Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road, 8 Days

Welcome to Melbourne, one of the world's most liveable cities. Threaded through the centre of Melbourne lie cobbled laneways featuring arcades and stunning street art, where you can find cosy cafes, hidden bars and boutique shops. Dive into the bustling hub of Bourke Street Mall, the retail hub of Melbourne, where you will find flagship stores and boutique shops.
Sport in Melbourne can take on somewhat of a religious aspect; catch a game of AFL, cricket or a tennis match. Get your culture fix at Australia's oldest gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria, or visit one of the many theatres which host everything from comedy to cabaret. Take a short drive to Brighton Beach to see the famous Brighton Beach Boxes, a popular fixture on the shoreline since 1862, with their colourful and unique design.
Melbourne is a multicultural culinary delight offering an array of flavours, such as Italian in Lygon Street, Lebanese in Brunswick, dumplings in Chinatown or Vietnamese in Richmond. You will find cafes and restaurants dotted throughout Melbourne, from iconic cheap eats to award-winning restaurants such as Attica, Flower Drum or Vue de Monde. Book ahead if you have a place in mind, the most popular dining establishments book out early!
Stay 2 nights in Melbourne.

Make your way to the iconic Great Ocean Road with its stunning limestone rock formations, quintessential surf towns and spectacular national parks, with photo-worthy views around every bend. Watch the pro surfers rip at the famous Bells Beach, before making your way to the coastal town of Lorne.
Set on the Great Ocean Road, Lorne's fresh air, white beaches & buzzing community have made Lorne the quintessential holiday retreat. Take a stroll along Shelley Beach and explore the rock pools or take a dip in the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay. Nature lovers will enjoy the misty waterfalls, giant ferns and the ancient forest of the nearby Great Otway National Park. Erskine Falls, is one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, plunging 30 metres into the gully of the Erskine River.
Head down to the main shopping strip where you will find boutique stores, galleries and a selection of eateries. Sit back and relax at a sidewalk cafe, pack a picnic and sit under the trees of the foreshore, or dine on fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Stay 2 nights in Lorne.

Travel from Lorne to Warrnambool along the scenic Great Ocean Road, making a must-stop visit to the iconic Twelve Apostles to admire the dramatic limestone stacks rising from the ocean. Once in Warrnambool, immerse yourself in local history at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, relax and rejuvenate at Deep Blue Hot Springs, and explore native wildlife at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. If visiting between June and September, dont miss whale watching at Logans Beach, where you can see southern right whales up close. For dining, enjoy contemporary seasonal dishes at Lost Cat or savor classic burgers at the beloved Kermonds Hamburgers, rounding out a perfect coastal experience.
Stay 2 nights in Warrnambool.

On your journey from Warrnambool to Daylesford, take time to explore the charming coastal town of Port Fairy with its historic harbor and quaint streets. Just before Daylesford, visit Hepburn Springs, famed for its natural mineral springs and wellness retreats. Staying 1 night in Daylesford, indulge in relaxation at premier spas such as Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, The Mineral Spa, and Daylesford Day Spa, each offering unique treatments in tranquil settings. Complete your visit with a memorable meal at renowned restaurants like Lake House, known for its seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, or Kadota, which serves innovative Japanese fusion dishesperfect for blending wellness with gourmet delights.
Stay 1 night in Daylesford.

Travel from Daylesford to Melbourne via a scenic route through Victorias rolling countryside. Enjoy the peaceful rural landscapes as you leave the spa town behind and consider stopping at charming towns like Macedon or Kyneton along the way. Once in Melbourne, dive into the citys vibrant culture, dining, and arts scenes to cap off your trip.