ITINERARY:

Day 01 – Melbourne
Arrival and transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Day 02 – Melbourne City Sights Tour
Embark on an immersive journey through the wonders of Melbourne, a city renowned for its spectacular landmarks, enchanting gardens, vibrant culture, and rich history. With our knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll delve into the heart of Melbourne's inner city and uncover its captivating secrets.

Begin your adventure at the elegant “Paris-end” of Collins Street, where the fusion of sophistication and vibrant energy sets the tone for your exploration. Immerse yourself in Melbourne's sporting culture as you visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sports Precinct, where champions have made history. Capture a picture-perfect moment at the striking St Patrick's Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that radiates serenity and grandeur. Pay tribute to the fallen heroes at the Shrine of Remembrance, a solemn memorial that stands as a symbol of reverence and gratitude.

Indulge your senses in the tranquility of the Royal Botanic Gardens, where lush landscapes, vibrant flower beds, and serene lakes create an oasis in the heart of the city. Discover art, culture, and natural history as you explore the historic Exhibition Buildings and Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens. Experience the lively atmosphere of Lygon Street, known as Melbourne's Little Italy. Then, visit Albert Park, home of the Grand Prix, surrounded by picturesque scenery that adds to the allure of this renowned racing destination. And no visit to Melbourne is complete without a stop at the iconic St Kilda, where you can enjoy the coastal views and catch a glimpse of the whimsical Luna Park.

At the end of this captivating journey, you will be conveniently dropped off at central Melbourne city location, allowing you to continue exploring Melbourne's wonders at your leisure or reflect upon the memories of an extraordinary day.

Day 03 – Great Ocean Road Tour
Miles of rugged beaches, wave-carved rock formations and dense rainforest await on this full-day adventure along Australia's most famous scenic highway. Cruise along the Great Ocean Road to see icons like the 12 Apostles, stroll beneath towering trees to spot koalas and lorikeets, and linger over lunch in seaside Apollo Bay.

Head out of Melbourne and hit the road – the Great Ocean Road, that is. This 243-km (151-mile) highway winds its way along the south-eastern coast of Victoria and is the world's largest war memorial. Your first stop en route is at Surf Beach, where you can take a beach walk while watching surfers catch waves before continuing on to Memorial Arch.

Venture into the woods to look for koalas perched in the treetops, colourful parrots and lorikeets and the gum tree-loving kookaburra. In Apollo Bay, relax over lunch as you soak in the atmosphere of this waterfront locale, and then work off your meal with a guided bush walk through the towering trees that line the Maits Rest boardwalk in the Otway Ranges, a cool and ancient temperate rainforest.

Make your way to the striking 12 Apostles, limestone stacks rising up from the waves, and Loch Ard Gorge, where you can take a walk while listening to the tale of Australia's most notorious shipwreck. Your final stop is at the arch nicknamed London Bridge, where you can feel the breeze off the sea before heading back to Melbourne.

Day 04 – Phillip Island & Penguins Tour
This Phillip Island tour is an animal lover's dream! Join us on an adventure exploring the beautiful Phillip Island. In one day we will experience a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Reserve, walk along wild and rugged surf beaches, spot wild Kangaroos and Wallabies, and at the end of the day visit the world-famous Penguin Parade.

Located 140 km southeast of Melbourne, drive to the majestic Phillip Island, home to a little over 7,000 people and over a hundred different species of animals, this is a small Island but it is steeped in significant areas of beauty with scientific, historic, and archaeological interest.

On arrival, you will be greeted by Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger for a guided walk through Phillip Island’s Koala Reserve. You will be given a presentation about koalas, the history and relevance of the Reserve, and the last area of natural woodland on the island. Phillip Island was a favourite hunting fishing and foraging ground of the Yalloc Bulluck, one of the largest clans of the Bunurong people. These first Australians would cross over to the island in the Summer months and during the ‘egging season’, with the abundance of wildlife still here today it is understandable why the area was popular. Evidence of the Yalloc Bulluk’s foraging can be found today, with middens viewable at the Penguin Parade and within the Summerlands National Park. Phillip Island Nature Parks is actively working to enhance visitor understanding and preservation of these areas of cultural significance.

We will take a walk along the boardwalks of ‘The Nobbies’ and have a look to see if we can spot any Little Penguins in their burrows. Follow the walkways around to view ‘The Blowhole’ where waves come crashing up onto the dark volcanic rock. The caves and formations at this naturally craggy peninsula make for many dramatic photos, with the backdrop of Seal Rocks – on a sunny day you might be lucky enough to see Australian Fur Seals basking in the sun.

As the sun begins to set it is time to make your way to the Penguin Parade. The Little Penguins only come out of the water after the sun has gone down so that they can be sure to stay out of the way of any predators in the air above them.

Day 05 – Melbourne Free Time & Walking Tour
There is so much more to Melbourne than many locals know about. Join us on a 3-hour walking tour and together we’ll unpack the stories and history of Australia’s cultural capital. Your friendly and knowledgeable Melbourne tour guide will give you insights into the people, places and events of our city.

From the State Library, we will explore Melbourne’s beginnings and development from its indigenous history right up to the major developments that have made Melbourne the world city that it is today. We’ll uncover laneways, art, cafe culture and hidden bars so you can experience the best of Melbourne even if you’ve been before.

Day 06 – Depart Melbourne
Today, it’s time to check out of your hotel this morning and you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight. We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Melbourne.

Please note: The order of sightseeing tours may vary. The day-by-day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, road conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.