Enjoy 2 nights at your 4-Star Melbourne accommodation.

Stay at this luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District! This hotel is a top-rated choice for travelers seeking a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The modern rooms are tastefully decorated and come with all necessary amenities to make your stay unforgettable.
 
Guests can unwind in the sauna after a day of exploring the city. The fitness center is perfect for fitness enthusiasts looking to maintain their routine while traveling.
 
One of the standout features of this hotel is its dining options. The stylish restaurant offers a mix of international and Australian cuisine, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast, or indulge in a delectable dinner after a day of sightseeing.
 
With its prime location, you’ll be within easy reach of Melbourne’s famous landmarks, shopping districts, and entertainment areas. Experience the vibrant energy of the city, and return to the comfort of this fantastic hotel. Don’t just take our word for it, this hotel consistently receives high ratings and positive reviews from our clients. Come and experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience!
 
Hotel Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, High Speed Wi-Fi, Gym, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Room Service, Onsite Parking, Laundry Service, Dry Cleaning
 
Preferred Room
Premiere King – 1 King or 2 Singles – Room Features: Mini Fridge, Air Conditioning, Shower Amenities, Hairdryer, Large flat screen smart TV.   
 
Need to know
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

Discover Australia as you travel by rental car for six days.

As part of your vacation self-drive Australia and explore our stunning landscapes, coastlines, regional towns and wildlife. Stop and meet the locals, maybe enjoy a counter meal at a local Aussie pub, or relax on the beach while sampling some takeaway fish & chips from the local deli or servo. During one of your rest stops try to spot a kangaroo, emu or even a Koala in the wild.

Please bring a valid American driver’s license with you and be aware that the Australians drives on the left hand side of the road.

Base rate only paid by About Australia. GPS, Insurance, Premium Location Surcharge, Fuel and Fees to driver’s credit card.

Enjoy your drive through regional Victoria, Australia: starting in Melbourne, then passing by the Puffing Billy Steam Train, on route to Phillip Island.

Melbourne to Phillip Island passing by the Puffing Billy Steam Train Station (approx 2.5 hrs) Depart Melbourne and head south east towards Phillip Island. Along the way, we suggest stopping off at the Puffing Billy Steam Railway to ride on a historic steam train.

When most people think of Phillip Island they think of Penguins, but you might be surprised to hear that there is so much more offered here. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is fun for the whole family. You can race around on the go kart track or you can strap in for the real deal and ride in a race car with a professional race car driver! Stroll around the Koala Conservation Centre and enjoy the bushwalking tracks where you can spot native Aussie animals in a natural environment.

Note: Make sure you have spare time at least 1 hour prior to sunset. The Penguin Parade begins at sunset and is truly a must see at the Phillip Island Nature Park. Stay on Phillip Island. Continue on to your next Australian destination.

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Next stop along your coastal self-drive is Phillip Island, Victoria, where you will spend 2 nights.

Your vacation accommodation is just 1.5 hours south-east of Melbourne in Cowes, the principal township of Phillip Island. Guests of this delightful Cowes accommodation have direct access to safe beaches, the rugged surf coastline and a variety of shops and restaurants. Kaloha is only a 10 minute drive from the world renowned Penguin Parade, where each evening after sunset the little penguins waddle ashore, much to the delight of visitors. Set among beautiful tropical gardens, the resort’s secluded location ensures a quiet night’s rest.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is just 90 minutes southeast of Melbourne and has a range of activities that will simply drop your jaw and dazzle your eyes.

This is your chance to experience the iconic venue in the flesh. Let rip in a go-kart on our 760m replica Grand Prix track, or buckle in for the real deal; an adrenalin-amping triple Hot Lap lightning ride around the Phillip Island circuit with an experienced racing driver.

Revisit the heart-pumping history of the venue within the Visitor Centre’s History of Motorsport Display. Follow in the footsteps of motorcycle racing champions on the Guided Circuit Tour, allowing you exclusive access to off-limits areas trackside, including Race Control, Media Centre, Pit lane, Pit Roof and, where every racer would love to finish, the winner’s podium being sprayed with champagne.

The ride is only half the experience.

Do you want to see a koala up close in its natural environment? Come visit the treetop & woodland boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre.

Experience wild koalas in their natural habitat and stroll through Aussie bushland at this environmentally sustainable centre dedicated to koala conservation on six hectares. Originally established in 1991, the centre is dedicated to koala research and conservation and has played a vital role in ensuring there is a protected koala population on Phillip Island.

