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 R O M A N T I C I N D U L G E N C E Create forever memories 5 Day Itinerary Love is in the air when you go beyond Melbourne for the most romantic interlude. You’ll find it in perfumed, glorious gardens. In the freshest sea air on white sand beaches. In the fragrance of log fires in your luxury escape. Come and indulge all your senses in shared adventures, romantic vineyard dinners, forest walks, perfect sunsets. REAL ROMANCE REVEALED The most romantic interludes come with beautiful settings and gorgeous scenery, with dreamy retreats, intimate restaurants, cosy cellar doors. And the great outdoors, where there’s space and peace to wander for hours, just the two of you. And romantic adventures tempt you…hot air ballooning with a champagne breakfast, diving with dolphins and playful fur seals, taking a helicopter flight over Phillip Island, famed for its nightly penguin parade. Then naturally heated hot springs and day spas invite you to bliss out together. It’s all so easy when you Go Beyond Melbourne and discover the romance and magic of four fabulous regions. They are the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Bellarine. All full of romantic promise and precious memories when you spend a few days beyond the city. You can choose your route – from Melbourne to Geelong, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, then the Yarra Valley. Or you can head for the Yarra Valley, and do the circuit in reverse. Either way, five days is all it takes to put the stars in your eyes. L I NK I NG FOUR EXTRAORD I NARY REG IONS
PASSENGER FERRY VEHICLE FERRY PASSENGER FERRY Melbourne Werribee Portarlington Queenscliff Bellarine Sorrento Fingal Cowes Mornington Moorooduc Red Hill San Remo Marysville Kinglake Healesville Koo-wee-up AVALON AIRPORT MELBOURNE AIRPORT Warburton Grantville FRENCH ISLAND CAPE SCHANCK PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARKS Arthurs Seat Belgrave Dixons Creek Yarra Glen Coldstream Forest Hill Wandin Olinda Pt Lonsdale Jarra Junction PHILLIP ISLAND MORNINGTON PENINSULA BELLARINE PENINSULA DANDENONG RANGES GEELONG YARRA VALLEY HEART-TO-HEART EXPERIENCES Romance sometimes means very different things to different people. So the two of you might love food and wine, perhaps with a gin or boutique ale tasting on the side? We’ll tick all those boxes, with cellar doors in all four regions, famous names in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, internationally award-winning gin and creative handcrafted ales. You could spend your entire trip doing nothing but dining in fine country and winery restaurants, sampling at boutique farms and producers, exploring kitchen gardens, taking a farm tour or a cooking class, and dining aboard a century-old steam train. If adventure gets your hearts beating, just sign up right here! Dawn hot air ballooning over the Yarra Valley vineyards, a hot lap on a Grand Prix circuit, a cruise to one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies or tree surfing on radical high ropes. Or don snorkelling gear and dive right into it on the Mornington Peninsula or Bellarine Peninsula, swimming with seals and diving with dolphins. MORE LUXE AND LAID BACK Is your heart’s desire more luxe and laid back? Then book a private pool at the Mornington Peninsula’s internationally award-winning hot springs, spend the day luxuriating at a spa, reserve your table for a fine dining experience at some of the regions’ superb restaurants. If fresh country or sea air is your best friend, you’ll find it on forest walks, deserted beaches, golf courses and gorgeous gardens. Then there are grand estates, Geelong’s whimsical Bollard Trail, historic villages and wildlife reserves. Come evening, you may choose to snuggle up in a gracious 5-star country hotel, self-contained cottage, go glamping, stay right beside the beach or hide away in a luxury lake-side retreat. Come on, write your own love letter. 1 2 3 4 1. Spa Dreaming Centre, Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula 2. Global Ballooning, Yarra Valley 3. Wildlife Coast Cruises, Phillip Island 4. Geelong Waterfront 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 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate – Enjoy farm-to-table Italian-inspired cuisine paired seamlessly with award- winning wines, set amidst picturesque vineyard views. debortoli.com.au Alpine Hotel Warburton – Just soooo romantic. Lovingly restored 1885 hotel in the peaceful upper Yarra Valley, near the Yarra River. Eat, stay and sip superbly in this 4-star rural gem. alpineretreat.com.au Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen Warburton Set in a romantic 1930s riverside cabaret dance hall. Award-winning South Indian menu features Kerala specialties and street food. babajiskitchen.