Melbourne YA R R A VA L L E Y & D A N D E N O N G R A N G E S P H I L L I P I S L A N D M O R N I N G T O N P E N I N S U L A G E E L O N G & T H E B E L L A R I N E L I NK I NG FOUR EXTRAORD I NARY REG IONS F A M I L Y F U N Full-on fun together 5 Day Itinerary Family holidays don’t get any better than this! Adventures, Australian wildlife, fantastic beaches and aquatic activities, farm life, mazes and magic in four exciting regions. You can pick your own fruit, sweeten up at a chocolate factory, have lunch at fun cafés. Lots of holiday parks and spacious family apartments for your overnight stays too. FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES Rediscover your inner child when you take your family on this fantastic five-day self-drive tour. You can choose your route – drive from Melbourne to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, across Port Phillip Bay by ferry to the Mornington Peninsula, then drive to Phillip Island and the Yarra Valley. Or you can head for the Yarra Valley, and do the whole circuit in reverse. This touring route is so compact with so many attractions – it’s perfect for families because the kids will never have time to say ‘Are we there yet?’ You’ll find places to visit and explore within about 30 minutes of each other all along the route. And best of all, you don’t need to come back to the city each night because there’s a huge choice of accommodation along the way. You can arrange your itinerary to take in all your kids’ interests and even sneak in a little education as you travel… Australian history, wildlife in sanctuaries and natural habitats, national parks, water sports including snorkelling with seals, diving with dolphins or sea kayaking. And land adventures from tree surfing to an aerial gondola, an historic steam train to bike hire in a national park. Every night there’s a different accommodation option… self-contained cottages, family villas, beach-side holiday parks, glamping and more.
PASSENGER FERRY VEHICLE FERRY PASSENGER FERRY Melbourne Werribee YOU YANGS Barwon Heads Portarlington Queenscliff Curlewis Sorrento Cowes Mornington Pearcedale Shoreham Rosebud Marysville Kinglake AVALON AIRPORT MELBOURNE AIRPORT Yarra Junction FRENCH ISLAND Arthurs Seat Belgrave Tynong Silvan Yarra Glen Newhaven Little River Charlemont Wallington Red Hill Monomeith Gembrook Warburton Healesville Wandin CAPE SCHANCK PENGUIN PARADE PHILLIP ISLAND BELLARINE PENINSULA DANDENONG RANGES GEELONG YARRA VALLEY MORNINGTON PENINSULA CHOOSE YOUR OWN THEMES You can easily make Australian history and wildlife front and centre of your travels. There’s a 100-year-old vintage steam rain and a working farm of the same era, wildlife sanctuaries where you can watch a platypus and handfeed wallabies, a koala reserve and Phillip Island’s famous penguin parade each night. Indeed, Geelong was once the centre of a huge wool boom, and a museum in a restored 1872 bluestone wool store tells many intriguing stories. Along the waterfront, the famous Bollard trail comprises 104 intricately carved bollards which depict key characters who’ve shaped Geelong throughout history. The vintage carousel nearby was constructed circa 1892 and is one of only 200 in operation globally. DIAL UP THE ADVENTURE When there’s energy to burn, the Mornington Peninsula’s tree adventures with flying foxes, tight ropes and tunnels are set to go. Out in the ocean from the Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine, sea creatures intrigue and entertain. Diving or kayaking with dolphins, snorkelling with curious weedy sea dragons, swimming with seals, or just enjoying the sea spray and fresh air from a comfortable boat while the kids get right in amongst it. Fun is the name of the family game too, and there’s plenty of it. Tractor rides on a tulip farm in the Yarra Valley, whip cracking on an historic farm, getting lost in mazes on the Mornington Peninsula, interactive attractions and a world of illusions on Phillip Island. Feeling hungry? Make your own chocolate masterpiece on Phillip Island, take a fruit tasting tractor tour through an orchard, in Yarra Valley and pick your own cherries in summer. And there’s a huge range of cafés, wineries, breweries and restaurants, including family-friendly bistros, BBQs and stone-cooked pizzas. 1 2 3 4 1. Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguins Plus, Phillip Island 2. Puffing Billy Steam Railway, Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges 3. Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm, Mornington Peninsula 4. Point Lonsdale Rockpools and Lighthouse, Geelong & The Bellarine It is so easy to design your own journey linking the four extraordinary regions Beyond Melbourne. 1 Decide the order in which you wish to link each region. 2 Select EACH attraction and accommodation you wish to experience in your rst regional destination, adding them to Trip Planner as you go. Then move on to add options from your second regional destination and so on. 3 Note you can add up to 23 options (MAX) in total. 4 Once you have selected all the places you want to visit Beyond Melbourne, click on the TRIP PLANNER button at the top of your screen. 5 Once you are happy with the order of your choices, click on DOWNLOAD TRIP PLAN to see your entire journey both pictorially and mapped out with times and distances between attractions. DESIGN YOUR JOURNEY WITH TRIP PLANNER
