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. Cape Woolamai, 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 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Here, Locale Restaurant offers a farm-totable menu reflecting the family’s Italian heritage. It pairs seasonal produce with estate wines in a vineyard setting. debortoli.com.au Alpine Hotel Warburton – Lovingly restored 1885 hotel in the peaceful upper Yarra Valley. Eat, stay and sip superbly in this 4-star boutique rural gem. Mountain bike trails opening soon! alpineretreat.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 Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen Warburton Set in a 1930s cabaret dance hall. Open fires, mountain views, riverside setting. South Indian menu includes Kerala specialties. Holds a coveted Good Food Guide Chef’s Hat. babajiskitchen.com.au 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 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. Drift with the breeze, embrace the serenity then come back to earth for a champagne breakfast. Start your day with something truly extraordinary! 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 a lush food forest, where every plant is either edible or medicinal. With more than 350 varieties to discover, the experience is designed to spark curiosity and connection with nature. Complete the visit with a forest-inspired platter and a glass of bubbly. Accommodation on-site 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
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES 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. On-site 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 Nobbies Centre Café – Gaze out to The Nobbies rock formations and beyond to Seal Rocks in Bass Strait while enjoying sustainably caught, MSC certified seafood,or opting for a burger, fresh salad, cake or ice cream. penguins.org.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 on-site 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 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 the Thundercat 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
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES 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 The Cambium – 5-star, exclusive use, 10 gorgeous suites, guesthouse, 4-acre private property in lush nature reserve. Private dining, conference and event spaces, wellbeing and team building, cooking classes. thecambium.com.au Jetty Road Brewery – Features fresh local ingredients, craft beers, and vibrant flavours. Enjoy small plates, hearty mains, burgers, and desserts, with live music and brewery tours enhancing the experience. jettyroad.com.au Red Gum BBQ – Offers a rustic, authentic Southern BBQ experience in a converted warehouse with reclaimed timbers and vintage décor. Enjoy slow-cooked meats, traditional sides, fine wines, and craft beer redgumbbq.com.au Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodges Tranquil eco lodges with geothermal baths, created for restorative sleep. Premium glamping with private decks, en suites, and bespoke touches. peninsulahotsprings.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 Bayplay Adventure Tours Offers unforgettable land and sea adventures: scuba diving in Port Phillip Bay Marine Park, sea kayaking with Burrunan dolphins, stand up paddling, cycling in Point Nepean National Park. Our pick? Snorkelling with the bay’s curious and elusive Weedy Seadragons. bayplay.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 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 @ Enchanted Adventure 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 Polperro Dolphin Swims Come swimming with wild dolphins and fur seals, snorkelling in the clear waters of Port Phillip Bay. Onboard sightseeing and marine conservation discussions for non-swimmers too. Small groups, all gear supplied. Polperro Dolphin Swims is a multi-award winning eco tourism operation. polperro.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
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES 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 – 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 Portarlington Grand Hotel – Historic charm and contemporary luxury. Boutique guestrooms, 3 dining options. Airy Atrium, fun Front Bar, stylish Dining Room. Woodfired pizzas, local produce including seafood. 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 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 Werribee Open Range Zoo Offers a taste of African adventure just outside of Melbourne! Jump on board a guided safari tour across the unique open range savannah. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, gorillas, hippos, bison, giraffe,meerkats, rhinos, zebra and heaps more. Daily keeper talks and Slumber Safari glamping experiences. zoo.org.au/werribee 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 Portarlington Mussel Tours All on one plate! Stunning Melbourne and bay views, nature, wildlife, sublime seafood. Collect mussels from farms, watch cooking demos, feast on freshly foraged seafood including oysters and scallops. A unique, hands-on culinary and wildlife experience aboard a lovingly restored vessel. portarlingtonmusseltours.com.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
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Njk=