Great Ocean Road and Grampians Escape

Welcome to Melbourne, a city that thrives on creativity, diversity, and an undeniable energy. Stroll through its laneways, where vibrant street art and tucked-away cafes create a buzzing atmosphere, or step into historic arcades like the Block Arcade, offering boutique shopping with a touch of old-world charm. The city’s dining scene is legendary, from multicultural precincts like Lygon Street to the bustling Queen Victoria Market, where fresh produce and artisan treats tempt every palate. Outdoors, Melbourne provides riverside walks along the Yarra, the tranquillity of the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the beachside vibe of St Kilda. 

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 modern and Indigenous Australian 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!

Indulge in an evening aboard the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise, with Melbourne River Cruises. This elegant experience offers a unique perspective of Melbourne's glittering cityscape as you dine on a meticulously crafted multi-course menu featuring fresh, local produce. Glide along the tranquil waters of the Yarra River, passing iconic landmarks like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Arts Centre, all beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Live entertainment provides the perfect soundtrack to your journey, creating a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere. The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise promises an evening of culinary delights, stunning views, and an unparalleled ambience. Relax, unwind, and create lasting memories as Melbourne unfolds before you.

Head to the Melbourne CBD depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

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 on 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.

In the heart of Melbourne City Centre get up close to a wide range of native Australian and international wildlife, home to over 320 amazing species! Spend the day with all your favorite animals, with the chance for an up-close experience as well as listening to the knowledgeable keepers talks about all the amazing animals on the grounds! Stroll through the rainforests watching the monkeys, see eye to eye with the Lions and watch the seals and penguins in the underwater world! With plenty to see and do your day will be filled with excitement!

This tour explores two of (Naarm) Melbourne’s most characteristic and colourful inner-city neighbourhoods. You’ll weave through historic streets filled with colourful murals and backstreet graffiti before enjoying a delicious Melbourne coffee at an amazing, local social enterprise cafe. Learn about the up’s and down’s of these twin neighbourhoods and some of their most fascinating characters from an infamous criminal turned children's author, passionate football fans, the “Willy Wonka” of Australia, First Nations elders and recent migrants who have helped shape modern Australia. After exploring the evolving arts and live music culture of the area we’ll end with some refreshment and give you plenty of recommendations for places to eat, drink and shop when the tour concludes.

Begin your journey by heading south to the charming town of Torquay, renowned as Australia’s surfing capital and home to the iconic Bells Beach. From there, follow the coastal road to Anglesea and Lorne, where a short detour to Erskine Falls is highly recommended. You can park near the 30-meter cascading waterfall or enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush rainforest to stretch your legs.

The stretch of road from Lorne to Apollo Bay is often described as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, with stunning ocean views and dramatic scenery at every turn. Apollo Bay, your destination, is the gateway to some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day hikes, including the Great Ocean Walk and the enchanting Otways rainforest. While in Apollo Bay, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Ocean, stroll along the scenic coastline, or explore the rainforests, waterfalls, ferns, and sparkling streams that make this region so captivating.

Join a thrilling guided walk through the stunning landscapes of the Otways, where lush tree fern gullies, towering eucalypt woodlands, and breathtaking ocean views await. Led by an expert conservationist guide, you’ll uncover the fascinating secrets of the plants and animals that thrive in this incredible region. Each tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat, including almost guaranteed sightings of koalas. With a bit of luck, you might also spot potoroos, bandicoots, and other amazing Australian animals that call Wildlife Wonders home. Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure promises an unforgettable connection to the wonders of the natural world.

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 these 86 stairs carved into the cliff face, and 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.

From Port Fairy head north towards Penshurst and Dunkeld then onto Halls Gap in the heart of the Grampians. Famous for it's hiking trails, the Grampians is home to a plethora of native flora and fauna.
We recommend stopping in at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for the most up to date park and track information before venturing off on one of the iconic walks.

Grampians National Park is located three hours north-west of Melbourne and is renowned for it's ancient sandstone ridges, formed as a result of shifting landscapes. This incredible mountain range is a haven for gastronomic experiences as well as adventuring tourists with worlds-best hiking trails, rock climbing and opportunities to encounter Australia's native wildlife. Some choose to experience Aboriginal Culture with over 80% of Victoria's rock art sites found here in Grampians National Park, some of which are over 20,000 years old. The Grampians is a picturesque landscape with a rich history and wide range of outdoor recreational activities or relaxing pursuits.