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 Chandon – Experience one of the largest ranges of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines along with a dynamic wine tourism offering, including a tasting bar, restaurant, lounge bar, retail boutique. chandon.com.au Balgownie Estate – You’ll never want to leave this private country estate. Wander the vineyard, go local at the cellar door. 4.5 star spacious accommodation, bar and contemporary restaurant, spa and wellness options. balgownie.com Kangaroo Ridge Retreat – Awardwinning, romantic mudbrick cabins with spa bath and locally stocked larder. Secluded in Yarra Valley bush with glorious mountain and sunrise views from your balcony. kangarooridge.com.au YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES Four Pillars Distillery – Enjoy locally sourced ingredients in a stylish setting, perfect for indulging alongside expertly crafted gin tastings. These gins have won gold medals at many spirits competitions worldwide. fourpillarsgin.com.au Global Ballooning – Take an exhilarating balloon flight and let the early dawn breezes transport you to breathtaking heights that take in the picturesque panorama and landscapes of the valley and its patchwork of world class vineyards, mountain ranges and rivers. Optional champagne breakfast. Flight certificate included. globalballooning.com.au 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 Punt Road Wines & Napoleone Cider Vineyards and orchards surround the barrel hall and cellar door. Enjoy seated wine tastings, food and wine pairings, winemaking tours and Napoleone Cider tastings. A beautifully designed estate offering immersive wine and cider experiences. Cellar door, estate-grown produce and handcrafted ciders showcase the region. puntroadwines.com.au Puffing Billy 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 and take in the amazing scenery of the Dandenong Ranges’ winding forests and fern gullies. The ultimate steam train trip! Enjoy lakeside café dining or picnic options. puffingbilly.com.au Cycling Vine Tours – The most romantic way to explore vineyards…take back roads and rail trails through country landscapes, tasting food and wine along the way. Pedal past farms and vineyards with the sounds and sights of local fauna and flora along the way. Guided/selfguided tours. Buy a special bottle to share with local cheese tonight. vinetours.com.au Warburton Adventure Co Share the thrills and fun of epic outdoor experiences. Professional guides for river sledding, river tubing, abseiling, hiking, food foraging, mountain biking and Wurundjeri cultural experiences. Set against Warburton’s stunning natural beauty, these experiences offer a unique way to connect and have fun together. warburtonadventure.com.au
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Phillip Island Winery – This boutique 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 Ramada Resort Phillip Island – Stylish studios and eco-cabins in 65 acres of beautiful natural bushland; 10 minute drive to the Penguin Parade. Walking and biking tracks, swimming and surf beaches nearby. ramadaphillipisland.com.au Red Rocks Golf Accommodation Tucked between Red Rocks Beach and golf course, this secluded retreat is the perfect quiet island escape. Wake to birdsong, spot wallabies and stroll the beach at sunset. redrocksgolf.com.au Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar Unsurpassed water views from huge terrace; restaurant specialises in seafood dishes, local Gippsland beef. Gippsland and Phillip Island wines and local ales feature. beachhq.com.au Phillip Island Towers – A class act: 4.5-star apartments close to Cowes’, dining and the beach. Stroll to the jetty and take an adventure tour to see fur seals, or visit French Island with Naturaliste Tours. stayonphillipisland.com.au Rusty Water Brewery, Restaurant & Bar Step into a world of handcrafted ales, beer and wine sampling and fine food! Rusty Water Brewery is home to Phillip Island Brewing Company. rustywaterbrewery.com.au Churchill Island – A tiny and precious piece of history with café featuring farmfresh food, beautiful gardens, historic buildings, farm activities including milking, working dog demonstrations and whip cracking. penguins.org.au Genesta House – A gorgeous guesthouse in Cowes for true romantics. 