Victorian Rover Grand Tour

Fly Carbon Neutral to Melbourne Airport where we board our luxury ‘Gold Class’ coach and travel responsibly, knowing all coach emissions are 100% offset. Our journey takes us via the picturesque Dandenong Ranges to Gippsland where we check-in at our resort.

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Today we journey to Wilsons Promontory, which marks the southernmost point of mainland Australia, boasting breathtaking coastal landscapes and untouched wilderness. Our adventure begins with a cruise from Tidal River into Bass Strait, where Victoria’s first marine national park thrives. Encounter Australian fur seals, diverse birdlife, and coastal dolphins and whales. We pause for afternoon tea at Fish Creek before returning to our resort. As day transitions to evening, we head to Phillip Island Nature Park for the renowned Penguin Parade. Watch from premium underground viewing as hundreds of enchanting little penguins, also known as fairy penguins, emerge from the ocean, waddle across the sand, and return to their burrows.

Leaving the Gippsland Coast, we embark on a scenic journey, circling French Island and the marine national park, arriving at Sorrento. Here, we catch a ferry across to Queenscliff. Our next destination is Drysdale, where we step back in time aboard The Q Train, which travels along the picturesque Bellarine Railway. As we relish a decadent degustation menu, we take in the rolling hills of Bellarine and immerse ourselves in the train’s rich history. In the afternoon, our route leads us via iconic Bells Beach to Lorne.

This morning we take to the Great Ocean Road, beginning with a thrilling helicopter scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, the sandstone cliffs and Bay of Islands. Back on the ground, we take our time to meander along the Great Ocean Road, with plenty of stops and photo opportunities, before breaking for lunch at Port Campbell, then arriving in Warrnambool. Tonight, we take a short walk to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Enjoy the theatrical sound and light experience ‘Shipwrecked’ depicting the many tales that inspired fear and trepidation among mariners in this region.

This morning we return to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to discover Australia’s richest collection of shipwreck artefacts from some of the 200 ships known to have been wrecked along this coast. Next we get to meet the Maremma dogs that reside on Middle Island protecting the local penguin colony, a successful world-first initiative. After lunch we travel to the historic city of Ballarat.

Today we explore Sovereign Hill, where history comes to life as you pan for gold, meet characters in period costume and ride an old-fashioned stagecoach. Wander through the dusty streets past Victorian homes and stop in at old-fashioned shops like the apothecary, sweet shop or candle works and purchase unique souvenirs.**Lunch is at own expense today.

We venture on to Bendigo taking time at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Don a hard hat and descend beneath the surface of Bendigo and walk the steps of past miners. Next, we step aboard the Vintage Talking Tram for a tour of the city’s key landmarks and monuments whilst hearing about the history of the region. This afternoon we arrive in the Port of Echuca.

This morning a local guide takes us back in time and explains the history of Echuca when hundreds of steamers raced along the Murray, opening up large areas in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. We then board the PS Canberra, a lovingly maintained paddleboat that will take us meandering between the red gum lined banks of the mighty Murray. This afternoon, we travel to Albury on the New South Wales border.

Today we discover the High Country. We climb the mountain range onto the High Plains. Here we visit the historic Wallace’s Hut. Built by the Wallace Brothers in 1889 from slabs of Snow Gum, the National Trust-listed Wallace’s Hut is the oldest Cattleman’s hut remaining in the Alpine National Park. Take in sweeping views from the Great Alpine Road as we make our way through the Alpine National Park to Falls Creek for lunch. This afternoon, we take the scenic route back to Albury, stopping at Mt Beauty and Sullivans Lookout.

Leaving Albury behind today, we travel to Glenrowan. Here we take time to discover the Glenrowan Tourist Centre, the original Ned Kelly Museum established in 1965. Housed here are many of the original Kelly and Victorian Police artefacts. Through the brilliance of live special effects and animatronic figures, you are transported to a live re-enactment of the most famous gunfight which depicts Ned Kelly’s final moments. We stay in Glenrowan for lunch before making our way to Melbourne via a short stop at Seymour.

Enjoy a free morning in Melbourne to shop to your hearts content. Carbon Neutral flights will be arranged for your journey home mid-afternoon.