5 Days in Victoria
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
- See the rugged wilderness of the Mornington Peninsula
- Get up close to the penguins on Philip island
- Hit the slopes on Mt Buller
- Enjoy some of Melbourne’s best restaurants
Day One: Melbourne
South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria
Arrive in Melbourne in the evening and check into your hotel Novotel South Wharf. Discover South Wharf, Melbourne's new playground to meet, dine, shop and stay. The 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. Have dinner in at Bang Pop South Wharf. Fresh fragrant and fun is the philosophy behind Melbourne's funkiest Thai restaurant.
Day Two: Philip Island
Philip Island, Victoria
In the morning visit the Mornington Peninsula a popular vacation destination which curves lazily southwards from Melbourne down Port Phillip Bay to a patchwork of bushland, pasture, hills, vineyards and National Parks. Arrive at the Peninsula Hot Springs for a site inspection the 50ºC waters rich in healing minerals are now flowing to the surface and into the thermal pools. Climb aboard the Arthurs Seat Eagle and revel in unforgettable views across Port Phillip Bay and the peninsula. Enjoy hand feeding and patting the animals at Maru Koala and Animal Park. In the afternoon depart for Philip Island, here you can see penguins, seals and koalas in their natural habitats. In the evening depart for Philip island nature park and get to see the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, the star attraction of the Phillip Island Nature Park which has been delighting visitors for many years with little penguins making their way up Summerland Beach each night at sunset.
Day Three: Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Arrive at Puffing Billy Station at Lakeside. Puffing Billy Steam Railway is Australia’s oldest steam railway the journey takes you through the magnificent Dandenong ranges located only one hour east of Melbourne. Enjoy lunch in the Ranges hotel Gembrook about an hour south east of Melbourne lies a quiet, small country town called Gembrook. Afterwards depart for Rayners Orchard a boutique fruit orchard in the Yarra Valley that grows more than 350 varieties of fruit including many stonefruits. In the evening depart for the Yarra Valley Chateau Yering Historic House dates to 1854 and is a heritage listed property set among beautiful historic gardens and will be your accommodation for the night. Have dinner at Eleonore’s at Chateau Yering Historic House a fine dining restaurant named after Eleonore de Castella, a hostess renowned for serving the most refined food and quality wines.
Day Four: Mt Buller
Mt Buller, Victoria
Enjoy some outdoor activities today at Mt Buller Alpine Resort which is 250km north east of Melbourne and rises to an altitude of 1804 metres above sea level. The resort embodies some of Victoria's most spectacular alpine and sub-alpine terrain. 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. Arrive at Arlberg Hotel and collect your ski clothing. Enjoy site inspections of Breathtaker Hotel and Spa and Ski Club Victoria. Activities will be split into two groups group one will get the chance to experience the Sightseeing Chairlift a breathtaking ride across Mt Buller's slopes and group two will get to experience the Australian sled dogs for a photo opportunity and a ride. Dinner will be at Kaptans Pension Grimus, renowned for traditional European alpine ambience.
Day Five: Mansfield to Melbourne
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Victoria
Depart the mountain for Mansfield, a scenic two-hour drive from Melbourne, with mountains dominating the horizon and a community that includes many of the original cattlemen’s families, there is no place that embodies the spirit and tradition of the High Country more than Mansfield does. Make your way to the Alzburg Resort to undertake a site inspection. Depart for Yarra Valley for a spot of hot chocolate/ afternoon tea at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is set on 16 hectares surrounded by picturesque Yarra Valley vistas, an emerging orchard and sweeping lawns. Check into your hotel for your last night in Melbourne at Citadines on Bourke.
