Planning a day trip from Melbourne often comes down to one question: should you book a private tour or join a group tour?
Both options can be suitable, depending on your budget, group size, itinerary and how much flexibility you want during the day.
Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide.
What Is a Group Tour?
A group tour usually follows a planned itinerary with other travellers.
You generally travel according to a set schedule, with predetermined pickup points, attractions and stopping times.
Group tours can be suitable if you:
- Enjoy meeting other travellers
- Prefer a structured itinerary
- Want a simple organised experience
- Are travelling alone or as a small group
- Want to keep the tour cost lower
The main limitation is that you normally need to follow the tour’s schedule rather than choosing your own stops and timing.
What Is a Private Tour?
A private tour is arranged for you and your own group.
Instead of sharing the vehicle with other travellers, you can discuss the itinerary and choose the places you would like to visit.
Private tours can be useful if you want:
- Flexible pickup arrangements
- Your own private vehicle
- A customised itinerary
- More flexibility with stopping times
- Travel with family or friends
- A more personalised day trip
For example, a group visiting the Great Ocean Road might want extra time at the 12 Apostles, while another group may prefer spending more time in coastal towns.
Private Tour vs Group Tour
| Private Tour | Group Tour |
|---|---|
| Travel with your own group | Travel with other visitors |
| Flexible itinerary | Usually fixed itinerary |
| Flexible stopping times | Set stopping times |
| Private vehicle | Shared transport |
| Pickup can be arranged around your requirements | Usually designated pickup locations |
| Suitable for families and small groups | Suitable for individual travellers and groups |
Which Option Should You Choose?
There isn’t one option that suits every traveller.
A group tour may work well if you prefer a structured itinerary and travelling with other visitors.
A private tour may be more suitable if your priority is flexibility, privacy and choosing how you spend your day.
Your decision may also depend on the number of people travelling, the destinations you want to visit and how much time you have available.
Popular Private Day Trips From Melbourne
If you’re considering a private tour, some popular destinations include:
Great Ocean Road
Ideal for coastal scenery, beaches and iconic attractions such as the 12 Apostles.
Yarra Valley
A good option for wineries, food, vineyards and countryside.
Mornington Peninsula
Combines beaches, coastal towns, wineries and scenic drives.
You can also discuss a customised itinerary based on your group’s interests.
Why Consider a Private Melbourne Tour?
One of the main advantages of private transport is the ability to make the day work around your group.
You don’t have to spend the day following another group’s schedule. You can discuss your preferred stops, pickup location and itinerary before your trip.
This can be particularly useful for families, couples travelling together, small groups and visitors who want to see several places in one day.
Planning a Private Tour in Melbourne?
If you already know where you’d like to go, the next step is to work out your preferred itinerary, travel date and number of passengers.
Premium Taxi Mel provides private transport for Melbourne sightseeing, day trips and customised tours.
Tell us where you’d like to go and how many people are travelling, and we can discuss your requirements.