Tailor Made Tour Victoria's Coast & Countryside 11 nights
About this itinerary
Discover the very best of Victoria on a journey that combines vibrant city life, remarkable wildlife encounters, world-class wine regions and some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery. From Melbourne's celebrated laneways and Phillip Island's famous Penguin Parade to the rolling vineyards of the Yarra Valley and the dramatic cliffs of the Great Ocean Road, this itinerary showcases the incredible diversity of Australia's smallest mainland state.
Travelling at a relaxed pace, you'll uncover charming country towns, indulge in exceptional food and wine, explore pristine national parks and enjoy unforgettable encounters with Australia's unique wildlife. Carefully designed to balance adventure with relaxation, each destination offers a distinctive glimpse into Victoria's rich natural and cultural heritage.
Whether enjoying a private wine tasting, spotting wombats in the wild or watching the sun set over the Twelve Apostles, this unforgettable self-drive journey is the perfect introduction to one of Australia's most captivating regions.
day 1-3 Melbourne
One evening, make your way to the seaside suburb of St Kilda, where palm-lined promenades, lively bars and waterfront restaurants create a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. As the sun begins to set, wander along the historic pier, where little penguins often return to shore after a day spent fishing in Port Phillip Bay.
Accommodation: The Langham Melbourne
day 4 Philip Island
Leaving Melbourne behind, travel south to Phillip Island, one of Australia's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Surrounded by rugged coastlines, windswept beaches and dramatic ocean views, the island offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Australia's native wildlife in its natural environment.
Spend the day exploring the island's spectacular scenery, from the elevated boardwalks of the Koala Conservation Reserve to a scenic cruise around Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest colony of Australian fur seals. Walking trails reveal breathtaking coastal vistas, whilst quiet beaches and rolling farmland provide a peaceful contrast to the city you've left behind.
As evening falls, take your place for the world-famous Penguin Parade. From your premium viewing area, watch hundreds of little penguins emerge from the surf and waddle across the sand to their burrows, a magical wildlife experience that has become one of Australia's most iconic natural spectacles.
Accommodation: Clifftop Boutique Accommodation
day 5-6 Wilsons Promontory National Park
Continue to Wilsons Promontory National Park, affectionately known as "The Prom", where granite peaks, white-sand beaches and ancient forests combine to create one of Victoria's most spectacular natural landscapes. Rich in Indigenous history and abundant wildlife, this remarkable national park feels wonderfully untouched.
Spend the next two days exploring some of the park's most beautiful locations. Wander along the pristine sands of Squeaky Beach, where the fine quartz sand famously squeaks beneath your feet, discover secluded coves such as Whisky Bay or hike to the summit of Mount Oberon for sweeping views across the coastline and surrounding wilderness.
Wildlife is never far away here, with wombats, kangaroos, emus and colourful birdlife regularly spotted throughout the park, particularly during the quieter hours of the morning and evening. For a different perspective, enjoy a peaceful kayaking adventure along the Tidal River, where the calm waters reflect the dramatic granite mountains rising above the shoreline.
Accommodation: Prom Country Lodge
day 7-8 Yarra Valley
For a truly unforgettable experience, rise before dawn for an optional hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards, watching the morning mist slowly lift from the valley below. Back on the ground, perhaps take part in a chef-led cooking class or explore the acclaimed TarraWarra Museum of Art, where contemporary Australian works are displayed against a backdrop of rolling vines.
Accommodation: Balgownie Estate
day 9 Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
Continue to the charming town of Daylesford, renowned for its natural mineral springs, boutique galleries and peaceful country atmosphere. Long regarded as Australia's spa capital, this beautiful region invites you to slow down, relax and embrace a gentler pace of life.
Spend the day unwinding with a rejuvenating mineral spa experience before enjoying a leisurely stroll around picturesque Lake Daylesford or through the beautifully maintained Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Browse independent boutiques, artisan food stores and local galleries before settling in for an unforgettable evening at the award-winning Lake House Restaurant, where exceptional seasonal cuisine showcases the very best local produce.
Accommodation: Lake House Daylesford
day 10-12 Great Ocean Road
Nearby, explore the fascinating history of Loch Ard Gorge, where towering cliffs and secluded beaches tell the story of one of Australia's most famous shipwrecks. Whether stopping in the charming seaside towns of Lorne or Apollo Bay, enjoying long lunches overlooking the ocean or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, the Great Ocean Road provides a fitting highlight to your Victorian adventure.
Your journey returns to Melbourne via the beautiful Surf Coast, with time to pause in Torquay, Australia's surfing capital, and admire the dramatic coastal scenery one final time. Browse boutique surf stores, enjoy lunch at a beachfront café or simply soak up the relaxed atmosphere before continuing to the airport for your onward flight.
Leaving Victoria behind, you'll take with you unforgettable memories of spectacular coastlines, remarkable wildlife, world-class wine and some of Australia's most beautiful landscapes.
Accommodation: Cumberland Lorne Resort
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