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Puffing Billy Steam Railway – Share the sense of wonder of steam train travel with the whole family aboard! Puffing Billy is a thrilling experience. Board the 100-year old heritage steam train and journey through winding forests and fern gullies, across historic timber bridges to Gembrook, the perfect family picnic spot. puffingbilly.com.au Healesville Sanctuary – Explore a bushland haven for Australian wildlife. Wander tranquil tracks to meet iconic Australian animals. Don’t miss the Spirits of the Sky show, Tales from Platypus Creek (world-first interactive show) or meeting vets and nurses who care for more than 1,500 native animals each year. zoo.org.au/healesville Tesselaar Tulip Festival – Tesselaar hosts the famous Sep/Oct tulip festival as well as the Mar/April KaBloom festival, both family favourites. Enjoy live entertainment, tractor rides, treasure hunts, sculpture exhibits plus food and wine. Be immersed in Dutch culture with clog dancing performances and workshops, staff in traditional Dutch costumes. tulipfestival.com.au Rayner’s Orchard – This boutique orchard grows 450 varieties of fruit and has fruit all year round! Take a fruit tasting tractor tour through the orchard and enjoy the best tree ripened fruit varieties depending on the season. U-Pick available on Fruit Tasting Tours. Have lunch in the Peach Café, explore the retail shop and extensive fruiting plant Nursery. raynersorchard.com.au Cherryhill Orchards – Cherryhill Orchards is a third generation family orchard with a passion for growing the world’s greatest cherries. It is open every day through cherry season (Nov-Jan) for pick-your-own cherry adventures. After, get into gourmet cherry delights in the farm shop. Cherry ice-cream anyone? cherryhill.com.au Paradise Valley Hotel – A true local hero. Convivial hotel with the best regional beers on tap, award-winning bistro, leafy beer garden close to Puffing Billy’s railway. Local produce and sustainability are key. paradisevalleyhotel.com Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park – Maximum fun! Wildlife, swimming, bike track, jumping cushions, playgrounds. Stay in a meticulously restored 1930s Melbourne tram (sleeps 8). parklaneholidayparks.com.au/yarravalley Olinda Tea House – A gorgeous spot for lunch, high tea, or dinner in the heart of the lush Dandenong Ranges. Friendly alpacas, wildlife and peaceful gardens are an absolute delight. olindateahouse.com.au Yering Gorge Cottages – Cottages perfect for family getaways of all sizes. Beautifully appointed, guests enjoy selfcontained facilities and a private deck – perfect for a favourite pastime – kangaroo counting! yeringcottages.com.au Rochford Wines – This extensive winery features a large light-filled restaurant with spectacular views. The outdoor terrace offers a shaded and relaxed space for more casual dining. rochfordwines.com.au Yarra Valley Dairy – Kids love the 130-year-old restored milking shed and delicious cheese tastings. Lots of history, award-winning fresh soft cheeses, platters available, local wines, gift store. yvd.com.au Yarra Gables in Healesville is a 4 star property nestled in 3 acres of pictureperfect gardens. Offers a variety of room types plus three delightful self-contained cottages and family suites. yarragables.com.au The Sebel Ringwood – Bespoke rooms, and 1-bedroom apartments that sleep 4. Have a family dinner in the restaurant, or let the kids order from the 24-hour room service menu. the-sebel-melbourne-ringwood YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES © Dean Gifford Warburton Adventures – Come and unearth your wild in Warburton! Familyfriendly outdoor experiences. Qualified school educators take you river tubing, on a river sled adventure or a family mountain bike ride. Book food foraging and Wurundjeri cultural practices too. warburtonadventure.com.au
PHI LL IP ISLAND MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Maru Koala and Animal Park Get in touch with wildlife at Maru! Learn about wildlife rescue, let the kids pat and feed kangaroos and wallabies. Koala, dingo and snake experiences. See wombats, Tasmanian devils, reptiles and birds. Book a fully guided Park Keeper tour or play 18 holes of Pirate Pete’s Mini-golf. marukoalapark.com.au Phillip Island Nature Parks – Churchill Island – is a tiny gem off Phillip Island. A 19th century working farm, it’s magnificently preserved with heritage equipment, farm animals, beautiful gardens and historic buildings. Get involved in the daily farm activities of blacksmithing, milking, sheep shearing, whip cracking and working dog demonstration. penguins.org.au A Maze ‘N Things – offers hands-on family sharing activities including illusions, puzzles, mini-golf, giant 3D maze, amazing interactive magic displays, mysterious caves and SkyTrail, a thrilling high ropes course. This exciting world of optical illusions, mazes, puzzles and magic will astound, intrigue and confuse for hours. amazenthings.com.au Wildlife Coast Cruises The waters surrounding Phillip Island teem with wildlife. Immerse