Day Trips
6+ hours
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The Private Tour Guide
The Private Tour Guide
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Private ToursNature & Wildlife ToursWine Tours & Tastings Day Trips
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About
The Private Tour Guide offers an array of one day tours in and around Melbourne. With a focus on great food and local wine, our private tours visit all the famous tour routes in Victoria and leave our clients coming back again and again. If you prefer to travel at your pace, in your time and with own Private Tour Guide, we are the answer.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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5.0
478 reviews
Excellent
469
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Sheryl B
San Marino, California, United States5 contributions
Jan 2020
What an experience - something to remember forever! We booked with Simon for a private trip to Phillips Island to see the fairy penguin parade. Shane was a safe, informative driver, the vehicle was clean and comfortable. He was extremely attentive to our comfort and needs. He took the time to stop and spot animals to show us as much widlife as possible. We walked through a koala refuge and he helped us spot them in the trees. We got great at spotting active fairy penguin burrows by the poop leading up to them! Sean spent the time to share his knowledge of these amazing birds and by the time we had our ranger led tour - we were nearly experts. The ritual of the nightly trek is fascinating and something not to be missed! We could not have been more pleased with The Private Tour Guide and Shane. Thanks for a truly memorable day.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine G
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
We were looking for a guide to Phillip Island and fortunately found our way to Simon Greenland. He is everything you could ask for in a guide: warm and personable, responsive to every question in setting up the tour, prompt in coming to pick us up, provided lots of great information along the way, and made recommendations on what to do and see that were spot on. After nearly two weeks in Australia, we all agreed that our day at Phillip Island was our favorite – in no small part due to Simon. We can’t recommend him highly enough.
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LynetteCharles
3 contributions
Nov 2022
We had a wonderful experience with Simon on two consecutive days while in Melbourne. Our first day we were introduced to Melbourne on a tour that highlighted Melbourne attractions. Simon's knowledge and enthusiasm for his city was evident throughout the day. The Victoria Market is a must see and experience. The second day we traveled the Great Ocean Road/ The views were amazing. Simon's Itinerary allowed us to experience the viewpoints with less congestions. Again, his enthusiasm and knowledge added to the excursions. He even managed to get us booking at one of Melbourne's more sought after restaurants. A great two days were spent with Simon.
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much Lynette and Charles. We really did have an amazing two days together and I thoroughly enjoyed your company and humour along the way. I hope to see you again in Melbourne soon.
Written 13 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fremdenfuhrer
Boulder, CO206 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We travelled the Great Ocean Road with Simon spending a day discovering incredible scenery, having numerous wildlife encounters, enjoying several pleasant walks along shorelines, through small towns, and along a well maintained boardwalk traversing old growth forest. Getting to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne requires a relatively long ride, Simon used that time well, filling in the lore, cultures, and natural history associated with the ground we covered. He also chose a route that left us almost completely out of synch with the MANY tour busses that also serve the area. This meant that we had much smaller crowds at all the sites we visited generally passing tour busses along the way going in the opposite direction.
Unlike some tour guides who have mastered a memorized commentary they can share with all their clients, Simon’s remarks were conversational, knowledgeably responsive to our questions, and relevant to our interests. We were thoroughly pleased with they day’s activities as he organized them, impressed by his ability to suggest stopping points based on the easygoing exchanges we enjoyed along the way, and delighted with the feeling of having experienced many beautiful places and not just seen them.
Unlike some tour guides who have mastered a memorized commentary they can share with all their clients, Simon’s remarks were conversational, knowledgeably responsive to our questions, and relevant to our interests. We were thoroughly pleased with they day’s activities as he organized them, impressed by his ability to suggest stopping points based on the easygoing exchanges we enjoyed along the way, and delighted with the feeling of having experienced many beautiful places and not just seen them.
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was such an excellent day with you both. We nailed everything and avoided the crowds along the way because you took my advice and stuck to the plan. I thoroughly enjoyed the day with you both and our conversations were so inquisitive and insightful. Thanks again.
Written 13 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JasmineC
Singapore, Singapore27 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Simon’s a highly experienced Guide! He is also no doubt the best driver I have met in Melbourne 😊 We went on the Great Ocean Road Tour and he suggested the itinerary for the day; recommended us one of the best restaurants for lunch and helped us take the most amazing pictures. He also made sure we stopped by the Lookouts for breathtaking views of the GOR. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour with Simon and very highly recommend!
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your wonderful review. It was such a lovely day and we really shared some beautiful moments together. I hope to see you all again soon.
Written 4 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jjk007
Richmond, Australia9 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
How amazing is Simon and the Private Tour Guides!
This was the first time I’d had an opportunity to shape a tour. Simon tailored a brilliant day for us, to multiple wineries that had been tailored to our wine-loving taste buds!!! Can you believe it?!?
Simon’s relationships with the different wineries and vineyards and cellar doors resulted in us getting special treatment (and who doesn’t love that!), his knowledge and stories of the region contributed to a brilliant day.
