Coastal Drive, Mornington & Yarra Valley
SELF DRIVE TOUR
MELBOURNE | KANGAROO ISLAND | ADELAIDE | BAROSSA VALLEY | GREAT BARRIER REEF | PORT DOUGLAS | KURANDA | SYDNEY
Stunning scenery, cute penguins, mesmerising Melbourne, and the delights of the vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley are just some of the highlights in store on this self-driving tour adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Enjoy the clear blue waters, dolphins and pristine sands of Jervis Bay
• Don’t miss the nightly penguin parade on Phillip Island
• Explore the boutique wineries and coastal towns on the Mornington Peninsula
• The Yarra Valley wine route takes in some stunning vineyards
• Melbourne for an eclectic mix of cultures and style with a vibrant coffee shop culture
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Your Itinerary
Day 1 : Sydney - Huskisson (114 miles)
Collect your car and drive south to Jervis Bay famed for its white sand, its clear water and its friendly dolphins; it has tranquil waters and great beaches.
Day 2 : Huskisson - Tilba Tilba (125 miles)
Continue south to arrive at the wonderfully preserved villages of Central Tilba Tilba, an area renowned for its clean uncrowded beaches and beautiful forested mountains. Discover a unique opportunity to step back in time and visit perfectly preserved heritage villages.
Day 3 : Tilba Tilba - Gipsy Point (113 miles)
Leave Tilba Tilba behind and continue to Mallacoota and Gipsy Point. Nestled in the heart of Croajingalong National Park, this amazing getaway is located on the water’s edge of Mallacoota Lakes and is thought to be the fi rst land on the east coast of Australia to be sighted by Europeans.
Day 4 : Gipsy Point - Metung (130 miles)
Continue the stylish village of Metung, the only waterfront resort on the Gippsland Lakes.
Day 5 : Metung - Phillip Island (187 miles)
You’ll take an inland route today before heading south towards the coast and Phillip Island. The first inhabitants of Phillip Island were the aboriginal Bunurong tribe; nowadays tourists come to see the daily penguin parade at Summerland beach. Be sure to get there before sunset and see the penguins waddle up the beach after a day’s fishing.
Day 6 : Phillip Island - Flinders (80 miles)
You can see Flinders from Philip Island, but you’ll need to drive around the coast today to this delightful little town with its quaint antique shops.
Day 7 : Mornington Peninsula
A land of rolling landscapes, this is an area with a raft of boutique wineries that are happy to open their doors to visitors. Why not follow the signposted route and see how many you can visit
Day 8 : Flinders – Yarra Valley (100 miles)
Head north today on a journey that takes in rolling hills and woodland as you head to the Yarra Valley; perhaps stopping at the wildlife sanctuary on the way. This is a region of quaint towns and villages and at dusk you’ll be sure to see a ‘Roo or two.
Day 9 : Yarra Valley
Tour the wine route in the Yarra Valley and sample some of the wines for which the area is famous.
Day 10 : Yarra Valley – Melbourne (50 miles)
It’s an easy drive to scintillating Melbourne. Check into your hotel and return your car by 5pm.
Day 11 : Melbourne
Melbourne was at one time the nations’ capital and still lays claim to being Australia’s most liveable city, rich in culture and with a 175 year heritage. This is an exciting, creative, ever-changing city with extraordinary surprises to be discovered in every basement, alleyway and rooftop. Experience the essence of Melbourne’s cultural heritage, with its historic architecture and meandering lanes; its vast open market, resplendent gardens and vibrant riverbank. Explore the historic arcades, seek out the hidden bars, and enjoy the amazing cuisine and incredibly European café and restaurant culture for which the city is so famous.
Day 12 : Melbourne Departure
Take a shuttle transfer to the airport for your onward flight.