Melbourne tours

Things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne hums with an energy that beckons exploration: its laneways teem with street art, distinctive cafes, and concealed shops. With a local guide, tours through Melbourne turn into an exploration of this vibrant urban scene. Feel the lively atmosphere of a walking tour through the city’s varied neighbourhoods, from the bohemian feel of Fitzroy to the Italian soul of Lygon Street. Your guide steers you through the culinary puzzle of a food and wine tour, where skipping the line means more time to enjoy the city’s diverse flavours, from sizzling Asian street food to refined European sweets. As evening falls, see the city illuminate from a hidden rooftop bar. Private tours in Melbourne with your guide are not just about viewing the sights; they’re about tapping into the city’s rhythm and making it resonate with you. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Melbourne. Explore Melbourne your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Melbourne tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Melbourne for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Join your guide to spot grey-headed flying foxes at Yarra Bend Park near sunset and watch little penguins return to the St Kilda breakwater. For a greener escape, stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens for birdlife or visit Healesville Sanctuary for close-up encounters with koalas and kangaroos. Day trip tours: Head along the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles with photo stops at Loch Ard Gorge and a walk among wild koalas at Kennett River, planned to beat the tour-bus rush. Or choose Phillip Island for the evening Penguin Parade with reserved seating and a daytime visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve or Moonlit Sanctuary. History tours: Trace gold-rush wealth through the Block Arcade, Royal Arcade, and the grand banking chambers on Collins Street, then step into the Old Melbourne Gaol to learn about Ned Kelly. Your guide can also cover migration stories at the Immigration Museum, First Peoples perspectives with the Koorie Heritage Trust along Birrarung Marr, and the State Library’s La Trobe Reading Room. The city centre is very walkable and the tram network is extensive, including a free tram zone in the CBD; trains and buses fill the gaps. For farther-flung sights or late finishes, you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation, or ask your local guide about the best transfer plan. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Melbourne inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Melbourne’s iconic neighborhoods on a private walking tour, guided by a local who will show you the city's diverse character. - Fitzroy: Known for its bohemian vibe, this area is a haven for art lovers and cultural tourists. Street art, independent galleries, and vintage shops create an eclectic atmosphere. - St Kilda: Perfect for families and those who enjoy a beachside ambiance, St Kilda offers sandy shores, a lively pier, and a range of eateries. It’s a spot where relaxation meets vibrant activity. - Southbank: This riverside neighborhood is excellent for those interested in arts and entertainment, with its theaters, galleries, and fine dining. It's a cultural hub with stunning views of the city skyline. - Carlton: Ideal for foodies and cultural tourists, this area is famous for its Italian heritage and delicious cuisine. Lygon Street’s cafes and restaurants are perfect for enjoying a taste of Italy. Day trip ideas from Melbourne Base yourself in Melbourne and use day trip tours to reach wild coastlines, wine country, and wildlife spots without rushing the best stops. Great Ocean Road: Follow a world-class coastal drive to sea cliffs and rainforest pockets, with time for lookouts, short walks, and beach towns, ideal for scenery seekers and photographers planning full-day trips. Yarra Valley: Taste cool-climate wines at cellar doors, pair them with local cheese and chocolate, and add gardens or art studios, a gentle day for food lovers and easy-going explorers. Mornington Peninsula: Mix coastal lookouts and lighthouse boardwalks with seaside villages and farm gates, a flexible route for walkers, market fans, and anyone who wants bay views and ocean air. Phillip Island: Walk rugged headlands, scan blowholes and boardwalks for seabirds and seals, then watch little penguins at dusk, a wildlife-focused day that fits families and animal fans. Macedon Ranges and Hanging Rock: Climb among giant boulders, explore cool-climate wineries and historic main streets, and enjoy quiet gardens, a close-to-city escape for hikers, sippers, and history buffs. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Melbourne most travellers miss.