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Home > Australia > 11 DAYS SELF-DRIVE FAMILY ADVENTURE IN VICTORIA

11 DAYS SELF-DRIVE FAMILY ADVENTURE IN VICTORIA

MELBOURNE, GEELONG, CAPE OTWAY, WARRNAMBOOL, HALLS GAP, BALLARAT, DAYLESFORD

Family Travel, Gourmet & Wine, Outdoor & Adventure, History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife

Highlights

  • Fun activities for the young and the young at heart
  • Get upclose with the local fauna, from wildlife parks to spotting native animals in the pristine wilderness with experienced guides
  • Take on the waves on a private surf class in Torquay
  • Helicopter flight over the iconic 12 Apostles along one of the greatest coastal landscapes – the Great Ocean Road
  • Discover Aboriginal culture amid the sandstone ridges of the Grampians National Park 
  • Immerse yourself in the 1850s gold rush era at Sovereign Hill living museum
  • Enjoy a gourmet day out in Daylesford with fresh, regional produce

Beyond Melbourne, Victoria offers a diverse natural landscape, iconic wildlife and a galore of eateries focused on fresh regional cuisine. Combined with the excellent infrastructure, this journey makes for a perfect trip out for families, with an array of experiences and activities to keep the young ones engaged and also introduce them to nature – from dazzling beaches to lush rainforests and rugged desert country.

 

The drive takes you from Melbourne along the breath-taking Great Ocean Road before heading into the Victoria hinterlands of the Grampians National Park and gold-rush towns. Along the way, learn about Aboriginal culture, pan for gold, spot wildlife, experience the Southern Ocean, and enjoy local food and wine.

From

SGD 3,860 Per person

11 Days 10 Nights
Suitable for Family

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN MELBOURNE

ARRIVAL IN MELBOURNE
Melbourne
N.A.

Upon arrival in Melbourne Airport, pick up your rental car (Intermediate SUV Auto, e.g. Subaru Forester or similar), and make your way to your hotel in central Melbourne. (approx. 30km, 25min).

 

Melbourne At Leisure

The day is at your leisure to explore the city. Take in the vibrant Arts precinct, Flinders Street Station, Federation Square and the grand Victorian civic buildings of Spring Street then set off on foot to meander through Melbourne’s labyrinth of laneways and arcades. Browse the boutiques of Block and Royal Arcades, admire Hosier Lane’s urban art scene or simply take a moment to soak up the continental atmosphere of Centre Place.

Day 02 MELBOURNE / TORQUAY

MELBOURNE / TORQUAY
Torquay
Breakfast included

Wake up fresh from a good night’s rest and ready to commence your exploration of Victoria. 

 

Private Deluxe Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Start your adventure with a safari at the Werribee Open Range Zoo south of Melbourne (approx. 35km, 30min). Enjoy an exclusive deluxe safari trip, where you can see rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing on the grassy plains or come face-to-face with gorillas, a pride of lions, monkeys and cheetahs. 

 

Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula Self-Drive

Continue onwards the bayside city of Geelong (approx. 50km, 40min), where you can stop for lunch. Explore the nearby Bellarine Peninsula, and wander around the Victorian-era seaside town of Queenscliff, before driving down to Torquay (approx. 40km, 40min).

Day 03 TORQUAY / LORNE / CAPE OTWAY

TORQUAY / LORNE / CAPE OTWAY
Cape Otway
Breakfast included

Torquay Private Surfing Class (2hrs)

Start the day with a splash on thrilling private surfing class with experienced instructors and surfers themselves who can tailor the lesson to your specific skill level. Enjoy pristine beaches and perfect waves along one of the most amazing strips of coast in Australia.

 

Torquay to Cape Otway Self-drive

Torquay is the official start of the Great Ocean Road, one of the most gorgeous driving landscapes in Australia. Not far from Torquay is the iconic memorial archway at Eastern View (approx. 35km, 30min) and a further 15 minutes takes you to the pretty coastal town of Lorne, where you can stop for lunch. Walk off your hearty meal with a visit of the 30m tall Erskine Falls in the surrounding rainforest.

 

Continue onwards to Cape Otway for a special stay in an ecolodge in the national park (approx. 70km, 1hr 20min drive), where you can see native animals in the wild and help with rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife.

Day 04 CAPE OTWAY

CAPE OTWAY
Cape Otway
Breakfast included

Cape Otway At Leisure

In the morning, visit to the Cape Otway Light Station, the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. Next, at the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, take a relaxing treetop walk or an exhilarating zip-line adventure in the heart of the rainforest. For lunch, discover local gourmet products on the Otway Harvest Trail

 

Cape Otway Platypus Experience (3hrs)

Enjoy a canoe ride on a beautiful mountain lake at dusk with an experienced guide to see this elusive Australian native in its natural habitat, either swimming in the lake, or in a pristine eucalyptus forest.

