2-Day Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island Tour from Melbourne

Your 2-day tour of the Great Ocean Road and Mornington Peninsula gives you time to explore the spectacular natural beauty and wildlife of the area with ample opportunities to stop at small towns and iconic landmarks. Your local guide will share the history of the area and details about the animal and plant life that you encounter along the way. At the end of your first day, enjoy dinner at a resort before retiring to your private or shared room (see Pricing for details).

Day 1: Melbourne – Great Ocean Road (D)
After leaving the city of Melbourne behind, you'll travel inland through the Western district, stopping for morning tea in Colac, before connecting to the Great Ocean Road, a famously scenic 150 mile(243 km) route that runs along the southwestern coast.

As you drive, you’ll stop at iconic spots like the Twelve Apostles rock formations and the Gibson Steps, where you’ll can admire spectacular limestone cliffs and rock formations. Further down the road, you’ll reach Loch Ard Gorge, named after a famous 1878 shipwreck. Hear the story of the survivors of the wreck as you take in the scenery and learn about other famous spots nearby, including the Razorback, Island Arch, Muttonbird Island, Loch Ard Cemetery, the Blowhole and Thunder Cave.

Midway along the coast you’ll drive through the Otway Ranges, known for lush rainforest and some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia. Then it's off to see the coastal towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne.

Throughout the day you’ll enjoy plenty of stops to take short walks, catch stunning views, and look for wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos. After a full day’s tour of scenic towns and beaches, you’ll stay overnight at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy dinner as you relax in the evening.

Overnight: BIG4 Beacon Resort, Queenscliff

Day 2: Great Ocean Road – Phillip Island – Melbourne (B)
Have breakfast in the morning and then set out for the ferry across Port Phillip Bay. You'll arrive on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula where your first stop will be the seaside town of Portsea. Admire its picturesque bathing boxes — colorful small structures built on the beach — and enjoy amazing views from Murray’s lookout.

After taking in Portsea, you’ll get a close look at the furry residents of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, have your photo taken with a koala (optional) and learn about the conservation of these native animals. You’ll also see some lesser known endangered species including the southern bettong, eastern quolls and fluffy gliders. From the sanctuary, you'll head to Phillip Island, where you'll visit the Nobbies boardwalk and have access to the best views of Phillip Island's rugged south coast.

Your last stop of the tour will take you to Summerland Beach, home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins. Watch the 'penguin parade' as hundreds of birds march across the beach at dusk to return to their nests for the night. Viewing platforms on the beach allow you to get a good look at the birds while maintaining a respectful distance.

You will be returned to Melbourne late in the evening at the end of your 2-day tour.