yourself in all-season fun. Year-round tours showcase Australia’s largest wild fur seal colonies at Seal Rocks. For even more wildlife magic, book ahead for summer twilight cruises and winter whalewatching cruises. wildlifecoastcruises.com.au Phillip Island Nature Parks Koala Reserve – See koalas in their natural environment, explore the tree top boardwalks. Wander extensive trails through the natural Australian bushland and enjoy the abundant birdlife. The woodland is home to many animals including wallabies, echidnas and bats. penguins.org.au Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade – As dusk falls, witness these endearing little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle to their burrows. The Penguins Plus experience offers upclose viewing and a private boardwalk, while the Underground viewing area offers world-first eye level viewing. Ranger Guided tours offer an exclusive, experience. penguins.org.au Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar – features the region’s best: local beef, wines, beers and top local produce. And the best views of Cowes’ foreshore, Western Port, French Island and the Mornington Peninsula. beachhq.com.au Anchor Belle Holiday Park – is set in bushland just 100 metres from the beach. Book a deluxe self-contained cabin or three bedroom villa and set the kids loose on the giant jumping cushion and playground. anchorbelle.com.au Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Observe the chocolate factory in action! See the entire production facility in full view with Panny’s team creating chocolates non-stop. phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park Motel rooms, cabins, new family safari tents. A Maze‘N Things right next door, Koala Conservation Reserve over the road. Pool, playground, onsite restaurant and brewery. parklaneholidayparks.com.au Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is a great family-friendly lunch spot too! Enjoy café-style meals at Champions Café amidst world-class motorsport history and thrilling activities like Go Karting. phillipislandgokarts.com.au Phillip Island Winery – offers expansive lawns, cellar door, rural views and glimpses of the glittering seas of Bass Strait. Quality local produce, grazing boards, native meats. phillipislandwinery.com.au Phillip Island Apartments – Vibrant Cowes township location. Spacious 1, 2, 3 bedroom apartments – fully equipped kitchen, open lounge and dining area, private balcony or patio. Swimming pool, BBQ. stayonphillipisland.com.au Ramada Resort – Family central! 65 acres of bushland, bike and walking tracks. Wildlife, surfing, swimming nearby, 10 minutes to Penguin Parade. Onsite restaurant, family eco-cabins with full kitchens. ramadaphillipisland.com.au
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES MORNINGTON PENINSULA Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Explore the diversity and wonder of Australian landscapes. Book a ride on the electric, open-air Explorer bus around the Australian Garden and hear stories of the landscape. Then visit the BoonWurrung Café for something sweet or savoury with views over the Garden. rbg.vic.gov.au Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm Discover the biggest, sweetest, most delicious strawberries. Take to the fields and pick-your-own (Nov-Apr) or head to the café for choc dipped strawberries and strawberry ice-cream. Buy seasonal fresh produce or peruse the retail shop for tempting local gourmet products and a variety of strawberry themed gifts. rockycreek.com.au Arthurs Seat Eagles Board a state-of-the-art gondola at the Arthurs Seat Eagle and fly over the state forest to the highest point of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula where the views will take your breath away. Wander walking trails in Arthurs Seat State park spotting wildlife then relax in the family-friendly café at the summit. aseagle.com.au Moonraker Dolphin Swims Snorkel with dolphins, swim alongside fur seals, explore underwater marine parks and join the search for weedy sea dragons. Suited to all ages and experience levels providing the chance to view some of Australia’s marine animals in their wild natural habitat. Sightseeing option also available. moonrakercharters.com.au The Enchanted Adventure Garden Explore a wonderland of hedge mazes, artistic garden design and adventure activities. Nestled over 22 acres in the beautiful hinterland of Arthurs Seat, this adventure garden offers seven mazes, bushland obstacles, a Canopy Walk, Tube Slides and adventure activities such as Tree Surfing for nippers and Sky Scramble. enchantedadventure.com.au Moonlit Sanctuary A brilliant spot to hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus, and get up close to koalas. The sanctuary is awesome by day but comes alive by night when the wildlife is ready to play. Take a lanternlit tour to glimpse night birds, gliders swooping, endangered quolls foraging and more. moonlitsanctuary.com.au Green Olive at Red Hill – An exciting small farm experience. Let the kids loose on the trampoline, take a sustainable farm tour, see sheep and hens, enjoy lunch from farm and other local produce. greenolive.com.au Iluka Group Retreat & Glamping Village – Offers a range of kid-friendly