5 Days in Victoria and surrounds
Known as the world's most liveable city, Melbourne is sophisticated yet edgy with a thriving creative metropolis admired for its street art, coffee culture and labyrinth of hidden laneways and arcades. One of the most compact regions in Australia, Victoria offers a huge variety of landscapes and experiences within a few hours of the city centre.
At a glance
- Discover Melbourne's South Wharf
- Eat at Queen Victoria Market
- Take a skiing trip to Mt Buller
- Drink wine in Victoria's wine region Yarra Valley
- See Penguins in the wild on Philip Island
Day One: Melbourne
South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria
Start your trip by getting to know Australia's most liveable city. Discover South Wharf, Melbourne's new playground to meet, dine, shop and stay. The newly built four-star Novotel Melbourne South Wharf stands proudly in one of Melbourne's oldest locations. Visit DFO South Wharf located right in the heart of the New Melbourne in the Docklands, is home to over 100 leading Australian and International brands and offers discounts of up to 70% off every day retail prices all under the one roof.
Day Two: Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, Victoria
Start the morning off at Queen Victoria Market it’s an historic landmark, a tourist attraction and an institution for Melburnians. Spread over 7 hectares, it is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. Next have a look at the Melbourne cricket ground a compulsory pilgrimage for Australia sports fans and a must see for any visitor to the city where you will get a guided tour of the Melbourne cricket ground and national sport museum. Transfer to Federation Square the home to major cultural attractions, world-class events, tourism experiences and an exceptional array of restaurants and bars. Visit Eureka Skydeck 88 the highest public vantage point in Melbourne, Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. Dinner will be at Colonial Tramcar Restaurant and then treat yourself to one of Melbourne’s iconic rooftop bars Disembark.
Day Three: Mt Buller
Mt Buller, Victoria
Today you will depart for MT Buller. Mt Buller Alpine Resort is 250km north east of Melbourne and rises to an altitude of 1804 metres above sea level. It offers over 80 km of ski trails as well as wide open spaces above the tree line, with the longest ski run being 2.5km. Transfer to the Arlberg Hotel where you will collect your ski clothing and will be your accomadation. Join the friendly team of Siberian Huskies, Australian Sled Dog Tours for a tour which includes a meet and greet with the Huskies, a photo session and sled dog tour. If you feel like taking in the views from the top of Mt Buller, jump on a chairlift at The Northside Express Chairlift and take the quick way to the top! You will inspect a few properties around the Mt Buller area including the Breathtaker All Suite Hotel, Mt Buller Chalet Hotel & Suites and the Hotel Pension Grimus.
Day Four: Yarra Valley
Oakridge Yarra Valley, Victoria
Depart in the morning for Yarra Valley Victoria’s wine country. The Yarra Valley feels a million miles away, with vast rows of vines, mountain ash forests and enough local produce to feed the hungriest hordes. Get up close to some Aussie icons at the Healesville Sanctuary, immerse yourself in Australian art history at the stunning Tarrawarra Museum of Art, or simply indulge in some of the best cool climate wines Australia has to offer with a tasting at one of over 50 cellar doors. Arrive At Rayner’s Orchard for a tractor tour a boutique fruit orchard in the Yarra Valley that grows more than 350 varieties of fruit. In the afternoon depart for the Yarra Valley Chocolatarie and Ice Creamery. Watch the art of chocolate making and meet the European chocolatiers who will amaze you with their chocolate creations. Stay overnight Chateau Yering Historic House dates to 1854 and is a heritage listed property set among beautiful historic garden.
Day Five: Philip Island
Philip Island, Victoria
This morning depart for Philip island. Here, you can see penguins, seals and koalas in their natural habitats. Get in touch with wildlife at Maru Koala and Animal Park and enjoy hand feeding the animals. Depart for Cowes the main settlement of Phillip Island. Enjoy an up close encounter with one of Australia’s largest colonies of fur seals with a tour on wild ocean eco boat. Visit the Nobbies a spectacular coastal area with viewing from boardwalks and lookout points set amongst natural sea bird gardens. This area has high conservation significance and supports the largest remaining penguin colony on the Victorian coast. Arrive at Phillip Island Nature Park to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade which has been delighting visitors for many years with little penguins making their way up Summerland Beach each night at sunset. Get an eye-level view of the little penguins in the new RACV Underground viewing experience.
