Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road loop road trip

Itinerary in brief: 

• 3 nights Melbourne
• 2 night Grampians National Park
• 1 night Port Fairy
• 1 night Apollo Bay
• 2 nights Mornington Peninsula 

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne 

On arrival in Melbourne, you'll be met at the airport and driven into the city, checking in for three nights. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 2: Melbourne 

You now have two full days to explore Melbourne. Wander through the Laneways as you hop between coffee shops, tasting Melbourne 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 Asian food and stop into Queen Victoria Market for the iconic hot jam donuts.

On your second day, we've included the Yarra Valley HOP, which allows you to explore the famous wine region at your leisure and without having to drive. You can hop between vineyards and distilleries, even the Yarra Valley Dairy to taste some local cheeses and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for some sweet treats. It's a brilliant way to spend the day at your own pace enjoy the wine region. 

Included: Yarra Valley HOP, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Drive to Hall's Gap

Pick up your hire car this morning, ready to head out and explore Victoria. First stop is Ballarat, the famous gold rush town just an hour and a half's drive away. 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.

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 5: Grampians National Park 

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 6: 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 7: 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 why not head out to Wildlife Wonders, a nearby sanctuary to look for wildlife at dusk - looking for potoroos, bandicoots and pademelons as they wake up their day time snoozing. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Drive to the Mornington Peninsula 

Carry on along the coast to Aireys Inlet, where you can climb to the top of Split Point Lighthouse and Torquay, where you can watch the surfers on the vast beaches. 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: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 9: 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: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Depart Melbourne

Drive back to Melbourne this morning, dropping off your hire car at the airport in time for your onwards flight. 

Included: Car hire