5-day Iconic Victoria

Day 1 – Melbourne to Halls Gap

We’ll collect you from your hotel in Melbourne and head west, watching the city gradually give way to wide-open farmland and country towns. Our first stop is historic Ballarat for a relaxed morning tea and a wander through one of Victoria’s great gold-rush era towns.
From there, we continue into the heart of Grampians National Park, where rugged sandstone peaks rise dramatically from the plains. At MacKenzie Falls, you’ll hear the waterfall before you see it — one of the few in the state that flows year-round.
We’ll take in sweeping views from Boroka Lookout, overlooking Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield, then continue to Reeds Lookout. If you’re up for an easy walk, the short return stroll to The Balconies rewards you with panoramic views across Victoria Valley.
As evening settles in, kangaroos and wallabies often appear in the open grasslands. After checking into your accommodation in Halls Gap, enjoy dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by mountain air and star-filled skies.

Day 2 – Halls Gap to Port Campbell

If you’d like one final Grampians highlight, the optional Pinnacle walk offers beautiful morning views before we journey south toward the coast.
By late morning, the landscape changes as we reach the Southern Ocean and join the iconic Great Ocean Road — widely regarded as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.
Our first stops along the Shipwreck Coast include the Bay of Islands, The Grotto and the limestone formation once known as London Bridge. At Loch Ard Gorge, you’ll hear the fascinating story of the 1878 Loch Ard shipwreck and the extraordinary survival of Eva Carmichael and young apprentice Tom Pearce.
By late afternoon we arrive in the seaside village of Port Campbell. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy an early dinner overlooking the bay — fresh local produce, a glass of wine, and the relaxed pace of coastal life.
As the day-trippers begin to leave, we head to the nearby Twelve Apostles. Seeing these towering limestone stacks in the softer evening light, with fewer people around, feels far more personal and memorable.

Day 3 – Port Campbell to Queenscliff or Sorrento

We’re driving towards Kennett River this morning. Witness koalas in their native habitat before visiting stunning waterfalls like Erskine Falls and Teddy’s Lookout above Lorne.
Sitting down to lunch in Lorne with the glittering water in the background is one of life’s simple pleasures. From here, the route follows the coast all the way to Torquay, with the Memorial Arch serving as the entry to the Great Ocean route. Visit the Split Point Lighthouse at Airey’s Inlet and take a diversion to the legendary Bells Beach waves, which host the Rip Curl Pro every year.

From here, we may either drive to Queenscliff and spend the night there, or take a boat over the bay to Sorrento if Queenscliff is full.

Day 4 – Queenscliff/Sorrento to Phillip Island

In the morning, maybe try one of the various treatments available at the world-renowned Peninsula Hot Springs before driving to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse for some stunning views. Take the Eagle Chair Lift up to Arthurs Seat for more breathtaking views and a delicious meal.

Phillip Island, home of the world-famous Penguin Parade, is known for its lovely beaches, magnificent natural beauty, and rough coastline.

There is a lot to do here, with nationally designated surfing reserves, rare local animal encounters, a variety of gorgeous villages to visit, and lots of places to relax.

Cowes is a coastal hamlet with boutiques, galleries, markets, and a diverse selection of restaurants, cafés, and pubs providing amazing local cuisine prepared by excellent chefs. Perfect for an early dinner stop!

One of the most memorable aspects of visiting Victoria is seeing hundreds of Little Penguins emerge from the water at nightfall after a day of deep sea fishing and stroll from the beach to their nests, just besides the walking routes and viewing areas. Get a deeper knowledge of these amazing animals with a private ranger presentation, followed by box office seats at your private viewing site away from the masses.

Day 5 – Phillip Island to Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley then Melbourne

Take a ride on Puffing Billy, one of the best-preserved steam trains worldwide. As it trundles between Belgrave and Gembrook through the breathtaking beauty of the stunning Sherbrooke Forest, take in the crisp mountain air through the open-sided carriages.

After that, we will travel to Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley. This is an excellent location to see Australia’s distinctive fauna up close.

If you enjoy wine, you should definitely try some in the Yarra Valley, which is known as one of the top wine-growing regions in the nation. Alternatively, you could try some gin at Four Pillars, which has been named the greatest gin manufacturer in the world!

Our incredible adventure comes to an end with a quick drive back to Melbourne from here.