8 Day Trips from Melbourne to Give a Whole Day To

1.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125Our pick

Spend about 9.5 hours exploring Phillip Island with a local driver-guide. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, pause in Cowes, walk the Nobbies boardwalks, and watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. General Penguin Parade entry, coach travel, and reserve admission are included.

“The tour was great. We managed to see some animals in their natural habitat The penguin parade tour is one of the best in Melbourne”

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2.Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 566 reviews · from $150

Travel from Melbourne in a minivan with up to 11 people, led by guides such as Travis, Adam, Josh, or Gary. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade. Expect a long afternoon and evening, chilly coastal weather, and a memorable penguin arrival after sunset.

“Great day spent with Adam, our driver and guide. He took us to various places above and beyond what was expected. He also watched after us quite well. The highlight of course is the Penguin Parade! Watching the world’s smallest penguins waddle up the beach at sunset after a day out fishing is absolutely magical. The whole experience feels authentic and well-organized, with a strong focus on conservation and respect for the animals. The rangers do a great job explaining penguin behavior and ensuring visitors understand the importance of keeping the penguins safe.”

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3.Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · from $172

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with guides such as Fiona, Craig, Vicky, or Ben. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before watching little penguins return from the sea. Penguin Plus gives you a closer view, but bring warm clothes, snacks, and patience for a long day.

“Best part of our Aussie journey! Ben, our driver/guide, was professional, informative, friendly and helpful in every way. Everything we had hoped for. Just the best!”

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4.Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 281 reviews · from $154

Travel from central Melbourne in an air-conditioned minivan with up to 11 people. Stop at Apollo Bay, walk in Great Otway National Park, and see the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Guides such as Fred, Gary, Shane, and Toby add local stories, wildlife spotting, and flexible photo stops.

“Very nice trip to discover the Great Ocean Road. The van was comfortable and Gary, our driver and guide was very nice.”

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5.From Melbourne: Day Trip to Mt Buller by Premium Tour Coach

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 220 reviews · 1 day · from $105

Travel from Melbourne to Mt Buller by premium coach, arriving directly at Village Square for about 6.5 hours of free time. Ski, snowboard, toboggan, sightsee, or enjoy the cafes and mountain views. Snow gear and lift tickets cost extra, and no guide accompanies you on the mountain.

“Loved our day in the snow! The driver who took us to Mt Buller was rude and inconsiderate to some other passengers which I didn’t like. Someone more friendly and enthusiastic should be doing this job. The coach has nothing premium about it.”

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6.Small-Group Grampians Great Wildlife Escape Day Trip with Hiking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $111

Spend a long day in Grampians National Park with a local driver-guide, short bushwalks, dramatic lookouts, MacKenzie Falls, wildlife sightings, and a visit to Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The small minibus holds up to 23 people, with guides such as Lauren, Graham, Jacob, and Tara leading recent departures.

“Had a really great time on this trip. We explored the Grampian view points and it was spectacular. Graham was the best tour guide ever. He made sure we were well informed, made sure we were taken care of, made sure that no one was left Read more”

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7.From Melbourne: Reverse Great Ocean Road Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · from $96Best value

Leave Melbourne early for the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, then return along the Great Ocean Road through Apollo Bay and the Otways. A local English-speaking guide such as James Wheels, Likey, or Aiden leads the day, with lunch, Wi-Fi, USB charging, wildlife stops, and translation support.

“We had a fabulous day with Aiden as our guide. He kept the group on schedule and told some interesting stories with some thoughtful dialogue along the way. As a senior my biggest fear was unrealized with timely and frequent washroom breaks! Our only comment would be that we could have used a few more minutes at the twelve apostles because it is the highlight of the tour. And no fault of anyone’s but the Loch Ard steps were closed on the day we visited, perhaps we can return! Thank you Aiden for driving and guiding us for twelve hours! Anna and KimRead more”

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8.From Melbourne: Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews

Ride from Melbourne in a custom Mercedes Sprinter with up to 11 people, stopping at Anglesea, Lorne, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, and the 12 Apostles. Your English speaking guide points out wildlife, leads a rainforest walk, and serves local fish and chips before the inland return.

“The tour is amazing! Andy was excellent. More than a guide he was a friendly partner of our trip, and with the best eyes to find koalas in the trees.”

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