Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula Suggested Itinerary
via Phillip Island
Day 1: Melbourne - 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 - Mornington Peninsular - Melbourne
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.
