8D The Great Ocean Road, Penguin Encounter and Farmstay

On arrival, pick up your car and drive towards Phillip Island, home to the Little Penguins that parade up Summerland Beach each night and a large population of koalas which you can get up close to. For a dash of adventure, enjoy a go-kart ride around the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit or take to the air in an exhilarating helicopter ride over the island. Not to be missed is the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, and A Maze’N Things if time permits.

Explore the treetop boardwalk and view koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre in Cowes. Then embark on a scenic route around Western Port Bay and the Mornington Peninsula. This picturesque destination offers fabulous winery experiences as well as great eco-tourism, adventure, and wildlife. Indulge in the therapeutic hot springs at Peninsular Hot Spring before heading to Enchanted Adventure Garden for a wild tree-top climbing experience. At dusk, join a guided nocturnal tour at Moonlit Sanctuary to see unique Australian wildlife up close.

Drive to Sorrento pier and board the passenger car ferry to Queenscliff. The start of a scenic coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road is from Torquay. The stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is considered the most picturesque section of the Great Ocean Road. Along the way, indulge in fresh seafood and local produce.

Continue your journey west through breath-taking wilderness. Explore the forest canopy via the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk in Otway National Park. Then drive to Port Campbell National Park to witness nature’s marvellous rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles. Wreck Beach is also not to missed. Adventurous sightseers can take the boardwalks that lead to lookouts and great views of the coastline.

Head north towards the Grampians mountain range and follow the trail joining Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt. The Grampians National Park is a popular camping and hiking spot in Australia. Uncover cascading waterfalls and lookouts overlooking rugged mountain ranges and impressive rock formations, explore bushland and discover the diverse wildlife of the region, and view the largest collection of Aboriginal rock paintings in Victoria. Next, head to the town of Halls Gap for the night.

Get ready for an authentic farm experience when you arrive at Ballarat. During your stay you’ll get to try farm activities such as sheep, cattle, alpaca and horse feeding, drafting of sheep, sheep dog working, sheep shearing (seasonal), watering and planting vegetable seedlings, yabbying in a dam, and star gazing. Visit the local town as well if time permits.

Note: Farm activities will vary depending on your farm host.

After breakfast, bid your farm host goodbye and continue your journey to Melbourne. Explore the city centre on foot. Stroll the cobbled laneways and when your feet get tired, check out a local café. Melburnians have a sophisticated coffee culture, with some of the world’s best baristas setting up shop here.

Return your car at the airport prior to your departure flight.