Enjoy 2 boardwalks, the Koala Boardwalk and the Woodland Boardwalk. On the bushwalking tracks, keep an eye out for wallabies, echidnas, birds and other Aussie wildlife. Learn about the amazing lives of koalas in the interactive Visitor’s Centre. The Koala Conservation Centre is also home to a host of Australian Wildlife such as wallabies, nocturnal brushtail and ringtail possums, echidnas and over 80 species of birds.

Open 10am to 5pm daily (2pm Christmas Day)

Photo Credit: Koala Conservation Centre; Phillip Island Nature Park

Self Drive from Phillip Island to Mornington Peninsula, approximately 1.5 hours.

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Spend 1 night on Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Your vacation accommodation is a multi-award winning complex located on Western Port Bay, near the south western tip of the Mornington Peninsula in the village of Flinders.

Sensitively extended and refurbished, you’ll love this hotel’s historic charm, gentle wit and casual sophistication. Just a 5-minute walk to the beach and celebrated clifftop golf course. A 10-minute drive to wineries, horse riding, national parks, bush walks, farm gates, mazes, grand gardens, cycling trails and galleries. And the charming seaside town of Flinders right at the front door, with cafes, antique shops, art galleries, boutiques and charming specialty food stores.

Enjoy your drive through regional Victoria via Mornington Peninsula.

DAY 1: MORNINGTON PENINSULA
This morning hop on the highway toward Mornington Peninsula. While on the peninsula, enjoy excellent restaurants, regional wines, or take a stroll along the beach and see the iconic bathing boxes. This is truly a sight to see and a colorful photo opportunity. If you would like to get up close with more of Australia’s unique wildlife, stop in the Moonlit Sanctuary at Pearcedale. Spend one night on Mornington Peninsula.

DAY 2: MORNINGTON PENINSULA / MELBOURNE (approx 1 hr drive) Take your time driving back to Melbourne today. Have breakfast on Mornington Peninsula before heading back to Melbourne.

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Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star Melbourne accommodation.

Stay at this luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District! This hotel is a top-rated choice for travelers seeking a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The modern rooms are tastefully decorated and come with all necessary amenities to make your stay unforgettable.
 
Guests can unwind in the sauna after a day of exploring the city. The fitness center is perfect for fitness enthusiasts looking to maintain their routine while traveling.
 
One of the standout features of this hotel is its dining options. The stylish restaurant offers a mix of international and Australian cuisine, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast, or indulge in a delectable dinner after a day of sightseeing.
 
With its prime location, you’ll be within easy reach of Melbourne’s famous landmarks, shopping districts, and entertainment areas. Experience the vibrant energy of the city, and return to the comfort of this fantastic hotel. Don’t just take our word for it, this hotel consistently receives high ratings and positive reviews from our clients. Come and experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience!
 
Hotel Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, High Speed Wi-Fi, Gym, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Room Service, Onsite Parking, Laundry Service, Dry Cleaning
 
Preferred Room
Premiere King – 1 King or 2 Singles – Room Features: Mini Fridge, Air Conditioning, Shower Amenities, Hairdryer, Large flat screen smart TV.   
 
Need to know
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

Begin your self-drive in Victoria from Melbourne. You will drive along the Great Ocean Road headed towards Port Campbell, Australia.

Departing Melbourne, make your way towards Anglesea. You can stop in here and learn to surf before you continue on your self drive down the Great Ocean Road to Cape Otway. You can view the 150 year old lighthouse or stop by the Great Otway National Park and walk the longest and tallest treetop walkway in the world! If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to go ziplining through this ancient rainforest.

Keep heading West towards the Twelve Apostles, but before you get there, maybe stop by Johanna Beach and see this famous surfing venue. Be sure to reach the Twelve Apostles by dusk. You can walk along the boardwalks and platforms or down Gibsons Steps and you will have the perfect vantage point to see the penguins waddling to their ocean side burrows for the evening. This is a great opportunity to see Loch Ard Gorge and learn about it’s fatal history.

Upon reaching Port Campbell, you have entered a perfectly quaint seaside town. Port Campbell is a colourful and lively seaside village Explore the restaurants and cafes with views of the beach, bakeries selling homemade goodies and vibrant shops and galleries. Sheltered by cliffs and Norfolk pines, Port Campbell has the atmosphere of a haven on the edge of wild nature.

