Take some time for an epic journey east of Melbourne to discover a little of everything Australia does well. Indulge your inner wine lover at some of Victoria’s prettiest cellar doors, with stunning local cheese and kookaburras in the gumtrees. Watch the little penguins coming in to nest by the thousands, feed sleepy koalas, make friends with a kangaroo -This is absolutely the tour for wildlife. It is also the tour for Wilson’s Promontory, an isolated national park you will never forget.
Day One
Be met at your hotel by your expert Localing host for a 9 am start. Sit back and get to know your host in a luxury touring vehicle, locally bottled water and a selection of Victorian treats. The drive out from Melbourne is a great chance to share some of your tastes and interests so these can be made a feature of your uniquely tailored experience.
Look down on the world from Arthur’s Seat Lookout, with sweeping views of the wild Southern Ocean, Port Phillip Bay and on clear days, the Melbourne city skyline. Enjoy wine tastings at cellar doors, with the opportunity to venture behind the scenes with the winemaker.
Choose from a delicious cafe style lunch nestled among rolling hills and sprawling vineyards or some farm-to-plate dining at an iconic local vineyard (not included). En-route to Phillip Island, stop at our favourite local wildlife park to see kangaroos, koalas and other furry natives in a lovely bushland setting.
Check into your accommodation at one of the many charming local guesthouses on Phillip Island before a local island dinner and the all-important penguin experience. In the winter months, penguins arrive before dinner while the experience happens after in the summertime. The premium, ‘Penguins Plus’ experience is included as standard and your host will be around to share stories and facts about this local phenomenon and drop you back at your lovely island accommodation afterwards.
Day Two
Wake up early for a beach walk, arrange a pre-breakfast surf lesson or negotiate a sleep in with your guide. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before embarking on the spectacular Bunurong Coastal Drive. Load up on delectable local treats in bohemian Fish Creek before entering Wilson’s Promontory National Park. Choose from a range of scenic driving routes, bushwalks, coastal trails and mountain ascents.
Walk the Wildlife Trail for a chance to see wild emus, wombats, kangaroos and echidnas. Enjoy healthy snacks and a delicious picnic lunch or gourmet Aussie BBQ in the wilderness (not included). Feel the sand squeak beneath your toes on Squeaky Beach and admire the striking granite boulders strewn across the landscape.
Break up the journey home with a stop for afternoon tea and some uniquely Australian treats. Your Localing guide will have you back in Melbourne by 6 pm. (start and finish times can be varied to suit your needs).
Tour Highlights / Inclusions:
– Expert Localing host
– Premium private touring vehicle
– Locally bottled spring water and Victorian treats
– Wildlife park admission at Moonlit Sanctuary
– Delicious morning and afternoon teas
– Stunning coastal views by car or foot
– Wine tasting and cellar door experiences
– Penguins Plus premium experience (or equivalent)
– Bunurong Coastal Drive
– Wilson’s Promontory National Park
– Fascinating stories and unique insights
– Meet interesting island locals
Excludes guest accommodation and meals
Pricing:
$2480A for up to 2 guests
$260A for each additional guest (up to 7 total)
Children under 5 travel free.
+$400A during Public holidays & peak season
Recommended Add-ons (allow for extra time):
Gourmet lunches +$180A p. p.
Penguin ranger experience (ages 12+) +$60A p. p.
Ranger-led wildlife encounters +$160A p. p.
One-way charter flight from W. P. (2+) +$650A p. p.
Stand-up paddling (2+) +$80A p. p.
Private surf lesson (2+) +$200A p. p.
Private bathing at Peninsula Hot Springs +$160A p. p.
Foreign language guide +$480A total
Unique Enrichments (by design): Farm-to-plate private dining experiences, Refuge Cove Cruise at Wilsons Promontory, a host of unique water-based activities like fly-boarding.
Also Available On: Self-Drive: Two-Day Eastern Epic. Can be included as part of a bespoke, Melbourne to Sydney
escorted or self-drive adventure.
