Highlights of Victoria – Self Drive
Australia
The Yarra Valley is home to more than 80 wineries, ranging from small, family-owned operations to large estates. The region is renowned for producing Australia’s finest pinot noir and sparkling wine, along with a range of other cool-climate wines. It was Victoria’s first planted wine region back in 1838. The region is known for its fresh produce including freshwater salmon, trout and caviar, organically grown fruit and vegetables and handmade cheeses and preserves.
The Mornington Peninsula is comprised of around 30 villages with traditional main streets and little retail squares – boutiques with style, artist studios and galleries and food stores packaged to the rafters with local produce. Treat yourself to lunch in award-winning eateries and renowned wineries, dabble in the arts and learn about local history. Need pampering? Indulge in a relaxing thermal spa and then play a round on a magnificent cliff top golf course. Reconnect with nature in pristine national parks, or boost your adrenaline in, on and around the water with a day of surfing, scuba diving or bush walking.
Phillip Island boasts breathtaking natural beauty and plenty of attractions for nature-lovers and adventurers, including the famous Penguin Parade.
Located only 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a day trip to enjoy iconic Australian wildlife amongst spectacular landscapes. The Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm and Nobbies Centre are just a few of the islands unique attractions. Follow the Southern Gippsland Wine Trail and experience Phillip Island’s excellent cool climate wines and fresh organic produce.
Includes:
o Accommodation for 5 nights in double occupancy
o Return airport transfers
o 5-day car rental with AVIS including insurances
Exclusions
o International/domestic flights and airport taxes – Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides and drivers – Optional excursions – Meals – Beverages unless noted in the itinerary
Level of support:
Self Guided
Related Services Available to Add:
5 nights
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Departure:
Multiple departures
Price based on departure date. Please enquire for a quote.
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DAY 1 MELBOURNE
After collecting your luggage, we have arranged a transfer for you from the Melbourne Airport to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation : Melbourne for 1 night
DAY 2 MELBOURNE TO YARRA VALLEY (62KM)
After picking up your car, the best route to the Yarra Valley is via the Eastern Freeway through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The Yarra Valley is home to Victoria’s earliest vineyards and is recognized as one of the world’s great wine growing regions. Numerous wineries offer cellar door tastings and sales, and have restaurants serving gourmet food and fine local produce accompanied by their wine. Perhaps also get close to Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, home to dingos, kangaroos, wombats and the elusive platypus.
Accommodation : Yarra Valley for 1 night
DAY 3 YARRA VALLEY TO PHILLIP ISLAND (145KM)
This morning travel south east to San Remo in time for the free daily feeding of the Pelicans at noon, before heading over the bridge to Phillip Island. Phillip Island is home to Australia’s famous Little Penguins. The famous ’Penguin Parade’ occurs each evening at sunset and should not be missed.
Accommodation : Phillip Island for 1 night
DAY 4 PHILLIP ISLAND TO MORNINGTON PENINSULA (100KM)
Depart Phillip Island heading west around the bay along the Bass Highway and South Gippsland Highway to the heart of the Mornington Peninsula. Stylish Sorrento and Portsea are filled with antique shops, galleries, cafes and numerous walking trails along the ocean-facing coastline. Heading inland, you’ll find a number of boutique wineries, where many vineyard restaurants create gourmet dishes to match their individual wines. The afternoon is yours to explore all that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer. Maybe grab an attraction pass which includes entry to the Lavender Farm, Moonlit Sanctuary and Cape Schanck Lighthouse to name a few. Visit Flinders on the eastern side of the Peninsula and Cape Schanck, the southernmost point of the Peninsula.
Accommodation : Mornington Peninsula for 1 night
DAY 5 MORNINGTON PENINSULA TO MELBOURNE (80KM)
Today depart the Mornington Peninsula and then make the return journey north to Melbourne along the Nepean Highway and Melbourne’s beachside suburbs. Return your car to the city depot before heading to your hotel.
Accommodation : Melbourne for 1 night
DAY 6 MELBOURNE
It’s time to bid farewell to this lovely area as you head to the Melbourne Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
All sites & activities in the itinerary are subject to availability and might need to be amended according to Covid-19 regulations at the time of travel. Rates will be adjusted accordingly, where applicable. All offers are subject to Merit Travel standard Terms of Service. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
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