Introduction to Melbourne Half Day Walking Tour

Hi, and a very warm welcome to Melbourne! I have been a tour guide since 2016 and absolutely love sharing Melbourne and Victoria with travellers like you. My background as a research librarian and then a school teacher has provided the perfect preparation and skill set for what I do now. My approach on your tour is to 'peel back the layers' of what you are seeing so you truly understand the 'why' and 'how' of Melbourne's natural and built environments, our history and culture. I do this with a strong connection to this part of Australia, living all of my life here and being a proud 7th generation Melburnian with a convict ancestor. I love history and I enjoy sharing stories about local people, events and places to bring your tour alive. I show you hidden treasures you would miss if exploring alone or in a large group. My main interests are cycling and walking. I have cycled the The Camino in Spain, pedalled across Australia from west to east, and trekked the Great Ocean Walk twice. On a day off, I'm likely to be walking, cycling or taking a tram or road trip to explore another local area that could inspire a new tour addition for you. You will find me to be professional, friendly, easygoing and a good listener. I understand the importance of representing the face of Australia to you and I genuinely enjoy your company. I am a Professional member of Tour Guides Australia, an assurance that I am fully accredited and maintain all of the appropriate certificates, licences and insurances, to work as a tour guide in Australia. This includes a Parks Victoria licence to conduct tours in Victoria's national and state parks. Melbourne itself is best seen by walking and using the trams. Further afield, I generally drive my own vehicle, a top-of-the-range 2017 SUV Ford Escape Titanium, with air conditioning, leather seats, a sunroof, tray tables and full safety features. My vehicle comfortably seats 3 average size adults. I take great pride in presenting my car to a super clean standard. For groups of 4-11 travellers requiring more room, I can hire and drive a larger modern car or minibus to suit. I also have a licence to drive a 24-seater coach. If you would like a tour modified or extended to a multi-day experience, please just ask, as I happily accommodate all reasonable requests. Leanne