On this engaging two-day journey around Melbourne you can combine the state of Victoria's two most popular tours - the Great Ocean Road and the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Add to that walks through ancient rainforest, surf beaches, encounters with extraordinary animals, a visit to the Mornington Peninsula's local winemakers, and a cruise across the ocean bay, and you'll come away with a thorough picture of this region of Australia's natural and historic landmarks.

Day 1

The Great Ocean Road (total distance - 420 km)

Morning

Melbourne - the town of Colac - the Twelve Apostles - Loch Ard Gorge - Port Campbell National Park (230 km)

Bypassing the winding coastal roads, you'll take a direct route through picturesque Australian pastureland and colourful rural towns to reach Port Campbell National Park and the famous, monumental Twelve Apostles rock formations.

You will visit and see:

• A drive across the Westgate Bridge with panoramic views of Melbourne
• A stop in the town of Colac (150 km from Melbourne), set among volcanic plains beside Victoria's largest lake
• The idyllic pastoral scenery of the Australian countryside
• Lookout points with breathtaking views of the famous Twelve Apostles and the striking Loch Ard Gorge rock formation
• Port Campbell National Park and the infamous Shipwreck Coast

Afternoon

Great Otway National Park - the town of Apollo Bay - the Kennett River mouth - Bells Beach - Torquay (190 km)

A journey along the Great Ocean Road, famous for its spectacular scenery and panoramic views of the ever-changing coastline and ocean colours. The titanic effort of soldiers returning from the First World War built this 243 km ocean road through impenetrable forest and cliffs over 16 years - today it is considered the world's largest war memorial.

You will visit and see:

• Great Otway National Park, with a walk through ancient rainforest among towering eucalypts and tree ferns
• A stop in the fishing village of Apollo Bay, famous for its waterfront with unusual wooden sculptures by local artisans. Ranked among Australia's top ten towns
• Sleepy koalas and hungry parrots at the Kennett River mouth
• A memorial photo at the arch dedicated to the builders of the Ocean Road and those who fell in the First World War
• The famous surf beach, Bells Beach

Overnight stay in the historic coastal town of Torquay (1871), known as Australia's surfing capital.

Day 2

The Picturesque Mornington Peninsula and the Famous Phillip Island with the Evening Penguin Parade (total distance - 320 km)

Morning

Torquay - the port of Queenscliff - ferry crossing - Mornington Peninsula (70 km)

The charming Mornington Peninsula is extremely popular among locals and tourists from all over the world.

Here, a sophisticated Mediterranean-style lifestyle blends beautifully with Australian traditions. This picturesque region of Victoria is famous for its winemaking, hot mineral springs and magnificent snow-white beaches.

You will visit and see:

• A drive through coastal towns to the port town of Queenscliff
• A ferry crossing from the western to the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay, over to the Mornington Peninsula (40 minutes). During the crossing you can watch playful dolphins and admire the scenic coastline from the water
• The colourful 'bathing boxes' at Sorrento - a famous image in Australian tourism brochures
• Boutique wineries with tastings of local red and white wines (optional)
• Magnificent panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait from the 'Arthur's Seat' lookout and Cape Nepean
• An Australian Wildlife Park (optional)

Afternoon

Mornington Peninsula - Phillip Island - Melbourne (250 km)

Phillip Island is listed as part of Australia's National Heritage and is a world leader in eco-tourism. Every year, millions of tourists from around the world come to see a remarkable natural spectacle - the orderly parade of little penguins. Every evening, right on schedule, the world's smallest penguins, no taller than 40 cm, march in disciplined fashion from the ocean to their burrows in the dunes. The western side of Phillip Island is home to one of Australia's largest fur seal colonies (more than 16,000 animals). The island also has a unique koala conservation centre, where these animals live in natural conditions and are easy for visitors to see.

You will visit and see:

• The crossing to Phillip Island
• The Nobbies, with its lookout points
• A visit to the island's koala conservation centre (optional)
• An unforgettable natural spectacle - the evening Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach

Return to Melbourne

Tour ends at your hotel

All entrance tickets are paid separately