Melbourne to Sydney Coastline

Day 1

Home - Melbourne - Phillip Island
After flying into Melbourne, we will begin our journey along the coastline from Melbourne to Sydney. Enjoy lunch before travelling via the Melbourne beaches of St Kilda, Brighton, Frankston to Mornington. Continue around Western Port to Cowes on Phillip Island, where we will settle in for the next two nights.

Day 2

Captains Lunch Cruise - Nobbies Centre
After breakfast, there will be time to explore Cowes, the main township on Phillip Island before boarding the Kasey Lee for a Captain's Choice luncheon cruise. See Cape Woolamai's 110 metre high ancient granite cliffs and caves and the abundant marine life which are regularly seen as you cruise around the aqua blue waters. Stop over at San Remo to see the daily pelican feeding, and enjoy a fresh fish and chip lunch on your way back to Rhyll. This afternoon, visit the Nobbies Centre for a view of Seal Island and other spectacular coastal views from the boardwalks and lookout points. While at the centre, see the Antarctic Journey where you will be able to take a virtual tour of discovery into the wonderful world of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Return to our motel to freshen up before an early dinner. This evening, we will experience the magic of the Penguin Parade. Spot the first Little Penguins emerging from the sea and waddling up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Please be aware that it can be quite cool at the penguin Parade so please ensure you have a warm jacket.

Day 3

Cowes - Foster
This morning visit the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitors Centre where you will follow in the footsteps of motor racing champions during a guided tour. Later, take time to visit the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, an independent museum originally founded by Vietnam veterans to help veterans cope better with their experiences during the war and support them after their return to Australia. Farewell Phillip Island and travel along part of the Bass Strait coastline. The areas from Cape Paterson, Inverloch and Venus Bay is said to have views that equal those along the Great Ocean Road. Travel on to the picturesque town of Foster for the next two nights.

Day 4

Wilsons Promontory
Today we explore one of the most beautiful National Parks in Victoria, Wilsons Promontory. Situated at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, 'The Prom' as it is affectionately known, includes the Tidal River, secluded bays, magnificent stretches of beaches, granite outcrops, flowering trees and shrubs. As we explore the region, we stop for easy nature and wildlife walks along the way that allows you to get up close to some beautiful scenery.

Day 5

Foster - Lakes Entrance
After breakfast we will set out to explore some more of the southern Victorian coastline. Travel to historic Port Albert for a visit to the Maritime Museum which displays significant items of The Gippsland's maritime history. Port Albert was the original port of entry for the Gippsland goldfields and the old bank vault houses a display on Gippsland Gold Discovery. Continue north to Golden Beach, part of 90 Mile Beach which runs from the shallow inlets near Port Albert to the open waterways of Lakes Entrance. Enjoy lunch in Sale before making our way to Lakes Entrance where we will settle in for the next two nights.

Day 6

Gippsland Lakes
The Gippsland Lakes consists of five main lakes, fed by the waters of four major rivers and fringed by the Ninety Mile Beach. Today we will board the ML Stormbird for a cruise on Lake King and also around the shoreline to Metung. After lunch at the Metung Hotel, time will be allowed to explore this peaceful corner of the lake. Our cruise will then continue around Rigby Island and Chinamans Creek before returning to Lakes Entrance.

Day 7

Lakes Entrance - Mallacoota - Eden
We farewell Lakes Entrances and continue to follow the coastline via Orbost, Marlo and Cape Conran to Cann River. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Mallacoota, another popular fishing area of the Wilderness Coast, and find out the important roll the town played in World War II. We then cross the New South Wales border before arriving into Eden. Perched at the top of the town is the Seafarers Monument remembering the fisherman who have lost their lives in these treacherous seas. Explore Eden with a locally guided town tour before checking in for our overnight stay.

Day 8

Eden - Kiama
This morning, we depart Eden and begin our journey along the coastal route known as the Sapphire Coast. Travel from Merimbula to Bermagui and stop in Central Tilba. Visit the perfectly restored and maintained, National Trust listed period village, offering a range of shops, galleries and cafes where you can purchase your own lunch. This afternoon travel via Narooma, Mogo, Batemans Bay and Nowra to our overnight stay in Kiama.
Kiama Shores Motel

Day 9

Kiama - Sydney - Home
This morning visit the Kiama Blowhole, the largest blowhole in the world and just a short distance from the town's centre. Continue on through Shellharbour to Port Kembla where the steel industry is very evident. Travel through Wollongong to Bulli, the start of the Lawrence Hargrave Drive which includes the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge. Enjoy lunch together before making our way to Sydney Airport, where our Queensland passengers will board their flight back to Brisbane and our coach continues back to the Hunter.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner