Day 1
Accommodation
Room Type: Superior Room
Check in policies:
Check in from 2pm, check out by 11AM
Arrive at
Arrive at Melbourne Airport, Australia
Arrive at Melbourne Airport after your flight from the U.S. or Canada.
Must-See Sites
Federation Square, Australia
On the map: Since its opening in 2002, Federation Square has brought cultural attractions, world-class events, and a wide range of restaurants and bars to the people of Melbourne. Not only do performances and exhibits take place in the center of the square, they also line the square. When visitors first step into Federation Square, they are greeted with eye-catching architectural masterpieces: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). After visiting the museums, we suggest heading outside to enjoy a free performance or a refreshing beverage. Stop by the Melbourne Visitor Centre - located underground with an entrance at the main corner of Fed Square - for some information on the city and the current (and upcoming) happenings at Federation Square.
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
On the map: Since its opening in 1853, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (often referred to as “The G”) has seen numerous changes and upgrades. The G is most well-known for hosting the 1956 Summer Olympics, the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and two Cricket World Cups (1992 and 2015). The stadium (the 10th largest in the world) is located in Yarra Park and is the home of the Melbourne Cricket Club. Every year, thousands of people gather in Melbourne to witness the AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final, hosted at The G. For travelers who cannot make it to a match while they are in Melbourne, The G is still worth a visit as the National Sports Museum is located here and is open every day - you can even take a tour of the stadium on non-match days!
Fitzroy Gardens, Australia
On the map: Set on 26 hectares (64 acres) in East Melbourne, Fitzroy Gardens are one of the major Victorian-era-landscaped gardens in Australia. The gardens were originally set aside as a reserve in 1848 and feature Elm-lined pathways, a large variety of flowers, ornamental shrubs, and extensive lawns. While the gardens’ pathways are free to explore, guests are encouraged to buy entry tickets to Cooks Cottage - the oldest building in Australia (built in England in 1755 and brought to Fitzroy Gardens in 1934). Visitors are also invited to check out the Spanish mission style Conservatory and the Fitzroy Gardens visitor centre, featuring the KereKere Cafe. Free guided tours of the gardens depart from the visitor centre every Saturday at 10 am.
City Circle Tram Tour, Australia
On the map: Since its first service in 1994, the City Circle Tram in Melbourne has offered free rides to locals and travelers. Although the tram was created to help travelers get around the city for free, locals have grown accustomed to having it around as it offers quick and easy access to city events. The trams are equipped with an audio commentary and information leaflets (including a map) to provide riders with details of city landmarks and major attractions such as the City Museum, Parliament House, Docklands, Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium, and the Princess Theatre. The trams are often used as a ‘hop-on-hop-off’ service so travelers can experience the landmarks at their own pace.
Overnight Location
Melbourne, Australia
On the Map: Melbourne is a large city in the Victorian state of Australia. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 75 km (46 miles) northeast of Geelong and roughly 117 km (73 miles) southeast of Ballarat.
Known for being Australia’s coffee capital, Melbourne offers the perfect mix of dining and culture. As the capital of Victoria, the city also boasts the title of “world’s most livable city”. Travelers will want to spend a couple nights in Melbourne as the city has so much to offer. Check out the art scene at the Heide Museum of Modern Art or the National Gallery of Victoria (Australia’s oldest gallery, founded in 1861). View some of Australia’s best sporting teams from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park, or AAMI Park in the sports precinct. Take the time to stroll through the city’s famous laneways - lined with coffee shops and boutiques. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at one of the city’s many rooftop bars before heading to a world-famous restaurant such as Attica (named one of the world’s 50 best restaurants). No matter how you choose to spend your time in Melbourne, the city will leave you wanting to return for more!
Day 2
Accommodation
Room Type: Superior Room
Check in policies:
Check in from 2pm, check out by 11AM
Included Unique Activities
Melbourne Cafe Culture Walk
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has become famous, the world over, for its café culture scene. The city streets are abuzz with endless cafes and restaurants. Diverting from the main drag of coffee lined laneways, the Café Culture walk takes you on a tour of Melbourne’s hidden away food and cafe scene. You'll be introduced to many unique businesses that are passionate about tea, coffee and food. Discover places you would never have found on your own and get a real taste of Melbourne’s unique flavor.
Must-See Sites
Eureka Tower, Australia
On the map: Standing high above the rest of the city - at 297.3 metres (975 feet), the Eureka Tower is a stunning landmark in the heart of Melbourne. Famous for having the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, Eureka Tower offers unparalleled views of Melbourne, including: the MCG and sporting precinct, Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park Lake, and even the Dandenong Ranges on a clear day! The tower also prides itself in being home to the world’s first Edge Experience - a glass cube that projects out from the building as visitors stand inside it, suspending them almost 300 meters above the busy street below. While the Edge Experience isn’t for everyone, the rest of the observation deck offers floor-to-ceiling, 360-degree views of the city. The skydeck is open daily from 10am-10pm, giving visitors a chance to see Melbourne under the sun and stars.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Australia
On the map: Established in 1846 as Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens, it wasn’t until 1958 that it received the ‘Royal’ prefix from Queen Elizabeth II. Today, the garden is an expanded organization under one name: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, incorporating Melbourne Gardens, Cranbourne Gardens, and the National Herbarium of Victoria. The Melbourne Gardens covers 36 hectares (89 acres) and features almost 50,000 individual plants representing 8,500 different species. The Cranbourne Gardens specializes in Australian native plants and covers about 363 hectares (897 acres) of land. The National Herbarium of Victoria is home to the State Botanical Collection, including 1.5 million preserved plants, algae and fungi. While the entirety of the gardens are split up over different suburbs of Melbourne, they are well worth a visit to each.
Shrine of Remembrance, Australia
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On the map: Since its unveiling on November 11th 1934 (Remembrance Day in Australia), the Shrine of Remembrance has served as a site of annual observances of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day in Melbourne. The shrine is a war memorial dedicated to all Australian soldiers of all wars post World War I, and is one of the largest in the country. The shrine was designed in a classical style by architects Phillip Hudson and James Wardrop (both World War I veterans). The central sanctuary of the shrine contains the marble Stone of Remembrance with the words “Greater love hath no man” engraved on it - a special monument for Australians. Beneath the central sanctuary lies the crypt, featuring panels listing every unit of the Australian Imperial Force and a bronze statue of a soldier father and son. For those who are lucky enough to visit Melbourne on Remembrance Day, be sure to visit the Commemorative Service at the shrine - complete with the 5000 Poppies Project, a beautiful dedication to the veterans of Australia.
Overnight Location
Melbourne, Australia
On the Map: Melbourne is a large city in the Victorian state of Australia. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 75 km (46 miles) northeast of Geelong and roughly 117 km (73 miles) southeast of Ballarat.
Known for being Australia’s coffee capital, Melbourne offers the perfect mix of dining and culture. As the capital of Victoria, the city also boasts the title of “world’s most livable city”. Travelers will want to spend a couple nights in Melbourne as the city has so much to offer. Check out the art scene at the Heide Museum of Modern Art or the National Gallery of Victoria (Australia’s oldest gallery, founded in 1861). View some of Australia’s best sporting teams from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park, or AAMI Park in the sports precinct. Take the time to stroll through the city’s famous laneways - lined with coffee shops and boutiques. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at one of the city’s many rooftop bars before heading to a world-famous restaurant such as Attica (named one of the world’s 50 best restaurants). No matter how you choose to spend your time in Melbourne, the city will leave you wanting to return for more!
Day 3
Accommodation
Room Type: Cottage
Check in policies:
Check in after 2pm. If arriving after 6.00pm please contact the hotel in advance for after hour check-in procedures. Check out by 11am.
Must-See Sites
Split Point Lighthouse, Australia
On the map: Split Point Lighthouse is located in Aireys Inlet along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. The lighthouse is roughly 27 km (17 miles) southwest of Torquay.
Located in Aireys Inlet, along the Great Ocean Road, the Split Point Lighthouse is a must-see for those traveling to Victoria. Locally-known as ‘The White Queen’, the lighthouse was underkeepers’ watch from its opening in 1891 until 1919, when it was converted to automatic operation. Today, the lighthouse is automatically run 24/7 to help guide ships and other craft through Shipwreck Coast. While visitors can easily pull off from the Great Ocean Road for a few pictures or a quick walk around the buildings, the Lighthouse also offers guided 30-minute tours of the building featuring a light history of the area.
