Itinerary

• Leaving the City Behind & Coastal Crossings

  Settle into the plush leather seats of the Mercedes as we depart Melbourne and head south-east toward the coast. Our first destination is Churchill Island, a historic stepping stone off Phillip Island. Here, you can stroll through beautifully restored heritage gardens, wander bay-view trails, and watch the waters of Western Port Bay sparkle along the quiet shoreline.

• Treetop Boardwalks & Eye-Level Wildlife

  Next, we journey into the calm eucalyptus forests of the Koala Conservation Reserve. Walk along elevated treetop boardwalks designed to let you view wild koalas at eye level in their natural habitat. Listen to the rich native birdsong echoing through the gums as you explore the peaceful bushland trails.

• A Relaxed Seaside Lunch

  We break for a relaxed lunch in the island’s main boutique township of Cowes. Enjoy a leisurely meal right on the waterfront, take a stroll along the sandy foreshore, or explore the local shops completely at your own pace. There is absolutely no rush.

• Rugged Capes & Ocean Blowholes

  As the afternoon matures, we drive to the rugged western tip of the island to explore The Nobbies. Follow the dramatic cliff-edge boardwalks to spectacular lookouts. Here, you'll feel the thunderous Bass Strait swell crashing into volcanic cliffs and watch sea spray erupt from natural ocean blowholes, with sweeping views extending out toward Australia's largest fur seal colony at Seal Rocks.

• The Grand Finale: The Penguin Parade

  At sunset, we arrive at the world-famous Penguin Parade. Settle into your vantage point on the beach as the sky darkens. Savor the sudden hush over the crowd as the first groups of little penguins emerge from the surf and waddle across the sand to their burrows. Following this captivating wildlife spectacle, wrap yourself up warm for a cozy, smooth return cruise back to Melbourne, arriving directly back at your hotel door.