Meals on Board

(Drive Time: 1.5 hrs)

Upon arrival, collect your car rental at the airport and travel to the living museum of Sovereign Hill. Step back into 1851 as you ride a horse and carriage, dress up for a sepia portrait and pan for gold, immersing yourself in local history. There is also a short stroll of the historic local streets will lead you to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, with an eclectic mix of classic, Indigenous and modern artworks. Thereafter, continue on to your farm stay, the perfect opportunity to experience Aussie hospitality firsthand.

Note: Accommodation at the farm stay is without air conditioning and on a multi–share basis. Travellers will be assigned to different hosts. Farm activities may vary, depending on the farm. You may wish to bring a thank–you gift for your host.

Accommodation: Downunder Farmstay

(Drive Time: 2 hrs)

This morning, depending on the focus of your host farm, you can participate in farm activities such as feeding farm animals, collecting chicken eggs and having them cooked for you, picking or planting seasonal fruits, berries and vegetables, spotting native wildlife amidst the rural environment and admiring the picturesque countryside. Time to get out into the natural beauty The Grampians is famous for. Head out for a guided walk along the Grampians Peaks Trail with Absolute Outdoors, or go chasing waterfalls – MacKenzie Falls, to be precise. One of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, It’s also the only one in the Grampians that flows all year ‘round. If you’ve been blessed with good weather, there’s one thing you don’t want to miss, a Grampians sunset. Head up to Reed Lookout and walk the 1km to reach The Balconies. There you’ll enjoy epic, panoramic views of Victoria Valley and the surrounding ranges in beautiful, golden hour light. Later, check in at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. Here you can stay in a cosy cabin, or glamp under the stars. Just remember to take the time to say hello to your friendly neighbours… the hundreds of kangaroos who are permanent residents of the park!

Accommodation: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park or similar

(Drive Time: 2 hrs)

It’s time to wave goodbye to your kangaroo friends and head for the coast! Do keep an eye out for more wildlife as leaving Halls Gap, especially curious koalas and emus. In just over an hour, you’ll reach Tower Hill Reserve. Tower Hill is an inactive volcano and major natural landmark just outside Warrnambool. You may join their 90-minute interactive tour with an experienced local guide. Lose yourself in the incredible landscape as you learn about traditional Aboriginal lifestyles and meet even more furry and feathered friends like emus, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and black swans. Next, check into your accommodation in the lovely seaside town of Warrnambool.  In the evening, visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village to enjoy the Tales of the Shipwreck Coast Sound & Light Show with engaging stories of local Aboriginals and colourful whaling history.

Accommodation: Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs or similar

(Drive Time: 3 hrs)

Get ready for great heights when you arrive at Port Campbell to visit the 12 Apostles. Don’t miss these storeys-high, limestone rock stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean at sunset – quite simply, epic. There’s a viewing platform to see them and take photos from, and you can also wander down Gibson Steps to the beach to see them from a different angle. Although wherever you’re snapping from, they really don’t have a bad side as one of the most incredible natural wonders of the route! From sea to tree, stop at Wildlife Wonders for a 75-minute, guided walk through The Otways. Your conservationist guide will share the secrets of the plants and animals that call this bushland home. And it’s wonderful to know that this is a sustainable wildlife experience, with all profits going directly to conserving the unique flora and fauna of the area.

Accommodation: Great Ocean Road Resort or similar

(DRIVE TIME: 1HR)

This morning, you may visit the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for tastings. Thereafter, head into Geelong to stroll along the waterfront and take a dip at Eastern Beach. You may discover the wonders of the picturesque Geelong Waterfront including a vintage 1890s carousel, art deco swimming pool, old-world boardwalk promenade and 111 iconic bollards. Later, visit the iconic Bellarine winery, Jack Rabbit boasts unrivalled panoramic views across the bay to Melbourne, the You Yangs and beyond. The restaurant features an abundance of local produce, a gastronomic showpiece of the region. Alternatively, join an optional tour with Sea All Dolphin Swims, to get up close and personal with dolphins and seals on a sightseeing cruise of Port Phillip Bay. The vessel’s rooftop viewing platform will allow you to experience the magnificent views of the ocean and the playful marine life.

Accommodation: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon or similar

(DRIVE TIME: 1.5HRS)

To end your Great Southern Touring Route with Werribee Open Range Zoo by going on a Safari. Take time to explore the over 200 hectares of beautiful natural surrounds that are home to giraffes, zebras, rhinos. You can take snaps of the iconic and colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes before heading back to Melbourne.