Welcome to Melbourne
8 Days / 7 Nights Fully Guided Tour
Secure your spot for just $99AUD
A Tour to Remember With Over 1,500
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Welcome to Melbourne.
Australia’s most liveable city is packed with music, sport and culture.
The tour that brings people from around the world together. Explore the city like a local, spend a night on Phillip Island and learn to surf. You’ll tick off so many Australian must-dos in your first week. But we don’t leave you there, you’ll get expert travel and work advice for your whole time in Australia.
What are you waiting for?
8 Days / 7 Nights
Tour Length
Working Holiday Makers, students and tourists
Perfect for
Max 22 travellers
Group Size
Fully guided
Travel Style
Employment & travel help
For your entire time in Australia
Working Holiday Essentials
Get your Australian bank account, phone sim and tax file number set up with us
Top Experiences
Australian Wildlife
This place is known for its wildlife and you’ll see kangaroos, koalas and wait for it, penguins! You’ll fall in love with them all.
Road Trippin’
We’re hitting the road, the beach and the vineyard as we show you what’s so special about Phillip Island and the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
Learn to Surf
It’s an Australian rite of passage, we couldn’t welcome you without shredding could we? You’ll be catching a wave in your first week!
Foodie Heaven
Through the market, laneways, cafes and bars, you’ll spend Day 3 seeing why Melbourne is the foodie capital of the world.
WHERE YOU'LL GO
You will explore the hidden secrets of Melbourne. Relax on golden beaches in Mornington Peninsula. Discover the natural beauty, wildlife and surf beaches of Phillip Island. Act like a Melbourne local in the famous St Kilda suburb.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Whilst in the city you’ll spend 6 nights at the perfectly located The Village North Melbourne, nestled on the edge of the vibrant city centre. Your other night is spent at The Island YHA on Phillip Island, where you can often see wallabies from your dorm window.
Tour Inclusions
Experiences
- Get picked up from the airport and taken to your hostel, any day, any time​
- Feel at ease with our Day 1 Group Meet and Greet Session
- Fall in love with Melbourne on our guided City Walking Tour
- Get to know each other at our welcome meal
- See why locals love Queen Victoria Market
- Learn about Indigenous Culture on our Aboriginal Heritage Walk
- Experience Melbourne properly on our own Food, Drink and Street Art tour
- Hit the road for 2 days when we head to Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island
- Spend the morning exploring Mount Martha and its famous colourful beach huts
- Pick your favourite tipple when we go wine tasting
- Spot wildlife on a stunning Phillip Island bush walk
- See hundreds of tiny little penguins
- Experience the magic of the waves in a surf lesson
- Hand-feed kangaroos and get up close to koalas
- Explore every traveller’s favourite suburb, St Kilda
- Hit the town on Melbourne’s biggest bar crawl
- Enjoy a farewell BBQ on the hostel rooftop
Accommodation
- 6 Nights dorm accommodation at The Village North Melbourne
- 1 Night dorm accommodation at YHA Phillip Island
- Extra nights/private upgrades available
Meals and Drinks
- 1 Lunch
- 3 Dinners
- Food tasters on food and drink tour
- Wine tasting
- Bar crawl drinks
- Suitable for vegans
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Gluten free options available
Community
- Connect with your group on WhatsApp, before, throughout and after the tour
- Lifetime membership with Welcome to Travel
- Access to free regular Welcome to Travel events
- Discounted rates for Melbourne and Sydney events (parties, bar crawls)
- Private lifetime member Facebook group access
Transport
- Airport shuttle to hostel on arrival
- City trams
- Private bus for 2 day getaway
Additional Advice and Travel Help
- Bank account set up
- Tax file number (TFN) organised
- Phone sim set up (available for purchase)
- Employment information session
- 1-on-1 Employment meeting
- Travel information session
- 1-on-1 Travel meeting
- Book other activities with the help of our Community Team
- Customised travel planning
- Resume writing and interview advice
- Exclusive access to our Resources website and Job Board
- Weekly jobs email
- Superannuation set up help
- Medicare set up help
- Mail holding in the Welcome to Travel office
- National travel specials and discounts
- Ongoing travel help after your tour
Welcome to Melbourne Itinerary
Arrival Day and Airport Pickup
Day 1
Welcome to Melbourne
You’ve probably been on a long flight so we’ll pick you from the airport and take you straight to the hostel. You can check in and rest up as your epic week with the group starts on Monday morning. This means you need to be in Melbourne by Sunday* night at the latest.
Landing a few days before? No worries! Your airport pickup is included and can be arranged for any time on any day before the tour. Need extra nights accommodation? You can book these at checkout.
*In High Season (Sept-March) we also have some extra tours that start on Thursday. For those tours, Thursday is the arrival day.