Venus Baths Loop - 2.3km. Allow 1 hour.

Clematis Falls - 2.4km. Allow 1 hour.

Grand Canyon Loop - 900m.

The Pinnacle Lookout - 4.2km. Allow 2 hours.

Bridal Veil Falls - 2.7km. Allow 1 hour.

Experience the ultimate exploration of Halls Gap and its surrounding region with a leisurely 2km walk, offering a perfect introduction to the town's rich history and captivating landmarks. Beginning at the Halls Gap Information Centre and concluding at the Historical Society, this tour takes you on a journey through time, uncovering tales of pre and post-European settlement, local facts, and intriguing stories that bring the area's heritage to life. Traverse mostly flat paths with some uneven ground, providing a comfortable yet immersive experience for all adventurers.

The drive from Halls Gap to Ballarat offers a scenic journey through the diverse landscapes of Western Victoria, transitioning from the rugged beauty of the Grampians Ranges to the historic charm of Ballarat.
Leaving Halls Gap, you'll be surrounded by the majestic peaks and lush forests of the Grampians National Park. As you wind your way out of the park, keep an eye out for local wildlife like kangaroos and emus. The landscape gradually opens up, revealing rolling hills and farmland as you approach the town of Dunkeld. Consider a stop here to admire the views back towards the Grampians or grab a bite to eat. Continuing on, the route passes through smaller towns and rural communities, offering glimpses into the region's agricultural heartland. The scenery shifts again as you approach the historic city of Ararat, a town with its gold rush history. From Ararat, the drive to Ballarat is relatively straightforward. As you approach Ballarat, you'll notice the landscape becoming more populated, signalling your arrival in this vibrant city. Ballarat, rich in gold rush history, offers a wealth of attractions, including Sovereign Hill, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. 

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum in Golden Point, a suburb of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Sovereign Hill depicts Ballarat's first ten years after the discovery of gold there in 1851. It was officially opened on 29 November 1970 and has become a nationally acclaimed tourist attraction. It is one of Victoria's most popular attractions and Ballarat's most famous.
Set in the Australian 1850s, the complex is located on a 25-hectare site that is linked to the richest alluvial gold rush in the world. The site comprises over 60 historically recreated buildings, with costumed staff and volunteers, who are able to answer questions and will pose for photos. The recreation is completed with antiques, artwork, books and papers, machinery, livestock and animals, carriages, and devices all appropriate to the era.

This scenic drive from Ballarat to Melbourne via Daylesford is a journey through the heart of Victoria's spa country, offering a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and charming towns.  Begin your adventure in Ballarat, a city steeped in gold rush history, where a detour to Sovereign Hill will transport you back to the exciting 1850s gold rush era. As you head towards Daylesford, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and lush farmland, with a stop in the charming village of Creswick to explore its beautiful botanic gardens and historic buildings.  In Daylesford, renowned for its natural mineral springs and wellness retreats, take a break to pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, or wander through the charming shops and cafes lining Vincent Street.  Don't miss a leisurely stroll by the tranquil Lake Daylesford, taking in the serene beauty of this spa town.  Continuing your journey, the Macedon Ranges will captivate you with stunning scenery, including forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking views.  Stretch your legs with a bushwalk in the Macedon Regional Park or visit the iconic Hanging Rock, a unique geological formation with Aboriginal significance and stunning panoramic vistas.  As you approach Melbourne, the urban landscape gradually unfolds, culminating in the vibrant cityscape.  This drive offers a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and natural beauty, leaving you refreshed and ready to experience the dynamic city of Melbourne.

Take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne from the Melbourne Skydeck, located on the 88th floor of the iconic Eureka Tower. From this elevated vantage point, you can admire the city’s stunning skyline, the Yarra River, and a sweeping panorama of the surrounding areas. At Melbourne Skydeck, you’ll discover interactive displays that offer fascinating insights into the city’s history, landmarks, and modern developments. This experience offers a unique and memorable way to see Melbourne from above. It’s the perfect spot for incredible photos and to take in the full scale and beauty of the city. With 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 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.

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 consultant about planning your next stop!