Begin your journey in Melbourne, uncover the hidden gems with local guides, and see the best of Victoria's capital. After that, leave the hustle and bustle for the serene landscapes of Mornington Peninsula. Explore the charming seaside, and soak in the rejuvenating vibes of coastal life. Next, venture to the iconic Phillip Island, where the spectacular landscapes meet incredible wildlife encounters. Witness the enchanting Penguin Parade, as hundreds of adorable penguins waddle ashore at sunset, and be amazed by the graceful movements of seals and seabirds along the rugged coastline.
Classic driving toursMelbourne 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!
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.
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.
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 www.lunapark.com.au
The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Tourists, shoppers, office workers and families can use the City Circle Tram to travel to major attractions, shops and city events. An audio commentary provides details of city landmarks and major attractions such as the City Museum, Parliament House, Docklands, Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium and the Princess Theatre. You can spend all day, or stay one hour - this is a perfect free version of a hop on-hop off service so that you can enjoy each of Melbournes sites with the added bonus of traditional Melbourne transportation.
Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands
Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands is perfectly located within walking distance of Marvel Stadium and an array of entertainment attractions, cultural experiences, dining options, and world-class shopping along the iconic Docklands waterfront.Experience the best of Melbourne in just three hours. This “complete” experience is meant to tell the whole story of Melbourne in an economical time - from how we got to be known as the world’s coffee capital, to where the find the best street art.
Your guide will entertain you with stories of Melbourne’s humble beginnings to the Gold Rush era that changed everything. Explore Chinatown and discover Melbourne’s multicultural edge. Hear the guide brag about the Melbourne cafe scene and then deliver the goods, as they buy you a famous Melbourne coffee! Finish up like a “fair dinkum” Aussie – at a pub of course! Let your guide grab you a cold beer (or soda/cider) and take questions and give advice on other Melbourne highlights.
Become your own skipper for an epic picnic cruise through Melbourne's heart! Glide down the scenic Yarra River in a private electric boat, perfect for up to eight mates. No license needed – just grab your crew, pack a delicious spread, and set sail from Banana Alley. Cruise past iconic landmarks like the MCG and Eureka Tower, or soak in the city skyline. It's your adventure – relax under the sun or explore hidden gems along the waterfront!
Within moments of Melbourne’s cultural Arts precinct, you are cruising through Melbourne’s picturesque gardens, parkland’s and some of the city's famous sporting arenas.
Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands
Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands is perfectly located within walking distance of Marvel Stadium and an array of entertainment attractions, cultural experiences, dining options, and world-class shopping along the iconic Docklands waterfront.Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. Speak to the team to learn more!
Located on the coast just over an hour south of Melbourne, is the beautifully quaint Mornington Peninsula. Take the scenic route and stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes on the way. These miniature beachfront cabins are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay and are iconic to the region.
Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula has a wealth of things to do. Its quaint towns and stunning beaches offer everything from scuba diving to stunning gardens and of course, exceptional wine and food. Although famed for its Pinot Noir, the 50 plus wineries in the region produce over 200 different wines, why not treat yourself to a bottle for later?
Aboard the Gondola and experience the highest point overlooking Mornington Peninsula. As you ride the gondola you will glide smoothly over the forest and be greeted with stunning views of the ocean and Dromana township as you reach 314 meters above sea level and the summit of Arthurs seat. During your ride keep your eyes peeled for the kangaroos in their natural habitat and other wildlife in the area! As you reach the top there is the Eagle Cafe which offers spectacular views and serves delicious food or there are plenty of walks to explore within the Arthurs Seat State Park.
Dromana is a bayside center located on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Melbourne. It is nestled between Safety Beach and McCrae and situated at the foot of Arthur's Seat. Dromana is a popular seaside destination for locals from Melbourne and its surroundings. The main center is concentrated along the coastal boulevard of Point Nepean Road, with Arthurs Seat and its surrounding bushland providing a scenic backdrop to small cafes, restaurants, and shops. On the Port Phillip side of the main road, Dromana's foreshore consists of grassy picnic areas, shelters, walking tracks, and a small designated camping area. On the beach, you can take a picture with the iconic colorful bathing boxes or go for a swim on the 'Safety Beach'. It is a safe swimming beach in the protected cove, making it suitable for the entire family. This 2.7-kilometre-long beach is also ideal for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking due to its clear and calm water. You can grab a coffee at the local cafe or walk towards Martha Cove on a lovely boardwalk.
Your accommodation: Jackalope Hotel
Just an hour drive from Melbourne, escape from the big city life treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the Jackalope Hotel. Located on a pristine vineyard amid the Mornington Peninsula wine region, its facilities include a 30-metre infinity pool looking over the surrounding vineyard, a restaurant, cocktail bar and a cellar door. Some rooms include a deep-soak Japanese bath.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 77 kms / 48 miles : 1.1 hours
Farewell Mornington Peninsula, and set off on a journey to Phillip Island. As you travel along the Western Port Highway, you can grab a coffee in Hastings. It is a historic fishing village, where you can watch colorful birds, or cool off at nearby swimming and surf beaches. Keep following the signs towards San Remo, the gateway to Phillip Island, and enjoy the scenic drive as you pass through picturesque countryside along the way. Phillip Island offers idyllic beaches, delicious food & wine, and unique wildlife.
Wander tree-top boardwalks to watch koalas up close in their natural habitat. Take a walk through the woodlands, discover the range of trails and explore Australian bushland. You can also learn about amazing lives of koalas, and enjoy abundant colorful native birds, wallabies and echidnas.
Phillip Island is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. You will experience the magic of watching these amazing seabirds waddle home from the ocean. You will enjoy a seating viewing platform overlooking the stunning Summerland Beach or you can watch them from the boardwalks as well.
Your accommodation: Phillip Island Apartments
Phillip Island Apartments are the ideal choice for a relaxed coastal holiday at Phillip Island. They are located just 5 minutes walk to shops, and cafes and the beach is just at the end of the street. Enjoy an Australian lifestyle experience with an outdoor swimming pool, heated spa, and BBQ area.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 108 kms / 67 miles : 1.5 hours
Today's drive time is just under two hours a scenic journey following along the coastline out of Phillips Island heading towards Melbourne one of the most liveable cities on earth. Continuing along Gippsland Highway you will reach Koo Wee Rup, Australia's largest asparagus growing town, make sure to check the observation tower to see the panoramic 360 degree view of the swamp reserve. If you are up to a slight detour, Cranbourne is 20 minutes away and offers the Royal Botanic Gardens- home to 25 endangered species and native plants. Before carrying on the final stint of the drive into the bustling city of Melbourne, while you are here make sure to delve into the lively laneways filled with art, music and eateries a real foodies dream.
Spend some time exploring before returning your rental car to the city depot.
The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Tourists, shoppers, office workers and families can use the City Circle Tram to travel to major attractions, shops and city events. An audio commentary provides details of city landmarks and major attractions such as the City Museum, Parliament House, Docklands, Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium and the Princess Theatre. You can spend all day, or stay one hour - this is a perfect free version of a hop on-hop off service so that you can enjoy each of Melbournes sites with the added bonus of traditional Melbourne transportation.
Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands
Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands is perfectly located within walking distance of Marvel Stadium and an array of entertainment attractions, cultural experiences, dining options, and world-class shopping along the iconic Docklands waterfront.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 142 kms / 88 miles : 1.9 hours
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 a 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!