A GRAND ADVENTURE DOWN THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Join a majestic drive down the world famous Great Ocean Road.
It is an adventure sure to create breath taking views, remarkable experiences and memories to last you a lifetime! Start the fun with a little beach culture in the surfing capital of Torquay. Then cruise down the coastline, admiring the magnificent rock formations of the 12 Apostles before continuing on to the Gibson steps for an energizing hike. After soaking up the view and snapping a few photos from the Loch Ard Gorge. Conclude your grand adventure with a tasty lunch by the sea, in beautiful Apollo Bay.
PHILIP ISLAND PENGUIN PARADE AND FUN
Experience the ultimate wild life entertainment by taking a day trip
to Philip Island to see the world renowned penguin parade along with the magnificent surrounding nature! A stop on historic Churchill Island, and learn about fascinating Victorian history and visit the farmer’s market. After exploring all the delicious treats of the markets, you will have the chance to spot a Koala or two, while walking along the beautiful treetop boardwalk at Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation Centre. Finally conclude your day by watching the famous little Penguins race up Summerland
Beach to their burrows. Prepare to be entertained!
PUFFING BILLY
Puffing Billy is Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. This century-old steam train continues to run on its original mountain track from Belgraveto Gembrook in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40kms east of Melbourne. Puffing Billy was built to serve at the turn of the century and is a genuine relic of our more leisurely days. The Railway is the major survivor of four experimental lines used to develop rural areas in the early 1900s. Puffing Billy Railway is now a major tourist attraction and operates every day except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 900
dedicated volunteers. Puffing Billy Railway travels between Belgrave and Gembrook in the scenic Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
The Mornington Peninsula has been creating a rich cultural and artistic history since the first European settlement was established near Sorrento in 1803. Victoria’s second light station was built at Cape Schanck in 1859 (it still boasts its original beacon and operates much as it did originally), and Point Nepean played a critical defence role from the 1880s through both World Wars. Closed to the public for more than 100 years, Point Nepean was also home to an historic Quarantine Station which has recently been opened to visitors.You can explore all this living history, then wander through modest colonial homes and grand mansions before discovering contemporary art in dozens of galleries and studios throughout the Peninsula. 1863 Beleura was the Tallis family summer home for many years, and is now known for its rich furnishings and the beauty of its gardens. Another opulent property is Mulberry Hill, once home to artist Sir Daryl Lindsay and Joan (Lady) Lindsay.
KYNETON
Located approximately 85Km from Melbourne in Central Victoria Kyneton is a thriving country town.With close proximity to Melbourne and Melbourne Airport, easy access via the Calder Freeway and the excellent train service makes it a great place to live or a fabulous destination for a days outing, a
short stay, a base to explore the area or to operate a business. Kyneton has become renowned as Victoria’s foremost country destination for good food with first rate eateries dotted throughout the town. Kyneton has good credentials for Country Victoria’s Culinary Capital. And it’s not just the restaurants; the cafes are great too. If you are planning a picnic at one Kyneton beautiful picnic spots there is no need to bring the food -the local bakeries and food outlets have fantastic options. Art galleries, home furnishing, craft, books, nurseries, gifts, food, wine, clothing, and a myriad of other businesses service the area providing an exciting experience
for vistors and locals alike. Kyneton Visitor Information Centre. (03) 5422 6110
BALLARAT
Ballarat is a city located on the Yarrowee River and lower western plains of the Great Dividing Range in the state of Victoria, Australia, approximately 105 km (65 mi) westnorth-west of the state capital; Melbourne. Ballarat was named by Scottish squatter Archibald Yuille established the first settlement, his sheep run called Ballaarat in 1837 with the name derived from local Wathaurong Aboriginal words for the area, ballarat, thought to mean “resting place”. Just months after Victoria was granted separation from New South Wales, the Victorian gold rush transformed Ballarat from a small sheep station to a major\ settlement. Gold was discovered at Poverty Point on 18 August 1851 and news quickly spreadof rich alluvial fields where gold could easily be extracted. Within months, approximately20,000 migrants had rushed the district. Several Australian mining innovations were made at the Ballarat diggings including the first use of a Chilean mill in 1851 and the first use of a mine cage in 1861.GREAT
GREAT OCEAN ROAD WALK
The Great Ocean Walk is a walking track, located 200 km south-west of Melbourne, stretching 104 km from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead, located near The Twelve Apostles, Victoria. The walk passes through the Otway National Park; with Parks Victoria providing seven hike-in camp-sites spaced at intervals of 10 km to 15 km along the track.Guided tours are offered by several operators,with the walk estimated to take approximately eight days to complete. All walkers are required to register with Parks Victoria,and must book for use of campsites. The track hugs coastline which is not always visible from the Great Ocean Road; and traverses an area which hosts koalas, wallabies, reptiles, bird species, snakes (including tiger, brown, and copperhead), ants, bees, European wasps and leeches. From June through September, whales can be spotted along the coastline.
SOVERIGN HILL
Sovereign Hill is an outdoor museum presenting the story of Australia’s fabulous gold rush history. Its particular focus is the impact of the great 19th century gold discoveries on the growth of Ballarat, which was a small pastoral settlement when gold was discovered in 1851. By 1861, Ballarat had grown into a fine provincial city built on the wealth derived from its gold. Since opening in November 1970, Sovereign Hill has become an Australian tourism icon, winning many major tourism awards. Today, Sovereign Hill attracts some 450,000 visitors each year and is known world wide as a living museum with a strong emphasis on working machinery and exhibits, costumed interpreters and visitor participation. Sovereign Hill is administered by The Sovereign Hill Museums Association – a not-for profit, community-based organisation. The Association is controlled by a Board elected by members and serving in a voluntary capacity. In all, some 350 people are employed, and their work is supported by over250 volunteers who help bringthe Outdoor Museum to life and assist the Gold Museum with its curatorial work and tour guiding.
DAYLSFORD
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne,the Shire boasts the highest concentration of mineral springsin the country together with an equally large array of therapists. Holistic health services, provided in conjunction with the mineral springs and spas, continue the regionís long tradition as a place of healing. The towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs reflect the character of their earliest heritage when Swiss-Italian miners and other immigrants settled here and people traveled from afar. The natural beauty of the area and its period character have drawn a widening artistic community, providing visitors and the community with performing and visual arts by artists of national and international repute.For more information contact : Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre Free call: 1800 45489198 Vincent St, Daylesford 34609.00am – 5.00pm 7 days a week
