Melbourne Shore Excursion
Explore Melbourne: A Perfect Day on Shore with Wine, Wildlife, and Coastal Views
For cruise ship travellers arriving in Melbourne, the opportunity to explore beyond the city awaits. Our Melbourne shore excursion offers a rich mix of coastal beauty, world-class wine, and Australia’s unique wildlife, all with the personal touch of a small group tour. With a storytelling guide at the helm, you’ll dive into the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders as you experience some of the area’s most iconic sights and hidden gems.
Begin with the Iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes
Your journey begins as you step off the ship and into the charming coastal suburbs of Melbourne. We make our first stop at the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes. These brightly painted beach huts, which line the shores of Dendy Street Beach, are an iconic symbol of Melbourne’s coastal culture. Their vibrant colours and quirky designs make them a photographer’s dream, and their rich history stretches back to the 1800s. As your guide shares stories of Melbourne’s beachside heritage, you’ll have time to stroll along the sand, snap some stunning photos, and soak up the seaside atmosphere.
Gourmet Lunch and Wine Tasting at Merricks General Wine Store
From the coast, we journey inland to the heart of the Mornington Peninsula’s wine country. Here, nestled among rolling hills and vineyards, is the historic Merricks General Wine Store. This rustic yet elegant spot is renowned for its farm-to-table dining experience, offering a true taste of the region’s culinary excellence.
Your lunch at Merricks will feature seasonal, locally sourced ingredients paired with a curated selection of wines from the surrounding vineyards. Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, or slow-cooked meats, each dish is crafted to highlight the flavors of the Peninsula. Along with your meal, indulge in a wine tasting that showcases the region’s cool-climate varietals, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As you dine, our guide will weave tales of the region’s rich agricultural history and the rise of its boutique wine industry, enhancing your appreciation for the food and wine on your plate.
Scenic Views at Arthurs Seat Lookout
After lunch, it’s time to take in some of the Mornington Peninsula’s breathtaking natural beauty. We head to Arthurs Seat, the highest point on the Peninsula, where a scenic lookout offers sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay, the sprawling vineyards, and, on a clear day, the distant skyline of Melbourne itself.
The journey up to Arthurs Seat is just as stunning as the view itself, with winding roads lined with native bushland. Once at the top, you’ll have time to breathe in the fresh mountain air, snap panoramic photos, and learn about the indigenous history of the area, which holds cultural significance for the local Bunurong people. It’s a moment to pause and take in the grandeur of the landscape before heading on to our next adventure.
Get Up Close with Australian Wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary
No visit to Australia is complete without meeting the country’s unique wildlife. Our final stop brings us to Moonlit Sanctuary, an award-winning wildlife conservation park where you’ll have the chance to encounter Australia’s most iconic animals.
Here, you can wander through the park’s natural bushland and come face-to-face with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and a variety of native bird species. With the opportunity to hand-feed wallabies and learn about conservation efforts to protect endangered species, Moonlit Sanctuary offers an interactive wildlife experience that is as educational as it is magical. As you explore the sanctuary, our guide will share stories of Australia’s unique ecosystems and the conservation work being done to preserve them for future generations.
Seamless Port Transfers and Small Group Experience
Throughout the day, your journey is made seamless with comfortable port transfers in our luxury vehicle. Designed for small groups, this tour ensures a personalized experience, allowing you to connect more deeply with the destinations and stories shared by your guide. With no more than 10 travellers on board, you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace and the flexibility to make the most of each stop, all while benefiting from the insights of a passionate local storyteller.
A Day to Remember in Melbourne
This Melbourne shore excursion is more than just a tour—it’s a journey into the heart of the region’s culture, cuisine, and natural wonders. From the colourful charm of the Bathing Boxes to the rich flavors of Mornington Peninsula wines, and from the breathtaking views of Arthurs Seat to the unforgettable encounters with Australia’s wildlife, this tour is designed to offer a little bit of everything that makes Melbourne and its surroundings so special.
Whether you’re a wine lover, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, this excursion promises a day of discovery, all within easy reach of your cruise ship. Join us for a truly immersive experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Melbourne’s beauty, heritage, and charm.