Torquay, Australia
On the Map: Torquay is a small coastal town at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, in the Victorian state of Australia. The town is reached via the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay (to the southwest) and via Route B100 from Geelong (to the north).
Known for being the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road and birthplace of iconic surf brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver, Torquay is the perfect town for surfers and beach-lovers. For those visiting on their Easter break, be sure to hit Bells Beach to witness the world’s best surfers compete in the famed Rip Curl Pro. After playing in the sand and surf, head to Surf City Plaza - a shopping precinct devoted to the biggest names in surfwear - to stock up on the latest releases from world-renowned brands. While the town gained fame for being a surfing capital, it also delivers protected beaches and diverse underwater communities - be sure to arrange a snorkeling trip around Point Danger Marine Sanctuary to catch a glimpse of the underwater paradise.
Overnight Location
Apollo Bay, Australia
On the Map: Apollo Bay is a small coastal town on the Great Ocean Road, in the Victorian state of Australia. The town is reached via the Great Ocean Road from Port Campbell (to the northwest) and from Torquay (to the northeast).
Situated on the eastern side of Cape Otway, along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is known for being smaller and quieter than other towns along the world-famous drive. Pristine waters and sandy beaches offer an inviting atmosphere for those looking to relax and unwind. Life in Apollo Bay is centered around the fishing industry so be sure to check out the seafood selections at one of the local restaurants. For those visiting in February, plan your trip around the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. With its close proximity to the Otways, a day trip from Apollo Bay will give travelers plenty to do! Walk through the nearby rainforest to discover stunning waterfalls and green fern groves, check out the glow worms at Melba Gully, or search for the elusive platypus at Lake Elizabeth before heading back to town to enjoy dinner overlooking the ocean.
Day 4
Accommodation
Room Type: Courtyard Room
Check in policies:
Check in is after 2:30pm due to insurance conditions the hotel is unable to cater for an earlier check in. Where possible check in is expected prior to 6:00pm, rooms will only be held until this time unless the hotel is notified, on the day of arrival, with an estimated time of arrival.
Must-See Sites
Cape Otway Lighthouse, Australia
On the map: Cape Otway Lighthouse, known for being Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, is located along the Great Ocean Road in the Australian state of Victoria. The lighthouse is roughly 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Apollo Bay.
Famous for being the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, the Cape Otway Lighthouse is a magnificent sight to behold. Since its construction in 1848, it has helped guide thousands of vessels to safety along the famed shipwreck coast. Sitting high above the ocean, the lighthouse watches over all that pass by this rugged, dangerous coastline. General admission to the lighthouse includes a daily history talk, an aboriginal cultural talk, a self-guided tour of the lighthouse and keepers quarters, a self-guided tour of the telegraph station and the WWII radar bunker, a whale interpretation site, and access to the Lightkeeper’s Cafe and Souvenir Shop.
Twelve Apostles, Australia
On the Map: The Twelve Apostles are a famous landmark located on the Great Ocean Road, in the Victorian state of Australia. The Twelve Apostles are reached via the Great Ocean Road from Port Campbell (to the northwest) and from Apollo Bay (to the east).
Known as the face of the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles are a stunning display of limestone pillars that were once connected to the mainland cliffs. Unlike the name suggests, there are actually only 8 Apostles currently rising out of the ocean, however, new columns are being created by the winds and waves. For those looking for an adventure, be sure to book a scenic helicopter flight and enjoy the 12 Apostles from above. Flights depart multiple times each day from the heliport behind the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre, so visitors will have plenty of flight options to choose from. For those wanting to stay grounded, admire the 12 Apostles from the viewing platform situated on the cliffs above or walk the end of the Great Ocean Road to the visitor centre (a 7 km walk from Princetown).
Loch Ard Gorge, Australia
On the map: Loch Ard Gorge is a stunning stop along the Great Ocean Road, in the Australian state of Victoria. The gorge is roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) northwest of the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre.
