The second largest city in Australia, Melbourne is known as the Australia's vibrant multi-cultural city. Explore the historic arcades, many bars and restaurants tucked away in alleys and laneways or upstairs to a rooftop bar for cocktails. The Queen Victoria Market is an authentic bustling inner city market, a great place to find fresh and specialty produce, hand-made and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs and clothing. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria with a permanent collection of more than 75,000 works which spans the history and development of Australian, Indigenous and international art, design and architecture. Only a minute away, stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens a treasured part of the cultural life of this heritage rich city.
Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to some of Australia's finest cool-climate wineries created with the harmony of diverse soils, temperate weather, and the dedication of generations of vignerons in the pioneering region that started Victoria's wine industry in 1838. Healesville Sanctuary — an internationally renowned bushland haven widely recognised as the finest wildlife sanctuary in Australia. Here you can get up close to the most iconic of Australian species, the koala and kangaroo, in an exclusive small group experience offering plenty of opportunities to snap those perfect photos.
Just 90 minutes' drive from Melbourne, explore Phillip Island where nature and wildlife abound. Home of the world's largest colony of Little Penguins, where hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows each sunset. See thousands of Australian fur seals up close, stroll treetop boardwalks to spot koalas and hand-feed kangaroos.
Wonder at some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Australia, ancient rainforests and abundant local wildlife along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. At the Otway Ranges, take a stroll along the boardwalks of this temperate rainforest for a look at the lush flora and inquisitive fauna within this stunningly beautiful region. Discover the dramatic limestone rock formations of the 12 Apostles then head to the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge. You'll be in awe at the majesty of these amazing limestone structures, hewn by Mother Nature's hand over thousands of years.