Melbourne pre/post cruising
5 days/4 nights from $1199 per person

Melbourne is attractively set on the shores of Port Philip Bay. Famous for its beautiful parks and gardens, mixed with fine Victorian architecture, elegant tree lined boulevards and modern skyscrapers. Explore the city by tram and absorb the atmosphere of Australia’s cultural capital in the many arts galleries and museums or take a cruise on the Yarra River. Visit the Victorian Arts Center and the National Gallery of Victoria. Dining out in Melbourne is a direct reflection of the city’s diverse ethnicity with an abundance of Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Malaysian restaurants. Don’t miss Lygon Street with its abundance of Italian restaurants.

Day 1
Arrive Melbourne. Transfer to the Lyall hotel & spa. Situated in the heart of Australia�s most fashionable and cosmopolitan district South Yarra, Melbourne, The Lyall is just a short stroll from dozens of Australia's top designer fashion stores and world-class restaurants. Small, privately owned and operated by Melbourne couple Rowina and Peter Thomas, The Lyall�s private club-like ambience attracts guests who appreciate personal recognition and discreet attention to their individual needs. . Click for more details...

Day 2
Leaving the city we head over the magnificent Westgate Bridge. This bridge offers awesome views of the Docklands, as well as a panoramic view of the city skyline.

We soon arrive at Geelong and take you down to Corio Bay. Corio Bay is a wonderful mix of old wharves, woolstores and a fully restored 1930s seabathing complex. See wonderful examples of century old housing and the 100 brightly painted bollards dotted around the bay depicting some of Geelong's local historic characters, each having its own story to tell.

At Torquay the Great Ocean Road starts. Known as the worlds most inspiring coastal drive, we follow its winding trail through the lush Otway rainforests, to the breathtaking, windswept drama of the Shipwreck Coast. For much of the way the road clings to the coastline, twisting and turning, every bend revealing a sight more spectacular than the last.

At Lorne we will visit a lookout perched high on the hillside where you really get to see the Great Ocean Road from a bird like perspective. This will be followed by morning tea where we can possibly view some of the local surfers 'ripping it up.

Another highlight of the day is a stop at Kennett River. In this area, high in the trees, is a colony of wild koalas. See these creatures in their natural habitat, hanging from trees and looking after their young, oblivious to their human onlookers.

A sumptuous lunch is served at Apollo Bay before we make our way to the Shipwreck coast area of the Great Ocean Road; our first stop, The Twelve Apostles. The mighty Twelve Apostles are world-recognised icons of the Great Ocean Road. These giant rock stacks

soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park. The dramatic and imposing limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to the Apostles tower up to 70 metres, while the tallest of the rock stacks is around 45 metres high. Venturing further west we arrive at Loch Ard Gorge. Your first view will be of towering cliffs, sparkling blue-green sea and a small, sandy beach. It’s hard to imagine that the drama of one of Victoria’s most tragic shipwrecks was played out at this very spot more than 120 years ago, giving its name to the gorge. Our guide will tell you the story and have you totally engrossed and mesmerised.

Time permitting we get to see another one of the amazing rock formations that dot this coastline before heading inland through dairy farm country on the way back to the city.

Day 3
From the city we by-pass Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs before driving through beef and dairy cattle farms, horse breeding studs and swampland. A home made afternoon tea will be enjoyed on route before we pass through an interesting valley that's home to the world's longest earth worm. As we skirt Westernport and views of French Island we cross over the bridge to Phillip Island.

Recognised as a world leader for environmental conservation, Phillip Island’s sandy and rocky shorelines team with wildlife including over 200 species of birds. Time permitting we can view the local fisherman cleaning their catch of the day whilst battling amongst the fight of gulls and pelicans.

Have a quick distant view of Churchill Island, home to Victoria's oldest garden and crop of wheat. On Phillip Island's northern side, look out for masked lapwings, spoonbills, ibis, herons and black swans. We then visit the south-side and check out some local surfers on a pristine beach overlooking the highest point of the island.

It's now time to visit the Koala Conservation Centre. This is one of the few areas in Victoria where you can see a protected koala colony. Walk amongst the treetops in nature reserve bushland and see wild koalas within touching distance! We may spot a wild wallaby or two as well. Time permitting we pass Swan Lake, the island's largest fresh water lake, and head to the Nobbies. From this magnificent headland, the views stretch over Mornington Peninsula and Bass Strait. One and half kilometres offshore are Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest Australian Fur Seal colony.

Finally we get to the Penguin Parade. Each evening at dusk Little Penguins arrive in groups on the beach after a day of fishing. See them waddle their way into the dunes where their burrow nests are situated. We have access to the less populated boardwalks enabling you to gain close contact with the penguins without any hustle and bustle. Seeing, hearing and learning about the penguin behaviour, and their daily routines is an amazing experience.

Your evening finishes with dinner in the township of Cowes before returning to Melbourne late evening.

Please note in summer you will dine before the Penguin Parade. This itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and time of the year. The itinerary lists many options and the guide will do the best to see all of this before sunset and the arrival of the penguins.

Day 4
This morning you will be collected for your sunrise hot air balloon ride. Who would believe that a simple wicker basket, the whoosh of hot air burners and 200 years of history could leave such a spell on you, be it floating over the great City of Melbourne or the beautiful patchwork wine region of the Yarra Valley.

This afternoon Melbourne at your leisure

Day 5
Depart Melbourne