About Your Journey
Victoria’s icons, stories and spectacular scenery
Journey beyond Melbourne to discover some of Victoria’s most memorable landscapes and fascinating heritage. Travel the legendary Great Ocean Road, explore Gold Rush country, cruise the Murray River aboard a traditional paddlesteamer and ride the much-loved Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, with great food, wine and plenty of local character along the way.
Itinerary
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Fly to Melbourne and travel to Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy a free afternoon before tonight’s welcome dinner. Stay The Sands Torquay, 1 night.
Included: D -
Travel the spectacular Great Ocean Road, stopping for lunch in Apollo Bay before seeing the iconic 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Stay Best Western Olde Maritime Hotel, Warrnambool, 2 nights.
Included: B L D -
Explore Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and enjoy a Warrnambool city tour before an afternoon at leisure. This evening experience the Tales of the Shipwreck Coast Sound & Light Show.
Included: B D -
Travel via Dunkeld and the Grampians, stopping at Boroka Lookout before an underground tour and lunch at historic Seppelt Winery. Continue to Ballarat for a two-night stay.
Included: B L D -
Step back into the Gold Rush era at Sovereign Hill, followed by a Ballarat city tour and visit to the Botanical Gardens.
Included: B -
Travel to Echuca via Bendigo, with lunch and a ride aboard the Vintage Talking Tram. Stay Mercure Hotel Port of Echuca, 2 nights.
Included: B L D -
Discover Echuca’s fascinating river heritage with a traditional paddlesteamer cruise, Historical Society Museum and a visit to the quirky Great Aussie Beer Shed.
Included: B D -
Travel south to Melbourne for a three-night stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor.
Included: B D -
Ride the much-loved Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, followed by a vineyard lunch in the Yarra Valley and a visit to a local chocolaterie.
Included: B L -
Enjoy a free day to explore Melbourne before tonight’s farewell dinner.
Included: B D -
Transfer to Melbourne Airport for your return flight to Auckland.
Included: B
The Great Ocean Road is just the beginning.
Reserve your place on this unforgettable tour. Numbers are limited, so don’t delay.
Why you’ll love this trip
Travelwise brings together Victoria’s spectacular scenery, fascinating history and classic journeys in one easy-going holiday. From the drama of the Great Ocean Road and Gold Rush Ballarat to a Murray River paddlesteamer excursion and Puffing Billy, there’s plenty of variety, balanced with time to relax and enjoy Melbourne.
Inclusions & Activities
Airfares: Return Economy class airfares Auckland to Melbourne
Accommodation: 10 nights quality accommodation throughout
Sightseeing: All sightseeing and attractions as shown, including viewing the 12 Apostles, excursion on a Murray River paddlesteamer and more
Meals: Daily breakfasts plus lunches and dinners as specified
Transfers: Home pick up and drop off in Auckland Metro area
Tour Leader: Travelwise Tour Leader throughout, plus local guides
Bex Brown, Tour Leader
Your Tour Leader
Bex Brown
Bex is a fun, charismatic Tour Leader at Travelwise known for her sense of humour, easy-going attitude, and genuine passion for people and culture. Bex’s enthusiasm and storytelling make every trip feel like the adventure of a lifetime.
Before you book, you should know
Activity Level 2: A balanced pace with more time exploring throughout the day. Suitable for travellers comfortable with longer walks, standing during sightseeing, and walking over some uneven surfaces. A good choice if you prefer: Getting out and about, with a steady but manageable pace.
Departure: 26 November 2026
Other Notes:
Deposit: $500 pp
Balance Payment Date: Immediately upon confirmation
Insurance: Not mandatory for this tour