5-day Iconic Victoria

Day 1 – Melbourne to Halls Gap

After being picked up from your accommodation we then set off on a wonderful tour to the stunningly beautiful Grampian mountain ranges to the west of Victoria. First stop is Ballarat and Sovereign Hill.

Sovereign Hill is where Australia’s history comes to life – from the hustle and bustle of Main Street where characters dressed in traditional goldfields costumes are more than happy to pose for a photo, to the excitement of the Red Hill Gully Diggings where you can pan for real gold. Visit working shops, hotels, schools, a theatre, crafts, a wheelwright, a candle maker, a confectioner and steam-driven machinery. After lunch we head to the Grampians.

Explore the majestic Mackenzie’s Falls and be awed by several of the best lookouts you could wish to see.

Boroka Lookout provides panoramic views over Halls Gap and the east of the Grampians. It is only a short 5 minute stroll to two viewing platforms and is suitable for people with limited mobility. The sunrise here is especially stunning and the views towards Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield are amazing with both the Wonderland and Mt William mountain ranges in view.

A further two spectacular locations from one car park. Reeds Lookout gives you views while an easy 2km walk will take you to The Balconies for views of The Victoria Valley and surrounding ranges.

As dusk descends spot kangaroos and wallabies along with many of our famous wild birds. Freshen up at your accommodation in Hall Gap before heading out to dinner and then a restful night.

Day 2 – Halls Gap to Apollo Bay

We suggest leaving early today to take an early morning walk up to the Pinnacle for the best views of the Grampians before moving onto the epic coastline of The Great Ocean Road.

Our first few stops on The Great Ocean Road including London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Islands and Lock Ard Gorge. It was here that in 1878, an iron-hulled ship, the Loch Ard ran aground. There were only two survivors: wealthy 17-year-old Eva Carmichael who had travelled with her family for a new life in the colonies, and Tom Pearce, a teenage ship’s apprentice.

And while the views are worth the visit alone, the long-ago story of survival that played out here adds a sense of awe and mystery to the place too. Standing in the gorge today, particularly at beach level, it’s hard to imagine the scene playing out, or the bravery of a teenage Tom scaling the crumbling and unstable 11m high ochre cliffs — which makes it an even more fascinating place to explore.

From here one of the very best things to do on the Great Ocean Road is the famous 12 Apostles. The iconic stacks rise precariously from the powerful Southern Ocean, and rugged clifftops give way to pretty coves and golden sand beaches.

Head to the beautiful Gibson’s Steps. One of the few places in the Port Campbell National Park that allows for proper beach access, walk the 86 narrow steps to the beach below where cliffs tower above as you wander along the sand, foamy waves pummel the shore, and the limestone stacks of the remaining Apostles loom overhead just a few metres away.

It’s an awe-inspiring place to be, and unsurprisingly is one of the most popular things to see on the Great Ocean Road.

We then detour through the ancient Otway National Park, one of the most pristine swathes of rainforest in Victoria. If we have time, the Otway Fly Treetop Adventure is close by where you can explore the forest from the treetops – an hour-long 25m high treetop walk amongst the magnificent forest of giant Myrtle Beech, Blackwood, and Mountain Ash trees.

Apollo Bay is a delightful town to spend the night. Visit Maits Rest to discover gorgeous fern gullies or the giant beech trees – some of which are up to 300 years old and walk among the towering Californian Redwoods.

Day 3 – Apollo Bay to Queenscliff or Sorrento

The morning finds us heading towards Kennett River. Witness koala’s in their natural habitat before discovering picture-perfect waterfalls such as Erskine Falls and Teddy’s Lookout above Lorne.

Sitting down to lunch in Lorne with the sparkling sea as a backdrop is one of life’s pure joys. From here the road hugs the coast all the way to Torquay with the Memorial Arch as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Visit the Split Point Lighthouse in Airey’s Inlet and make a detour to the famous waves of Bells Beach, where the Rip Curl Pro is held each year.

From here it’s just a quick drive to Queenscliff where we spend the night or get a ferry across the other side of the bay to Sorrento if no availability in Queenscliff.

Day 4 – Queenscliff/Sorrento to Phillip Island

In the morning maybe take one of the many treatments on offer at the world renowned Peninsula Hot Springs before heading to Cape Schanck Lighthouse for some spectacular views. Take the Eagle Chair Lift up to Arthurs Seat for more knockout views and onto a lovely lunch.

Home to the world famous Penguin Parade, Phillip Island boasts idyllic beaches, breathtaking natural beauty and rugged coastlines.

With nationally recognised surfing reserves, unique native wildlife encounters, a number of scenic villages to discover and plenty of places to relax, there is certainly a lot to experience.

The seaside township of Cowes offers boutiques, galleries, markets and a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars serving sensational local food by great chefs. Ideal for your early dinner stop!

One of the unforgettable highlights of visiting Victoria is to witness hundreds of Little Penguins as they emerge from the sea at dusk after a day of deep sea fishing and walk from the beach up to their nests right alongside the walking tracks and viewing points. Get a better understanding of these fascinating animals with a private ranger talk and then take your box office seats at your private viewing location away from the crowds.

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

Hop aboard Puffing Billy, one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. Breathe in the cool mountain air through the open-sided carriages as it trundles along timber bridges, between Belgrave and Gembrook through the spectacular scenery of the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest.

We then head over to the Yarra Valley to visit Healesville Sanctuary. This is a wonderful place to witness Australia’s unique wildlife up close.

The Yarra Valley is renowned as one of the leading wine growing regions in the country so if you are into wine then a tasting is a must….or maybe a gin tasting at Four Pillars, voted the best gin maker in the world!

From here it’s only a short drive back into Melbourne where are epic journey ends.