Page 31 - Explore Spring Summer 2019

FOUR DAYS

IN VICTORIA

I have been to Melbourne quite a few times – I love its restaurants and art and
international culture, but as I had never set foot outside of the city I decided it
was time to see what else Victoria has to offer.
In four days I experienced four amazing parts of the State, all just a short
distance out of Melbourne City. The region lends itself well to self-drive tours
with great itineraries available and in all cases we drove for no more than
90 minutes before stopping at great little places.

DAY 1

We headed straight east from the airport to the Yarra Valley, a beautiful area full
of famous vineyards and historic hotels and even kangaroos grazing outside our
accommodation! Some of the highlights of our tour, along with visits to Rochford
Wines, Chateau Yering and Four Pillars Gin, included the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
& Ice Creamery, and Healesville Sanctuary, a bushland haven for native Australian
animals. Hot-air ballooning over the Yarra Valley is another must-do. Although it
requires a very early start it is still so worth every cent.

DAY 2

Saw us heading 90 minutes south of the city to Phillip Island, preceded by a visit
to Puffing Billy, a heritage narrow-gauge, steam-operated railway in the eastern
suburb of Belgrave that travels through 24km of temperate rainforest and
farmland. Phillip Island is popularly associated with motor sport, but there is so
much more for everyone. The famous Penguins on Parade spectacle where the tiny
birds come home to roost each night is a must-do. Even better is the Penguin VIP
Tour experience in an elevated viewing tower and even more special is the ranger-
guided Ultimate Penguin Tour to a stunning secluded beach. Other highlights
include Phillip Island Grand Prix Go-Karting, the range of family attractions at
award-winning A Maze’N Things, the Nobbies Centre ecotourism destination at
Point Grant, and helicopter rides. Tourists’ tummies are well looked after at Cape
Kitchen at Newhaven, and at Rusty Water Brewery in Cowes which serves local
brews and hearty dishes.
DAY 3

After a quick visit to Cape Woolamai beach and fauna reserve at the south-
eastern tip of Phillip Island, we were off to Mornington Peninsula to the west of
Phillip Island, again only an easy 90-minute drive. Highlights of this area, famed
for its fine wines were (naturally) Point Leo Estate, Tucks Ridge cellar door and
Green Olive Farm. Lunch at Max’s at Red Hill Estate is a must-do (incredible
food), followed by a swim at Peninsula Hot Springs. If you have any energy left
over there are gondola rides with Arthurs Seat Eagle, treetop zip-lining, mazes
and tube slides at Enchanted Adventure Garden, and Snorkel with Seadragons
at Bayplay Adventure Tours.
DAY 4

On our last day we took the ferry from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula to
Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, which is home to Jack Rabbit Vineyard
and Restaurant. From there we headed to Little Creatures Brewery in Geelong
and then off to the airport for the flight home. Victoria is such an amazing place,
with so much to experience beyond Melbourne – well worth a short break away!

Tracey Bluck, Senior Travel Professional at
helloworld Travel Mount Maunganui, found four amazing
destinations near Melbourne that are perfect for short breaks.

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