Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank

Melbourne's renowned for its food scene, but concise guides of where to go during a mini-break or short city visit are hard to come by. Take in as many local flavors as possible during your visit to Melbourne with this multi-cultural foodie tour. Starting at the popular Immigration Museum and then progressing to the city's well-known laneways, this tour goes beyond tastings and tips - it puts the city's cuisine in context.

Includes:

• A wander through local spice shops, learn about the spices & ingredients from the different regions
• Tea and coffee
• A visit and introduction to the Immigration Museum, including access to special exhibitions
• Lunch
• Group size is 2-14 guests

Operates: Tuesday to Saturday except 24, 25, 26, 31 Dec, 01 Jan

Departures: 10:30am

Duration: 4 hours

Price from: $195per adult, $61 per child (5-12 years)

To access the Melbourne Skydeck, hang on as the fastest elevator trip in the Southern Hemisphere whisks you up 88 floors in less than 40 seconds. Once you enter the Skydeck, take in breathtaking, 360-degree views of Melbourne through floor-to-ceiling windows. Spot your favorite Melbourne attractions through one of many free viewfinders. 

Step outside onto the open-air terrace, where you can feel the rush of wind and make use of high-powered binoculars. From a height of nearly 975 feet (300 meters), you can see the blue expanse of Port Phillip Bay and, on a clear day, as far as the Dandenong Ranges.

For the ultimate Melbourne Skydeck experience, upgrade your ticket to include ‘The Edge.’ Step inside a secure glass cube that slowly projects 10 feet (3 meters) straight out from the side of the building, and feel the thrilling sensation of being suspended in the air.

Includes:

• Express elevator to Melbourne Skydeck
• Use of binoculars
• Access to Bar 88

Operates: Daily

Ultimate Skydeck - Price from: $80 per adult, $ 59 per child (4-16years)

Cocktails in the Clouds - Price from: $70 per adult

Edge Experience Package - Price from: $56 per adult, $43 per child (4-16 years)

Access parts of the Australian Sports Museum that are usually off limits during a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. You’ll enjoy an exclusive glimpse into the inner sanctum of MCG as you walk on the pitch and enter changing rooms used by cricket legends throughout the years. Plus, admission to the Australian Sports Museum is included.

Includes:

• Guided Tour of the MCG
• Admission to the Australian Sports Museum

Operates: Daily - closed during events, please ask us for available days

Start times: 10:00am - 2:30pm

Duration: 4 hours

Price from: $54 per adult, $24 per child (5-15 years)

Take in Melbourne’s highlights from a unique vantage point on the scenic Yarra River. Learn about the history of this modern metropolis on a narrated tour as you glide past beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and ultramodern skyscrapers.

Enjoy the sights from your boat’s sundeck or through panoramic windows from the inside cabin, where you can enjoy complimentary coffee or tea. At the end of the round-trip journey, you have a wonderful overview of Melbourne’s history and layout to help you plan the rest of your time in Victoria’s welcoming capital.

Snacks and beverages are available to purchase on board.

Includes:

• Commentary
• Drinks (tea and coffee)
• Yarra River Cruise 

Operates: Daily

Departures: 11am-4pm

Duration: 2 hours

Price from: $78 per adult, $37 per child (3-12 years), $69 per senior (65+)

Start your Melbourne dinner cruise at Southbank Promenade, where you board your fully enclosed boat. As your floating restaurant sets off along the Yarra River, take in views of the lit-up city skyline, passing by waterfront sights such as Federation Square, Flinders Station, Rod Laver Arena, Riverside Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the boat while sipping your choice of beer, liquor, red, white, or sparkling wine. Prepared by talented chefs and served by attentive staff, your gourmet dinner is paired with premium Australian wines. See the Itinerary for our menu of Australian favorites like lamb, beef, and seafood. After entrée, main course, dessert, and cheese, your luxurious meal culminates with coffee or tea and a glass of port or liqueur.

You are full and relaxed by the time you return to Southbank Promenade to end your cruise.

Please note: You must specify main course at the time of booking. Please add your entrée choices in 'special requirements' field at the time of booking.

