nalaland

We want to take one-day city Group tour in Melbourne to get a general idea of the city. What tour do you suggest? est. cost? and a link to book if possible
>>> We will spend more days after the tour to visit places we are more interested in

Same for Sydney please.

I want to sightseeing city tour, NO promotions, NO or minimum stops at businesses to promote sales

Thanks

marg

In Melbourne, I'd suggest using the free city circle tram (a vintage tram which looks very different to the modern trams) or using the hop-on/hop-off bus to get a feel for the city. Also have a look at the Melbourne tourism website for tour operators if that is your preference, but very easy to have a look around the CBD area by yourself.

Bokhara2

In both Sydney & Melbourne, you could arrange to meet a local “ Greeter” for a walking tour of a particular area. You’ll need to book them in advance.

There’s special interest tours in both cities - a popular one in Melbourne is the Laneways tour of some of the well known laneways, decorated with artistic graffiti and housing some of the city’s great coffee bars & “ hole in the wall” eateries.

dreamon

Both cities offer walking tours, with varying themes. I think the tourist bureau at Federation Square should still be there and they will assist with lots of things to see and do. If you spot people in appropriately labelled red tshirts/jackets, they represent the local tourism authority and will offer help to visitors and locals.

You could also take a train to Belgrave if you want to go further afield (track and station work is currently underway but may be finished by the time you visit) and take a local walk.

The Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne markets also offer tours and events (or at least, they used to). South Melbourne is nice to wander around in. South Yarra and Prahan offer interesting shopping. And if you walk through the bushland by the river (e.g. Studley Park, Abbotsford Convent) you'll find it hard to believe you're so close to the city. I am told that tours of the Royal Exhibition Building (including the rooftop) are now available but that you need to book in advance. If you get a rainy day, the National Gallery of Victoria is pretty good.

While in Melbourne, I encourage you to visit our Royal Botanic Gardens as they're beautiful. Take a tram out to the Shrine if you don't want to walk from the city. The Gardens also offer guided walks, some on a small vehicle. Their website offers many options for exploring the gardens, some of which need to be booked in advance.

In Sydney, my favourite thing to do when visiting is to hike from Spit Bridge to Manly then take the ferry back to Circular Quay. I also enjoyed the ferry ride from the Quay to Parramatta one afternoon.

In both cities, just buy a Myki card (Melbourne) and an Opal card (Sydney) - don't ask why every city has a different system as, yes, it's madness - and wander. And if you ask locals why we don't have a train from the airport, you'll likely get an exasperated look and an eye roll!

Enjoy your visit.

northie

There are greeters aound the city dressed in red clothing also a touirst inforamtion booth in Bourke street mall

emmamackenzie

Melbourne and Sydney are both very easy to find your way around. I agree with Bokhara2 about the 'greeters', they're amazing. But I think you could create your own itinerary just as easily. Sydney's public transport is fantastic. Wander Darling Harbour, check out the Botanical Gardens, do some inner city shopping, catch the ferry to Manly. There's so much you can discover just by wandering!

The tram system in Melbourne is such an easy way to see the city! Simply hop on and hop off. If I had a day in Melbourne, I'd make the most of the trams.

Have a great time!