7 Day Melbourne and Victoria Highlights Private Guided Tour
Welcome to Australia’s second-smallest state – but certainly one of the continent’s most amazing gems! On this 7-day exclusive privately guided tour you can expect to see the penguin march at dusk on Phillip Island, indulge in some fantastic wine and food in the Yarra Valley and intimately get to know Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest cosmopolitan centre.
The best part is that this is your tour done your way. Sit back, relax and experience the authentic side of Australia through the eyes of your own expert local driver guide. Welcome to The Road Trip ‘Where your journey begins’.
Day 1 Arrival at Melbourne Airport + Drive to Yarra Valley (66km – 1 hour 15 minutes driving time approx.)
Welcome to Australia. You will be met at the airport by your private driver guide and your exclusive tour begins. From here it is a short drive to the fabulous Yarra Valley, known for its cool climate wines, boutique cheese and chocolate shops and stunning natural surrounds. The afternoon is free to explore the area’s natural surrounds, visit one of the many cellar doors in the region or simply relax and unwind. Perhaps enjoy a spectacular hot air balloon ride taking in the area’s sweeping vistas. Tonight enjoy a meal in one of the area’s fantastic restaurants.
Day 2 Yarra Valley Winery and Food Tour
Today is a full day to explore the Yarra Valley with your own exclusive private tour guide to indulge in some of the area’s fantastic wineries, breweries, chocolate and cheese shops and gin distilleries (or all of the above!). Enjoy a gourmet lunch at one the stops accompanied by a glass of Yarra Valley Wine. For those that want an extra touch of luxury today, there is the option to travel by classic Chevrolet. Enjoy another night in the region.
Day 3 Yarra Valley – Phillip Island via Dandenong (195km – 2 hours 50 minutes’ drive time + 3 hour return steam train journey)
This morning after departing your accommodation you take the scenic drive through to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close and personal with Australian Wildlife in their natural habitat. See Platypus, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils and Koalas. You will also get the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary’s Health Centre which is responsible for treating over 1,500 injured or sick wild animals every year. Your next stop is Australia’s favourite steam train ‘Puffing Billy Railway.’ Enjoy a splendid journey through the Dandenong Ranges on this turn of the century locomotive as you pass by lush fern gullies and admiring the tall mountain gums and rolling green hills of the Dandenong Ranges. There is also an option to enjoy lunch on the train’s first class dining carriage. Following this, for those who are feeling active, there is the possibility to enjoy a nature walk in the Dandenong National Park.Your destination for the evening is Phillip Island, one of the premier spots in Victoria for wildlife and coastal views.
Day 4 Phillip Island
Today is a full day to explore Phillip Island and immerse yourself in one of Victoria’s wildlife meccas. This morning make a visit to the island’s Koala Wildlife Sanctuary and come face to face with Koalas in their natural habitat. The rest of the day is free to explore – perhaps visit Churchill Heritage Island Farm, take one of the area’s fantastic scenic walks on the peninsula, visit and take a tour of one of the sheep and beef farms in the area or join a seal watching cruise on board a wildlife coastal cruise. This evening, enjoy one of the island’s fantastic highlights with a twilight tour to view little penguins on parade at sunset.
Day 5 Phillip Island – Melbourne (141km – 2 hours driving time approx.)
This morning before departing Phillip Island, you’ll visit the Nobbies Conservation Centre on the tip of the peninsula for a walk along the spectacular boardwalks – keep a look out for the Silver Gulls! Following this head into Melbourne City, Australia’s second-largest metropolitan centre and one of the cultural hubs of the country. This afternoon take a guided tour of the City’s MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and learn all about some of Australia’s best sporting victories as well as viewing and learning all about the venue itself. This also includes a visit to the museum and hall of fame. Tonight enjoy a meal in one of the city’s fantastic culinary hot spots.
Day 6 Melbourne
Today is a full day to explore Melbourne – you will be taken on a fantastic walking tour of the inner city to discover the area by foot. Sites include Federation Square, Melbourne’s Street Art, Chinatown and Princess Theatre as well as discovering some of the city’s best cafes and local bars. We also suggest a visit to Eureka Tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city centre and its surrounds. In addition, we will recommend some fantastic areas in the city for shopping. Tonight enjoy dinner in one of the city’s fantastic restaurants.
Day 7 Melbourne sightseeing + departure
This morning take a tour of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on the south bank of the city’s Yarra River. Discover over 8,500 different species of plant from 31 different countries in this idyllic setting. Following this be transferred to Melbourne International Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have had a memorable exclusive Road Trip with us.
