Iconic Victoria & The Great Ocean Road

Spend a few days exploring the sights and sounds of down-to-earth Melbourne. This vibrant, multicultural and exciting state capital manages to retain a laid-back feel, making it one of Australia’s most liveable cities. While in town, you’ll explore the cafés and treasures of the hidden laneways, and of course be sure to try the tasty cuisine, with influences from Thailand, Vietnam and beyond.

Accommodation at 5* Peppers Docklands

Cross the bridge to rugged Phillip Island, home to the delightful Penguin Parade, where the world’s smallest penguins waddle up the beach every evening at sunset as they return from a long day’s fishing. A visit to the Koala Conservation Centre is also included, so you can get up close to these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Keep a look out for wallabies and echidnas, too. Last but not least, the Churchill Island Conservation Centre lets you explore the region’s farming heritage, with whip cracking and sheep shearing demonstrations.

Accommodation at 4* RAMADA RESORT BY WYNDHAM PHILLIP ISLAND

Soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere among the vineyards and olive groves of the Mornington Peninsula, and feel the wind in your hair on a sunshiny beach. With a number of country houses and cellar doors dotted around, you’re never too far from fine gourmet food in these parts, and the restaurants are of an excellent standard. Mornington Peninsula National Park’s walking trails take you through the pretty scenery, and you can feast your eyes on some fine ocean views. Further inland, the landscape turns more pastoral as you near the rolling hills and orchards of Arthurs Seat.

Accommodation at 4* Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill

Take the ferry from Queenscliff Wharf to Sorrento Pier and join the winding Great Ocean Road and admire the picturesque coastal scenery, soft golden sands and blue seas of Apollo Bay, where the magnificent Otway ranges form a picturesque backdrop. Apollo Bay is a water sports hub, and gateway to Cape Otway, the southernmost point in the region. Climb to the rainforest canopy and get a bird’s-eye view of the ancient beech myrtle trees on the exciting Otway Fly Treetop Walk.

Accommodation at 4* Mantra Lorne

Continuing on the Great Ocean Road, pass by the spectacular rock stacks that make up the Twelve Apostles, the iconic symbol of Victoria. Arrive in quaint Warrnambool and tuck into fresh crayfish or perhaps just good old fish and chips. Wander down the promenade and gaze up at the lighthouses, perhaps popping in to the heritage museums, cute cafes and bustling bars along the way. Come July to October it’s all about the whales, and you don’t even have to take a boat to have a chance of spotting them, as there’s a viewing platform at Logans Beach.

Accommodation at 4* Lady Bay Resort

Say goodbye to the coast as you head inland to Halls Gap in the heart of the magnificent Grampians National Park. This scenic area of sandstone ridges and jagged rock formations is also home to a wealth of plants, including the blooming wildflowers which are best seen in spring and summer. Take a bushwalk past the waterfalls and lakes and explore the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre or by taking a look at the various Aboriginal rock art sites.

Accommodation at 4* Grampians Chalets

Walk among the grand Victorian architecture and discover Ballarat’s intriguing past as a gold-mining town. The main attraction is the reconstructed 1850s’ mining community of Sovereign Hill, where characters in period dress will show you round and you can learn how to pan for gold. Once you’ve had your fill of history, head down to the Botanical Gardens and admire the immense redwoods, or take a wander around Lake Wendouree.

Accommodation at 4* Mercure Ballarat Hotel