Melbourne , Australia

Private City Kickstart Tour: Melbourne

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About this experience

Receive a warm welcome to Melbourne on a private tour that will kick off your time in the city in the best way possible! In only 90 minutes, a local guide will get you acquainted with Melbourne to help you enjoy the rest of your stay to the fullest.

Discover where to find main attractions like Chinatown and St. Pauls Cathedra, and how to explore them away from the crowds. And what about that unique family-owned restaurant or that amazing local hotspot? We got you covered; the local guides are experts in the subject! Forget about touristy traps; on this city kickstart tour, your guide will point you in the right direction.

Private City Kickstart Tour: Melbourne is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Available options

Private City Kickstart Tour: Melbourne

What's included

Local Tips and Tricks

City Orientation

Private Tour

Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Federation Square, a meeting place, hosts major cultural attractions and world class events.

Stop 2

With its domed entrance, tower and clocks Melbournians say ‘I’ll meet you under the clocks.” The building is on the Victorian Heritage Register and this is your next stop.

Young & Jackson Hotel, opened in 1861 as Princes Hotel and later renamed after two Irish diggers is one of the most impressive places to see in Melbourne.

Stop 4

An Anglican cathedral, church of the Diocese of Melbourne and the seat of the Archbishop of Melbourne is next on your list.

Stop 5

A couple minutes walk along Flinders Street will take us to Hosier Lane, which in the 1920s was the clothing manufacturing district and this is next on your list in this private tour.

A five minute walk along Flinders Lane will take us to AC/DC Lane and you will hear all the stories that there are about this famous place.

Cross Collins Street and through the Block Arcade, opened in 1892 and considered one of the late Victorian era’s finest shopping arcades and this will be your next stop in the tour.

The Bourke Street Mall, a pedestrian and no smoking mall, the heart of Melbourne and their big stores are next on the attraction list.

Chinatown is a distinctive and well known area of Melbourne which dates back to the gold rush days of the 1850

Stop 10

The building is heritage listed. Free public tours are available on days when Parliament is not sitting; see the splendid architecture of the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, Queen's Hall and library.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Private tour: only you & your local guide

Post Covid-19 regulations are applied to this product with regards to the number of participants, delivery methods of the tour and content of the tour.

Meeting point

In front of Mama's Canteen
The Main Square, Federation Square Corner of Swanston St and, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

About Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.

Top Attractions

Federation Square

Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Cultural 1-3 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.

Sports 1-3 hours (longer for events) Free to enter (tours and events have fees)

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.

Scenic Drive Full day or overnight trip Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.

Market 1-3 hours Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.

Art 1-3 hours Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)

Lamb Rump

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.

Dinner Contains meat

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Dessert Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)

Flat White

A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.

Drink Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley Kayaking on the Yarra River Spa and wellness retreats Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach Visiting museums and galleries Attending live performances and events

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center

By train

Southern Cross Station

By bus

Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fitzroy St Kilda Carlton Southbank Brunswick

Day trips

Yarra Valley

60 km from Melbourne • Full day

The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.

Mornington Peninsula

80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.

Phillip Island

140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.

Festivals

Australian Open • Mid-January Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August

Pro tips

Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes