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 AS WILD AS YOU WANT Wildlife and adventure in Victoria can be as wild as you want – or a relaxed, laidback experience. The climate is kind, the scenery spectacular, the oceans are clean and the air so fresh. And there are so many options for getting close up to wildlife and choosing adventures. You can visit wildlife in famous sanctuaries, take a smallgroup wilderness tour or explore on your own. Maritime experts welcome you on a cruise to one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies, or you can slip off a specially equipped boat to swim with wild dolphins and seals. Wind through forests and fern gullies on a 100-year-old steam train, or go surfing over the tree tops. Take a fun hot air ballooning ride over vines and farmlands. And you’re never far from a winery, café or restaurant in the countryside or along the coast. Accommodation is just as varied, from glamping to luxury cottages with resident kangaroos and farmstays. It’s all so easy when you Go Beyond Melbourne. Just choose your route – from Melbourne to Geelong, the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, then the Yarra Valley. Or head for the Yarra Valley, and do the circuit in reverse. W I L D L I F E & A D V E N T U R E The greatest outdoors 5 Day Itinerary Victoria has some of the world’s most intriguing animals…bounding kangaroos and wallabies, koalas perched in trees, spiky echidnas, curious platypus in rivers and little penguins popping out of the sea at dusk every day. So come and have fantastic adventures on land, sea and in the air, discovering wildlife and dramatic natural wilderness areas.
PASSENGER FERRY VEHICLE FERRY PASSENGER FERRY Melbourne Werribee Portarlington Queenscliff Charlemont Sorrento Cowes Flinders Red Hill San Remo Marysville Olinda Belgrave Kinglake Yarra Glen AVALON AIRPORT YOU YANGS MELBOURNE AIRPORT Gembrook Yarra Junction Warburton Monomeith FRENCH ISLAND CAPE SCHANCK PENGUIN PARADE Arthurs Seat Mornington Little River Coldstream Pearcedale Drysdale Dixons Creek Healesville PHILLIP ISLAND MORNINGTON PENINSULA BELLARINE PENINSULA DANDENONG RANGES GEELONG YARRA VALLEY A REALLY WILD WELCOME If you’re a wildlife lover, you simply won’t believe your luck. You’re absolutely guaranteed of meeting wildlife – and feeding, patting, swimming, diving and walking with it. There are wildlife sanctuaries, reserves and tours in every region. Top experiences include the platypus discovery experience, diving with dolphins, seals and weedy sea dragons. You can walk along treetop boardwalks in a koala sanctuary, watch the little penguins at dusk on Phillip Island, take a lantern-lit night-time tour where little gliders will take nectar from your hand. Bird lovers flock to a sanctuary that’s home to 150 species of birds, a spirits of the sky bird presentation, and the chance to get right up close to rare and endangered species. HELLO ADRENALIN! Soar through the treetops on flying foxes, take a high ropes climbing challenge. Go even higher on a dawn balloon flight, floating over vineyards before a champagne breakfast. French Island is a little treasure trove of natural wilderness, just a ferry ride from the Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island. Hop into an off-road vehicle and go discovering. Jet boats and racing boats give you a thrill a minute as you explore Phillip Island’s dramatic coastlines, or cruise out to one of Australia’s largest wild fur seal colonies at Seal Rocks. In the You Yangs, north of Geelong, eco tours show you Australian wildlife in its natural habitat, or you can strike out on your own and hike to the top of Flinders Peak. There’s accommodation with an adventurous tweak too… luxury cottages surrounded by a nature reserve, glamping and hosted lakeside accommodation. 1 2 3 4 1. Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges 2. The Nobbies, Phillip Island 3. The You Yangs, Geelong & The Bellarine 4. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 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 Global Ballooning Turns hot air into incredible experiences. Take an exhilarating sunrise balloon flight and float high over Yarra Valley’s patchwork landscape of vineyards and mountains. Come back to earth for a champagne breakfast. globalballooning.com.au Puffing Billy Steam Railway Share an authentic journey on board Australia’s premier preserved steam railway – loved by generations for over 100 years! Share the sense of wonder of steam train travel with the whole family aboard! Take in the amazing scenery of the Dandenong Ranges’ winding forests and fern gullies. puffingbilly.com.au Warburton Adventure Co Warburton, a former goldmine and timber township is surrounded by rivers, creeks, mountains, and rainforests, making it an adventurer’s dream. Epic outdoor experiences. Professional guides for river sledding, river tubing, abseiling, hiking, caving, food foraging, mountain biking and Wurundjeri cultural practices. warburtonadventure.com.au Edible Forest Offers hosted ‘tour & taste’ experiences through the food forest where everything is either edible or medicinal. More than 350 types of edible or medicinal plants. Bespoke chef-led cooking classes also feature guest-picked produce from the forest. Accommodation onsite too for groups. edibleforest.co Healesville Sanctuary – Explore a bushland haven for Australian wildlife. Wander through tranquil tracks to meet iconic Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats and emus. Visit the Wildlife Health centre. Enjoy unique experiences: platypus discovery experience, spirits of the sky bird presentation and more! zoo.org.au/healesville Four Pillars Distillery – is ripe for a gin adventure. Meet Wilmer, Jude and Eileen (the shiny copper stills). Discover how to taste gin like a pro with a craft gin and tonic flight. Gin tastings and a huge range of gin cocktails are served in the bar. Their gins have won gold medals at the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. fourpillarsgin.com.au De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate The restaurant, ‘Locale’ is a popular choice for dining because of its picturesque surroundings and Italian inspired menu. debortoli.com.au Araluen Boutique Accommodation – A 4.5-star boutique luxury B&B set on four acres with stunning views. Relax on the balcony or take a sunset walk to spy some of Australia’s most iconic native wildlife. araluenlodge.com.au 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 – Luxuriously appointed self-contained cottages overlooking champion golf course. 120-acre nature reserve with resident kangaroos and array of native animals and birds. yeringcottages.com.au Paradise Valley Hotel – Dine in the cosy bistro, on the bistro deck or in the leafy beer garden with occasional glimpses of Puffing Billy chugging past. Enjoy traditional pub food with a modern twist. paradisevalleyhotel.com Rochford Wines – Take a break from adventuring for a total wine and food experience. Lunch in the restaurant or pizzeria, try a wine flight tasting with cheese or charcuterie, shop at the grocer. rochfordwines.com.au Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park – Set amongst the native Australian bush offering villas, deluxe cabins (3-BR and new studio cabins), glamping bell tents and pods. parklaneholidayparks.com.au/yarravalley Kangaroo Ridge Retreat – Pure bliss… adults only. Retro, rustic mudbrick cabins secluded in the Yarra Valley bush amid wildlife. Spa bath for two, glorious mountain views from your balcony. kangarooridge.com.au YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Naturaliste Tours Offers rare insights into French Island. Take a 15-minute ferry ride from Phillip Island (or Mornington Peninsula) and join a small guided tour of this hidden treasure of natural wilderness and wildlife. Tour the island in large off-road tour vehicles, perfect for accessing hidden spots. naturalistetours.com.au Wildlife Coast Cruises The waters surrounding Phillip Island teem with wildlife. Take an unforgettable cruise to one of Australia’s largest wild fur seal colonies at Seal Rocks, 2km from Phillip Island. See their natural environment and watch thousands of playful and inquisitive animals as the boat drifts within metres of them. wildlifecoastcruises.com.au Maru Koala and Animal Park They bound, slither, tweet and growl. Get in touch with wildlife at Maru. Learn about wildlife rescue, pat and feed kangaroos and wallabies, touch koalas, dingos and snakes. See wombats, Tasmanian Devils, reptiles and birds. Take a fully guided Park Keeper tour. marukoalapark.com.au Phillip Island Nature Parks Koala Reserve – Spot koalas from treetop boardwalks in a remnant woodlands, watch for wallabies, echidnas and rainbow-coloured birds. Walk along the treetop boardwalks and look out for the youngest resident koala born at the Koala Reserve. penguins.org.au Ocean Adventures Aquatic adventures any way you like them! Explore the coastline on a jetboat or racing boat. See fur seals, rays, dolphins and maybe whales. Tours take in pristine Bergens beach and Cape Woolamai’s iconic granite sea caves and cliffs – only accessible by boat! oceanadventures.co Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade – As dusk falls, witness these endearing little creatures emerge from the sea and scurry 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, Westernport Bay, French Island and Mornington Peninsula. beachhq.com.au Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park Safari tents, motel rooms, cabins, glamping pods, caravanning. A Maze‘N Things right next door, Koala Reserve just over the road. Onsite restaurant and brewery. parklaneholidayparks.com.au Churchill Island – A tiny and precious piece of history with café featuring farm fresh food, beautiful gardens, historic buildings, farm activities including milking, working dog demonstrations and whip cracking. penguins.org.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 The Westernport Hotel – offers an authentic Australian bistro experience. Stunning outlook over San Remo bridge and jetty. Head down to the daily pelican feeding at noon – an easy stroll from the Hotel. thewesternport.com.au Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – Get the adrenalin pumping with a Go Karting experience on the 750m replica Grand Prix Circuit. Then relax over lunch in the onsite Champions Café. phillipislandgokarts.com.au Ramada Resort – Relax and recharge in stunning 65 acres of natural surroundings with superb resort facilities – pools, tennis courts, health centre and walking tracks aplenty. ramadaphillipisland.com.au Oceanic on Thompson – Self-contained apartments in the heart of Cowes’ main street action. Surrounded by cafés, restaurants and shopping. Close to beaches, Nobbies, Penguin Parade. and Koala Reserve. stayonphillipisland.com.au PHI LL IP ISLAND
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Discover the essence of Australian landscapes here. Surrounded by remnant bushland and wetlands, the 15-hectare Australian Garden features many walks, wildflowers, water features, lifestyle gardens. Join an open-air Explorer bus tour for tales of the land. Encounter native flora and fauna along tranquil pathways. rbg.vic.gov.au Peninsula Hot Springs Natural hot mineral water flows from deep underground into the many pools and private baths at this coastal oasis of relaxation. More than 50 varied bathing experiences feature in the social Bath House, while there are luxurious treatments and perfect pampering in the private Spa Dreaming Centre. peninsulahotsprings.com Tree Surfing @ The Enchanted Adventure Garden – Try a radical high ropes adventure that combines both a tree top canopy experience with the thrill of high ropes climbing challenge. Climb and surf through 100-year old eucalypt trees over aerial obstacles, bridges and zip-lines. Follow up with a delightful stroll in the stunning gardens below. enchantedadventure.com.au Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM) Go exploring with Wild Adventures Melbourne. WAM offers spectacular eco adventures on the Mornington Peninsula. Mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding, go bushwalking, take an adventure picnic, visit wineries, cafés, breweries, distilleries, hot springs. So many hidden gems! wildadventuresmelbourne.com Moonraker Dolphin Swims – is the ultimate aquatic wildlife experience. Snorkel with dolphins, swim alongside fur seals, explore underwater marine parks filled with colourful fish and join the search for weedy seadragons. Moonraker offers a range of swimming and sightseeing options as well as luxury private tours. moonrakercharters.com.au Moonlit Sanctuary Night Tours At night, Moonlit Sanctuary comes alive! Meet amazing animals in an intimate tour led by a passionate and knowledgeable guide. Hand-held lanterns guide the way through the bush as friendly free-roaming kangaroos hop over to be hand-fed and super-cute gliders take nectar from visitors’ hands. moonlitsanctuary.com.au Green Olive at Red Hill – Book a sustainable farm tour to explore paddock to plate food. Then enjoy a food and wine package or opt for a picnic lunch in the olive grove or beside the lake. greenolive.com.au Iluka Group Retreat & Glamping Village Offers glamping experiences on a stunning 36-acre private property. Settle into a styled-to-perfection bell tent with everything you need… plus loads of extras. ilukaretreat.com.au JimmyRum Distillery – A tot of rum is a traditional warming drink, so drop into Victoria’s first craft rum distillery after your aquatic adventures. Handcrafted rum tastings, master classes and tours. jimmyrum.com.au Flinders Hotel – This award winning, architecturally designed 4.5 star hotel is located in the charming historic village of Flinders, close to national parks, Victoria’s oldest golf course and wineries. flindershotel.com.au St Andrews Beach Brewery – Brews onsite using the finest aroma hops and heirloom variety malt to ensure each beer is full of flavour and character. Fresh made pizza, burgers, share plates. standrewsbeachbrewery.com.au Many Little Bar and Dining – Spice up your day at this local gem, with its modern Asian menu born from the chef’s Sri Lankan heritage. Courtyard and terrace, great cocktails, wines, craft beer and spirits. manylittle.com.au InterContinental Sorrento – Elegant accommodation, superb dining; wildlife and adventure just down the road. Dolphin and seal swims, sea kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, coastal walks. sorrento.intercontinental.com Links Lodge at The Dunes – Luxury accommodation, close to beaches, hot springs and adventure activities. Golf for all: juniors, beginners, expert players on fine 18-hole championship course and 9-hole course. thedunes.com.au MORNINGTON PENINSULA
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Sea All Dolphin Swims Offer adventure tours and sightseeing experiences on Port Phillip Bay. Snorkel with wild dolphins and seals – or spot them from the comfort of the boat. Ride the boom-net hammock, jump from the boat’s roof, enjoy a duck spa! All equipment provided. Tours depart from Queenscliff. dolphinswims.com.au Baywalk Bollard Trail One of Victoria’s most famous attractions along the foreshore. 104 bollard sculptures of characters who shaped Geelong’s history. Among the sculptures are a Koori family, English explorer Matthew Flinders and several groups of the well-known lifesavers, including a bunch near Cunningham Pier. geelongaustralia.com.au/bollards Curlewis Golf Club One of the most progressive and exciting public access golf courses in Australia offering stunning views across the bay. This much loved course is seductive yet deceptively challenging. Cruise the fairways in style and comfort, in an elite fleet of Club Cart luxury carts then enjoy a meal in the signature restaurant ‘Claribeaux’. curlewisgolf.com.au The National Wool Museum For many years Geelong was known as the ‘wool centre of the world’. Sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first woollen mills opened here in 1868. Learn the Australian story of wool, fibre and textiles in this hands-on award-winning cultural destination. Purchase stunning woollen apparel, souvenirs and gifts. geelongaustralia.com.au/nwm Geelong Sports Museum at the GMHBA Stadium – Sports mad? Here’s your fix! GMHBA Stadium, famous Kardinia Park and the new Geelong Sports Museum show the region’s leisure history including 80 artifacts and 30 sports represented. Exhibitions, films,interactive fun, restaurant. geelongsportsmuseum.vic.gov.au You Yangs Precinct Dominated by granite peaks that make up the You Yangs Regional Park and only 22 km from Geelong. Perfect for hikes and bushwalking, the views from the top of Flinders Peak extend in every direction! Nearby Serendip Sanctuary is the ideal habitat for 150 species of birds who live, breed and visit the sanctuary. parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks TARRA Queenscliff – Queenscliff’s newest restaurant in a spectacular building on the harbour. Offers fresh, delicious food and hand-selected wines. A cuisine that is a reflection of the ocean, the land and the change of seasons. tarra.com.au BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Set amongst native gardens just 500 metres from the beach. Kick back in a luxury villa, dip in the indoor heated pool or take the beach track for a sea swim. ingeniaholidays.com.au Jack Rabbit Vineyard – is renowned for unrivalled panoramic views across the bay to Melbourne. It’s a showpiece for the gastronomic gems of the Bellarine, flaunted in the restaurant, vineyard and cellar door. jackrabbitvineyard.com.au The Q Train – Who doesn’t love a historic railway adventure! Return journey between Drysdale and Queenscliff in refurbished dining carriages, superb coastal views, dégustation menu, local wines, beers and ciders. theqtrain.com.au Geelong Botanic Gardens – A glorious 150-year-old green haven listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The teahouse on site is perfect for a drink, snack or light lunch in tranquil surrounds. geelongaustralia.com.au/gbg Lon Retreat & Spa – Seven luxury suites are spread throughout the sandstone retreat, each individually designed with its own unique character and connection to the ocean, lakes and surrounding farmland. lonretreat.com.au Curlewis Golf Club Resort Contemporary and elegant eco-suite installations nestled amidst indigenous native landscape, with spectacular views spanning fairways, greens and the bay. accommodationatcurlewis.com.au R Hotel – Boutique hotel nestled within a heritage listed building, offering hotel room and apartment style accommodation overlooking Geelong CBD and magnificent waterfront. rhotelgeelong.com.au GEELONG & THE BELLARINE
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