This was such a fun and unique experience! Puffing Billy is a classic looking red and black steam…read moretrain that travels through the Dandenong Ranges. The special and cool aspect about this train is that you can choose to sit along the side with your legs dangling out. This way, you have an even better view of the stunning Dandenong mountain Ranges, full of ash trees and lush green foliage. We went from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park, where there was a charming lake, little museum, cafe, and gift shop. I'm glad I had a chance to experience this!

This is one of those things that I have always wanted to do since I was a kid, and did eventually…read moremanage to go for a ride of it years afterwards. The great thing about this railway is that it is quite accessible, being located right next to the Belgrave railway station. Mind you, it is a steam train, and a rather small one as well, but the route that it takes is certainly quite impressive. However, I have noticed that it is pretty expensive, so it certainly isn't something for a budget traveller. However, it you have the cash, it is definitely a fun day out for the kids.

I am visiting Melbourne with my family and two friends. Three adults and three teenaged girls. We…read moredecided to book a bike tour with Melbourne by bike to see a bit of the city. But this tour is so much more than riding a bike around the city. Michelle, our tour guide, was professional, but more than that, her love and knowledge of this city shines throughout the tour. She was also extremely accommodating when we expressed interest in visiting Queen Victoria Market. Not only did she lead the tour there in addition to many amazing off the beaten path areas, she brought us through the market pointing out a number of things we would not have been aware of - a very special treat! While Melbourne is a bit hilly, Michelle kept a pace that was easy to maintain even for novice riders. If you visit Melbourne, you MUST book a tour with Melbourne by bike.

Although I went in expecting more of a paranormal type of atmosphere/information session, I…read moredefinitely enjoyed being on this tour with my partner. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of our tour guide, but she was absolutely lovely as well as hilarious and informative! A true history buff! (And anyone who can quote The Simpsons is great in my book!) Anyway, she took our group to areas of the city that my partner and I had only just visited earlier in the very same day. This time around, we can't help but think of the fascinating stories we'd heard on that night whenever we happen to pass by those exact areas. You'll be certain to get an entirely new perspective on Melbourne after this!

I came across this site while in Melbourne. I did a walking tour in London years ago and loved it…read more My wife is very in tune to the psychic and I surprised her with this. We did the old melbourne tour on friday night with Charlotte. Not only do you get ghosts, you get history too. Learned about the city and had a wonderful time. So much so that we decided to do the Pentridge tour as well. I went online and tried to book the pentridge tour but it was full. So I sent an email and quickly got a response and they worked us in as we have to return to the United States and could only do that night. Both tours were great, I dont "believe" in the ghosts too much but I will say this - I will NEVER go back in pentridge again. That place is creepy. You wont be dissapointed on the tours and if you can get Charlotte go for it.

I stared at the Dandenong Ranges Information Centre for years before I actually went in. I used to…read morestand at Upper Gully train station waiting for the 732 Box Hill bus to arrive to take me home and the Info Centre would always be sitting right there in front of me. It never occurred to me to walk in and kill some time. The day I did go in I met some friendly people who all got involved in a conversation about things to do and places to see in the Dandenongs. I left filled with ideas about Olinda and Sassafras and considering taking a ride on Puffing Billy. I also left with a lot of brochures and a card with the centre's number on it should I have any more questions while on the road. It's safe to say that they were extremely helpful. The centre is open every single day from 9 to 5 and caters not just for tourists but for locals. I found out about a lot of things that I had no idea existed despite living in the area my entire life. Check them out to make some groovy weekend plans that you will remember for a long, long time.

Friendly helpful people who know the area. Lots of eye catching brochures so you can remember the…read moreplaces you have just been told about. Helps plan the trip. Looking forward to making the most of this great country this summer by not missing any of the special events that are on in the Dandenongs. The local maps are great so you can see how far or should I say hoe close everything is. It makes it easier to fit the maximum into each day without feeling rushed. To get out of the city into the lush green tall trees and tree ferns automatically makes you feel more relaxed. I love wandering the gardens, so many to choose from and the markets with local produce. I can go home with something to remind me of the lovely day I have spent in the country without spending a fortune. A mini holiday every weekend.

