Reasons to explore Victoria's parks with a Licensed Tour Operator (LTO)

Spending time outdoors or trying a new activity in nature doesn’t have to be daunting – and you don’t have to do it alone.

Over 500 Licensed Tour Operators (LTOs) operate more than 60 unique activities in parks across Victoria. These experts help you explore beautiful parks, reserves, and waterways safely – perfect if you want to try something new or meet like-minded people during your next visit to a park.

LTOs do all the hard work for you! They know where to go, when to go, and have the best local knowledge to enable a safer and richer nature-based adventure.

From cultural tours to hot air ballooning, there's many ways to get out into a park to do what you enjoy doing most with like-minded people or trying something new.

Read on to discover why exploring Victoria’s parks with a Licensed Tour Operator will help you have the best experience.

What is a Licensed Tour Operator?

A Licensed Tour Operator (LTO) is an accredited expert approved by Parks Victoria to lead recreational activities on public land. LTOs know parks intimately and offer guided tours across the state that are both safe, and tailored to you, to make your outdoor adventure more enjoyable and informative.

Choosing to go with an LTO means more than just booking a tour. It’s also an opportunity to support local communities, connect more deeply with Victoria’s natural and cultural landscapes, contribute to the conservation and management of Victoria’s parks and waterways, and go home having learned something new.

Tour guide speaking to a group of visitors in the pathway of dense trees on either side under the shady section of the path.

Image: Living Culture

Types of LTO experiences in Victoria's parks

Parks Victoria licenses for over 60 different activities, so there’s something for everyone.

Whether you prefer exploring on foot, paddling across waterways, or soaring through the sky, these are some experiences LTOs offer in parks.

Land-based experiences

Cultural tours

Experience the rich Indigenous heritage of the First Nations peoples through cultural tours that connect you deeply with the land, waters and sky.

Living Culture offers guided walks and meditation sessions, workshops, and holistic Yidaki healing sessions on the Mornington Peninsula, Bunurong Country, that will deepen your connection to Country.

Guided hiking and bushwalking

Choosing an LTO for hiking or bushwalking means you don’t have to plan or prepare alone, but you can build confidence in the outdoors with an expert guide. With multiple tour operators to choose from, you’ll find an option that suits your needs, whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, seeking fully guided tours or just support services.

For more information about the variety of fully guided tours or support services available, see all Grampians Peaks Trail Licensed Tour Operators.

Four-wheel drive tours

Victoria has some of the best four-wheel driving in Australia, making it the perfect place for adventurous drivers, but it’s essential to be aware of the responsibilities and risks.

Guided 4x4 tag along tours lets you explore rugged tracks comfortably in your own vehicle, making it easier to venture further than you might on your own. It’s also much safer because you’re with a number of people who thoroughly enjoy 4x4 as much as you do.

With 2- to 4-day tours, you have the perfect amount of time to soak in Victoria’s beautiful landscapes.

Explore rugged tracks safely with Dingo Trax Tag Along Tours in Victoria’s High Country.

Mountain bike riding

Whether you’re new to mountain bike riding or looking to sharpen your skills, joining a guided mountain bike tour is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.

Explore the scenic O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail or experience the thrill of descending Mount Donna Buang surrounded by giant Mountain Ash trees and lush rainforests on Wurundjeri Country with Warburton Adventure Company.

A group of cyclists riding mountain bikes along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and lush green ferns in a dense, scenic woodland area.

Image: Warburton Adventure Company

Water-based experiences

Boat tours

Discover Melbourne from the water with a range of scenic boat tours. Whether you’re after a relaxing sightseeing cruise, a unique self-drive adventure, or a memorable dining experience on the Yarra River during golden hour in Melbourne, there’s something for all visitors and locals alike.

Step onboard a historic riverboat with Classic Steamboat Cruises for a nostalgic journey through time or choose Melbourne River Cruises, an eco-certified operator offering an iconic and sustainable way to explore the city’s waterways.

Seal, dolphin and whale watching tours

Victoria’s coastal waters offer incredible wildlife spotting opportunities to see seals, dolphins, and whales in their natural habitats. By joining a guided tour, you can witness playful dolphins riding the waves, spot large colonies of Australian Fur Seals, and experience the awe-inspiring migration of Humpback and Southern Right whales.

You’ll be in safe hands with experienced operators such as Polperro Dolphin Swims & Charter, Moonraker Dolphin Swims, Sea All Dolphin Swims, and Wanderer Adventures who promise your safety and the wellbeing of the animals.

Remember, wildlife is wild, and no operator can guarantee sightings, but that's the real beauty of it!

Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding

For those who love being close to the water, gliding through tranquil rivers, calm lakes, or picturesque coastlines by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board (SUP) is hard to beat.

Imagine reconnecting with nature paddleboarding on the Mornington Peninsula, or canoeing, kayaking, and camping along the sensational Glenelg River.

This dream can become a reality by joining a guided tour with Wild Adventures Melbourne, Paestan Canoe Hire, or Wilderness Within, where you can refine your skills or learn something new in a supportive environment.

Four people stand-up paddleboarding on clear turquoise water near a sandy beach on the Mornington Peninsula, with beach huts, coastal vegetation, and rolling hills in the background.

Image: Wild Adventures Melbourne

Sky-based experiences

Hot air ballooning

Tick off a bucket list experience while gently soaring above Victoria’s landscapes. This experience is a peaceful yet exhilarating way to see the rolling hills or city skyline from a whole new perspective.

From the quiet stillness of the sky, experience Melbourne and the Yarra Valley by booking a tour with Liberty Balloon Flights. Float gently above iconic landmarks, rivers, ranges, and bays. Whether you're celebrating something special or just seeking a new way to explore, hot air ballooning combines adventure, serenity, and breathtaking views in one incredible experience.

Why choosing an LTO could make your visit better

Booking a tour with a licensed tour operator is more than just a guided tour. It’s your chance to support local communities, contribute to the conservation and management of Victoria’s parks and waterways, deepen your connection with the state’s natural and cultural landscapes, and make a stronger connection to nature.

Plus, connecting with others who share your passion for the outdoors adds to the joy and lasting memories of your experience.

To explore the full list of trusted, professional LTOs across the state, visit Parks Victoria’s official LTO directory.

Hot air balloons floating over Melbourne at sunrise, with the Yarra River, sporting precinct, and city skyline visible beneath a golden sky.
Image: Liberty Balloon Flights (Credit: Dan Powell)