Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
A truly fabulous tour, relaxed and informative, with a qualified local guide. Valued Signature Tour Partner with Australian Shore Excursions
Take in breathtaking sightseeing includes the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach, Australian Wildlife viewing, Kangaroos feeding at Moonlit Sanctuary, continues onto one of Melbourne's world class wine regions, the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
For wine tasting and lunch at one of the most popular restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula, Merrick's General Wine Store. On this tour, sit back and enjoy the views of Port Phillip Bay from look outs at Arthur's Seat and experience the gorgeous scenery, and interesting commentary.
Pick up will be at the designated time. 9.15am at Station Pier, Melbourne Port with a return 1 hour before cruise ship departure scheduled time.
You will be returned back to the ship at agreed time. Mornington Peninsula is an hour from Station Pier
Return time to be requested and the tour inclusions tailored accordingly
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is smart casual
A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
Minimum of 4 guests to tour. You will be offered a private tour for 2 guests at an additional AUD $200
Return to Cruise ship an hour before derparture
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Transportation via private vehicle
Bottled water
Alcoholic Beverages
Wine tasting
Coffee and/or Tea
Lunch with a glass of local wine
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Koala Encounters are at scheduled times at Moonlit Sanctuary, an additional $AUD 30 Paid on the Day
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Feeding friendly Kangaroos, meet Koalas and other Australian Wildlife with the supervision of a professional Ranger. Moonlit Sanctuary take animal welfare very seriously and are dedicated to help save endangered wildlife and initiate breeding programs.
Dendy Street Beach
Visit the beach to see bathing boxes
Duration: 7 hours
Pickup included
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
G6184CLjennyc,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Nikki was a great guide. I only wish we'd had more time to spend with the animals. That was the highlight of the trip, but where were felt most rushed. I'd have preferred to skip the bathing boxes and/or the statues to spend more time at the sanctuary. I also believe each paying customer should receive a container of animal food vs couples sharing. We had a good lunch, however options were limited. There were minimal options for those who don't drink wine. While the excursion was good, its overpriced.
TArnol,
Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was an excellent tour. Great for close encounters with cangaroos, wallabies, and coalas. The visit to the wine country and the wine tasting at local wineries was very well organized. Lunch was delicious, and our guide Nicci was very knowledgeable about the region and wines. It is worth it. It should be done if you are in Melbourne.



Terry T,
Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
An awesome day! We loved the Moonlit Sanctuary, and Merrick’s General Store was not your typical general store at all! A fabulous restaurant and wine shop with one of the best meals and wine tastings we had during our trip! The beach houses were very colorful and fun too. Truly the highlight of the day however was the Koala Encounter. It’s $30 extra Australian dollars and only about 5 minutes but worth every precious moment! You don’t actually get to hold the koala but you can pet it and talk to the wildlife ranger about it. I learned all about the 12 year old female named Cyclops and will treasure my experience forever!
Nancy W,
Mar 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
We had a good time during our tour. Lunch was fabulous at Merrick’s General Store! Wish we could have made one more stop since we had time. Also, we were so hot on the bus. The air conditioning must not have been working. Bill was a good tour guide and shared lots of interesting information.
Rebecca B,
Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
Had a great tour and tour guide. Very informational and fun. Restaurant was great as well. Saw alot of Melbourne and have great pictures x̌x̌x̌xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
TommTommN,
Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our small-group day tour from Melbourne's cruise port was fantastic! With only 10 people, it felt intimate and personalized, allowing us to make the most of every stop. The highlight was our visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where we had up-close encounters with Australia's native wildlife. Being able to interact with wallabies, kangaroos, and koalas was magical - truly a bucket-list experience that exceeded our expectations. Our guide Nicci was exceptional - punctual, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable, especially about the local wine region. Her expertise really enhanced our experience. At Merricks General Store, we enjoyed a very high quality restaurant-style lunch paired with local wines. The wine tasting was informative yet relaxed, perfect for both wine enthusiasts and casual sippers. The tour's itinerary was well-balanced, including stops at the impressive Pt. Leo Estate and the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes. These colorful beach boxes provided perfect photo opportunities and a glimpse into Melbourne's beach culture. This tour is ideal for cruise ship passengers wanting to experience wildlife, wine, and coastal highlights in one day. The timing was well-planned, ensuring a stress-free return to our ship. Highly recommended for couples and small groups looking for a premium tour experience.
Curiosity53237512911,
Feb 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a great day with a variety of activities. Animals, views & wine all in one day. Our guide was entertaining and fun. Lunch was very good.
Susan H,
Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
If you want to actually touch a Koala or Kangaroo this is the tour for you . Feed them, touch them! Great place for lunch.
Gina D,
Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Nicky was a wonderful guide! We had a visit that had a balance of information and humor. She cared about her guests and it showed. The lunch and wine tasting was superb.




Susan G,
Jan 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
Nicci was a great tour guide. She drove us around and provided interesting narrative along the way. Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary was a fun place to see koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. Lunch and wine tasting at Merricks General Store was delightful. I would highly recommend this tour for cruise passengers.
Operated by Epicurean Tours