• Driving Time: Around 16 hours
• Duration: 5 to 7 Days

This trip takes in a few ‘pieces’ of Victoria – the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, the Goldfields, the Yarra Valley and Phillip Island. Head out on the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay and Cape Otway. (2 and a half to 3 hours)

Accommodation suggestion: Apollo Bay or Cape Otway Lighthouse

To the 12 Apostles, Port Campbell and to Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

Accommodation suggestion: Warrnambool or head inland an hour to Hamilton

Head to Horsham and make that your base for exploring the area, including the Grampians. Stay until dusk for the bird life and the kangaroos (drive carefully!) – Warrnambool to Horsham is a bit under 3 hours driving time.

Accommodation suggestion: Horsham

Head east with Ballarat as the goal (Horsham to Ballarat 2 hrs 25 mins), perhaps stopping off in Ararat (tours of the gaol rewarding). There’s a lot of goldfield heritage in Ballarat (the architecture is an example of the wealth there in the 1800’s) and Sovereign Hill is one of the country’s best attractions – if you have kids, allow a whole day.

Accommodation suggestion: Ballarat

You’re only a bit over an hour from Melbourne here, but if you want to continue the journey, head to the Yarra Valley for the wineries and change of scenery. Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary is excellent. Allow about 2 hours driving from Ballarat to the Valley.

Accommodation suggestion: Yarra Valley

From Healesville it’s a bit over two hours to Phillip Island and from Phillip Island, only an hour 50 mins back to Melbourne. Whether you stay overnight or not, you have to stay till dusk for the penguin parade!

Accommodation suggestion: Phillip Island or Melbourne

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