3 suites, old-world charm with modern amenities, 100-year-old gardens. An easy stroll to Cowes town centre, the beach, restaurants and shopping. genestahouse.com.au PHI LL IP ISLAND Ocean Adventures Hold each other tight! Explore parts of the island that you can only see from a jet boat. The views are amazing! An adrenalin-filled adventure on the Thundercat racing boat, zooming around Cape Woolamai and the rugged coastline. Spot fur seals and penguins, stop at mysterious sea caves. oceanadventures.co Wildlife Coast Cruises 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. Or relax and sip a drink on a romantic twilight cruise. wildlifecoastcruises.com.au Naturaliste Tours Discover French Island, a pristine, off the grid, eco destination, which is two thirds national park. Take a 15-minute ferry ride from Phillip Island and join a guided 3-hour tour of the island’s history, wildlife and hidden treasures. Stop at a farm, winery or providore and meet the locals. naturalistetours.com.au Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Internationally famous and the home of Australian and World class motorsport. Test your skills on the scale replica Go Kart Track, based on this famous circuit. Visit the History of Motorsport display which features a range of historic cars and motorcycles. phillipislandgokarts.com.au Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Sweetens up every day! See the chocolate factory in full non-stop chocolate-making action and create a personalised chocolate masterpiece. Chocolate in history, chocolate in advertising, chocolate in art and chocolate in play are all explored in this unique and wondrous world. phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au 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
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Ten Minutes by Tractor– Superlative wines are a true expression of their terroir. Elegant, complex with superb length. Fine dining room awarded two Chefs’ Hats. A ‘must detour’ for food and wine lovers. tenminutesbytractor.com.au Jackalope Hotel – An idyllic escape among rolling vineyards. This sophisticated retreat features 44 luxury rooms, a 30-metre infinity pool, an onsite winery, and two hatted restaurants. jackalopehotels.com Crittenden – A beautiful family-owned estate with bespoke seated tastings of superb wines, long lunches in a new restaurant or on the covered deck overlooking lawns, trees, lake and vineyards. crittendenwines.com.au Bass & Flinders – Gin fans, stop right here! Award-winning family distillery producing great gins, brandies and liqueurs. Visit the distillery, take a master class, book a gin high tea, graze on local fare. bassandflindersdistillery.com InterContinental Sorrento – Coastal glamour in a famous icon, reinvented. Rich history and contemporary design in a luxury destination with elegant guestrooms, 7 restaurants and bars, spa, bathhouse. sorrento.intercontinental.com Pt Leo Estate – Truly a visual feast for all who visit, with art, rolling vineyards and ocean views. Select from casual terrace dining, Chef’s Hat restaurant or two hatted fine dining restaurant – Laura. ptleoestate.com.au The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs The epitome of romance in just five luxury, private villas, with log fires in winter and starlit nights on your balcony. Hot springs, private pools, spa, breakfast at Thyme. albathemalsprings.com.au Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill Features 40 elegantly designed spacious guest rooms with quality furnishings and fittings. Swoon over views, sample wines and savour farm-to-table dining. lancemore.com.au MORNINGTON PENINSULA Moonlit Sanctuary Fantastic opportunities to get close to Australian native animals at this awardwinning wildlife conservation park. Pet a koala, feed a kangaroo, play with dingoes, hold an owl or a python. Frequent keeper talks and daily wildlife show. Find out about local endangered species. Lantern-lit tours available at night time. moonlitsanctuary.com.au Red Hill Lavender Farm Stroll through fragrant lavender fields, meet the farmers, and observe steam distillation, bunch stripping, and drying sheds in action. Discover hand-crafted botanical products and indulge in a lavender-infused culinary experience at the Garden Café, overlooking picturesque vineyards for a truly immersive farm adventure. redhilllavender.com.au Red Hill Candle Co Design your very own romantic candle fragrance, choosing from 40 scents including floral, herbal and Australiana. Interactive candlemaking workshops, a Scent Library and gift shop. Create lasting memories as you experience a journey of inventiveness