Wine, wildlife & coastal views: Victoria and Melbourne holiday

Itinerary in brief: 

• 4 nights Melbourne
• 1 night Ballarat
• 2 nights Grampians
• 1 night Port Fairy
• 1 night Port Campbell
• 1 night Apollo Bay
• 2 nights Mornington Peninsula
• 2 nights Yarra Valley 

Day 1: Depart UK 

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival in Melbourne, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for four nights. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel

Day 3 - 4: Melbourne

You'll have two full days to explore the city. Wander through the Laneways as you hop between coffee shops, tasting Melbourne's famous flat white. Take a ride up the Eureka Sky deck to experience uninterrupted 360-degree views of the skyline, where you can even enjoy a cocktail at the top. Hop on the tram for a free ride round the city and stroll along the Yarra River in the Botanic Gardens before heading out to dinner to one of Melbourne incredible array of restaurants - whether you want Michelin Star dining or a classic Aussie parma at a local pub.

We've included a couple of brilliant tours to help you get under the skin of this quirky Australian city. On Day 3, you'll spend a couple of hours exploring the city, on a History and Donuts walking tour. Visit the iconic landmarks of thecity, from St Paul's Cathedral to Hosier Lane's vibrant street art, all the while indulging in the famous cafe culture, tasting the best donuts that Melbourne has to offer along the way. Finish with the famous hot jam donut at Queen Victoria Market - this is the sweetest tour around. 

On Day 4, you'll head to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a short tour with a guide from the local Kulin Nation, to gain some insight into the rich and thriving culture of Aboriginal Australia. Learn about aboriginal plan uses, identify native plants and deepen your understanding of First Peoples' heritage. 

Included: History and donuts tour, Botanic Gardens tour, 4* hotel 

Day 5: French Island & Phillip Island  

Today you'll head out of the city on a tour of the nearby wildlife havens of French Island and Phillip Island. Start with a short ferry journey across Western Port Bay to French Island, sailing through the blue water to arrive at this wild and hidden spot. Head off on a 4WD tour of the island, soaking up the rugged beauty whilst looking for koalas and other wildlife. You'll also visit a local farm to get a taste of island life. 

In the afternoon you'll take the ferry over to Phillip Island famous for it's surf beaches and native wildlife. You'll spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic sea cliffs and wild ocean views before finishing your day at the Penguin Parade, watching the cute Little Penguins waddling ashore as dusk falls. Head back to Melbourne at the end of an epic day. 

Included: French & Phillip Island tour, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Drive to Ballarat 

Pick up your hire car this morning, ready to head out and explore Victoria. You'll start by heading north to Ballarat, the famous gold rush town just an hour and a half's drive away. Why not take a detour to Daylesford, a charming town with boutique shops and art galleries. Sip a local coffee, visit the Convent Gallery to admire some art and enjoy a walk around Lake Daylesford before arriving Ballarat. 

Ballarat is at the heart of Goldrush history in Australia, so why not head straight to Sovereign Hill, the immersive outdoor museum that brings this region of history to life, with costumed characters, gold panning and tours of the mines. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Drive to the Grampians

Spend the morning enjoying Ballarat, whether you tuck into a famous Aussie brunch, stroll through the Botanical Gardens, explore the art gallery or soak up more history at the Ballarat Tramway Museum. 

In the afternoon, head west towards the Grampians National Park, stopping off to spend a couple of hours in Ararat, the only Chinese founded town in Australia. Learn about it's history at the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre before arriving in Hall's Gap, the gateway to the Grampians. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Grampians 

Why not start your day early visit to Boroka Lookout to enjoy the breath-taking sunrise views over Halls Gap and the surrounding Grampians. Head for breakfast in the village before enjoying a hike out to the Pinnacle, one of the Grampians' most iconic spots. 

