Wander through the artistic, culturally rich city of Melbourne before observing the nightly Little Penguin pilgrimage on Phillip Island. Set off to explore one of the world's most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road. Visit Werribee Open Range Zoo on your way to the relaxed town of Apollo Bay, where time slows and spectacular nature prevails. The journey from here to Port Fairy boasts some of the most prominent natural features of your road trip, including The Twelve Apostles and London Bridge. Return to Melbourne after a night in Geelong to soak up the city's country-coastal vibes.
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Melbourne accommodation.
Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art. As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars, and world-class restaurants are just the beginning!
At Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing attraction, the city of Melbourne comes alive in front of your eyes when you take it all in from nearly 300 metres high. It’s Melbourne on another level. The Skydeck experience features Bar 88, in association with Bollinger, operated by the Eureka 89 team. With 360° panoramic views all day and night, you can relax and enjoy all of Melbourne’s legendary views with a delicious snack and cool drink.
Your accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
In the heart of Melbourne with its chic boutiques, cool laneways and trendy bars sits the Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne. Located on Queen Street, minutes from Bourke Street Mall, the Old Melbourne Gaol and the National Gallery of Victoria, this location is unbeatable.Melbourne is the cool, artsy capital of the state of Victoria. Renowned for its laneway art, cafes, bars, restaurants and museums, there is no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink. Grab a coffee in Degraves Street, see the murals on Hosier Lane or Blender Lane, pop over to St Kilda and stroll along the promenade or visit one of the many museums. For a spot of retail therapy, catch the 86 or 96 tram from the CBD to the bohemian Brunswick Street shopping district for an eclectic mix of second hand vintage and high-end boutique stores. On the opposite side of the city, the Docklands open-air entertainment precinct boasts a myriad of public artwork, family fun activities such as glow in the dark mini golf, and a variety of dining options lining the marina. Get there easily on the free City Circle tram, or wander over the Bourke Street footbridge. To make the most of your time in Melbourne, we recommend taking a city tour to get true local insight into this vibrant city.
Step through Mr. Moon's Giant Mouth and into a world full of fun and entertainment, with something for everyone to enjoy, it's the perfect day out. Enjoy the range of rides that are on offer, for the thrill-seeking, heart-pumping enthusiasts ride the Power Surge, and the Twin Dragon, and for the more scenic adventures enjoy the Carousel and scenic trains! Stopping for a bite to eat you will find plenty of options with your favourite classic carnival treats from Fairy Floss, Snow Cones, and Popcorn to one of the cafes on site! Entry is at your own expense. To purchase your ticket or find out more about Luna Park visit https://lunapark.com.au
Your tour will commence with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you are guaranteed plenty of close encounters with an array of Australian native animals like kangaroos, wombats and echidnas. Next, you will head to Phillip Island where time/season permitting, you will take to Woolamai Surf Beach to catch a glimpse of the awesome waves and die-hard surfers. Following this, you then travel over to the dramatic west coast of the island. At the Nobbies, you will stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this dramatic coastline and perhaps spot a few seals and some penguin nests. Finally, your Phillip Island tour is not complete without its black tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. You will firstly head to the Visitor Centre to shop and have a coffee. Included is the penguin plus viewing which allows you to view the penguins on a separate platform to one side of the beach, it’s a more intimate viewing enabling you a better view of little penguins waddling ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows.
Your accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
In the heart of Melbourne with its chic boutiques, cool laneways and trendy bars sits the Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne. Located on Queen Street, minutes from Bourke Street Mall, the Old Melbourne Gaol and the National Gallery of Victoria, this location is unbeatable.This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs.
Begin your journey by heading south to the picturesque town of Torquay, recognised as the surfing capital of Australia, thanks to the famous Bells Beach. Follow the coast from Anglesea to Lorne, here we recommended a short detour to Erskine Falls. You can park close to the 30 metre cascading waterfall, or take a walk through the lush rainforest to stretch your legs.
The final stretch of your journey from Lorne to Apollo Bay has been described as one of the most beautiful and breathtaking drives in the world.
Your destination, Apollo Bay is the starting point for some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day walks and is the perfect base to explore the Great Ocean Walk and surrounding Otways rainforest. Take a swim in the waters of the southern ocean, wander along the coast and explore rainforests and waterfalls, ferns and crystal clear streams.
Apollo Bay is the starting point for some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day walks and is the perfect base to explore the Great Ocean Walk and surrounding Otways rainforest. Take a swim in the waters of the southern ocean, wander along the coast and explore rainforests and waterfalls, ferns and crystal clear streams. Sit and watch the whales travel along the coast in migration season or gaze at the glow worms at Melba Gully. Apollo Bay has a reputation for the freshest seafood which you can enjoy in a range of restaurants, or check out the local distillery and brewery for a refreshment.
