The "Grand Melbourne Tour" is a full day of sightseeing, combining two popular tours at a bargain price. You'll experience the highlights of this beautiful city plus its surrounding Blue Dandenong Mountains. In the morning, you'll enjoy the history, character and charm of Melbourne, stopping at the Italian Quarter, Queen Victoria Market and trendy Southbank on the Yarra River, now the site of outdoor cafes, shops and sidewalk performers. You'll travel to the site of the Melbourne Grand Prix, a street circuit around Albert Park Lake. At the Royal Botanic Gardens you may stroll along the lake, or purchase a Devonshire tea. There will be an opportunity for shopping or lunch in Midtown Plaza, at your expense. After lunch, the city portion of your tour continues with a visit to Fitzroy Gardens and Captain Cooks Cottage. From West Gate Bridge you'll have a spectacular view of Melbourne as you proceed to the Blue Dandenong Mountain Ranges. The region is the natural habitat of Australia's beloved lyrebirds, majestic creatures with extraordinary plumage and remarkable ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds. You'll see traditional gardens and towering forests of mountain ash. Visiting Sherbrooke Forest, you'll travel among eucalyptus filled with kookaburras and bellbirds, and be treated to a traditional Bush-Billy tea with local townsfolk, included in the tour. Driving through quaint villages, you'll see craft shops, charming restaurants and picturesque gardens. At the summit of Mount Dandenong, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Melbourne and Port Philip Bay, and stop for a photo opportunity. Returning to Melbourne, everyone receives a souvenir of Australia as a parting gift. This all-day, nine-hour tour is appropriate for all ages. Hotel pickups may be arranged in advance.
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