Meet the Team & Discover the City
Day 2
You’ll get to know your new travel family first thing in the morning. After the Meet and Greet, it’s time to give you peace of mind for the rest of your trip by organising your bank account, phone number and tax file number. Now you can explore stress-free!
After that, we’ll take you on a guided walking tour of Melbourne where you’ll learn why so many travellers love this incredibly dynamic and laid-back city.
We’ll end the day with a family Welcome Dinner along the iconic Yarra River in the heart of the city.
Markets, Laneway, Food & Drink Tour and Aboriginal Culture
Day 3
The food and drink scene in Melbourne is ridiculously good, so we dedicate the day to it. We start with a local favourite;Â Queen Victoria Market. This place is a feast for all senses and we spend the morning meeting local vendors and exploring everything this Melbourne institute has to offer.
Before starting our very own street art, food and drink tour. We learn about Australia’s Indigenous people, with an insightful Aboriginal Heritage tour. This day is all about seeing Melbourne through a local’s eyes, our travellers love it and so will you.
Road Trip - Surfing & Tiny Penguins
Day 4
It’s time for our epic overnight road trip! We will be heading to Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island, two of the most beautiful regional areas in Australia.
Australia is famous for its surf culture, in fact it’s probably THE single most Australian thing to do. Today we’re giving you the chance to learn how to surf with a lesson at a perfect beginner beach.🤙
This day also includes a couple of hidden secrets before capping it all off by spending sunset witnessing the smallest penguins in the world emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach. Yes, you read that right!
We’ll stay overnight on Phillip Island, where you’ll wake up to the sound of Australian wildlife.
Road Trip - Kangaroos, Koalas, Beaches & Wine!
Day 5
Today is going to be epic! We know that you’ve been looking forward to getting the chance to see some of Australia’s amazing kangaroos and koalas up close and that’s what we’ll be doing today.
After lunch we’ll be getting in some much needed beach time before we take in some spectacular scenic viewpoints. We’ll be finishing our adventure tasting some of our favourite local wines from the area. From there the tunes are turned up as we head back to Melbourne.
So many bucket list items ticked off in 2 days!
Work and Travel Help and St Kilda
Day 6
It is time to think about what you’ll do next in Australia. In the morning, we’ll hold a presentation on employment for everyone that’s here on a working holiday, or as a student.
We’ll cover absolutely everything so you can get a job. Following that we’ll tell you everything you need to know about travelling this incredible country. We have so much experience and the best advice for you to make the most of your time here.
Melbourne has many celebrated suburbs and St Kilda is as famous as they get. This afternoon head to this diverse beach suburb taking in its iconic esplanade and famous landmarks before relaxing and playing some beach games.
Life Admin & Night Out
Day 7
Whether it’s employment, travel, or both, the info from yesterday’s presentations will have sunk in and now it’s your chance to talk over your next steps with one of the epic experts on our team. We’re here to support you with anything from looking over your CV and helping you find accommodation, to making an epic plan for the rest of your travels around this beautiful country. We are experts in travel and can put together YOUR dream trip, with specials, discounts and of course our favourite tips.
By the end of your meeting, you’ll feel relaxed and even more excited about what’s next. So how do we celebrate? By having a big farewell night out!
Goodbye Rooftop BBQ
Day 8
And just like that, it’s nearly over.
What better way to spend our final afternoon together than lazing on a rooftop overlooking the city with the mates you’ve now made for life?
We’ll crank up the BBQ and soak up the skyline as we talk about the unforgettable memories made over the best week of your life.
What Next? Great Ocean Road
ADD-ON
Your time with the group doesn’t have to be over just yet, in fact around 90% of our groups stay together for at least another week by adding on our incredible road trip option.
For The Grampians & Great Ocean Road add on we organise:
- 5 day car hire
- 4 nights accommodation
- Advanced itinerary
This is scheduled to start after your tour. Don’t worry if you don’t know now, you can add this on during the week but we do at least recommend keeping the week after the tour free in case you do want to join.
Working Holiday Help
Making the decision to move to Australia will be one of the most exciting decisions to make. Yet, we understand for many it can feel quite daunting. That’s why when you book a Welcome Tour, we’ll make sure you leave feeling confident and ready to make the most of your Working Holiday Visa.
Life admin
We’ll help you set up your bank account, sim card and Tax File Number at the start of the tour! This means the boring stuff can get out the way first, so all you have to do is focus on having the best memories with your new travel group.
Working Holiday resources
Get access to a huge database of resources to give you the best head start in Australia. We’ll share our knowledge on: Sector specific help, where to find long term accommodation, guides and checklists on tax, superannuation and much more!
Community support
Our team has collectively 35+ years experience in the travel industry. We’re here to support you – throughout your entire time here in Australia. Whatever questions you may have, you’ll always be welcomed into the office and we can help make sure your Aussie dreams become a reality.