Stop by Otway Fly Treetop Walk to make the most of your Great Ocean Road adventure.

The Treetop Walk is a unique attraction which provides visitors with an interpretive walk experience through beautiful, temperate rainforest.

The walk features a 656 yards (600m) long and 33 yards (30m) high steel-structured treetop canopy walkway. It’s the longest and tallest walkway of its type in the world! Self-guided maps are available for your treetop walk journey.

As you proceed along the level walkway, the ground progressively drops away, taking you on a journey through the upper reaches of the rainforest vegetation.

Emerge through the lush green ferns of the forest floor to the tranquility and beauty of the forest canopy. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see unique Australian rainforest flora and fauna at eye-level.

Informative interpretation panels are located along the walk which explain in detail various flora and fauna to help enrich your Otway Fly experience.

The total walk takes approximately 1 hour to complete, but you can spend as much time as you like out there. The Otway Fly provides visitors of all ages and levels of mobility a unique and challenging experience at all times of the year.

The Walk

The walk is a total of 1.2 miles round trip and takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. It’s a gradual 546 yards (500m) walk downhill from the Visitor Centre.

The Treetop Walk is 656 yards (600m) long and 33 yards (30m) off the forest floor. At the pinnacle of the walkway, the spiral tower, you will be 52 yards (47m) above the forest floor.

Then it’s a 656 yards (600m) walk back up to the Visitor Centre. The walk also features a Prehistoric Path for the kids.

Operates

Daily, except December 25.

Need to Know

– Wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes
– Visitors Centre available.
– Souvenir shop, licensed café, indoor and outdoor dining available.
– Shuttle service is available, operating every hour.
– Operates in most weather conditions – rain, hail or shine. Closes in severe weather conditions such as lightning storms, extremely high winds and government declared catastrophic bushfire weather warning days.

Times

Open from 9am – 5pm, with last admissions at 4pm.

Inclusions

– Gentle grade Treetop Walk and multi-level canopy experience.
– Bird’s eye view of native plants and wildlife.
– Self-guided interpretive trail.

The Otway Fly Zip Line Tour is the only Zip Line Tour for Victoria, Australia!

The Otway Fly Zip Line Tour is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place in the magnificent Otways rainforest.

The first of its kind in Victoria, the Zip Line tour involves traversing from one platform to another connected by tree platforms called ‘cloud stations’, and attached to a steel cable suspended up to 32 yards (30m) above the forest floor.

This exciting adventure lasts 3.5 hours and will have you flying on a series of cable spans from cloud station to cloud station. The Zip Line Tour is classified as a “medium” adrenalin activity.

Visitors will see the trees and forest ecology in a new light and learn about the growing and vibrant forests.

When you come back to ground you can continue on to enjoy the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, or you can do the Treetop Walk prior to the Zip Line Tour.

The Zip Line Tour is guided by trained and experienced guides who will provide you with insight into the forest’s history and its features.

Operates

Daily, except December 25.

Need to Know

– Must be at least 5 years of age and a minimum of 49 inches tall.
– Maximum weight of 257 allowed on Zip Line tour.
– All children under 13 years need to be accompanied by an adult.
– Wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes
– Please note the Treetop Walk closes at 4pm. Allow at least 1.5 hours to complete the walk before a 2:30pm or 3pm Zip Line tour.
– Souvenir shop, licensed café, indoor and outdoor dining available.
– Shuttle service is available, operating every hour.
– Operates in most weather conditions – rain, hail or shine. Closes in severe weather conditions such as lightning storms, extremely high winds and government declared catastrophic bushfire weather warning days.

Times

Open from 9am – 5pm, with last admissions at 4pm. Zip Line tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Inclusions

– Zip Line tour
– Gentle grade Treetop Walk and multi-level canopy experience.
– Bird’s eye view of native plants and wildlife.
– Self-guided interpretive trail.

Enjoy the Great Ocean Road and take some time to learn how to surf the waves at Anglesea Beach!

All levels of swimmers and beginner surfers can enjoy the Anglesea Surf Beach. In fact, it is one of the best places to learn to surf along the Great Ocean Road. This 2-hour surf lesson is the perfect way to become one with the water.

From towering cliffs and sprawling white beaches to abundant flora, native wildlife and coastal walking trails, Anglesea is a celebration of life by the water. Located just ten minutes west of Torquay on the Great Ocean Road, this quaint beach town is the perfect spot for surfing.

