DAY THREE: PHI LL I P I SLAND MORNINGTON PENINSULA Go Wild Ballooning (p47) Live that lifelong dream to float above vineyards, villages and rolling hills. Trusted local operator for 35+ years runs thrilling dawn flights over the Yarra Valley followed by optional Champagne breakfast. Koala Conservation Reserve (p54) There was a new batch of too-cute baby koalas recently, so come and meet them! Spot koalas from treetop boardwalks in a remnant woodlands, watch for Wallabies, Echidnas and rainbow-coloured birds. Maru Koala and Animal Park (p54) They bound, slither, tweet and growl. Learn about wildlife rescue, pat and feed kangaroos and wallabies, touch koalas, dingos and snakes. See wombats, Tasmanian Devils, reptiles and birds, take a tour. Naturaliste Tours (p55) 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. Oceanic on Thompson (p81) Self-contained apartments in the heart of Cowes’ main street action. Surrounded by cafés, restaurants and shopping. Close to beaches, Grand Prix track, Nobbies, Penguin Parade and Koala Reserve. Wildlife Coast Cruises (p58) showcases one of Australia’s largest wild fur seal colonies at Seal Rocks, 2km from Phillip Island. Meet these playful creatures in their natural environment as the boat drifts within metres of them. Ramada Resort Phillip Island (p83) sits in 65 acres of beautiful countryside. Relax and recharge in stunning natural surroundings with superb resort facilities – pools, tennis courts, health centre and walking tracks aplenty. Ocean Adventures (p55) Aquatic adventures any way you like them! Explore the coastline on a jetboat or racing boat. Cruise around dramatic sites teeming with sealife. See fur seals, rays dolphins and maybe whales. Moonlit Sanctuary (p63) is awesome by day but comes alive by night when the wildlife is ready to play. Take a lanternlit tour to glimpse night birds, gliders swooping, endangered Quolls foraging and more. Red Rocks Golf Course (p57) Play a round in a spectacular coastal landscape where nature is part of the experience. The Ross Watson designed 9-hole Par 3 course offers a rewarding challenge, with Cape Barren geese and wallabies nearby. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (p56) is home to worldclass motor sport and daredevil action. Buckle in for adrenalin pumping go-carting on the 750m replica Grand Prix Circuit or take a circuit tour. Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade (p57) offers an intimate wildlife experience. A waddle on the wildside to witness little penguins making their sunset journey home to one of Australia’s largest penguin colonies. MORNING ACTIVITIES (select from) MORNING ACTIVITIES (select from) AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES (select from) STAY OVERNIGHT (select from) DAY TWO: YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES PHI LL I P I SLAND Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (p67) Surrounded by remnant bushland and wetlands, the 15-hectare Australian Garden features many walks, wildflowers, water features, lifestyle gardens. Open-air bus rides and café. Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park (p82) Safari tents, motel rooms, cabins, camping, caravanning. A Maze‘N Things right next door, Koala Conservation Reserve just over the road. Onsite restaurant and brewery. Peninsula Kingswood Golf (p64) Two championship golf courses, large driving range, golf lessons. Restaurant, pool, gym, luxury clubhouse rooms and peaceful remote accommodation, breakfast provided. Green Olive at Red Hill (p61) A delectable adventure in food, wine and farm life. Winery, grapes, olive grove, herbs, vegetables, hops, bush food and sheep on 27 acres. Food and wine lunch packages, picnics beside the lake, farm tours. 5 DAY ITINERARY – WILDLIFE & ADVENTURE 27
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