Embark on a thrilling guided walk through the mesmerising landscapes of the Otways. Traverse lush tree fern gullies, and majestic eucalypt woodlands, and take in the breathtaking ocean vistas. Led by a knowledgeable conservationist guide, you'll delve into the secrets of the diverse plants and animals that inhabit this stunning region. Each nature tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience, where you'll encounter Australia's beautiful wildlife living freely in their natural habitat. You're almost certain to see koalas, and with a bit of luck, you might also spot potoroos, bandicoots, and many other incredible Australian animals that call Wildlife Wonders home. This adventure is perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking to connect with the wonders of the natural world.
Your accommodation: Comfort Inn The International
The Comfort Inn The International is centrally located in the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay. A popular stop along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is home to the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse and a range of natural sights, including the dramatic Great Ocean Road.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 161 kms / 100 miles : 2.4 hours
The first part of your drive today will take you to the iconic Twelve Apostles, perhaps the most famous landmark on the Great Ocean Road, and stopping here is a must. You can park at the carpark and follow the paved path to the lookout, or to take some time and stretch your legs take the path down Gibson's steps to the beach. Descending down these 86 stairs carved into the cliff face, reaching the beach you are treated to a closeup view of these incredible rock formations. 3 minutes further along what is known as the Shipwreck Coast, you will find the stop-off point for Loch Ard Gorge, a glistening inlet of striking blue water surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs. Beyond the town of Port Campbell, stop at the London Bridge and The Grotto for more stunning sights and photo opportunities.
Explore the coastal city of Warrnambool where you might be lucky enough to spot southern right whales calve off Logan Beach if you are travelling between May and October. From here, it's a 30-minute drive to your destination of Port Fairy.
An energetic, 15 minute flight that packs in the must-see Great Ocean Road sights. Catch the highlights of the Shipwreck Coast from a luxury helicopter. See the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and more from breathtaking heights. London Bridge is a thrilling addition to any Great Ocean Road tour.
Your accommodation: Ashmont Motor Inn and Apartments
Port Fairy is a historic seaside fishing village set on the Moyne River, located on the Princes Highway at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. On one side you will find what is known as the rugged shipwreck coastline and on the other, the picturesque East Beach which has the added bonus of being patrolled by lifesavers over summer.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 184 kms / 114 miles : 2.5 hours
Departing from Port Fairy, stop 20 minutes down the road to visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve nestled inside a dormant volcano, where you can witness koalas, emus and kangaroos roaming freely. For those more interested in maritime history, Australia’s richest shipwreck collection is displayed at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool located just a stone's throw further down the highway. Warrnambool is also a great place to try to spot whales from the coast, if you're passing through between June and October head to Logans Beach to try to get a glimpse of them.
Depart Warrnambool and head towards Camperdown to stretch your legs on a walk up Mt Sugarloaf or grab a coffee. From here, you will continue through rural farmlands before reaching the city of Geelong. Take a stroll on the waterfront to see the Bollard Trail, with over 100 painted pollards, each depicting a different person from the past who added to the making of Geelong.
Warrnambool is a popular seaside holiday resort town and serves as the major service centre to the west of the Great Ocean Road. Marvel at Warrnambool's captivating position, nestled into the rising contour of Victoria's south-west coast on the lands of the Eastern Maar People, set amid green dairying country and overlooking the deep blue of the Southern Ocean. Breathe in the sea air with a stroll along the foreshore promenade, then pause for breakfast with a view at the Pavilion Cafe and Bar. It is known for its safe, sheltered beaches, its moderate climate, its parks and gardens, and Logans Beach where southern right whales come to give birth each year between June and September.
Southwest of Melbourne, known as the 'Pivot City' is Geelong! The second largest Victorian City and one of Australia's largest growing cities. Geelong is famous for its sport and leisure- the home to the Geelong Cats, a well-known football league team. Being close to the beach yet filled with countryside - Geelong is the perfect spot to explore!
Your accommodation: Discovery Park Geelong
Discovery Parks provides a range of accommodations, 5 minutes from the center of Geelong. Enjoy endless entertainment, with lots of fun, family-friendly activities available on-site including giant games and daily bike hire.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 221 kms / 137 miles : 2.9 hours
Today holds a short drive to Melbourne of just over 1 hour, so enjoy a relaxed pace this morning and perhaps grab breakfast or a coffee on the waterfront. As you drive north along the Princes Freeway you will follow the curvature of Port Phillip Bay, past coastal nature reserve areas and entering Melbourne from the southwest. Cross the Yarra River on the West Gate Bridge and pass through Port Melbourne as you welcome the vibrant CBD.
Explore more of Melbourne before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.
Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consult about planning your next stop!
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 75 kms / 47 miles : 1.2 hours