Situated in Port Campbell National Park, just up the road from the 12 Apostles, the Loch Ard Gorge is a must-see for those traveling along the Great Ocean Road. This picturesque gorge features a clear, blue bay, surrounded by two yellow-washed cliff faces. The gorge received its name in 1878 from a large clipper ship from England (engraved with the name Loch Ard) beached on nearby Muttonbird Island. Out of the 54 passengers on the ship, only two survived - teenagers Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael. In June 2009, the arch of Island Archway fell in on itself, leaving two separate rock hunks that run parallel to each other. The two hunks of rock were subsequently named after the ship’s two survivors - Tom and Eva.
London Arch, Australia
On the map: The London Bridge, now known as the London Arch, and The Arch are located along the Great Ocean Road in the Australian state of Victoria. The two are located about one minute apart from each other and roughly 7 km (4 miles) west of Port Campbell.
Located about a minute apart from each other, the London Arch and The Arch are two stunning lookout points along the Great Ocean Road. The London Arch used to be called the London Bridge before it collapsed in 1990 and became a bridge without a middle. Today, visitors are still encouraged to visit the lookout point to admire the sweeping views. The Arch is naturally sculpted by the sea and wind and stands at 8 meters (26 feet) high. Visitors can use the sealed walkway to walk down to the viewing platform that overlooks The Arch. Both viewing points are well worth the stop and shouldn’t be missed by anyone traveling the Great Ocean Road.
The Grotto, Australia
On the map: The Grotto is located along the Great Ocean Road and is roughly 9 km (6 miles) west of Port Campbell.
The Grotto, essentially a sinkhole, is the result of the limestone cliffs falling away. The Grotto stands about halfway up the cliff from the ocean and is reached via a staircase that leads down from the viewing platform at the top. You can view this stunning geological formation from above and at eye-level. The best time to visit The Grotto is at sunrise or sunset during low tide - you will be able to witness the sun’s colors bouncing off the rock and will be safe from larger waves.
Bay of Islands, Australia
On the map: Bay of Islands is a coastal park along the Great Ocean Road in the Victorian state of Australia. The park is roughly 18 km (11 miles) west of Port Campbell.
Sitting along the Great Ocean Road, the Bay of Islands offers a picture-perfect view of the Southern Ocean. The “islands” are actually limestone stacks rising from the ocean, similar to that of the 12 Apostles. While the beaches are accessible at some points, there are also viewing areas from atop the sheer cliffs.
Overnight Location
Port Fairy, Australia
On the map: The small village of Port Fairy is located at the end of the Great Ocean Road in the Victorian state of Australia. The village is roughly 29 km (18 miles) west of Warrnambool.
Located at the end of the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy is a small fishing village known for being the last destination on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The village features wide streets lined with 19th-century cottages and old stone churches. The port is one of the busiest in Victoria and is always filled with fishermen. Head down to the wharf to try out a guided fishing trip or a cruise out to Lady Julia Percy Island - famous for being home to a large seal colony. For those who are interested in architecture and history, the historic walking trails are the best way to learn about the fully restored cottages built by whalers and fishermen. With plenty to do and see, this quiet little seaside town is the perfect place to end a drive along the Great Ocean Road.
Day 5
Accommodation
Room Type: Resort Ocean View Room
Check in policies:
Check in time 2pm, check out time 10am
Must-See Sites
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Australia
On the Map: Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a protected nature area located at an inactive volcano site along the Great Ocean Road, in the Victorian state of Australia. The reserve is roughly 16 km (10 miles) northwest of Warrnambool and 276 km (170 miles) southwest of Melbourne.
Declared Victoria’s first national park in 1892, Tower Hill is the perfect place for travelers to experience the Australian bush and get close to some of Australia’s most iconic native animals including emus, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and seasonal reptiles - all in their natural habitat! Wander through the more than 300,000 trees that provide this natural habitat via boardwalk. The reserve has set up nesting boxes and a birdhide along the boardwalks to assist bird watchers in spotting the many native birds in the area, including chestnut teal, musk ducks, and spoonbills. The reserve also offers guided cultural heritage tours that inform visitors about Aboriginal history.
Colac, Australia
On the map: Colac is a small town located on the southern shore of Lake Colac in the Victorian state of Australia. The town is roughly 107 km (66 miles) east of Warrnambool and 81 km (50 miles) west of Geelong.
