Go beyond Melbourne and link any of our diverse regions in countless different ways. For
shorter sojourns or longer ventures, create journeys themed to visitor interests, cherry-pick key activities or free-flow through two, three or all four regions. Oodles of choice, endless possibilities.
A WORLD OF CONTRASTS
The Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula,
Geelong and The Bellarine. Four very different regions, four totally different experiences,
which you’ll only fully discover when you spend a few days beyond the city.
You can travel effortlessly from mist-wreathed mountain forests to perfect white sandy bays in just 90 minutes. From floating over Yarra Valley vineyards in a hot air balloon at dawn to watching Phillip Island’s penguins waddle up the beach that evening. From riding the 100-year-old Puffing Billy train through the Dandenongs or searching for platypus at Healesville Sanctuary, to hotlaps around an island Grand Prix Circuit or a lantern-lit wildlife tour – in the same day, without missing a beat.
Explore historic villages on the Mornington Peninsula, then cruise by ferry across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff and explore the Bellarine Taste Trail. The next morning, learn to throw a boomerang, get a taste for bush tucker and learn about ancient dreaming stories at Narana.
A MULTITUDE OF OVERNIGHT POSSIBILITIES
No matter how you choose to link our Go Beyond Melbourne regions, you’ll discover a
multitude of accommodation options that make touring effortless for visitors. From luxury
villas perched on scenic clifftops to art-filled hotels overlooking stunning vineyards.
From family-friendly seaside holiday parks and farmstays to mountain B&B retreats and opulent mansion hotels – all in the heart of the action across our four regions.
In the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, spend daybreak hot air balloon gliding over mist-tinged vineyards, then ride a heritage train through lush fern-filled forests or get close-up to native creatures at Healesville Sanctuary. Round out the stay with cellar door drop-ins at some of Australia’s most famous wineries before heading to a romantic luxury retreat for the night.
Mornington Peninsula is a land of abundance; of farmgate trails, cellar doors and chef’s
hatted restaurants. Of bubbling thermal hot springs and lantern-lit after-dark wildlife
adventures. Dive with the dolphins, swim with the seals and golf like no one’s watching.
Follow the wine, food and farmgate trail then settle into a seaside apartment and drift
off to a natural soundtrack of the crashing waves.
On Phillip Island, thrill to hot laps around the Grand Prix Circuit, breakfast at a cliffside café overlooking the ocean and cruise out to Seal Rocks for a fur seal meet-up. Amble a coastal nature walk then get centre stage for the nightly show, when the little penguins splash out of the sea and waddle up the beach to their burrows.
In Geelong and The Bellarine, do a twirl on an 1890s carousel and promenade along Geelong’s glittering waterfront built for the ages. Gather the family for a rockpool ramble on a Bellarine beach, then visit Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and learn about Aboriginal history and culture. Head north to the You Yangs Regional Park for bushwalking, magnificent views and Australian native wildlife spotting. Board a refurbished dining car for a dégustation rail journey between Drysdale and Queenscliff.
Are you ready to Go Beyond Melbourne? For more info log on to www.gobeyondmelbourne.com
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