 

Day 05 CAPE OTWAY / WARRNAMBOOL

CAPE OTWAY / WARRNAMBOOL
Warrnambool
Breakfast included

Depart Cape Otway for the 12 Apostles (approx. 70km, 1hr). 

 

12 Apostles Helicopter Flight (15min)

Enjoy a private helicopter flight to soak up a spectacular panoramic view of Victoria’s famous limestone stacks and other highlights, such as Loch Ard Gorge, Bakers Oven, Sentinel Rock, Port Campbell, Two Mile Bay, The Arch and London Bridge. 

 

Great Ocean Walk At Leisure

If time permits, enjoy the iconic sights from the ground – hiking enthusiasts can walk a part of the Great Ocean Walk which ends at the 12 Apostles. 

 

Warrnambool At Leisure

Continue on to Warrnambool (approx. 70km, 1hr) to visit Flagstaff Hill, a fascinating historical village showcasing life in a 19th century seaport. Between May and October, you can see southern right whales – a private whale watching cruise can be arranged (additional costs apply).

Day 06 WARRNAMBOOL / HALLS GAP

WARRNAMBOOL / HALLS GAP
Halls Gap
Breakfast included

Tower Hill Nature Reserve At Leisure

Visit the Tower Hill Nature Reserve, an enormous volcanic crater to the west of Warrnambool where it’s easy to see koalas, kangaroos, emus and native birds. 

 

Drive through the rolling farmland of the Western Districts – we recommend a lunch stop in Dunkeld – before you reach the Grampians.

 

Grampians National Park & Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre

At Grampians National Park, gain a new perspective from the park’s well-known lookouts – Boroka, Reed and the Balconies – all set with stunning views over the Mount William and Wonderland Ranges. This world-class destination is owned and operated by Australia’s Aboriginal people, be sure to stop at the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where you can enjoy didgeridoo workshops, bush food tasting, boomerang painting and throwing lessons. Enjoy a 1hr tour of ancient rock art with an aboriginal guide while learning about the traditions of one of Australian’s oldest people. 

Day 07 HALLS GAP / BALLARAT

HALLS GAP / BALLARAT
Ballarat
Breakfast included

Grampians National Park Hike At Leisure

Your final morning in the Grampians should include exploring the area’s Aboriginal rock art sites and hiking trails.

 

Grampians National Park Wineries & Ararat Self-Drive

Depart to Ballarat (approx. 150km, 1hr 45min). En route, explore some of the region’s historic wineries with a delightful offering of sparkling wines and old vine shiraz, and then continue on to Ararat to learn about the gold rush from a different perspective, the only town in Australia founded by Chinese miners.

Day 08 BALLARAT

BALLARAT
Ballarat
Breakfast included

Soveign Hill At Leisure (Full Day)

Spend the day at Sovereign Hill, a living museum goldfields town that re-creates Ballarat’s first 10 years after the 1851 discovery of gold, when thousands of international adventurers came in search of fortune. It’s set on an original mining site, with costumed characters bringing the shops, hotels, theatre, school, factories, gold diggings and underground mines to life. Take an underground mine tour, pan for real gold, watch a $150,000 gold pour, visit the gold museum, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and use pen and ink in the one-room schoolhouse. In the evening, watch Sovereign Hill’s multimillion-dollar sound-and-light show, Blood on the Southern Cross, which tells the dramatic story of the 1854 Eureka Rebellion, in which miners rebelled against unfair government gold taxes and swore allegiance to the Southern Cross flag.

Day 09 BALLARAT / DAYLESFORD

BALLARAT / DAYLESFORD
Daylesford
Breakfast included

Ballarat At Leisure 

Today, head to the Ballarat Wildlife Park to see native Australian animals and reptiles in the natural bush, and Kryal Castle, Australia’s only medieval adventure park – it will be a fun and interactive day for the young ones! 

 

Creswick Woollen Mills

En route to Daylesford (approx. 50km, 45min), make a detour to Creswick Woollen Mills, the last coloured woollen spinning mill in Australia, where you can feed alpacas, see the interactive exhibit and shop for fine natural materials. 

Day 10 DAYLESFORD

DAYLESFORD
Daylesford
Breakfast included

Daylesford At Leisure

Daylesford is well known for its gourmet food and mineral springs – spend the day to explore the region on the Daylesford Macedon Produce Trail to find gourmet products and meet producers, or wander through the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens (with an excellent restaurant). Drive out to explore Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm’s historic stone buildings, which overlook the lavender fields that supply the raw materials for the farm-made lotions and creams.

 

We will be happy to book a table at your hotel’s esteemed restaurant using seasonal, organic and regional produce for a wonderful end to your adventure in Victoria.

