9 Day Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road Family Tour

YOUR DAY

Welcome to Australia. You will be met at the airport and transferred into the city by shuttle (or you can pick up a rental car for self drive). From here the day is free to explore Melbourne and discover some of the incredible cafes, bars, restaurants and landmarks at your leisure.

We provide a detailed interactive travel app that will ensure that the best spots are able to be navigated by the push of a button.

YOUR DAY

Today is a full day to explore Melbourne and experience the ins and outs of this vibrant metropolis. You will be taken on a fantastic walking tour of the inner city and 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 hidden bars. You will also take a visit to Eureka Tower for fantastic panoramic views of the city centre and its surrounds. This afternoon we suggest taking a walk along the spectacular riverfront and absorbing the lively atmosphere. Perhaps enjoy one of the incredible bars, cafes, restaurants or retail therapy outlets on offer. Your app will be programmed with some great suggestions.

(Melbourne has a great network of Trams and trains to get around easily!, we can arrange a private guide for you if needed or you can drive but its not recommend in the city)

Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of this legendary sports stadium — one of the world’s greatest — and get exclusive access to the players’ changing rooms, the MCC Long Room, and even walk beside the hallowed turf.

From there, wander over to the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, tranquil lakes, and lush greenery — perfect for a relaxing break or even a coffee at the lakeside café.

After lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore Melbourne’s cultural side. You might choose to visit the Melbourne Museum, home to immersive exhibits on everything from Indigenous culture to natural history and urban life. Right nearby is the Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s just as beautiful outside as in.

Alternatively, head to Queen Victoria Market, a lively hub of food, produce, and local culture. Sample gourmet treats, pick up handmade goods, or simply enjoy the buzzing atmosphere.

Art lovers will appreciate a stop at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) — Australia’s oldest and most-visited art museum. It features a mix of Australian, Indigenous, and international works across classic and contemporary styles.

End your day with a quiet moment under the domed ceiling of the State Library of Victoria, where grand architecture and rich history make for an inspiring final stop.

YOUR DAY

97km (1 hour 15 minutes driving)

(Today we can arrange a rental car for you if you’d like the flexibility of a self-drive option, or alternatively, provide a private guide and vehicle to take care of all the driving so you can relax and enjoy the journey. We can also explore small group tour options for certain sections or day trips if you’d prefer to join others for shared experiences along the way. )

You will say bye to the city and make your way to the Mornington peninsula. First up we suggest a visit to the incredible St Kilda beach & the Brighton Beach boxes to take in some coastal scenery whilst marvelling at this well photographed icon. From here enjoy the spectacular Mornington Peninsula. This is an area known for its wineries, orchards, olive groves and natural hot springs among other attractions such as Arthurs Seat Cable Car.

This afternoon, you will visit Enchanted Adventure which is an award-winning natural attraction nestled in the beautiful hinterland of Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula. From the epic Tube Slides to our Tree Surfing courses, giant brainteaser puzzles, Canopy Walk, Sky Scramble and more, there is adventure for adults and kids alike! Lose yourself in the colours of themed gardens, marvel at the structures of hedge topiary and giant sculptures or get tangled in one of our mazes.

Tonight stay on the Peninsula and perhaps visit the natural hot springs.

Your Day

40 minute ferry crossing + 134km- 2 hours 35 minutes driving time approx

This morning take a ferry crossing between Sorrento and Queenscliff, enjoying superb views of Port Philip Bay along the way. Arriving in Queenscliff be greeted by windswept beaches as you head South West toward the Great Ocean Road. On route perhaps stop for photos at Bells Beach and paying a visit to Torquay, one of Australia’s premier surfing destinations. We recommend checking out the National Surf Museum and the beach famous for the Rip Curl Pro, one of the most sought after titles on the world championship circuit. Arriving in Lorne, we have programmed some fantastic look out spots and walks onto your travel app allowing you to really discover some of the many fantastic vistas that the surrounding area has to offer. The final part of your drive today follows cliff-tops offering incredible views and alongside wild beaches. Arriving in Apollo Bay enjoy an afternoon strolling around the small village and admiring your surroundings.

YOUR DAY

202km- 3.5 hours driving time approx

Today is one of the absolute highlights of this drive and discovery of the world renowned Twelve Apostles.

Leaving Apollo Bay your drive takes you into Cape Otway National Park, one of Australia’s many coastal wonders. Spend time exploring the Cape Otway light station and its breath-taking cliff top views. Further up the road you will discover the world-famous Twelve Apostles as well as Loch Ard Gorge. There is the opportunity here to do one of our several nature walks encompassing the majestic coastal views and limestone formations. Your app will have some great suggestions with easy push button navigation to each of these incredible gems. For those that want a more panoramic view of the Twelve Apostles, there will be the opportunity to view the area by helicopter (at additional cost). Your next stop is Logan’s Beach, known for its Southern Right and Blue Whale visits in winter. Your destination for the evening is the charming fishing Village of Port fairy. Perhaps take an evening stroll along the waterfront.

YOUR DAY

111 km- 2 hours driving

This morning, take the scenic drive to Halls Gap in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, known for its dramatic mountain ranges, Indigenous heritage, and native wildlife.

Start with a hike to the Pinnacle Lookout, offering sweeping views over the surrounding landscape. You can choose a gentle walk from Sundial Carpark or a more challenging route from Halls Gap. Afterwards, head to MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria’s most impressive waterfalls — with both easy and more adventurous walking options.

Visit Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre to learn about local Aboriginal culture and explore nearby rock art sites. Wildlife is abundant here — expect to spot kangaroos, emus, and possibly echidnas throughout the park and even in town.

For something more relaxed, try the Boroka Lookout for panoramic views or enjoy the Venus Baths Loop, a short, scenic walk past natural rock pools.

YOUR DAY

3 hours driving 

Start your day with a visit to the Halls Gap Zoo, one of Victoria’s largest regional zoos. Set in a natural bushland setting, the zoo is home to over 160 species, including Australian favourites like kangaroos, dingoes, wombats, and koalas, as well as exotic animals such as meerkats, giraffes, cheetahs, and monkeys. It’s a great chance to get up close with wildlife, and the zoo’s walk-through enclosures and feeding opportunities make it a fun, interactive experience.

After your visit, hit the road towards Ballarat — roughly a 1.5-hour drive through picturesque country landscapes. Upon arrival, step back in time at Sovereign Hill, an award-winning open-air museum that brings the 1850s gold rush to life. You can pan for real gold, watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts, explore old mines, or catch costumed actors re-enacting scenes from the past.

Wrap up the afternoon with a stroll along Sturt Street, lined with heritage buildings, boutique shops, and cafés Before making the drive back to Melbourne for your final night

YOUR DAY

Today upon check out from your airport hotel you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport by shuttle for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you had a fantastic trip in Australia.