Operates
Daily at 8:00am and 10:00am for a 2-hour lesson
Does not Operate Christmas or New Year’s Day

Includes
– 2 hr surf lesson
– Surf safety information
– All the necessary learn to surf equipment, including soft beginner board, leg-rope, full length wetsuits
– Surf instruction to suit your skill level

Need to Know
Children 7 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult who is NOT participating in a lesson. Please bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a towel.

Upgrades
Multi-lesson courses are available.

Take time on your Australia self-drive or day tour to experience Victoria’s Great Ocean Road from a helicopter!

Experience panoramic views of Victoria’s amazing coastline. Fly over the spectacular Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, then see the charming town of Port Campbell from above.

Travel further along the majestic coast to London Bridge, which collapsed in 1990 leaving two people stranded on the newly formed island. Other incredible features you’ll see along the way include The Sentinel, Two Mile Bay and Point Hesse.

Operates

Daily, weather permitting.

Need to Know

– Minimum of two passengers required.
– Maximum of 7 passengers allowed.
– Groups of four or five passengers who would like to fly together will need to share a flight with other customers if available or split into two groups no greater than three.
– Passengers must weigh less than 300lbs each.
– Total passenger weight combined must be less than 660lbs.

Times

Flights depart throughout the day on demand and last 15 minutes.

Inclusions

– 15-minute flight.
– Views of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, The Sentinel, The Arch and London Bridge.

Upgrades

This amazing 15-minute helicopter ride can be upgraded at an additional cost to include any of the following:

1. Flying beyond the London Bridge you will continue on to the Bay of Islands. These smaller versions of the Twelve Apostles seem to float in the ocean. (25 min)

2. Add on the entire Shipwreck Coast with this ultimate helicopter ride. Making your way down to Cape Otway, the southern-most point of Western Victoria. You will learn about Castle Cove and Wreck Beach. See the 150 year old lighthouse, built solely to prevent any further shipwrecks along the coast. (50 min)

Enjoy 1 night of your self drive along the Great Ocean Road with the ultimate contemporary accommodation.

Port Campbell is your destination, perfectly located just minutes from the Twelve Apostles, the majestic icons of Victoria, Australia. Enjoy the convenience of being just a short walk from the town center and beach! The spectacular scenery, shipwreck coast and overall breathtaking environment will make your Great Ocean Road self-drive vacation truly unforgettable. This is a good opportunity to rest and relax or hop on some day tours and scenic adventures.

Nearby Famous Attractions: the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, The Bay of Islands, Port Campbell National Park

One hour west of Port Campbell lies Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Victoria, Australia’s first National Park (1852). This is truly a magnificent sight to see.

This is an ancient volcano full of geological fascination and abundant wildlife. Here you will discover the vast amount of Kangaroos, Emus, Koalas and Echidnas. Learn of the Aboriginal history, experience bush food and medicine. You also can learn of the ash layers that show Aboriginal people existed at the time of eruption, 32,000 years ago, with its last eruption being over 7,000 years ago.

Open Daily from 10am – 4pm.

Today continue on your self-drive adventure from Port Campbell and ending in Halls Gap, home of the Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia.

Today you will begin your self drive and head west towards Warrnambool. Along the way you will drive by the Bay of Islands, similar to the Twelve Apostles, and a great photo opportunity. If you’re travelling between the months of June and September, stop off at Logans Beach viewing platform for some Right Whale watching. You may want to stop at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, which offers you a peek into the past of the maritime lifestyles and trades of the 1870’s. Just outside of Warrnambool you will go through Tower Hill, home of the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. This is an ancient dormant volcano which is now home to an abundant array of flora and fauna. If you climb the summit of the volcano, you are offered uninterrupted views of the coastline to Port Fairy.

You might want to stop in Port Fairy for lunch. It is said to be one of the prettiest villages in the region. From Port Fairy you can head North toward Hamilton. If you have time to stop over at the Hamilton Art Gallery, you won’t be disappointed. It is home to a spectacular collection of Australian and European artworks.

Conclude today’s drive in the Grampians National Park, Halls Gap. Discover grand and rugged mountain ranges, spectacular wildflower displays, a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, and a wealth of Aboriginal rock art sites here at Grampian National Park.

