo Bay for lunch - perhaps take a walk along the beach. Then it's on to Otway National Park, where fern gullies and eucalypts make up this beautiful Australian rainforest. Then we reach Port Campbell National Park's rugged coastline, "The Shipwreck Coast", with many stops including... huge stone monoliths of the Twelve Apostles (you may take an optional helicopter flight over the shipwreck coast - own expense), the Island Arch and Razorback, grand architecture carved by surf, Loch Ard Gorge, site of the tragic shipwreck of the "Loch Ard", stark remains of London Bridge. Finally we reach Port Campbell, a holiday resort and fishing village. This powerful coastline provides scope for stunning photography. Return to Melbourne stopping
for dinner en route (on later tour) and enjoy an on~board Australian movie "All The Rivers Run 1". See the spectacular evening lights of Melbourne from West Gate Bridge.
Departs daily at . Price: Adults = US$86, Child = US$43

Please wait outside Hotel 5 minutes prior to pick~up time.
Pick-up times may vary 10 minutes depending on traffic.
No Hotel drop off after morning tours.
Children are 4-14 years