Go Beyond Melbourne - Self Drive

It's time to hit the road for the Yarra Valley, an easy drive less than an hour east of the city. Rolling hills laced with grape vines whet the appetite for vineyard visiting and wine tasting. Head to Healesville Sanctuary, stopping at farm gates to buy local produce for a picnic in the sanctuary's Aussie bush setting. Before you know it you'll be staring into the snarling jaws of a Tasmanian Devil, peering at a joey in its mother's pouch, or frolicking with the monotremes at Tales From Platypus Creek. The photographic opportunities are endless. Visit Yarra Valley chocolatier and ice creamery to enjoy abundant free chocolate tastings. Watch our European Chocolatiers hand craft over 250 different chocolate products. Indulge in a delicious selection of ice creams. Overnight in Yarra Valley

This morning, pick up your self drive car and commence your drive to Philip Island, favorite destination for lovers of nature. Along the way we suggest you to stop at the Puffing Billy Steam railway to ride the historic steam train. Phillip Island is the home of the Fairy Penguins. At dusk, they emerge from the surf, completely ignoring the thousands of curious onlookers. The island has a major wildlife reserve where you can see koalas, fur seals, pelicans, mutton-birds and various other sea birds. On the way make a brief stop at Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate, where you have the opportunity to buy chocolates and view the manufacturing process.
Later drive to either Cowes jetty to board your Phillip Island Seal Cruise. Come aboard this spectacular 2 hrs coastal wildlife cruise, and experience an up-close encounter with thousands of seals at Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Immerse yourself in a spectacular multimedia wildlife experience and enjoy the fun, hands-on activities as you embark on a virtual journey to the world’s most extreme continent at the exciting new Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies. Later Spare some time atleast 1 hour before sunset to witness the nightly Parade of little penguins returning from the sea to their burrows on Philip Island. Overnight in Philip Island.

Note: Optional: We recommend an upgrade to Get an eye-level view of the Little penguins in the new Underground viewing experience. Limited to a maximum of just 70 people this world-first facility gives you the chance to watch the Little penguins waddling along the Penguin Parade’s most popular pathway

This morning we suggest you take a chance to come face to face with Koalas from treetop boardwalks at Koala Conservation Centre. Later continue your drive along coastline to picturesque Mornington Peninsula. While on the peninsula enjoy excellent restaurants, regional wines and fantastic local produce. Visit Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and indulge in delectable strawberry ice cream, wine, jam with scones and cream. From November to April one can pick their own strawberries in the field. Also worth a visit is Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens to tackle Australia’s oldest hedge maze. The maze is made up of more than 1,000 cypress trees and is over three metres high, presenting a real challenge as well as a very pleasant place for a walk. Here you’ll also find a circular rose maze planted with 1,200 rose bushes representing over 200 varieties and the lavender display gardens which feature more than 40 different types of lavender. End your visit with a dip in the soothing waters of Peninsula Hot Springs (at additional price). This is the only natural thermal mineral springs bathing facility in Australia and is an unrivalled place to relax and unwind. Overnight in Mornington Peninsula.

This morning, after a delectable breakfast, proceed for your drive back to Melbourne, passing Melbourne’s beachside suburbs. Return your self drive car. You have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Melbourne on your own. Overnight in Melbourne

Note: Self - drive car to be returned to the city centre outlet before 17:00

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed by shared transfer to Melbourne airport, as per your flight schedule to board flight for your hometown or onward destination. Holiday Concludes.
Let’s stay in touch on Facebook / email and meet again on another memorable Holiday. See you soon!