9 Days Magical Melbourne, Great Ocean Road and Grampians

itinerary

Day 1. Mon: Homeport to Melbourne

Fly into Melbourne mid afternoon, where we board our coach and take a city tour before we check-in to our CBD accommodation at Quality Batman’s Hill on Collins for a 3 night stay. The Hotel is located in a fantastic position, with tram transport just outside the door, and is within walking distance to the Casino. (D)

Day 2. Tue: Melbourne International Flower Show

This morning we travel to the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building to visit the prestigious Melbourne International Flower Show, rated among the top five flower and garden shows in the world. Tonight we dine in the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, a delightful innovative approach to dining, as we cruise the city streets of Melbourne. We enjoy fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines or make another selection from the fully stocked bar (all included). (B,L,D)

Day 3. Wed: Yarra River Cruise

This morning we cruise the Yarra River, passing Melbourne’s shipping channels to the old maritime seaport of Williamstown. Explore this early colonial settlement boasting a charming array of galleries, picturesque gardens and stunning bay views.  We return to Melbourne CBD where the afternoon is free to shop or go exploring.  (B,D)

Day 4. Thu: Werribee, Geelong

Today we visit Werribee for the day, stepping back in time at the restored 19th century Werribee Zoo mansion at Werribee Park.  Explore the exquisite formal gardens, coach house and blacksmith’s shop before heading over to the Meerkat Bistro at Werribee Zoo. After lunch we take a guided wildlife safari, followed by the Africa Walking Trail, allowing visitors to come face to face with a range of smaller African species. We then continue on to Geelong to check-in to the Mercure Hotel for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 5. Fri: Great Ocean Road

Enjoy the city sights of Geelong including the Bollards on the scenic waterfront, followed by a visit to the National Wool Museum showcasing production from the sheep’s back to the clothes rack.  We continue on taking the scenic coastal route through Portarlington, Indented Head and St Leonards, stopping for lunch at Queenscliffe. We continue on to Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads before we start our first leg of the Great Ocean Road.  Arrive and check-in to Skenes Creek Motel, Apollo Bay for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Sat: Warrnambool

Depart for Port Campbell N.P. via the Otway Forests then back to the coast 12 Apostles and the stunning natural attractions of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the former London Bridge.  We continue on to Warrnambool visiting Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum.  We then check- in to the Country Comfort, Warrnambool for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 7. Sun: Port Fairy, Grampians

Departing for Tower Hill Nature Reserve we see the Crater Lake usually full of abundant birdlife, then continue on to Port Fairy to collect a local tour guide to show us this quaint fishing village.  We continue on through Hamilton for lunch before heading into Grampian country stopping at the Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre. Here we enjoy the dreamtime theatre depicting Aboriginal legend, the history and formation of the Grampians before checking into the Pinnacle Holiday Lodge, Halls Gap for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 8. Mon: Ballarat

We spend our morning at the Chinese Cultural Centre at Ararat before heading to Ballarat via The Avenue of Honour.  Ballarat also has a world wide reputation for beautiful begonias - a must see on our list today.  This afternoon we arrive and check-in to the Mercure Ballarat for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 9. Tue: Sovereign Hill, flight home

This morning explore the recreated gold mining town of Sovereign Hill where we become part of history and experience the life of people in the 1850’s.  We then depart for Melbourne airport for our respective flights home. (B)

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