This fascinating experience takes you south of the city to the Gippsland coastal region and on to Phillip Island. You will be picked up from your hotel and travel through the south-eastern suburbs passing beef and dairy cattle farms and Westernport 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. On Phillip Island's northern side, look out for masked lapwings, spoonbills, ibis, herons and black swans; while on the south side you may see some local surfers on a pristine beach overlooking the highest point of the island.
Next stop is the Koala Conservation Centre, which is one of the few areas in Victoria where you can see a protected koala colony. Walk among the treetops in nature reserve bushland and see wild koalas within touching distance, and you may also spot a wild wallaby. Travel to the Nobbies and from this headland, see 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. Experience the Penguin Parade, where each evening at dusk little penguins arrive in groups on the beach after a day of fishing. See them waddle into the dunes where their burrow nests are situated. You will have access to the less populated boardwalks enabling you to gain close contact with the penguins. 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, at which time hotel drop-offs will commence.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Australia specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Great Ocean Walk — 4 Days
This outstanding coastal bush walk takes you through some of the most remarkable forest and coast scenery including rocky platforms, sheltered beaches, pristine rivers, huge forests and coastal heathland.
Melbourne After Dark
Melbourne is breathtaking under lights and this tour will have you marvelling at the heritage buildings throughout the Golden Mile, leaving you mesmerised by St Patrick's Cathedral, the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens and the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
