Itinerary

Day 1-3Melbourne.A private transfer will take you to the hotel giving you plenty of time to explore the city. Take your pick of how you’d like to pass your time here - a walking tour to uncover the famous laneways and their hidden gems, a visit to Melbourne Old Gaol to hear about the legend of Ned Kelly, a balloon trip over the Yarra Valley wine region or simply exploring the city’s bars and restaurants.

Day 4-5.GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARKNext it’s time to head out to the Grampians National Park. En route, there are plenty of interesting places to stop off: Ballarat, where gold was first discovered in 1851, or Ararat, the only Australian town to have been founded by the Chinese. Your destination is Halls Gap, at the foot of the Wonderland Range and doorway to the Grampians. Circling the town is the Wonderland Forest Park, which is one of the most popular sections of the Grampians, with its spectacular rock formations, canyons and viewpoints.

Day 6.PORT FAIRY.Leaving the grand landscapes of the Grampians behind, you’ll head along the famous Shipwreck Coast to Port Fairy, where you’ll spend a night at Oscar’s Waterfont Boutique Hotel. Port Fairy is one of the busiest fishing ports in Victoria – make the most of it by feasting on the great seafood here. We recommend heading out to Lady Julia Percy Island to try and spot some of the local seals and dolphins.

Day 7-8.GREAT OCEAN ROAD / APOLLO BAY.From Port Fairy, you’ll follow the Princes Highway to Warrnambool, overlooking the Southern Ocean. Between late May and August each year, Southern Right Whales come from the Antarctic to the area to give birth. If you’re here during this time, this miraculous event can be seen from a viewing platform on the cliff top and is definitely once-in-a-lifetime material.From here you’ll join the spectacular Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most spectacular drives and perhaps one of the world's most scenic. The road hugs the coastline for much of the route, with lots of photo opportunities along the way – follow the boardwalks to see the Loch Ard Gorge; Thunder Cave; The Arch; London Bridge; The Grotto; and the Twelve Apostles; finally stopping in the small fishing port of Apollo Bay .

Day 9-10.MORNINGTON PENINSULA .Back on the road, you’ll continue along the Great Ocean Road, through the seaside resort of Lorne, past the world-famous surf spot, Bell’s Beach and heading to Queenscliff for the 40 minute ferry ride across to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.On the Mornington Peninsula, one of our favourite corners of Victoria, you’ll stay in the beachfront Big Blue Backyard. Here you can visit the nearby koala and penguin reserves; wander the antique stores and arts markets; and take afternoon walks along the coastline. The Mornington Peninsula is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot so it’s only right to sample some of the region’s best while you’re in the area, visiting cellar doors and first class wineries. If you’re in need of some relaxation, pay a visit to Peninsula Hot Springs, the first natural hot springs and day spa centre in Victoria for a little winding down before heading back to Melbourne as your trip comes to an end

Day 11.Your self-drive holiday to Victoria ends back in Melbourne, where you’ll take your onward flight home