Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

On arrival at Melbourne Airport, make your own way to your hotel (flights anytime). The rest of the day is at leisure.

• Standard: Mercure Welcome Melbourne
  
• Superior: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
  

Discover Melbourne’s famous laneways and arcades on foot with a local guide. See Federation Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Flinders Street Station before arriving at Degraves Street, a popular pedestrian laneway. Explore the heritage Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, the oldest surviving arcade in Australia known for its elegant light-filled interior. See vibrant Flinders Lane filled with boutique designers, trendy cafés and bars before arriving at Hosier Lane, famous for its graffiti-covered walls. See Parliament House, the State Library, Queen Victoria Markets, Law Courts Precinct, drive along the Australian Grand Prix track and see the GP Pit stop. Stop at the MCG with the chance to see some sporting stars during training before returning to Federation Square.

This afternoon discover Phillip Island. On your journey you will encounter iconic wildlife and stunning scenic views and get up close to the world’s smallest penguins in their natural habitat. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre, learning the importance of the conservation work done by Phillip Island Nature Parks in protecting this island haven and the biodiversity of Victoria. You’ll join an experienced park Ranger and explore the tree top boardwalks to see the koalas up close in their natural habitat. Explore the iconic Nobbies, the home of one of the largest fur seal colonies in Australia. Then there is the main attraction – The little penguins waddling up the sand to their dune burrow homes returning from their daily fishing excursion.

Arrive at Phillip Island Parade Visitors Centre and learn about the life cycle of the little penguins and learn of the environmental and conservation initiatives in place to ensure the wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remains protected. As the sun goes down, head to the beach and watch as the Little Penguins battle the surf and make their way to their dune burrows. See the Little Penguins up close as they return to their nests to greet their families. During the Summer season there will be time for dinner (own expense) at the seaside town of Cowes, or the Penguin Parade Café before returning to Melbourne. (B)