unlike any other in Australia! redhillcandleco.com.au Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM) Go exploring together: mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding, go bushwalking, take an adventure picnic, visit wineries, cafés, breweries, distilleries, hot springs. Wild Adventures Melbourne offers spectacular eco adventures on the Mornington Peninsula. So many hidden gems! wildadventuresmelbourne.com Alba Thermal Springs & Spa Luxury wellness sanctuary and spa. Superb geothermal bathing: rain and herbal-infused botanical pools, forest and sunset pool, private rooftop pools. Fine restaurant. Luxurious full day self-care packages, half day rituals and treatments are available in the spa. Villas onsite too. albathermalsprings.com.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 30 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
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Jack Rabbit Vineyard Unrivalled, spectacular, panoramic views across the bay to Melbourne. The winery has forged a reputation as a gastronomic showpiece for the Bellarine Peninsula. jackrabbitvineyard.com.au Lon Retreat & Spa – Seven luxury suites are spread throughout the sandstone adults-only retreat. Enjoy private beach access, nature walks, the mineral water -fed indoor heated pool and the Lon Spa. lonretreat.com.au The Q Train – A delightful dégustation dining experience that travels along a heritage railway line between Drysdale and Queenscliff. Showcases local wines, craft beers and produce. theqtrain.com.au Holiday Inn & Suites – Stay right in the heart of Geelong’s vibrant culture, sporting hubs and shopping, and walk to the magnificent waterfront. 4-star stylish rooms, restaurant, 24-hour fitness centre, heated pool. holidayinngeelong.com.au TARRA Queenscliff – Iconic restaurant perched against Port Phillip Bay offering fresh and delicious food, hand-selected wines, with a cuisine that is a reflection of the ocean, the land and the change of seasons. tarra.com.au Portarlington Grand Hotel – A relaxed, contemporary dining experience set opposite the beach in the heart of a charming seaside village. Dine in the stylish Dining Room or the open-air Atrium. portarlingtongrandhotel.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 Lancemore Mansion Hotel at Werribee Park – Celebrated historic mansion and country estate. Luxury accommodation, superb dining, indulgent day spa, winery, Open Range Zoo, State Rose Garden. lancemore.com.au GEELONG & THE BELLARINE Liberty Ballooning – A new take on traditional ballooning! Soar at sunrise over Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, coastlines, ocean and farms. Comfort and safety with CASA-certified pilots who know the best vistas. Help with setup and packdown, then gourmet breakfast awaits at a local hotel. libertyballoonflights.com.au National Wool Museum Magnificent 1872 bluestone woolstore in the waterfront precinct tells the stories of Australia’s wool, fibre and textiles, and early agricultural pioneers. Customised tourism experiences include handson Collection tours and vintage loom demonstrations. nwm.vic.gov.au The Bellarine Taste Trail Fall in love with The Bellarine as you wander a delicious path past celebrated restaurants, award-winning wineries, plentiful farm gates and cosy accommodation. This veritable feast, boasts a bounty of nearly 50 food and wine destinations ready for you to explore, taste and indulge. thebellarinetastetrail.com.au Portarlington Mussel Tours – A unique, romantic foodie experience! Journey on Port Phillip Bay in a classic Huon pine vessel to explore the art of mussel farming first-hand. Indulge in freshly harvested mussels, cooking demos, and Bellarine wines while learning about sustainable aquaculture. Enjoy stunning bay views and the relaxed atmosphere. portarlingtonmusseltours.com.au Flying Brick Cider Co A fun, retro-inspired cider house and restaurant with a spectacular alfresco and lawn area. Discover the craft of cider-making from orchard to glass, with boutique ciders traditionally made from 100% fresh fruit. Grab a tasting paddle of boutique ciders, a share plate or, try the High Cheese, a unique twist on High Tea. flyingbrickciderco.com.au Lon Retreat & Spa Escape the busyness of life with a luxurious spa treatment in this delightful oasis. Select a treatment from the spa menu and unwind. Three treatment suites, featuring mineral water fed soaking tubs, including steam rooms and breathtaking views to the ocean, lighthouse and coastal landscape. lonretreat.com.au/spa
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