**The Cruising Restaurant may sometimes operate on the Yarra Countess and the Yarra Empress, depending on demand, weather, major events, river closures, and tides**

Includes:

• Dinner
• Beer, wine, soft drinks, premium spirits and liqueurs

Operates: Daily

Departures: 7:30pm

Duration: 2 hours

Price from: $217 per adult (18+years)

For one of the best dates in Australia, book this ticket to the Q-Train and enjoy a degustation menu with paired wines, enjoyed in a romantic dining car for two. You won’t have to share with others you don’t know, making for a very personal experience with your dining companion. You stop next to Swan Bay for your meal, making for a beautiful view and an incredible experience.

Departs from the Drysdale Railway Station. Public Transport options are available nearby if needed.

Includes:

• Meals
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• On-board restrooms
• Tea and coffee
• Alcoholic beverages

Operates: Thursday to Monday (not available 16 Dec - 07 Jan, 26 Jan

Departures: 11:30am

Duration: 3 hours

Price from: $220 per adult (12+years)

Visit Brighton Beach’s colourful huts & meet local wildlife at a multi-award-winning conservation park before reaching Phillip Island & the highlight of the tour – the extraordinary Penguin Parade.

Highlights:

• Visit the beaches of Victoria’s famous Surf Coast
• Scenic journey – including photo stops – along the spectacular Great Ocean Road
• Spot wild koalas while strolling in the sweetly scented eucalyptus forest
• Lunch break (own expense) in one of the Surf Coast’s charming townships
• Drive through the towering forests of the Great Otway National Park
• Marvel at the natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge and hear the famous tale of shipwreck survival
• Spectacular rock formations including the Razorback & the collapsed Island Archway
• View two of the Apostles from beach level at Gibsons Steps (time permitting)
• Watch the sky’s colour change as the sun descends behind the 12 Apostles

Includes:

• Hotel Pickup
• All transfers with tour commentary
• Passionate, Expert Guides
• Visit Brighton Beach bathing boxes
• Guided tour of the exhibits at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
• Nobbies & Seal Rocks
• Standard entry with guide accompaniment at Penguin Parade
• Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi

Operates: Daily

Departures: 9:00am

Duration: 1 day

Price from: $191 per adult, $169 per child (0-15 years)

While the Yarra Valley is a world-renowned wine growing region, wine is only half the story of this gourmet wonderland and the Go West Tour provides a fine blend of the very best of the region’s wines and other gourmet produce. Sample expertly made cheeses, chocolates, wines, gins and more on this Yarra Valley day tour in foodie heaven!

Includes:

• Hotel pickup and transfers with tour commentary.
• Passionate, Expert Guides.
• Wine tasting at Balgownie Estate Winery.
• Gourmet cheese tastings at Coldstream Dairy.
• G&T Paddle tasting at Four Pillars Gin Distillery.
• One course restaurant lunch at Rochford Wines.
• Wine tasting at Rochford Wines.
• Chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
• Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.

Operates: Monday to Saturday except 25, 26 Dec, 1, 26 Jan

Departures: 8:00am

Duration: 8 hours

Price from: $206 per adult, $185 per child (0-15 years)

Explore Victoria’s Surf Coast and more must-see destinations near Melbourne with Go West Tours. Enjoy a 12 Apostles tour, visit picturesque cities and townships along this world-famous coastline, and soak up the history of sites like the Loch Ard Gorge. There’s much more to the Great Ocean Road than just the photo opportunities, so come and see for yourself!

Highlights:

• Enjoy a complimentary morning tea at a beachside location on Victoria’s Surf Coast
• Scenic journey – with photo stops – along the spectacular Great Ocean Road
• See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
• Lunch break (own expense) in the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay
• Guided walk through the Otway Ranges ancient cool temperate rainforest
• View the iconic Twelve Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park
• Visit Loch Ard Gorge & hear the story of the tragic shipwreck of 1878
• View the collapsed Island Archway & the Razorback
• Descend to beach level at Gibsons Steps to view 2 awesome limestone stacks

Includes:

• Hotel Pick up
• All transfers with tour commentary
• Passionate, Expert Guides

Operates: Daily except Christmas day

Departures: 7:00am

Duration: Full Day

Price from: $174per adult, $152 per child (0-15 years)