The Grampians are a series of five jagged sandstone ridges running from north to south with steep and craggy slopes on the eastern side and gentler slopes on the west. Come between August and October to see the colourful spring wildflower displays in the park, with heathlands enlivened with striking shows of Grampians Boronia, Blue Pin-cushion Lily, and a multitude of other herbs and shrubs. The park is also home to a profusion of native animals and birds. You can find kangaroos, koalas, emus, wedge-tailed eagles and more.

Be inspired by the fresh air to get active in the park. Go bushwalking and rock climbing, or fishing and canoeing. Set out on one of the numerous walking tracks for a casual stroll or an overnight trek.

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Whilst on your self-drive through Victoria, Australia you will spend 1 night in Halls Gap.

The Grampians National Park in Halls Gap is your playground. You will be surrounded by 400 million year old mountain ranges and the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art in Southern Australia. Marvel at these spectacular sights and natural landmarks in Victoria, Australia. In addition to being surrounded by abundant wildlife and native fauna, the local shopping galleries and attractions are just a short walk away. Indulge yourself in the contemporary cuisine at the onsite restaurant. You can choose from many local wines on the menu, hand selected from numerous wineries in the Victoria region before continuing on your self drive.

Also onsite: Swimming Pool, Breakfast Buffet Lounge and Wireless Internet Access.

Your Australia self-drive is not complete without a trip to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap. The Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung Aboriginal communities of South-Western Victoria will truly come to life as you learn of their history and culture.

Be sure to join in on some of the activities and tours offered at the centre. The Bunjil Creation Tour takes you on an educational journey of the local Dreamtime creation story. You will view the ancient rock art at the resting place of the Creator Spirit Bunjil, his two helpers the Bram-Bram-Bult brothers, and learn about the spiritual significance of the area (3hrs).

Take the opportunity to experience Six Seasons Tour, where you will be given the chance to immerse yourself in the Aboriginal culture AND spectacular environment of the Grampians National Park. You will venture out and explore a variety of ancient rock art and view the Park from the most scenic vantage points (5½hrs, pre-booking required). You may also choose from a range of exciting cultural activities offered at the centre. Learn how to throw a Boomerang, discover the Didgeridoo and its hypnotic tones, stroll through the gardens on a Bushfoods Discovery Walk or join the Badeema Djilga Creations activity and create a unique momento of your self drive trip using Aboriginal art as your inspiration (choose from message stones, boomerangs or canvas). All this and more awaits you at The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, Victoria, Australia.

Open Daily from 9am-5pm; Free Entry; a 5 minute drive from your accommodation.

Don’t miss these Top 10 Must Do Experiences in the Grampians National Park (Victoria, Australia):

1. Wildlife: Halls Gap is just one of the places you are virtually guaranteed to see kangaroos and emus freely roaming. Best time is early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to have your camera ready!

2. Art Gallery: The Hamilton Art Gallery, located in the quaint town of Hamilton, is home to a diverse collection of Australian and European artworks. Also known for its works in silver, porcelain and glass. If you have the time to stop in, you won’t be disappointed.

3. Great Heights: Get your hiking boots out and get ready for Chataqua Peak or the more challenging Boronia Peak walks. These walks will offer breathtaking views of Grampians National Park.

4. Educational: Your Australia self-drive is not complete without a trip to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap. The Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung Aboriginal communities of South-Western Victoria will truly come to life as you learn of their history and culture.

5. Year Round: Kayaking and Bushwalking are just a few of the things you can enjoy while exploring the lakes, rivers and waterfalls of the park. Wonderful photography opportunity.

6. Geopark: The Kanawinka Global Geopark offers a chance to take in the amazing landscapes and travel back in time over thousands of years. See how the Aboriginal people made use of the land when they lived here. Located near Hamilton.

7. Flora: If your self-drive in Victoria takes place between August and mid November, you are in for a real treat! Spring is when the wildflowers frame the waterfalls and walking trails. The wildflowers make for an unforgettable sight.

8. Adventurous: If you are a thrill seeker, try your hand at rock climbing, abseiling, quad bike safaris, horse trail rides and bush walking.

9. Wine: See the town of Great Western and visit the underground cellars housing thousands of bottles of sparkling wine. Or choose from the many above ground wineries.

10. History: The Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre is located in Ararat, and details the start of this gold-mining town. Ararat is the only town established by the Chinese.

Continuing to on your last portion of the Victoria drive, you will be traveling between Halls Gap and Melbourne. This is your opportunity to stop over at Ballarat Goldfields or some of its surrounding areas. You will gain the chance to experience a historic gold rush town.