Day 11 DAYLESFORD / DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE

DAYLESFORD / DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE
N.A.
Breakfast included

After breakfast, transfer to Melbourne airport (approx. 170km, 2hr) for your onward journey. 

Hotels & Tour Price

High Season

Indicative cost per person

Family of 2 adults and 2 children(costs are averaged out for adults and children)
High Season: S$ 4,380
Single Supplement
High Season: S$ 3,480

High Season: Nov – Mar
The Langham MelbourneRACV Torquay Resort • Great Ocean EcolodgeQuest WarrnamboolDULC • Provincial Hotel Ballarat • Lake House Daylesford

Melbourne

Melbourne

The Langham Melbourne (2x Superior Rooms)

With its prime location on the south bank of the Yarra River, this luxury hotel is within easy access of the city's restaurants, shops and nightlife, as well as the art precinct. Rooms are elegantly appointed with natural light, many of which afford snapshot images of the city, Yarra River and the Southgate thoroughfare. (Opened: 2013; Rooms: 388)

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Geelong

Geelong

RACV Torquay Resort (Ocean View Family Room)

Perched within the backdrop of the Torquay and Jan Juc beaches, this luxury resort is set on an expansive golf course with spectacular ocean views and direct beach access. There is a wide range of facilities, including a family friendly restaurant and bar, day spa and indoor pool, and its prime location on the Suff Coast allows easy access to nearby rainforest to boutique wineries and family beaches. (Opened: 2013 Rooms: 92)

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Cape Otway

Cape Otway

Great Ocean Ecolodge (King Room)

This five room guesthouse is located in the Great Otway National Park, and operated by the Conservation Ecology Centre, a model of sustainability and self-sufficiency using solar energy. It is the perfect destination to unwind among nature and observe the native wildlife on the lodge’s ground, before enjoying a dining experience straight from their very own vegetable gardens. (Opened: 2004; Rooms: 5)

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Warrnambool

Warrnambool

Quest Warrnambool (Two Bedroom Apartment)

Right in the heart of Warrnambool’s city centre and the only hotel along the main street among cafes and restaurants, this boutique hotel offers modern serviced apartments of up to 3-bedrooms with their own kitchen facilities. There is complimentary access to local Aquatic Centre with full gym facilities and indoor heated swimming pools. (Renovated: 2017; Rooms: 42)

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Halls Gap

Halls Gap

DULC (Mountain View Two Bedroom)

These funky designer cabins are nestled amid the beauty of the Grampians, yet a short drive into the town of Halls Gap. Choose between a treehouse among the canopy or mountain view cabins – all featuring elegant minimalist décor using natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows with abundant natural light and spa baths with Molton Brown amenities. (Opened: 2006; Rooms: 5)

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Ballarat

Ballarat

Provincial Hotel Ballarat (Two Bedroom Apartment)

Housed in a historic Ballarat building that is recognised by the National Trust, this boutique hotel has sophisticated contemporary interior makeover with the feel of a stylish modern home, with individual furniture in the uniquely curated rooms and a dash of colour. The restaurant offers European-inspired dining using seasonal, locally sourced produce. (Renovated: 2015; Rooms: 23)

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Daylesford

Daylesford

Lake House Daylesford (Waterfront Suite)

Situated on the shores of picturesque Lake Daylesford in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country, this luxury lodge comprises of a village-like cluster of cream buildings nestle in amongst 6 acres of towering trees and country gardens. It is home to one of Australia’s most esteemed restaurants with an award winning wine list and cellar, and its own farm, orchard and vineyard. (Renovated: 2011; Rooms: 34)

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Low Season

Indicative cost per group

Family of 2 adults and 2 children(costs are averaged out for adults and children)
Low Season: S$ 3,680
Single Supplement
Low Season: S$ 2,880

Low Season: Apr – Oct
The Langham MelbourneRACV Torquay Resort • Great Ocean EcolodgeQuest WarrnamboolDULC • Provincial Hotel Ballarat • Lake House Daylesford

COST INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation in family rooms or 2 connecting rooms in hotels as stated on bed & breakfast basis
  • Intermediate SUV Auto or similar for 11 days
  • Private experiences as per itinerary 
    • Private Deluxe Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
    • Private Surf Class in Torquay
    • Platypus Experience in Cape Otway
    • 12 Apostles Helicopter Flight 
    • Grampians National Park Rock Art Tour with an Aboriginal Guide (1hr)
    • Admission to Sovereign Hill 
    • Admission to Ballarat Wildlife Park
    • Admission to Kyral Castle
  • Local taxes and service charges.

COST EXCLUDES:

  • International airfares
  • Visa
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses e.g. laundry, bar, spa services
  • Phone and internet charges

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