Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula via Phillip Island Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne to Phillip Island

Distance 140km Approx drive time 2 hours

Commence your self drive experience to Phillip Island. Enroute, you can experience true Aussie hospitality at Warrook Cattle Farm. You are welcomed into the historic homestead with its antique furniture and open fires to enjoy a delicious home-cooked BBQ, join the weatherproof hayride for a "full farm tour" finishing with Billy Tea. Other activities include shearing, working sheep dogs, hand milking, feeding the lamb and boomerang throwing. Continue on to San Remo where you will cross the bridge to Phillip Island - home to the world famous Penguin Parade, one of Australia's most popular natural tourist attractions. Discover Cape Woolamai where land and sea collide as pounding surf thunders against granite cliffs.

Stop at the Koala Conservation Centre and walk amongst the tree tops where you will meet a koala. Arrive into the Cowes Township where you can stay on the Esplanade. Why not enjoy an Australian Rock Lobster dinner at one of the local restaurants before or after (depending on the time of the year) your short 10 minute drive to the Penguin Parade.

Before the "Parade" stop in at Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre, here you will encounter the world's largest Australian fur seal colony. Here you will also view The Nobbies where inter-tidal rock platforms surge with life. Finally at dusk you will witness the spectacular parade of these little Penguins coming back from the sea and waddling across the beach in to their burrows. A truly amazing experience.

Day 2: Phillip Island to Mornington Peninsula

Distance 158km Approx drive time 2 hours and 15 minutes

This morning cross the road to the beach and feed the seagulls before commencing your journey around Westernport Bay to Mornington Peninsular, one of Victoria's most picturesque destinations. Located on three sides by the waters of Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay and Bass Strait the Mornington Peninsular is surrounded by gently rolling hills, kilometers of sparkling bay beach, rugged surf beach and spectacular coastal scenery.

Along the way visit the Red Hill Cherry Farm or Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, where you can freshly handpick your own berries & strawberries (Oct - Apr only). You can stop along the way at anyone of the numerous wineries and enjoy lunch and sip on a glass of wine. Next stop is Ashcombe Maze and Water Gardens. Step inside Australia's oldest and largest hedge maze. With over 25 acres of masterfully composed and internationally renowned gardens.

Continue on to Arthurs Seat State Park. Soar above the trees on a scenic chairlift ride for magnificent views of Port Phillip Bay. Echidnas, koalas and native birds maybe seen. On top discover the many walking trails, craft galleries and the Old Viewing Tree. Make your way back through the bayside suburbs to Melbourne.

Suggested Accommodation

· All Seasons Phillip Island Eco Resort
· The Waves Apartments
· Peppers Moonah Links Resort

Fairy Penguins on Phillip Island Phillip Island Waves Apartments Front All Seasons Phillip Island Restaurant