I’ve been on trips like this before but can categorically say this was one of my best tour experiences!
This was the first time I’d had an opportunity to shape a tour. Simon tailored a brilliant day for us, to multiple wineries that had been tailored to our wine-loving taste buds!!! Can you believe it?!?
Simon’s relationships with the different wineries and vineyards and cellar doors resulted in us getting special treatment (and who doesn’t love that!), his knowledge and stories of the region contributed to a brilliant day.
I’ve been on trips like this before but can categorically say this was one of my best tour experiences!
Written 31 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for this review. We had an amazing couple of days together in the Yarra Valley and I loved how we were able to create a bespoke experience and tap into the relationships I have built at the wineries. I loved our our time together.
Written 14 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Piush M
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Couples
Superb 2 days in the yarra valley. Simon was an amazing guide. Super knowledgeable and tailored our tour to what we were looking for. Tasted some amazing wine, got to see some behind the scenes of wine making (tried some Grenache grape "juice" just settling down for fermentation), and got to talk to some of the winemakers. Cannot recommend enough.
Written 23 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timothy_Jeffrey
Singapore1 contribution
Apr 2015 • Couples
Today at 1:46 PM
We spent over 12 hours with Simon and the impression that we came away with was that he was friendly, intelligent, professional, attentive, and had a good sense of humour and much love for his family.
Simon was punctual and it was great to be picked up and dropped off at our place. He was a careful and alert driver who knew the lay of the land. He was attentive and ensured that the temperature in the car was warm and toasty as it was really cold outside, and we loved the music as well. The windbreaker that he had with him in his Mercedes (which was spotless) was a real life-saver for Nicole in dealing with the strong winds we encountered along the way. He shared interesting nuggets of information throughout the trip and also played photographer for us. We were really happy that we did not have to deal with any tour bus crowds at any point along the entire trip. We will definitely hire Simon again for the Great Ocean Road tour. Thank you Simon, for an awesome experience and the cherished memories of the awe-inspiring Apostles and GOR trip - we wish you, your family and business all the very best!
We spent over 12 hours with Simon and the impression that we came away with was that he was friendly, intelligent, professional, attentive, and had a good sense of humour and much love for his family.
Simon was punctual and it was great to be picked up and dropped off at our place. He was a careful and alert driver who knew the lay of the land. He was attentive and ensured that the temperature in the car was warm and toasty as it was really cold outside, and we loved the music as well. The windbreaker that he had with him in his Mercedes (which was spotless) was a real life-saver for Nicole in dealing with the strong winds we encountered along the way. He shared interesting nuggets of information throughout the trip and also played photographer for us. We were really happy that we did not have to deal with any tour bus crowds at any point along the entire trip. We will definitely hire Simon again for the Great Ocean Road tour. Thank you Simon, for an awesome experience and the cherished memories of the awe-inspiring Apostles and GOR trip - we wish you, your family and business all the very best!
Written 25 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian
Los Angeles, CA210 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
It was our first trip to Australia and we wanted to see as many sights as possible. We booked a wine tour and great ocean road tour with Simon during our stay in Melbourne. After researching small group tours, it made more sense to book a private customized tour which would give us more time to ourselves. It was easy to email Simon to customize our trip and confirm the booking. He was always on time picking us up, easy to converse with throughout the day and offered options if we wanted to stop at a certain site or not. He arranged a delicious lunch at TarraWarra during our wine tour and had amazing parings with cheese and desert wines at the end of the day. We communicated that we didn't want to spend 14 hours on the great ocean road like most tour groups offer, we really just wanted to see the twelve apostles. He picked us up early, we arrived before the masses and got to experience it in peace. Simon took his time to explain the different sites to us but was never annoying - he even let us sleep during the long early morning drive. He went out of his way to find Koalas and Kangaroos for us to take pictures of. His van was clean, he provided water and restaurant recommendations. It was great getting to know him and we would definitely recommend using his services.
Written 20 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily B
Los Angeles, CA4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were a private group with family of two adult couples. We had Shane as our guide who did a great job explaining from the start the amount of drive time and basic schedule for the day, emphasizing everything was flexible according to how the day progresses and at the rate we were interested in. Our emphasis was 12 Apostles, koala sightings, kangaroo sightings, Bells Beach and possible wine or beer tasting. We had some slower walkers but still managed to get everything along with lots of historical details throughout the tour. We would highly recommend this company and tour.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this 5 star review. A Great Ocean Road Private Tour has so many advantages over a cheap public tour. On this occasion you saw all the highlights and were able to customise extra stops.
That’s exactly what we are here for.
Safe travels. Hey
Written 8 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Saya perlu guide tour di melbourne untuk dua hari tgl 12 dan 13 November 2019
Written 8 October 2019
My family hired The Private Tour Guide to tour The Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley and Phillip Island. The guide was very knowledgeable and personal service was outstanding. They also do Melbourne city tours.
Written 8 October 2019
I don't see a link to a web page or pricing?
Written 29 May 2018
Trip Advisor won't allow links. A search for theprivatetourguide should produce the result.
