About Melbourne Explorer
Your trusted guides to Melbourne's hidden treasures since 2015
Your trusted guides to Melbourne's hidden treasures since 2015
Melbourne Explorer began as a passion project by siblings Rebecca and James Wilson in 2015. Born and raised in Melbourne, they grew frustrated watching tourists miss out on the city's authentic experiences while following generic guidebooks that barely scratched the surface of what their beloved city had to offer.
What started as informal walking tours for friends visiting from overseas quickly evolved when Rebecca, a former tourism professional, and James, a history teacher with a love for Melbourne's architecture, decided to combine their expertise. They created bespoke tours that showcased both the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of Melbourne.
Word spread quickly about their engaging, personalized approach. By 2017, Melbourne Explorer had grown to a team of six passionate local guides, each bringing unique perspectives and insider knowledge about different aspects of the city. In 2019, we launched our digital platform to help travelers plan their perfect Melbourne experience before they even arrived.
Today, Melbourne Explorer is proud to be recognized as the premier boutique tourism company in Melbourne, having helped over 50,000 visitors experience the authentic heart and soul of Australia's cultural capital. Despite our growth, we remain true to our founding principle: Melbourne is best experienced through the eyes of those who truly love and understand it.
At Melbourne Explorer, our mission is to reveal the authentic soul of Melbourne by connecting visitors with immersive, locally-crafted experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions. We're committed to showcasing our city's vibrant culture, rich history, and hidden gems through the passionate storytelling of our local guides.
Founder & Lead Guide
With a background in tourism management and a lifetime spent exploring Melbourne's evolving neighborhoods, Rebecca brings unparalleled expertise to our cultural and arts-focused tours. Her walking tours of Melbourne's famous laneways have been featured in National Geographic Traveler.
Co-Founder & History Specialist
A former high school history teacher with a PhD in Australian Urban Development, James transforms Melbourne's architectural landmarks and historical sites into fascinating stories. His knowledge of Melbourne's colonial past and development into a modern city provides depth to our heritage tours.
Food & Culture Guide
A third-generation Melburnian with Chinese heritage, Olivia combines her culinary training with her passion for multiculturalism. Her food tours explore Melbourne's diverse neighborhoods and markets, revealing how waves of immigration have shaped the city's world-class dining scene.
Adventure & Nature Specialist
With a background in environmental science and experience as a park ranger, Daniel leads our nature-focused excursions to destinations like the Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island, and Great Ocean Road. His knowledge of native wildlife and conservation efforts adds an educational dimension to our outdoor adventures.
Recognized for outstanding service and innovation in boutique tourism experiences for three consecutive years (2019-2021), highlighting our commitment to authentic, high-quality Melbourne experiences.
We've welcomed and guided more than 50,000 visitors from over 70 countries, maintaining an exceptional satisfaction rating of 4.9/5 based on verified customer reviews across multiple platforms.
Proud recipient of EcoTourism Australia's Advanced Ecotourism Certification for our commitment to sustainable practices, including our carbon-neutral operations and support of local conservation initiatives.
Our interactive Melbourne Explorer App was recognized by the Australian Digital Industry Association for excellence in enhancing visitor experiences through technology while supporting local businesses.
Working with Melbourne Explorer for our company retreat was the best decision we made. Their attention to detail and personalized approach made our team-building experience in Melbourne truly memorable. Rebecca and her team created a perfect balance of cultural exploration, local dining experiences, and interactive activities that perfectly matched our company values and team dynamics.
As a travel blogger who has experienced guided tours worldwide, I can confidently say Melbourne Explorer offers something truly special. Their knowledge of Melbourne goes far beyond the tourist traps, revealing layers of the city I would never have discovered on my own. Daniel's nature tour to Phillip Island was particularly outstanding - his passion for wildlife conservation and local ecology transformed a simple penguin-watching excursion into an unforgettable educational adventure.
Our family of five, including three teenagers, had the most incredible week in Melbourne thanks to Melbourne Explorer. Olivia's food tour was the unanimous highlight - introducing us to cuisines we'd never tried before in settings we'd never have found as tourists. What impressed me most was how they tailored activities to keep everyone engaged despite our different interests. The personalized itinerary they created saved us countless hours of planning and gave us authentic experiences beyond typical tourist attractions.
Glimpses of our guided experiences throughout Melbourne and Victoria
Whether you're planning your first visit to Melbourne or seeking to discover new facets of this amazing city, our team of passionate local guides is ready to create the perfect experience for you. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Melbourne adventure.
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