accommodation options. Let the kids choose from group lodge accommodation or family glamping at Iluka Retreat. ilukaretreat.com.au Red Gum BBQ – is a little slice of South Georgia set up for families and socialising with craft beers on tap, indoor and outdoor dining, children’s play area, and seriously mouthwatering BBQ. redgumbbq.com.au Carmel at Sorrento – Six huge 3-bedroom apartments – or spoil the family with the penthouse! Close to main street shops, cafés, the ocean and bay beaches and Searoad ferries. carmelatsorrento.com.au St Andrews Beach Brewery – Enjoy a variety of craft beers and a bite to eat in the former stable of group one winning horses. The delicious menu offers a variety of small plates, salads, pizzas and burgers. standrewsbeachbrewery.com.au T’Gallant – Rambling, rustic piazza overlooking vineyards – the perfect place for family lunch. Share fabulous woodfired pizzas, choose from the cellar door’s wine styles including Pinot Gris and Grigio. tgallantvineyard.com.au Links Lodge at The Dunes – Luxury accommodation, close to beaches, hot springs. Golf for juniors, beginners, expert players. 18-hole championship course; 9-hole course for learners. thedunes.com.au Peppers Moonah Links – Overlooks championship golf greens, vineyards and farmland. Treat the whole family to a resort stay in a deluxe suite with stunning views of the 18th fairway. moonahlinks.com.au
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES GEELONG & THE BELLARINE You Yangs Precinct The granite peaks of the You Yangs dominate the skyline north of Geelong. This magnificent Regional Park is home to koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. Bushwalk or hike to the top of Flinders Peak (340m), visit Serendip Sanctuary’s wetlands with 150 species of birds, plus other native wildlife. parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks Sea All Dolphin Swims Specialises in awesome outdoor experiences ideal for the whole family. Snorkel, swim or sightsee with wild seals and dolphins or catch a wave at one of the best beaches in Victoria. Ride the boom-net hammock, jump from the boat’s roof, enjoy a duck spa! All equipment provided. dolphinswims.com.au The Carousel This recently restored work of art is fully operational and fun for the whole family. Constructed circa 1892 and is one of only 200 in operation around the world. Enjoy views of the dazzling waterfront while being serenaded by an original Band Organ. geelongaustralia.com.au/carousel/ National Wool Museum Housed in a beautifully restored 1872 bluestone wool store on the Geelong waterfront. The Museum showcases the Geelong region’s wool story from the sheep’s back to the clothes rack. Learn about wool, fibre and textiles. Enjoy contemporary exhibitions and special events, including sheep shearing days. nwm.vic.gov.au Baywalk Bollard Trail Bring history to life! Download the new Activate Geelong App to interact with some bollard sites so they move, make noise and you can pose in the augmented reality versions. Get to know more than 100 sculptures depicting key characters who’ve shaped Geelong throughout history. geelongaustralia.com.au/bollards Geelong Sports Museum at GMHBA Stadium – Let the kids loose in the ultimate sports venues! GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park and Geelong Sports Museum show the region’s leisure history with 80 artefacts and 30 sports represented. Exhibitions, films, interactive fun, café, restaurant. geelongsportsmuseum.vic.gov.au Jack Rabbit Vineyard A restaurant, vineyard and cellar door boasting unrivalled panoramic views. Devour a menu that’s a gastronomic showpiece for the Bellarine Peninsula. jackrabbitvineyard.com.au BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff offers luxury villas set amongst native gardens. Chill out just 500 metres from the beach, dip in the indoor pool and let the kids explore the family-friendly resort. ingeniaholidays.com.au Little Malop Street Precinct – merges a flourishing arts and cultural precinct with a lively zone packed full of eateries. It is emerging as Geelong’s coolest spot to eat, drink and enjoy the good things about a city. visitgeelongbellarine.com.au Rydges Geelong – Perfect for families – just a few minutes’ walk from actionpacked Eastern Beach foreshore. Stylish, affordable rooms. Explore the waterfront, museums and galleries. rydges.com/geelong Queenscliff Harbour Take a walk along the boardwalk and you will discover a number of foodie options that can be enjoyed alongside the amazing water views. visitgeelongbellarine.com.au TARRA Queenscliff – Nestled beachside with uninterrupted coastal views. This new restaurant at the Searoad ferries’ terminal features locally sourced cuisine reflecting the ocean, land and seasons. tarra.com.au R Hotel Geelong – is an ideal central base for families. Located in the heart of Geelong, just minutes from the lively foreshore of Eastern Beach. A blend of hotel rooms and apartments. rhotelgeelong.com.au Novotel Geelong – in the heart of Geelong’s impressive waterfront, close to family attractions, shopping, and surf beaches. Rooms with private balconies and restaurant overlooking the bay. www.novotelgeelong.com.au
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