
Personal Connections.
Local Stories.
Genuine Experiences.
At The Private Tour Guide, we believe the best way to experience Australia is through the eyes of a local. That’s why we offer personalised private tours that go beyond the tourist trails, blending local stories, hidden gems, and meaningful moments.
Whether sipping wine with a passionate winemaker, uncovering coastal wonders, or immersing yourself in the region’s history, we create journeys that feel effortless, enriching, and uniquely yours.
Our Story: A Passion for Connection
The Private Tour Guide was founded in 2011 by Simon Greenland, a tour guide with a deep love for storytelling, food, wine, and the great outdoors. What started as a simple website and a single Mercedes tour van, quickly grew into one of Melbourne’s most sought-after private tour services.
Within months, The Private Tour Guide became the top-rated Melbourne tour operator on TripAdvisor. By 2013, the business expanded to Sydney and Tasmania, offering premium food, wine, and nature-based experiences. Simon built a network of expert local guides, each bringing their own passion and knowledge to the tours, ensuring every journey was immersive, flexible, and filled with local knowledge.



Like many in the travel industry, The Private Tour Guide faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, pausing operations in early 2020. But passion doesn’t fade. Simon spent this time rebuilding, refining, and preparing for the next chapter.
Today, The Private Tour Guide is once again offering exceptional private tours across Victoria and beyond, with a renewed focus on authentic experiences and meaningful connections.

Meet Simon – The Heart of The Private Tour Guide
With over 20 years of guiding experience across the globe—from the majestic Himalayas to the vineyards of Tuscany and the bustling streets of Shanghai—Simon’s expertise is truly unparalleled. His journey into guiding was serendipitous, and he is forever grateful for a career that allows him to combine his love of travel, wine, storytelling, and connecting with people.
Simon’s approach to touring is defined by flexibility and attention to detail. Every tour is meticulously crafted around his guests’ interests. A trained sommelier and the Yarra Valley local, Simon’s wine tours are truly one of a kind. He doesn’t just take guests to wineries; he profiles their palate before meeting them and designs the itinerary to match their preferences. Simon’s knowledge spans far beyond wine—he knows a thing or two about local flora, fauna, history, and culture, ensuring that every tour is both enriching and enjoyable.
Simon holds a deep respect for Aboriginal Culture, recognising the significance of Australia’s Indigenous history and ensures that his guests understand the rich cultural heritage of the land they are exploring.
Known for his warmth and easy-going nature, many guests say that travelling with Simon feels like being on holiday with a lifelong friend. His love for the communities he works with, his passion for storytelling, and his desire to provide authentic, memorable experiences make him one of Victoria’s most sought-after private tour guides. Request to book a tour with Simon and experience Australia through the eyes of a true local.
What our customers say
Our Destinations
Discover the heart of every region
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Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road
Discover MoreRugged cliffs, rainforest canopies, and seaside charm, experience Victoria’s most iconic drive, your way.
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Yarra Valley
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Melbourne
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Sydney
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Tasmania
Tasmania
Discover MoreTasmania isn’t just a destination, it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with something real.
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Australia Packages