Spend an absolutely incredible day in Mornington Peninsula, the summertime playground of Melburnians young and young at heart. Breathe in the fresh sea air and soak up the relaxed alfresco lifestyle of this area just an hour from Melbourne.

When you combine the best of Europe’s coastal living with traditional Aussie charm, you have Mornington Peninsula. Make your way to the coast and check out the brightly colored bathing boxes; these wooden structures were originally changing houses and are now passed down through family to relax in at the beach. These rainbow-colored bathing boxes have provided a colorful backdrop to countless swims and lazy beach days all along the coast of Port Phillip Bay. While technically no more than a shed, with no water or electricity, many of the historic bathing boxes have been passed down through generations and remain in high demand. Found on beaches from Mount Eliza and Dromana to Rosebud and Portsea, these iconic bathing boxes are the peninsula’s symbol of summer and have become a tourist attraction on their own right.

Feed a kangaroo at the Moonlit Sanctuary where you can also encounter koalas and wallabies in their natural habitat. Meet endangered species in a beautiful bushland setting at this Wildlife Conservation Park where colorful orange-bellied parrots abound, water birds are at home in extensive wetlands and visitors can sample the flourishing bush foods garden. Inspired by the work of famous British conservationist Gerald Durrell, Moonlit Sanctuary is now home to over 60 Australian species, including about 80 wallabies, free to roam through the bush and give visitors a rare natural encounter.

Discover this area, known for fine style food and wine with sensational regional menus. Choose to enjoy a premium wine tasting and 2-course lunch at one of the leading wineries in the area. The rich red soils grow the most abundant seasonal produce and the beautiful natural environment creates an enviable lifestyle. All this has attracted the most passionate winemakers and top city chefs seeking inspiration. A reputation for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, all with a true sense of place, has been gained by the region.

This tour is tailored to keep your group to no more than six guests, allowing for a very personal and intimate experience, away from the big coach tours crowded with tourists.

Your friendly, local and knowledgeable guide will make sure the day is all you expect and will take you to the best restaurants, shops and activities this area offers. Reserve your spot for a day to remember in Mornington Peninsula.

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most historic cities, rich with tales that date back to the Victoria Gold Rush. In the late nineteenth century Melbourne was one of the richest cities in the entire world. The lavishness of the previous century can still be seen in Melbourne today, which complements its chic and modern side. This Melbourne city tour is a great way to learn about the history and culture of this remarkable city.

Your Melbourne day tour will include highlights of the city’s most famous landmarks. See the beautifully ornate St. Patrick’s Cathedral on this comprehensive tour. Queen Victoria Market, sometimes known as Vic Market, is named after Queen Victoria of the British Empire. You will learn that this center has caused much controversy over the years, and was once a thriving underground center for pirated goods. Take a guided walk through some of Melbourne’s best arcades and laneways, including the Royal Arcade, Block Arcade, Centre Place and Degraves Street.

Another stop will be the Fitzroy Gardens. Also reminiscent of the Victorian Age, these gardens are beautifully grafted, and there is even a model Tudor village located in the gardens.

This Melbourne tour is perfect for anyone who wants to get to know the quirkiness and history of the city. You will visit many more places besides those listed above. This is a great way to get to know the city during your stay in Melbourne.

Departing from Melbourne, your Great Ocean Road tour begins with panoramic views of the city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest at just under 2.6 kilometers in length.

Pass by and learn a little about Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong, as you make your way down towards the Surf Coast, with its enchanting beach side towns and powerful swells. Just outside the town of Torquay, you’ll stop for your first opportunity to visit the beach and to enjoy a complimentary morning tea. Departing Torquay, you’ll set out along the Great Ocean Road itself, as your experienced driver-guide provides an informative commentary about the road’s history and its place in Australian folklore.

The scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road is a highlight in itself. You’ll see some truly amazing coastal scenery, with new views being revealed around every bend. There will be plenty of scenic stops, including of course a photo opportunity at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View.

At the township of Kennet River, you will make a brief side trip into the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest to locate some of the local koalas in the native habitat. The koala population here is particularly strong and numerous sightings are almost guaranteed! You will also have an opportunity here to feed the colorful local bird life, with Crimson Rosellas and King Parrots always keen for a handful of sunflower seeds. Then continue on towards a stop in Apollo Bay, with another photo stop at Cape Patten on the way.

After, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the ocean and into the mountains. The tour proceeds through the spectacular Otway Ranges, where you will stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. Here your guide will accompany you through the forest, where you will stop to learn a little about the world’s tallest flowering trees and the ancient rainforest species.

And then it’s onwards to the world famous Port Campbell National Park and its iconic array of rock formations. You’ll be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the park. These limestone stacks are a very popular attraction because of their proximity to each other.

Just down the road is the heart of the Shipwreck Coast, the Loch Ard Gorge where 52 lives were lost and only 2 souls survived the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Your guide will recount the legend of the Loch Ard, bringing the gorge to life in a way you never imagined. Nearly 700 ships are believed to have been wrecked along the Victorian coast, but fewer than a third of them have been discovered. The Loch Ard Gorge is named from the Loch Ard, which went down in 1878. There will be time to explore here, with more rock formations to see, including the Razorback, the Dumpling Pots and the delightful Island Archway. A stop is made for dinner on your own on the journey back to Melbourne, before enjoying a stunning view of the illuminated city as you cross the Westgate Bridge again on the way home. For a day full of natural beauty guided by an expert guide, skip the larger tours and join this small group adventure.