Melbourne City Discovery Half Day Tour

Come with us to see why Melbourne was named “The World’s Most Liveable City” by The Economist Magazine for seven consecutive years.

With a population of over 4 million people, Melbourne has grown from its gold rush heritage of the 1850’s to be one of the most admired cities in the world and will soon become Australia’s most populated city.

There is so much to see in this diverse city with historical buildings, world-renowned gardens and markets, Australia’s best art museums, multiculturalism, exciting food scene, sporting stadiums, lively downtown café scene and the best shopping arcades in the land.

We make sure you get a feel for why Melbourne is regarded so highly and will show you all of the following locations.

Parliament Hill –Treasury Building, House of Parliament, Windsor Hotel

The ‘Paris End’ of Collins St –travel along the Golden Mile and see how the city was laid out during the ‘boom’ period of the 1850’s Gold Rush.

Queen Victoria Market –Australia’s largest ‘open air’ market. Home to the city’s freshest fruit and vegetables, the amazing delicatessen and the famous Melbourne ‘fish market’.

Lygon Street – Melbourne’s Little Italy and the home of the city’s famed coffee culture.

Royal Exhibition Building – UNESCO protected and surrounded by the Carlton Gardens.

Sports Precinct – See Australia’s biggest stadiums and learn all about our original game of Australian Rules Football.

St Patrick’s Cathedral – Built from bluestone and sandstone, St Patrick’s Cathedral is a leading example of Gothic-revival architecture.

Royal Botanical Gardens –  home of rare and beautiful plants, breathtaking landscapes and iconic buildings. Visit the Ornamental Lake during a stop here.

Federation Square – Melbourne’s central square with its modern Architecture, surrounding Flinders St Station & St Paul’s Cathedral.

St Kilda – Melbourne’s most popular beach-side suburb including Luna Park, the St Kilda Pier, Catani Gardens & the famous Esplanade Hotel. Travel along Port Phillip Bay to view mansions, historic sea baths and Luna Park’s eye-catching rides in this beautiful seaside suburb.

Albert Park – expansive parklands & sporting fields as well as the location of Melbourne’s Formula One Grand Prix circuit.

The Shrine of Remembrance – Victoria’s spectacular national war memorial. Built to honour the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I, it now serves as a memorial to Australians who served in global conflicts throughout our nation’s history. Walk to the top to see stunning views of Melbourne.

Melbourne’s Arts Precinct – one of the great creative and cultural destinations in the world including the National Gallery of Victoria, Victorian College of the Arts & Hamer Hall.

Welcome to Melbourne, a city known for its lush gardens, vibrant café culture, stunning architecture, famous laneways, and rich arts scene.

Begin your day as you pass along the elegant Paris End of Collins Street, known for its upscale boutiques and historic buildings, including St. Michael’s and Scots’ Church, which offer an insight into the
city’s rich architectural heritage. Your first stop is Hosier Lane, Melbourne’s vibrant street art hub. Here, you can wander through a kaleidoscope of colours and creativity as the ever-changing murals capture the essence of the city’s artistic culture. Moving forward, you’ll drive by iconic landmarks such as the Magnificent Flinders Street Station, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Federation Square, each representing Melbourne’s fusion of old and new.
The tour continues through the Arts Precinct, where you’ll glimpse some of Melbourne’s most prestigious cultural institutions. Soon, you’ll arrive at the Shrine of Remembrance, a solemn tribute to
Australia’s service men and women. Take in the beautiful views of the city skyline from the top of this historic monument.
As the journey progresses, you’ll travel through Melbourne’s famed Sports Precinct, home to legendary venues like Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena. A brief stop at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
(MCG) Forecourt allows you time to admire this iconic stadium, renowned for hosting world-class sporting events, such as the Olympics, AFL (Australian Football League), and Cricket matches
Afterwards, the tour takes you past the Old Treasury Building and Parliament House where you can view the lively streets of Chinatown. Next, you’ll visit the awe-inspiring St Patrick’s Cathedral, where
you can take in the stunning Gothic architecture, complete with towering spires and intricate stained glass. Our next stop in Fitzroy Gardens allows you to view Cooks’ Cottage and the Conservatory, where
beautifully landscaped grounds create a peaceful retreat. Then, you catch a glimpse of the Little Lon Distilling Co., a small yet charming location offering a snapshot from one of Melbourne’s most notorious
districts from the 1850’s. The final part of the tour brings you to the Old Melbourne Precinct, with its fascinating blend of historic sites and modern life. Following a stop at Old Melbourne Gaol, the scene of 133 hangings including Australia's most infamous citizen, the bushranger Ned Kelly, we drive past Melbourne’s “Little Italy” Lygon Street, the Royal Exhibition Building, and Queen Victoria Market. You’ll get a glance of the vibrant culture that makes Melbourne so special.
Finally, the tour concludes with a return to your meeting point. As your day in Melbourne draws to a close, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for the city’s unique blend of history, art, and vibrant modern life.