VICTORIA SELF-DRIVE TOUR
5 night self-drive tour from £ 559pp
Yarra Valley The Nobbies
© Emily Godfrey Visit Victoria
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BEYOND MELBOURNE
5 NIGHT SELF-DRIVE TOUR
Mornington Peninsula
fabulous food & wine destinations • enchanting wildlife experiences • sweeping natural vistas
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VICTORIA |
Melbourne |
Yarra Valley
Phillip Island
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Credit : Emily Godfrey Visit Victoria
DAY 1 Melbourne / Yarra Valley
Drive out of Melbourne and into the stunning Yarra Valley , a stunning natural playground of gourmet eateries , quaint villages and world-famous vineyards . Time your arrival to allow for a leisurely lunch at one of the award-winning wineries where you can sample the very best regional or international cuisine on offer together with a glass of world class wine . ( 29 miles ).
DAY 2 Yarra Valley / Phillip Island
Today ’ s drive south takes you through the Dandeong Ranges , a verdant realm of towering trees , scenic winding roads and quaint hilltop villages . If time allows , take a ride on Puffing Billy , a century-old steam train which runs from Belgrave to Gembrook ; browse eclectic boutiques and visit a quaint tearoom for an afternoon Devonshire tea in Sassafras , which is known for its 19th century charm ; or take a stroll in Sherbrooke Forest . Continue your drive to Phillip Island , which is packed with coastal wildlife experiences , cultural events and a growing food and wine scene ( 90 miles ).
Puffing Billy
DAY 3 Phillip Island
This tiny island sanctuary is busy with seals , migratory whales , koalas and brilliant birdlife not to mention wild coastal surf , sheltered bays and dramatic cliffs . Don ’ t miss The Nobbies , a magnificent headland where coastal views seem to stretch forever and can be admired from the boardwalks and lookout points . Just offshore are Seal Rocks , home to Australia ’ s largest Australian Fur Seal colony where wildlife cruises to see the seals and birdlife are available . At sunset , head to Summerland Beach for the nightly Penguin Parade , when the comical Little Penguin colony emerge from the sea each day at dusk and waddle back to their burrows .
DAY 4 Phillip Island / Mornington Peninsula
Before departing , perhaps visit one of the chocolate factories or check out the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit , where international motorcycle and car racing championships are held . Later , follow the curve of the coastline as you drive towards the Mornington Peninsula , which combines the best of Europe ’ s coastal living with traditional Aussie charm ( 67 miles ).
DAY 5 Mornington Peninsula
Explore the galleries , spas and cafés in breezy seaside villages , spend time on the beach , visit a fragrant lavender farm or escape to the hinterland for gourmet delights at boutique wineries . Other options include chilling out in natural mineral springs or playing a round at an immaculate ocean-view golf course . Being part of a declared UNESCO biosphere reserve with marine national parks on the doorstep , the Mornington Peninsula is also a unique spot to dive , snorkel or kayak . Be sure also to treat yourself at one of the award-winning eateries or renowned wineries .
DAY 6 Mornington Peninsula / Melbourne
If time allows , glide quietly through the sky in a gondola at Arthurs Seat Eagle , the views are simply stunning ! It ’ s then time to hit the road once more as you head back to Melbourne where the tour concludes ( 46 miles ).
Port Phillip Bay
Phillip Island
Mornington Peninsula
Yarra Valley 1 night | Phillip Island 2 nights Mornington Peninsula 2 nights
Little Penguins , Phillip Island
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Departures : Daily
Accommodation : 4★ Yarra Valley Lodge ; 3★Plus Waves Serviced Apartments , Phillip Island ; 4★ Quarters at Flinders Hotel , Mornington Peninsula .
Meals : Room only . Continental breakfast on days 5-6 .
Tour price : The price shown for this self-drive tour includes 6 days compact all inclusive car hire and accommodation as outlined . International flights are not included .
www . premierholidays . co . uk AUSTRALIA 77