Express Victoria road trip from Melbourne

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Melbourne
• 2 nights Mornington Peninsula
• 2 nights Apollo Bay 

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne 

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

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 2: Melbourne

Spend the day exploring Melbourne. Wander through the Laneways as you hop between coffee shops, tasting the famous flat white. Sample local craft beers, drool over the array of boutique cake shops and head out to dinner to one of Melbourne incredible array of restaurants. Take a ride up the Eureka Sky deck to experience uninterrupted 360-degree views of the skyline, you can even enjoy a cocktail at the top! Explore Chinatown for delicious dim sum and stop into Queen Victoria Market for the iconic hot jam donuts.

Included: 4* hotel 

Day 3: Drive to Mornington Peninsula 

This morning you'll pick up your hire car and head down to the Mornington Peninsula. 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 the Mornington Peninsula, you'll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 4: 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 5: Drive to Apollo Bay

Leaving the Mornington Peninsula behind, hop on the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff to start your journey west. Discover the charming Bellarine Peninsula, stopping to admire the art at Geelong Gallery, sip cold white wine at Terindah Estate and taste Portarlington’s famous mussels. Driving south along the Great Ocean Road, you can admire the spectacular coastal views as you head toward Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia. Watch the surfers taken on the waves before carrying on to Apollo Bay, where you'll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Car hire, ferry, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Great Ocean Road 

From Apollo Bay, you have the whole day to explore the Great Ocean Road. 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 - we recommend early morning to avoid the crowds but it's also beautiful at sunset. 

Why not stop in at Bay of Islands Coastal Park for views of the pretty rocks - it's often a lot quieter than the Twelve Apostles. Beach hop along the coast, enjoying the relaxed coastal towns and villages whilst tucking into some fresh seafood for lunch. In the evening you could 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: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Depart Melbourne

Head back to Melbourne, dropping your car at the airport before catching your onwards flight. 

Included: Car hire