Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll wander Melbourne's arcades and rooftop bars, drive the cliff-hugging Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles, watch the nightly penguin parade waddle ashore on Phillip Island, and lunch among the vines of the Yarra Valley. It's the best of Victoria in one easy, elegant week.
With a stylish central hotel and the day trips and tastings arranged, you get all the discovery and none of the planning.
Trip Highlights
- Melbourne's laneways, arcades, trams and Queen Victoria Market
- The Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles
- The nightly Penguin Parade on Phillip Island
- Wine tasting and lunch in the Yarra Valley
- Koalas and kangaroos in the wild
- Five nights in a central Melbourne hotel
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and two day-trip lunches
- Private airport transfers
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Arrive and settle into your central hotel. Gather for a welcome dinner in one of Melbourne's buzzing laneway precincts, a first taste of the city's famous food scene.
A guided day through the arcades and laneways, Federation Square, the street art of Hosier Lane and the bustling Queen Victoria Market, with a ride on the free city circle tram.
A full day on one of the world's great coastal drives — surf breaks at Bells Beach, the fern gullies of the Otways, and the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles at golden hour.
Meet koalas and kangaroos in the afternoon, then take your seat on the boardwalk for the magical Penguin Parade, as hundreds of little penguins come ashore at dusk.
A relaxed day among the vines of the Yarra Valley, tasting cool-climate wines at boutique cellar doors, with a long lunch and perhaps a chocolate or cheese stop.
A final flat white and breakfast before your transfer to the airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- 5 nights in a central Melbourne hotel
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, and lunches on the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley days
- A guided Melbourne city tour
- A full-day Great Ocean Road tour to the Twelve Apostles
- A Phillip Island tour with the evening Penguin Parade
- A Yarra Valley wine-tasting day with lunch
- Local guides and all listed entry fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Australia
- Australian visa or ETA fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities, experiences and upgrades
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa arranged online before travelling, and a passport valid for at least six months. We can point you to the right application
- Southern seasons: Australia's seasons are reversed — summer is December to February and winter June to August. The tropical north runs on a wet (Nov-Apr) and dry (May-Oct) season instead
- Sun protection: The Australian sun is fierce. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and reapply often — slip, slop, slap, as the locals say
- Distances: Australia is vast, so some legs use short internal flights or scenic drives. We build these into the pace so you are never rushed
- Marine stingers: In the tropical north, jellyfish season runs roughly November to May — swim in the stinger suits provided and always follow your guide
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the Australian Dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere and tipping is appreciated but never expected
- Wildlife: Respect wildlife and never feed animals unless guided. In the outback and tropics, always heed crocodile and swimming warnings
- Water & health: Tap water is safe to drink and pharmacies are everywhere. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for every visitor
- Outback readiness: In the Red Centre and Top End, carry water, wear sturdy shoes and start walks early to beat the midday heat
- Power & connectivity: Power is 230V with type I plugs, so bring an adapter. Mobile coverage can drop out in remote areas — part of the escape
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary (such as a reef cruise lunch or an outback barbecue). Other meals are left free so you can explore Australia's superb food scene.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — your sightseeing, transfers and day tours are arranged for you with local guides, so there is no logistics to worry about.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa, applied for online before you travel. It is quick and inexpensive, and we can guide you to the right one.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on the region: the tropical north is best in the dry season (May-October), the Red Centre in the cooler months (April-September), and the southern cities and Tasmania shine in spring to autumn (September-April).
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and activities can all be tailored, and we can extend your stay or combine regions. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Are internal flights included?
Where the route hops between distant hubs, the relevant domestic flights are included as stated in the inclusions. Any additional sectors can be arranged on request.
Do we see the Twelve Apostles at the best time?
Yes — the tour is timed so you reach the Twelve Apostles in the softer afternoon light, when the limestone glows and the crowds thin.
Is the Yarra Valley suitable for non-drinkers?
Certainly. The valley is also known for its produce, chocolate, cheese and scenery, and the day can lean into food and views rather than wine.
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