Exclusive job board
We’ve created an exclusive job board which allows you to search for work all across Australia that are available to Working Holiday Makers. With this board being regularly updated, this will help make searching for work after your tour so much easier!
Is This Tour For You?
If you want to start your Australian adventure in the best way possible by experiencing Melbourne in all its glory, meeting like-minded people and ticking off your bucket list, then yes, this tour is for you.
Want to Add-On to This Tour?
If you’re looking for more to explore around Melbourne, add on the classic Great Ocean Road Trip to this tour (booked separately). If you want it all and are looking to travel the East Coast with us, then book it all together with one of our travel packages.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Great Ocean Road (Add-On)
One of the most iconic road trips in the world. Experience it with your new found travel family straight after your tour!
52 Days / 51 Nights
The Hemsworth
Melbourne, Surf & East Coast
52 Days / 51 Nights
The Margot
Melbourne & East Coast
Payment Plans Available
Unlimited & Free Date Changes*
Open Dated Bookings Available
Just $99AUD To Secure Your Spot
Check Available Dates & Book Your Tour
Please note bookings close 2 weeks before the tour start date.
Not quite sure when you’re travelling yet?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes you do! If you’re coming here just as a tourist to visit Australia, you’ll need a Visitor Visa.
If you’re coming here to work while you’re on holiday, you’ll need either a Working Holiday Visa (417) or a Work and Holiday Visa (462), depending on which country you’re from.
You can find more information and a list of the various visas by clicking the button below.
We recommend organising this as soon as you know you’re coming to Australia. The application can be completed through your travel agent, or directly through the same Australian Government website as above. We always recommend checking the Australian Government website for any specific enquiries.
Absolutely! It doesn’t matter if you’re coming to this beautiful country to work, visit friends or family, study, sunbathe with the kangaroos or perfect your Australian accent. All of our travellers will still get the same treatment!
We include a lot of meals, as well as some delicious tastings as part of your tour. Outside of that, you’ll want some spending money for some meals and drinks, and of course souvenirs. Because accommodation, activities and some food and drink is already included, we would suggest that $250-300 of extra spending money during your week with us will be enough! Each traveller is different, so if you’re drinking multiple iced coffees every day and cocktails every night you’ll spend more but if you get together and cook in the hostel kitchen you’ll spend less.
This depends on trip length, your travel style (backpacker or flashpacker) and what you are wanting to experience here in Australia.
According to the Australian Government, you need $5,000AUD in your bank account on arrival if you’re coming on a Working Holiday visa. This is a good savings target if you are wanting to either travel for a month or set yourself up for working and living in Australia after the Welcome to Travel week.
However, everybody is different and to give yourself the best chance of experiencing as many things as possible in Australia, we would recommend just saving up as much as possible before you come travelling.
Of course you are – anyone would be – and of course we will! Something we love is how close our travellers get on tour, and how they become one big family at the end.
Everyone’s in the same boat, and you will make friends for life.
Expect the best experience ever! As long as you’re polite and friendly then you’ll be fine. To get the best out of your experience we recommend talking to people in your dorm as soon as possible. Travel broadens the mind and that is mainly because of people you meet. Listen to where they’ve been, what they’ve loved, what they recommend, their funniest stories, all of it! This will be you in a few months!
All dorms have lockers, but you will need to buy a small padlock to use them.
We aim to try and get everyone on Welcome To Sydney in the same dorm, but if you have any special requests such as, you want to be in an all female dorm or you want to upgrade to your own room, then we’ll be able to assist you.
About 70% of people on tour are actually solo travellers. This tour is a perfect way to meet other people and experience new things together. So many of our travellers make friends for life on our Welcome tours!
Our tours cater for people aged 18-39 years old. The average age varies each week and that’s what we love about it.
You sure can! We create a WhatsApp group chat the week leading up to the tour.
Yes! You just need to let us know who you’re travelling with beforehand and we’ll make sure you’re in the same room.
Yes definitely! As long as you tell us who you’re travelling with we’ll make sure you’re in the same room. If you’d like to upgrade to a private room then this is possible on the Extras part of the checkout.
Definitely! This can be done at the time of booking on the Extras page at Checkout. Alternatively you can add them on closer to the time. We will send you an email 4 weeks before the tour and this will ask you if you’d like to add any on.
Absolutely, we recommend booking 2 extra nights after the tour. This can be done at the time of booking on the Extras page at Checkout. Alternatively you can add them on closer to the time. We will send you an email 4 weeks before the tour and this will ask you if you’d like to add any on.
The $99 deposit is required to secure your booking. But don’t worry! Full payment is only required 42 days before your departure date, which gives you time to save money for it!
However, if you make a booking within 56 days of your departure date, you will need to pay the full amount at the time of booking.
Once you know you’re coming to Australia and that you’d like the best possible welcome here, we’d recommend placing your $99 deposit right away, especially as we offer free date changes.