Located just two hours outside Melbourne, Colac is a small lakeside town rich in farming and forestry history. As the town sits on the southern shore of Lake Colac, there are plenty of water activities to try - fishing, boating, and water skiing. Colac is also close to Lake Corangamite, Australia’s largest permanent salt lake and Victoria’s largest natural lake. With its close proximity to the Great Otway National Park, there is an abundance of outdoor activities to keep visitors entertained - camp under the towering trees and stars, bushwalk to stunning waterfalls and remote beaches, or head to Lake Elizabeth to search for the mysterious platypus. For those interested in physical activity, be sure to check out the Old Beechy Rail Trail that runs from Colac to Beech Forest!
Otway Harvest Trail, Australia
On the map: The Otway Harvest Trail is a famous driving route through the Otway Ranges in the Victorian state of Australia.
The Otways hinterland is famous for producing lush berries and olives, mushrooms, organic meats, and handcrafted cheeses and chocolates. The Otway Harvest Trail brings these products right to your mouth. Follow the trail to farms, restaurants, wineries and breweries to enjoy the bounty of the region. Watch local cheese makers work their magic, indulge in delicious homemade chocolates, and pick your own berries before heading to afternoon tea at one of the berry farms. No matter what you choose to taste, the Harvest Trail will not disappoint.
Overnight Location
Lorne, Australia
On the Map: Lorne is a small coastal town on the Great Ocean Road, in the Victorian state of Australia. The town is reached via the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay (to the southwest) and from Torquay (to the northeast).
Day 6
Accommodation
Room Type: Superior Room
Check in policies:
Check in from 2pm, check out by 11AM
Must-See Sites
Queen Victoria Market, Australia
On the map: Since its opening in 1878, the Queen Victoria Market has been delivering hand-crafted items, fresh produce, and meats and cheeses to the people of Melbourne. Sitting on about 7 hectares (17 acres) of land, the Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. While the land that the market sits on has been used for many different things in the past (The Old Melbourne Cemetery, a livestock market, and a wholesale fruit and vegetable market), today it features a market that offers everything from souvenirs to meat and poultry. The market is divided into different sections to make it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for. The outer edges of the market feature shops (Victoria St. Shops, String Bean Alley Shops, Therry St. Shops, and Elizabeth St. Shops & Cafes) while the inner sections include Fruit and Vegetables, General Merchandise, a food court, the Meat and Fish Hall, and the Dairy Hall. While locals tend to do their grocery shopping here, travelers are encouraged to roam the aisles and pick out ready-to-go foods in the food court and dairy hall.
Southbank, Australia
On the map: Sitting on the banks of the Yarra River, Southbank is one of Melbourne’s major entertainment precincts. Before it was transformed into a high rise neighborhood in the early 1990s, Southbank was an industrial area and was part of South Melbourne. Today, the area is full of apartment and office buildings, restaurants, shopping areas, luxury accommodations, art centers (the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art) and even a casino (Crown Casino). For travelers who aren’t interested in shopping, gambling, or the arts, be sure to check out Eureka Tower, featuring the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere! With its close proximity to Federation Square and the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct, Southbank is the perfect place to explore before a performance or a match!
Overnight Location
Melbourne, Australia
On the Map: Melbourne is a large city in the Victorian state of Australia. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 75 km (46 miles) northeast of Geelong and roughly 117 km (73 miles) southeast of Ballarat.
Known for being Australia’s coffee capital, Melbourne offers the perfect mix of dining and culture. As the capital of Victoria, the city also boasts the title of “world’s most livable city”. Travelers will want to spend a couple nights in Melbourne as the city has so much to offer. Check out the art scene at the Heide Museum of Modern Art or the National Gallery of Victoria (Australia’s oldest gallery, founded in 1861). View some of Australia’s best sporting teams from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park, or AAMI Park in the sports precinct. Take the time to stroll through the city’s famous laneways - lined with coffee shops and boutiques. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at one of the city’s many rooftop bars before heading to a world-famous restaurant such as Attica (named one of the world’s 50 best restaurants). No matter how you choose to spend your time in Melbourne, the city will leave you wanting to return for more!
Day 7
Depart From
Depart from Melbourne Airport, Australia
Return to Melbourne Airport at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.
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