5-day Iconic Victoria

We will pick you up from your accommodation and take you on a delightful journey to the picturesque Grampian mountain ranges in western Victoria. The first stop is Ballarat and Sovereign Hill.

Sovereign Hill brings Australia’s history to life, from the hustle and bustle of Main Street, where actors dressed in authentic goldfields costumes are eager to pose for photographs, to the excitement of the Red Hill Gully Diggings, where you can pan for actual gold. Visit operating shops, hotels, schools, a theatre, craftsmen, a wheelwright, a candlemaker, a confectioner, and steam-powered machinery. After lunch, we’ll go to the Grampians.

Explore the amazing Mackenzie Falls and be astonished by some of the spectacular views you’ve ever seen.

Boroka Lookout offers sweeping views of Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. It is merely a 5-minute walk to two observation platforms and is appropriate for persons with restricted mobility. The dawn here is extremely beautiful, and the views towards Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield are spectacular, with both the Wonderland and Mt William mountain ranges visible.

Another two great sites from a single parking lot. Reeds Lookout provides vistas, while an easy 2km hike will take you to The Balconies, which provide views of the Victoria Valley and surrounding mountains.

As evening falls, look for kangaroos, wallabies, and many of our famous wild birds. Freshen yourself at your Hall Gap hotel before heading out for supper and a good night’s sleep.

We recommend starting early today to take an early morning hike up to the Pinnacle for the greatest views of the Grampians before continuing down the magnificent coastline of The Great Ocean Road.
Our first destinations along The Great Ocean Road were London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Islands, and Lock Ard Gorge. The Loch Ard, an iron-hulled ship, ran aground here in 1878. There were only two survivors: rich 17-year-old Eva Carmichael, who had come with her family to start a new life in the colonies, and Tom Pearce, a young ship’s apprentice.
While the vistas alone are worth a visit, the long-ago survival story that unfolded here adds to the place’s wonder and mystery. Standing in the gorge now, especially at beach level, it’s difficult to envision the drama unfolding, or the daring of a young Tom mounting the eroding and unstable 11m high ochre cliffs – making it an even more interesting location to see.
One of the finest things to do on the Great Ocean Road is visit the famous 12 Apostles. The renowned stacks emerge potentially from the strong Southern Ocean, while rocky clifftops give way to picturesque coves and golden sand beaches.
Go to the stunning Gibson’s Steps. Climb the 86 steep stairs to the beach below, where you may stroll along the sandy beach beneath towering cliffs, frothy waves crashing onto the shore, and, only a short distance away, the limestone stacks that make up the remaining Apostles.
It’s a breathtaking location and, understandably, one of the most popular attractions along the Great Ocean Road.
We next take a diversion into the historic Otway National Park, which has some of Victoria’s most pristine rainforest. If we have time, we may visit the nearby Otway Fly Treetop Adventure, which offers an hour-long 25m high treetop walk through a stunning forest of enormous Myrtle Beach, Blackwood, and Mountain Ash trees.
Apollo Bay is a wonderful place to spend the night. Visit Maits Rest to see beautiful fern gullies or gigantic beech trees, some of which are up to 300 years old, and wander amid the towering Californian Redwoods.

We’re driving towards Kennett River this morning. Witness koalas in their native habitat before visiting stunning waterfalls like Erskine Falls and Teddy’s Lookout above Lorne.
Sitting down to lunch in Lorne with the glittering water in the background is one of life’s simple pleasures. From here, the route follows the coast all the way to Torquay, with the Memorial Arch serving as the entry to the Great Ocean route. Visit the Split Point Lighthouse at Airey’s Inlet and take a diversion to the legendary Bells Beach waves, which host the Rip Curl Pro every year.

From here, we may either drive to Queenscliff and spend the night there, or take a boat over the bay to Sorrento if Queenscliff is full.

In the morning, maybe try one of the various treatments available at the world-renowned Peninsula Hot Springs before driving to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse for some stunning views. Take the Eagle Chair Lift up to Arthurs Seat for more breathtaking views and a delicious meal.

Phillip Island, home of the world-famous Penguin Parade, is known for its lovely beaches, magnificent natural beauty, and rough coastline.

There is a lot to do here, with nationally designated surfing reserves, rare local animal encounters, a variety of gorgeous villages to visit, and lots of places to relax.

Cowes is a coastal hamlet with boutiques, galleries, markets, and a diverse selection of restaurants, cafés, and pubs providing amazing local cuisine prepared by excellent chefs. Perfect for an early dinner stop!

One of the most memorable aspects of visiting Victoria is seeing hundreds of Little Penguins emerge from the water at nightfall after a day of deep sea fishing and stroll from the beach to their nests, just besides the walking routes and viewing areas. Get a deeper knowledge of these amazing animals with a private ranger presentation, followed by box office seats at your private viewing site away from the masses.

Take a ride on Puffing Billy, one of the best-preserved steam trains worldwide. As it trundles between Belgrave and Gembrook through the breathtaking beauty of the stunning Sherbrooke Forest, take in the crisp mountain air through the open-sided carriages.

After that, we will travel to Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley. This is an excellent location to see Australia’s distinctive fauna up close.

If you enjoy wine, you should definitely try some in the Yarra Valley, which is known as one of the top wine-growing regions in the nation. Alternatively, you could try some gin at Four Pillars, which has been named the greatest gin manufacturer in the world!

Our incredible adventure comes to an end with a quick drive back to Melbourne from here.