Our Welcome to Melbourne tour is often fully booked 3 months in advance.
Yes! If you pay your deposit and later realise you have to change your date, don’t panic.
You can change the date of your booking, unlimited times and subject to availability, up until 15* days before your departure date.
*Please see our terms and conditions, additional charges may apply.
The Great Ocean Road Add On is an amazing way to carry on your journey as a group. You don’t know these people right now, but you’ll become friends across the week. The Welcome to Melbourne tour finishes on the Sunday, from Tuesday we have booked 5 days of car hire and 4 nights of accommodation meaning that you can go on a self-guided group adventure together. We give you an advised itinerary and off you go for an amazing road trip adventure!
That’s up to you and we’re here to help with that! Everyone has different plans for their time in Australia. You might even find that your plans may change halfway during the tour after meeting some new friends.
Either way, the Welcome To Travel team is here to support you before, during and after the welcome week. Whether it’s work or travel you’re looking to organise or get advice on, we’ll be able to help you.
We will go through options that suit you specifically in the 1-on-1 sessions on the Saturday of the tour. We then have our Community Team who will be there to help you throughout your whole time in Australia!
Of course! During our travel presentation, we will give you an overview of all the beautiful and exciting destinations and experiences around Australia.
Following this, during your 1-on-1 sessions with our team, we will talk more specifically about what exactly you want to see and do, and we’ll help you plan everything. We want to make sure you have the most amazing adventure possible while you’re here! Eager to get started planning your epic trip? We get you! You can chat to our Community Team and start planning your adventure before your tour starts.
With our help, that’s how!
As part of your Welcome to Melbourne package you will receive exclusive tips, resources and guidance towards finding a job and farm work in Australia. You’ll also gain access to our exclusive Welcome to Travel job board to find employees accepting working holiday makers.
We will present you with all of the basic information needed to get started, and give you access to our huge database of employers and contacts in sectors such as hospitality, retail, construction, sales and marketing and many more.
We also send out a weekly update email that highlights the most recent job and farm work opportunities we come across.
You’ll be able to buy your Sim card on the Monday morning of your tour as part of your meet and greet session. If you’re landing early you can email our Community team to organise picking up your Sim card early from our office (Monday to Fridays only).
Don’t panic! You will be able to jump on the free wi-fi at the hostel and airport beforehand to let everyone back home know that you got to Sydney safe and sound.
This is basically a personal identity number created for you by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is required if you want to work in Australia, so that you can be correctly taxed on your income from day one.
You will provide this number to each employer you have while you are in Australia and your tax will be deducted from your wage accordingly, just as it would be in your home country.
If you’re travelling as a tourist for just a few weeks, you don’t need one – a pre-loaded travel cash card will work just fine!
If you’re here for a longer period of time (for example, on a Working Holiday Visa) then it’s highly recommended to open an Australian bank account. Not only will you save a lot on exchange/transaction fees, but employers will only pay wages into an Australian account. It’s also an extremely easy process that we will organise for you.
You can fast-track the whole process by creating a Wise account, so that you can already have Australian dollars in your account for when you get here. But don’t worry about all of this now, we’ll explain it all soon!
Medicare is Australia’s health care scheme, which allows Australians and some overseas visitors to access certain health services at little or no cost. Only a handful of countries are eligible to apply for Medicare in Australia, including:
Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, The Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom
Check out the Services Australia website to see details for eligibility and details for enrolment, such as what documents you will need to bring to service centres. We will also explain this in more detail when you arrive and point you in the right direction.
We definitely recommend you have travel insurance! It’s a good peace of mind as you never know what can go wrong during your travels. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to and found that World Nomads is usually the best suited for our travellers. Get a quote so you can go back to the exciting parts of planning your travels. Â
Most travel insurance options include emergency medical cover. We recommend you look at both travel insurance and medical insurance options if you’re not covered with Medicare.
This is always a hard question to answer as it really depends! Pack as light as you can and your future-self will thank you. And remember every hostel has laundry so you’ll always be able to do your washing. We suggest packing for a 10 day trip and then just wash and repeat! Take a look at our packing video for some inspiration.
This is an age-old backpacker question and one we fight over in the Welcome to Travel office. It’s up to you! It’s easiest if you have a soft-shell bag so you can put it under beds and in buses more easily. Also make sure to bring a good sized day bag that you can also use for occasional overnight trips when you need to leave your big bag in the hostel.
Travel is all about meeting people
Before Your Tour
Connect with future travellers
Our official Facebook group to help future travellers connect with one another, ask questions and get expert advice.
When Booked On a Tour
Connect with your group on WhatsApp
A week before your tour, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group chat that includes all of your future new friends and Guide that will be joining you on tour. Get to know each other beforehand, plan meetups, share tour bants and pics, and keep in touch here well after the tour ends.