From Halls Gap you will drive east towards Ballarat. Be sure to stop in this amazing historic town,home to many attractions including Sovereign Hill, deluxe spas, the fascinating Gold Museum and so much more!

Here are some ideas of things to do along your self-drive through Victoria, Australia:

1. Visit Sovereign Hill, an outdoor living museum located in Ballarat, Victoria. Travel back in time and experience life as it was during the 1850’s gold rush! This is a remarkable replica of this historic town. Dress up in the 19th century fashions and visit the old mining village.
2. When you stop in at Sovereign Hill be sure to stay for the Blood on the Southern Cross, a spectacular sound and light show retelling the story of the Eureka Uprising.
3. Experience the history of Australian art at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Enjoy the extensive permanent collection of colonial, impressionist and contemporary masterpieces. Keep an eye out for the original Eureka Flag and learn about its importance with your free iPod tour guide.
4. Meet native animals and come in close contact free-roaming Kangaroos at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. This is the perfect opportunity for a Koala or Wombat photo.
5. Ballarat Botanical Gardens is one of Australia’s oldest and finest gardens. Stroll through the statuary pavilion, which features Benzoni’s beautiful Flight from Pompeii among other treasures. 6. While you’re at the Boanical Gardens, be sure to explore the Prime Minister’s Avenue – a remarkable collection of bronze portraits of all 25 Australian Prime Ministers.
7. Take a stroll around the town to check out the magnificent buildings and architecture. These are a result of the extreme wealth generated by the gold rush.
8. Ballarat’s fascinating Gold Museum boasts one of Australia’s finest collections of gold coins and gold nuggets. Here you will learn of the tales and legends of the gold rush years.
9. If rest and relaxation is what you are looking for, venture off the beaten track to Daylesford or Hepburn Springs, known as the Spa Capital of Australia. Also a renowned location for food lovers and luxury seekers.
10. Wineries are abundant in Victoria, Australia. Travel to Avoca at the base of the Pyrenees, or along your way to Melbourne stop by the wineries around Bacchus Marsh. You won’t be disappointed.

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Australia’s foremost outdoor museum, Sovereign Hill re-creates Ballarat’s first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851 when thousands of international adventurers rushed to the Australian goldfields in search of fortune.

By day, Sovereign Hill is where Australia’s history comes to life! It’s just like stepping back in time – from the hustle and bustle of Main Street where costumed ladies and gents parade their new-found wealth, to the excitement of the Red Hill Gully Diggings where you can pan for real gold and it’s yours to keep!

At Sovereign Hill, you can see a spectacular $100,000 gold pour, venture underground on a fully-guided gold mine tour or catch a horse-drawn coach and tour the town. Go shopping 1850s-style and visit hotels, schools and a theatre with goldfields entertainers. See steam-driven machinery in action and chat with our wheelwrights, candlemakers and confectioners as they ply their trades.On our streets and in our theatre, you will be entertained by costumed goldfields characters who are happy to pose for a great photo.

By night, Sovereign Hill presents its spectacular, multi-million dollar sound- and-light show, ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’, the dramatic story of the 1854 Eureka Uprising. Sovereign Hill’s commitment to authenticity and value-for-money family entertainment saw us judged as Australia’s Best Historic and Cultural Experience 2009 by Travelling in Australia Magazine.

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas Day.
During daylight saving, Sovereign Hill is open until 5.30 pm.

Come enjoy Victoria’s number 1 interactive wildlife conservation experience, the Ballarat Wildlife Park.

This award winning Park is owned and operated by Greg Parker and his family. Founded in 1985 through a passion for conservation of wildlife and the environment, the Parker family have long realised the value of allowing people and animals to come together in a relaxing, friendly and educational environment. The selection of animals is truly unique and features animals that can only be described as natural wonders of the world!

Enjoy close contact with Australian native animals. Feed the free-roaming kangaroos. Free guided tour daily at 11am. Animal shows on weekends include Snakes, Koalas, Wombats, Crocodiles and Alligators, Tasmanian Devils and Spotted Tail Quolls. This is the perfect place to get a Koala or Wombat photo.

Open 9am – 5:30pm every day except Christmas Day.

Remember, this road trip is fully customizable. Combine it with other destinations, add accommodation, sigthseeing tours and flights (international &/or domestic).

Just let us know what you want and our Travel Experts will design your complete itinerary with a ‘no-obligation’ quote.