You'll have two days to explore fascinating Melbourne. A new face of the city – cosmopolitan, avant garde, conservative – is revealed in every tiny city arcade and in each of the colourful suburbs of the city fringe. On a private, guided sightseeing tour, you'll learn about Melbourne's early Indigenous history, and how the discovery of gold in the 1850s shaped the city. You'll tour Queen Victoria Market, visit the sporting precinct and the beachside suburbs, and stroll through Melbourne's cultural districts and iconic laneways.
Next is a full-day fly/drive tour of the Great Ocean Road, a spectacularly scenic route along Victoria’s southwestern coastline. Fly in a high-winged light aircraft over the famous Twelve Apostles, a landmark series of striking rock stacks. Get an insight into Australian surfing culture, soak up the atmosphere of Lorne, Victoria's premier holiday town, get acquainted with koalas in the wild and up close at Kennet River, and stroll along the Great Ocean walk, marveling at monstrous cliffs, roaring seas, tranquil coves, fern gullies and secluded beaches.
The following day, enjoy a private Yarra Valley and Healesville tour. Only a short one hour drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of the world’s most picturesque wine regions. Your driver/guide will seek out smaller, boutique wineries, where you can meet the people behind the wine. You'll also visit the Healesville Sanctuary, Australia's leading wildlife reserve, with over 200 species of native birds and animals.
Upon arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be met by a representative of Southern Crossings who will hand over your documents and transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation.
Today is at leisure and while in Melbourne we suggest the following optional activities:
• Visit the Victorian Arts Centre, the Victorian Gallery and Como House
• Enjoy a unique dining experience on board the Colonial Tram car
• Shop at fashionable Toorak and South Yarra
• Visit the cafes and beaches of St Kilda
• Take the "Art from the City Circle" tram ride or a walk through city streets, laneways, and squares and along the Yarra River to experience the city’s public artworks
• For nature lovers – enjoy an afternoon/evening excursion to Phillip Island to view the Fairy Penguin Parade
• Visit the Dandenongs and enjoy a ride on Puffing Billy steam train
ACCOMMODATION FOR FOUR NIGHTS IN A LUXE KING ROOM ON A ROOM ONLY BASIS AT: CROWN METROPOL, MELBOURNE
Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and driver for a sightseeing tour of Melbourne.
Truly a city like no other – an eclectic mix of cultures and history. Immerse yourself in ‘real’ Melbourne. Hear stories of the early Indigenous history of Melbourne. Learn more about how this remarkable history is reflected in modern day Melbourne. Take a drive through The Golden Mile, past the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building. See how the discovery of gold in the 1850’s shaped our city.
Migrant groups give Melbourne its edge. Visit some of Melbourne’s cultural precincts and grab a sidewalk coffee at a chic laneway café. For Melbournians today, life revolves around food, fashion, beaches and sport. Take some time to really connect with the city and its people with this ‘local’s look’.
Meet the faces behind the produce at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market. Many are true entertainers and have had their stalls passed down through generations. Your taste buds will be left tingling as you sample their wares.
Take in the grandeur of Melbourne’s sporting precinct to help you truly understand this city’s obsession with sport. Enjoy a stroll through some of Melbourne’s iconic laneways - home to the best and most unique bars, galleries, boutiques and cafes in the city.
Drive through the beachside suburbs stopping in St Kilda – Melbourne’s playground. You’ll find people from all walks of life here. Stop for lunch at the Pier Restaurant. Situated at the end of the historic St Kilda pier in Melbourne’s edgiest and most vibrant precinct. Enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the St Kilda marina. Melbourne’s city skyline looks spectacular in the distance.
Following lunch you will be transferred to your accommodation with the remainder of the day at leisure.
This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and vehicle for your full day Great Ocean Road Fly/Drive Tour.
Get an insight into Australian surfing culture at Bells Beach, with rugged cliffs and big waves – a relaxing one and a half hour drive from Melbourne. You will visit and learn about the historic Split Point Lighthouse, in Aireys Inlet.
Soak up the atmosphere of Victoria 's premier holiday town, Lorne, with freshly roasted coffee, delectable pastries and spectacular beach views.
Get acquainted with koalas in the wild and up close at Kennet River.
Marvel at the stretch of cliff-hugging road between Lorne and Apollo Bay. It's one of the most spectacular in the world.
Sample the award-winning food and panoramic ocean views at Chris's restaurant. Feast on fresh seafood, Greek influenced dishes and fantastic local wines.
Enjoy a stroll along the Great Ocean Walk. It will leave you breathless. Marvel at monstrous cliffs, roaring seas, tranquil coves, fern gullies and secluded beaches on the new Shelley Beach Loop.
You will take one of the world's truly great scenic flights in a high winged light aircraft along the remainder of the rugged ship wreck coast. You'll fly as far as the world renowned 12 Apostles and be inspired by Moonlight Head, The Cape Otway Light station, Gibson's Steps, the Loch Ard Gorge.
Your host pilot, Vic Bongiorno (owner/operator and Apollo Bay local) calls this rugged and secluded coast his home. He's been flying up and down it for the better part of 2 decades.
Enjoy a relaxing drive home through the majestic Otways Ranges and upon returning to the city you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private car and driver for your Yarra Valley & and Healesville Tour.
Only a short one hour drive from Melbourne the Yarra Valley is one of the world’s most picturesque wine regions. Regarded as Australia’s leading cool climate wine region it is prized for its superb Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling Wines.
While the Yarra Valley has some wonderful large commercial wineries producing quality products, our priority is for smaller ‘out of the way’ boutique wineries. This gives you the best opportunity to meet the people behind the wine while not having to compete with the crowds associated with larger group touring. Enjoy a delicious lunch with wine at Tarrawarra Estate winery.
For lovers of wildlife the Healesville Sanctuary can also be visited whilst in the Valley and can be seen separately or combined with your winery tour. Regarded as Australia’s leading wildlife reserve, Healesville Sanctuary has over 200 species of Australian Birds and Animals including Koalas, Kangaroos, Platypus, Dingos and countless rare and beautiful birds.
Upon conclusion of your touring you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Today you will be met at your accommodation your private car and driver and transferred to Melbourne Airport for your onward flight.
Depart Melbourne.
Cost: Based on two people sharing a room cost per person is USD$ 2,600 (total cost for two people is USD$5,200) and includes:
• Private car transfers as noted
• Accommodation on a room-only basis
• Private touring of Melbourne city
• Private touring of Great Ocean Road with scenic flight
• Private touring of Yarra Valley
• Australian Goods and Services tax GST at 10%
Price may be subject to seasonal fluctuations and public holiday surcharges.
All services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