Written 28 March 2019
Hi,I’m CHLOE,I’m planning a trip to Melbourne next year 2018 July 2-8,we are 4-5 adults,I hope your can give me a plan and day tour with a driver
Written 10 December 2017
Hi Chloe,
I went for a 2 Days and 1 Night trip to the Great Ocean Road and we were a group of 4. A Day may not be sufficent or too rush, do consider an overnight trip like us so that you can see and enjoy more!
Here is our itinerary with our guide, Simon Greenland:
Day 1
(timings are approximate)
Drive direct to 12 Apostles from Melbourne- 3 hours.
8am-Depart
11am- Arrive 12 Apostles
11.45- Arrive Loch Ard Gorge
12.30pm- Arrive Port Campbell for Lunch.
1.30pm- Arrive London Bridge
2.45pm- Arrive Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
3.30pm- Arrive Marriners Lookout
4pm- Arrive Hotel Apollo Bay
Day 2
8am- Depart Hotel
8.30am- Arrive Kennett River to see Koalas in wild and feed wild parrots.
9.30am- Arrive Lorne and explore township
10.30am- Arrive SplitPoint Lighthouse
11am- Depart Great Ocean Rd
12.30pm- Arrive Melbourne
Cheers!
Amy
Written 11 December 2017
im planing a trip in march next year to see luke bryan me and my mum are going she is visually impaired but im wanting to do a tour that could end close enough to the arena that we need to go to as we only have that 1 day to explore is there anyone that would help with that or would it be better to explore on our own
Written 17 November 2017
Simon Greenland is the private guide we hired and for some reasons, i cannot post website or email here so you may google his full name and under private guide, you will find his contacts.
Good Luck :)
Written 11 December 2017
Roger S
Summerville, South Carolina
I am planning to visit Australia in mid to late October hope see the coastal hwy & Outback. Looking for private driver/guide on trip for my father-in-law and me, flying in from Vietnam.
Written 9 August 2017
Simon will handle everything for you for the Great Ocean Road. As for the outback, don't underestimate the sheer size of Australia. The 'outback' proper (ie the Red Centre) is five days drive away, minimum. You could consider flying to Alice Springs and getting a bus tour from there - it's about five hours drive to Uluru and The Olgas.
An alternative itinerary that would give you a bit of everything is:
- drive along the Great Ocean Road, keep going past Warnambool (gorgeous seaside town with whaling history (Night One),
- on past Mt Gambier (remarkable volcanic lakes) through Robe (gorgeous beach) and the Coorong and stop at Victor Harbour (Night Two)
- up through the Fleurieu Peninsula and the McLaren Vale wine regions into Adelaide (Night Three)
- From Adelaide - itself a gorgeous city - head north to Port Augusta and from there to Wilpena Pound, which is a vast natural crater and the most perfect blend of bushland and outback you'll ever see. (Nights Four, Five, etc etc)
- Short flight back to Melbourne, or drive back via White Cliffs, Broken Hill and Mildura.
Seriously, Wilpena Pound is outrageously beautiful and goes unnoticed by many people in a hurry to see the Red Centre. It has all the natural wildlife etc as well as good accomodation, and is a manageable drive from Adelaide.
There's SO much to see in Aus - I"m incredibly lucky that my parents spent every spare minute exploring it when I was growing up. I always think it's better to do a few things slowly rather than rush through and not enjoy it. The air alone in the Aussie bush - heavy with eucalyptus oil - is worth the flight alone. Enjoy.
Written 13 August 2017
Hi Carrie
If you dont mind can you share your itinerary?
I'm and my hubby would like to travel on next year Apr'17 with my kid.
As based on the trip advisor reviews, quite nos of the members highly recommended The Private Tour Guide.
Thank you.
Written 3 August 2016
We went to Healesville, followed by lunch at Tallawarra estate in Yarra Valley. After, went to the Yarra Valley chocolaterie and ice creamery. Finishing off with a Puffing Billy train ride . With this itinerary , it was a full day affair and we hardly had much time at the Chocolaterie. We were suppose to take puffing Billy in the morning and do Healesville in the afternoon . I think it would be better but we could not get the tickets for the morning ride. So my suggestion is to do Puffing Billy in the morning . And start at 8.30 am or 9 am. We started at 9.30 am. But the itinerary was great as i mapped it out based on some tour itinerary i saw fr tour operators. We also stopped for morning tea so we lost a little time too so unless the kids are hungry and you want to try some Australia bakery offerings like beasties, scones and cakes, stopping for half an hour would mean the rest of the day might be a little rushed. Private tour was good as Andrew guided us along in Healesville and made sure we saw all the Australia wildlife . Hope this helps.
Written 27 August 2016
We will be in Dunedin WED 12 NOV 16 from 9 an to 6pm while cruising on HAL. which of your tours would fit our group of 15? You have excellent reviews!
Written 2 May 2016
yellow eye penguin and Albatross.But you must book ahead as soon as possible as it is very limited
Written 3 May 2016
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