AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES (select from) AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES (select from) STAY OVERNIGHT (select from) DAY FOUR: PHI LL I P I SLAND YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES MORNING ACTIVITIES (select from) Wildlife Coast Cruises (p57) Experience some of Australia’s richest wildlife waters. Watch curious seals play within metres of your boat, look for dolphins, whales and birdlife. Or relax and sip a drink on a romantic twilight cruise. Churchill Island (p55) A tiny historic island that’s been farmed since the 1850s. Restored farmhouse and cottages, working farm, fragrant cottage gardens, coastline walks with magnificent views. Naturaliste Tours (p53) offers rare insights into French Island, 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. Phillip Island Winery (p56) 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. Dominique Portet (p45) A little touch of French romance. 10th-generation wine-making family, in the Yarra Valley. Bordeaux-style wines, cellar door experiences, French-inspired dining, restaurant and garden terrace. Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (p54) sweetens up every day! See the chocolate factory in full non-stop chocolate-making action and create a personalised chocolate masterpiece. Even your entry ticket is made of chocolate! The Nobbies (p56) Huge wow factor! Extraordinary clifftop views, winding boardwalks, explosive blowhole. Seal Rocks protect Australia’s largest fur seal colony – and you might see a migrating whale. Café, restaurant onsite. Phillip Island Towers (p78) A class act: 4.5-star apartments close to Cowes’ shopping, dining and the beach. Stroll down to the jetty and take an adventure tour to see fur seals, or visit French Island with Naturaliste Tours. Healesville Sanctuary (p47) Famous haven for koalas, emus, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats and birdlife. Wander bushland tracks, have a closeup wildlife encounter, visit the wildlife health centre, learn from keeper talks. Puffing Billy Railway (p48) The ultimate steam train trip. 3-hour first class return journey with 3-course lunch and wine. Historic carriages, magnificent forest and fern scenery. Or choose an open sided carriage for fun travel. Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade (p55) is a world-famous wildlife experience. Gather on the beach at dusk to watch little penguins making their daily trek from the ocean, across the sand to their burrows. Genesta House (p76) A gorgeous guesthouse in Cowes for true romantics. Three suites, old-world charm with modern amenities, 100-yearold gardens. An easy stroll to Cowes town centre, the beach, restaurants and shopping. Four Pillars Gin Distillery (p46) is a small distillery with a giant heart. Book a private tasting, hang out with gin devotees in the copper-spangled distillery and discover what’s making craft gin such a huge sensation. Cycling Vine Tours (p45) The most romantic way to explore vineyards…take back roads and rail trails through country and coastal landscapes, tasting food and wine along the way. Buy a special bottle to share with local cheese tonight. Ramada Resort Phillip Island (p78) Stylish studios and ecocabins in 65 acres of beautiful natural bushland; 10 minute drive to the Penguin Parade. Walking and biking tracks, wildlife, swimming and surf beaches nearby. 5 DAY ITINERARY – ROMANTIC INDULGENCE 36
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Njk=