Pack a picnic to enjoy at Lake Bellfield or walk to the base of MacKenzie Falls, where you can admire the criss-crossing water plunging down the rocks. Finish at Reed Lookout, where sunset will bathe the hills in golden light at the end of your beautiful day exploring this often-overlooked area of Australia. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Drive to Port Fairy

You have an almost 2-hour drive to Port Fairy today so leave the Grampians at your leisure. As you get close to Port Fairy there is so much to see and do - we always recommend a visit to the Crags, a wild coastal reserve with dramatic cliffs and a popular breeding place for seals. 

After checking into your hotel in Port Fairy you have the afternoon free to explore the town, visit the port to witness the local fisherman unloading their catch or take a stroll around the arts & crafts shops scattered throughout the town. Don't miss a visit to Port Fairy Lighthouse on Griffiths Island and a delicious afogato at Conlan's Wine Store.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Drive to Apollo Bay

After breakfast this morning, its time to move onto your next destination, Apollo Bay, a 2.5-hour drive away. It’s up to you how you time your drive today, the Twelve Apostles are located along the route approximately an hour from Apollo Bay, these iconic rocks are an amazing place to stop and take some pictures and are even more special at sunset! We recommend avoiding the middle of the day as this is when crowds are at their peak.

Stop in at Bay of Islands Coastal Park for views of the pretty rocks - it's often a lot quieter than the Twelve Apostles. In the evening you'll head out to Wildlife Wonders to enjoy a dusk wildlife spotting tour - looking for potoroos, bandicoots and pademelons as they wake up their day time snoozing. It's a fascinating insight into some of Australia's lesser known but just as adorable wildlife.

Included: Wildlife Wonder tour, ar hire, 4* hotel 

Day 12: Drive to the Mornington Peninsula

Carry on along the coast to Torquay, where this morning you'll head out to try your hand surfing. It's a great spot to with gentle surf that's perfect for beginners, as well as more advanced beaches for those who know what they're doing! It's a great to really embrace the Aussie lifestyle and enjoy the waves.

Leaving the Great Ocean Road behind, you'll continue on to the Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula, a charming mix of coastal towns, outdoors adventures and scenic wineries. Visit the unique art at Geelong Gallery, sip cold chardonnay at Terindah Estate and stop into Portarlington to try their famous mussels. Hop on the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento and check into your hotel on arrival, ready to spend two nights on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Included: Beginner surf lesson, car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Mornington Peninsula 

We've planned a magical morning exploring the area on a Stand Up Paddleboarding and snorkel safari. Start with a peaceful paddle on a secluded lake surrounded by bushland, followed by a tasty lakeside breakfast. Finish with a visit to a hidden beach for an ocean paddle and guided snorkel, looking for dolphins and rays.

The rest of the day is yours to relax in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Whether you want to chill at the hotel, enjoy long lunches at local vineyards or explore a little further, it's your choice. If you do want to explore, there is so much to do - whether you enjoy a walk along the coast or explore the national parks. 

Included: Snorkel and SUP safari, car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Drive to the Yarra Valley 

More lazy days as you swap the coast of the Mornington Peninsula for the lush vineyards of the Yarra Valley. Why not stop in to enjoy Puffing Billy on your way into Yarra - hop onto this iconic steam train for epic views through the Dadenong Ranges and lush temperate rainforest. On arrival in Yarra, you'll check into your hotel for two nights. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 15: Yarra Valley 

Spend a couple of nights in the peaceful Yarra Valley - enjoy wine tasting at iconic estates like Yering Station, visit smaller cellar doors or find a luxury spa to unwind. 

Why not drive to Healesville to visit the wildlife sanctuary and stop in at local distilleries, or head to Marysville, to enjoy forest walks past tranquil waterfalls. Taste artisanal chocolate at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and sip craft beer at a scenic brewery. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Depart Melbourne 

Spend your final morning enjoy the Yarra Valley before driving the short distance back to Melbourne Airport, ready to drop off your hire car and catch your flight home. 

Included: Car hire, international flights

Day 17: Arrive UK