Southern Family Journey Itinerary

Your personalised Australian journey begins in Melbourne, with a transfer from the airport to your accommodation. 

With a relaxed afternoon ahead, start uncovering the city’s hidden gems, from leafy Botanic Gardens to stylish squares and cobbled laneways lined with cafés, boutiques and bars. Explore Hosier Lane’s street art, St Kilda’s esplanade, the iconic MCG and Queen Victoria Market. Later, ascend Melbourne Skydeck for Edge—an exhilarating glass cube suspended nearly 300 metres above Southbank, gliding outward to reveal sweeping views and a heart‑pounding, floating perspective over the city.

Accommodation: Melbourne - 3 Nights

Step back in time on a half-day Puffing Billy tour and experience one of Australia’s most iconic heritage railways. 

Travel through the lush, scenic Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Lakeside aboard the historic steam train, taking in the towering eucalyptus forests, fern gullies, and winding trestle bridges along the way. At Lakeside, there is time to explore, capture photos, and enjoy a snack at the charming Lakeside Visitor Centre. Interactive displays and exhibits reveal the train’s origins, its early days transporting goods, and the devoted preservation efforts that keep this Victorian heritage icon alive. Return to Melbourne feeling relaxed, inspired, and fully enriched by early afternoon.

Travel from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, and Phillip Island for coastal views, wildlife encounters, and the unforgettable Penguin Parade.

Departing Melbourne around midday, begin your journey at the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, taking time to stroll along the beach and admire the colorful historic landmarks. The journey continues through Melbourne’s bayside suburbs to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where a guided walk offers hand-feeding of kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and other native animals. Visitors also enjoy the interactive “Conservation in Action” wildlife show. On Phillip Island, scenic stops at Point Grant and The Nobbies provide sweeping views of Bass Strait and Seal Rocks. The day culminates with the enchanting Penguin Parade as little penguins waddle ashore, before returning to Melbourne with drop-off at city accommodation.

Collect your rental vehicle and set out on one of the world’s great coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road, with scenic lookouts stretching from Torquay to the Victorian–South Australian border. 

Stop at Bells Beach to admire world-famous surf breaks and sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, then continue to Anglesea, where kangaroos are often seen resting under trees on the golf course. Arrive in Apollo Bay, the “Paradise by the Sea,” a charming coastal village perfect for beaches and water activities. As evening falls, join a twilight Otways walking tour with a conservation guide to spot native wildlife emerging at sunset in a protected sanctuary.

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Apollo Bay - 2 Nights

Experience the magic of sunrise over the Southern Ocean on a small, intimate tour designed for bird lovers. 

As the first light of day breaks, the dawn chorus comes alive with birdsong, creating a serene natural symphony. Led by a knowledgeable conservationist Nature Guide, gain unique insights into the lives of local bird species and other elusive wildlife active at dawn. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Otways coastline bathed in golden light while discovering the hidden rhythms of the natural world. This peaceful, immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the vibrant life that stirs as the day begins.

Travelling from Apollo Bay to Warrnambool reveals some of the Great Ocean Road’s most dramatic scenery. 

After a coastal start, you reach the iconic Twelve Apostles, where towering limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean. Continue through Port Campbell National Park, stopping at lookouts carved by wind and waves, before arriving in Warrnambool. This welcoming coastal city blends maritime history, rugged cliffs, and seasonal whale‑watching, offering a relaxed base at the western end of Victoria’s famed coastline.

Approximate Distance: 260 km | 100 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Warrnambool- 2 Nights

A free day in Warrnambool gives you time to enjoy the coast, wander through local galleries, or simply relax by the water before the evening’s feature experience. 

As night arrives, step into the village and immerse yourself in the dramatic stories that shaped Australia’s maritime past. Tales of the Shipwreck Coast shares Aboriginal narratives, the turbulent whaling era, and the events that forged this coastline’s fearsome reputation. Watch the village come alive through striking projections on a nine‑metre water wall, revealing the hardships faced by migrants and the men who once hunted the world’s largest mammals.
 

On the way to Coonawarra, explore the striking geological sights of Mt Gambier, a dormant volcano region best known for the mysterious Blue Lake. 

This 70-metre-deep lake shifts from steel grey in winter to brilliant cobalt blue in summer. Nearby, the Umpherston Sinkhole offers a surprising highlight—a lush sunken garden filled with flowers and greenery, formed from a collapsed limestone cave in the heart of town. Continue into Coonawarra, one of South Australia’s premier wine regions and home to exceptional red wines. Known as “Australia’s Other Red Centre,” it also showcases delicious local produce including preserves, wagyu beef and cured meats.

Approximate Distance: 245 km | 152 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Coonawarra - 2 Nights

This exclusive private experience offers rare access to the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Limestone Coast through a day of discovery. 

Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the UNESCO-listed Naracoorte Caves, including active fossil dig sites and hidden sections seldom seen by the public, while learning about ancient discoveries that have shaped our understanding of Australia's prehistoric past. A visit to the Fossil Lab provides a closer look at significant fossil collections and ongoing research. The journey continues with a gourmet lunch celebrating regional produce before concluding at historic Yallum Park, where grand Victorian architecture and captivating stories reveal the legacy of the region’s early pioneers.

Included Meals: Lunch

From Coonawarra you'll drive to South Australia's capital of Adelaide. En route, an optional stop at the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves is well worth the admission price. The 800,000-year-old caves feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and are a must-see. 

Cosmopolitan Adelaide is filled to the brim with culture, flavours, events, and entertainment. With spacious boulevards and vibrant inner-city districts, sophisticated architecture and lush gardens, South Australia's capital has it all.

Tonight you are spoiled for dining options: Adelaide's reputation as a foodie destination is well deserved. Famous for culinary creativity and blessed with outstanding local produce, there truly is something for everyone.

Approximate Distance: 375 km | 233 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Adelaide - 3 Nights

Discover Adelaide from a whole new perspective atop the city’s most iconic landmark with the unforgettable RoofClimb Day experience. 

This unique city adventure takes you high above Adelaide Oval, where breathtaking 360-degree views stretch from the rolling foothills to the sparkling coastline. As you journey across the rooftop, your guide will share colourful, quirky stories that reveal the character and history that make Adelaide so special. Take a seat in the world-first stadium rooftop seats, suspended 50 metres above the sacred turf below, and soak in the incredible skyline. For the brave, test your nerve with a thrilling lean-out over the edge, or simply pause to watch the sunlight dance across the city in a truly unforgettable moment.

Experience the ultimate nature and wildlife adventure on South Australia’s stunning Kangaroo Island. 

Travel in comfort with a scenic coach transfer from Adelaide and ferry from Cape Jervis to begin your unforgettable day. Cruise past vibrant orange cliffs and majestic red river gums, spotting native birdlife such as pelicans and cockatoos. At Seal Bay Conservation Park, take a guided beach walk with a National Parks Ranger and see wild Australian sea lions up close. Explore Flinders Chase National Park, home to koalas, wallabies, and echidnas, and marvel at the coastal beauty of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, where fur seals play. Visit Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas before returning to Adelaide by ferry and coach.

Included Meals: Lunch

Say farewell to Adelaide today as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your time in Australia and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.