We signed up for a last minute tour to Phillip Island. We bought it from a third party and the…read moredescription was slightly different, but overall it was a great tour. We rode in a very nice tour bus to Maru animal sanctuary where you could get up close with kangaroos and koalas. There were other animals, such as dingos, peacocks, emus and reptiles there as well. Next we drove to Phillip Island. We went to the very end of the road on the nature park where we could see the Nobbies and wild kangaroos. Unfortunately the tour bus wasn't able to stop since we needed to get to the penguins parade. At the penguin center, there was a viewing area. We didn't pay for the upgraded viewing area. In the general area we were further back but quite a few people vacated closer seats early in the viewing so moving up was easy. The penguins came out of the ocean in small groups and there was a lapse of time between exiting groups. If you want to view the penguins up close, you will get better views from the walkways to the platforms. Our tour guide/bus driver Peter was amazing. He was like a driving encyclopedia of knowledge. His commentary was super interesting and he was helpful and friendly.

Wonderful private tour with Nicci to Yarra Valley. She collected us right on time at our hotel in…read moreMelbourne in her Mercedes sprinter van. Very comfortable for touring vehicle. Gave us insight into the wine area, Melbourne and Australia! Found some kangaroo for us to see. Three wineries, lunch and a gin distillery and tasting. Lunch was at Tokar winery - fixed menu, delicious and sizable. Nicci was quick to adjust the day as we went. Wonderful day! Highly recommended.

A great big Thank You to Bill, our guide/driver for an amazing day in the Yarra Valley with…read moreEpicurian Food & Wine Tour. Had an absolute blast with the group (none of whom I knew before), all the wineries, experiences and food were fabulous and fun. Bill was informative, humorous and so helpful! Won't soon be forgotten - Holly

Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow…read more Looking for an incredible Melbourne experience that would be difficult to top? Chris the Balloon Man is your guy. Half the fun of the balloon experience is you don't know where you'll be taking off from, or landing. The pick up point is the Grand Hyatt in the city around an hour before sunrise where a bus takes you to the launch spot, the day we flew we took off from Newport. There's plenty to do before you take off with the opportunity to be hands-on if you like, it's also fine to stand back and watch it all happen. We took off just as the sun was rising and drifted gently over the port and over the city, what a view! It's incredibly quiet and peaceful up there. After about an hour seeing Melbourne from a whole new point of view we landed gently in a park (ok may it was a golf course, but well clear of the fairway!) in Rosanna. We all pitched in to help pack up the balloon and the crew picked us and the balloon up and drove us back to the hotel. All up it was about three and a half hours. There is the option to have breakfast at the Grand Hyatt post flight, we couldn't as we had to get home to the babysitters but I would recommend it - not for the food but for the company. The pilot Chris was such an interesting and friendly guy, I imagine the breakfast would have been just as entertaining and enjoyable as the flight. They do gift vouchers for a special someone. I think it would also make a pretty amazing corporate gift / team event for work. You can fit a max of 10 people in the basket.

RED WAS THE BEST! Totally recommend going on a tour with Go West, we had an absolute blast on the…read moreExpress Penguin Tour! Red was HILARIOUS and super knowledgeable, he made the tour infinitely cooler (and yes, penguins are SUPER cool). We saw tons of penguins (heads up, no photos after sunset) and had a great stop for dinner. Pro tip is to dress SUPER warm, I'm talking puffer jackets/padding/blankets and definitely long pants cause it's freezing, even in the Summer. Hope y'all enjoy, 10/10 experience and I understand why they have five stars!

Went on the Great Ocean Road Eco-tour from Melbourne. My guide and driver was Camille, who has an…read moreamicable personality. The coach arrived at Pan Pacific punctually at 8am. I was the only Asian in the tourist group, so before I boarded the coach, she confirmed with me that I'm from Singapore and could understand English well. Throughout the journey, she introduced various landmarks and history behind them to us. She also took the initiative to take photos for us. Enough time was given for us to explore various scenic spots. Before arriving at the next destination, she also explained in detail the kind of terrain and environment to expect, so that we could self-assess, based on our individual physical fitness level, if it's suitable to participate in a certain activity. On the way, she played a wide selection of music to make the lengthy ride more enjoyable. It must be physically demanding to take care of so many tourists and driving at the same time. I'll give her five stars out of five for her exceptional professionalism.