Victoria holidays

Transfer from Melbourne and board a luxury vessel for a snorkel demonstration before heading out to Chinaman’s Hat. There, inquisitive Australian fur seals are waiting to swim with you during an amazing 30-minute experience. At Pope’s Eye Marine Park, snorkel among colourful fish, then cruise Philip Bay until the inspiring bottle nose dolphins are spotted. You can swim with them, taking turns in small groups, for a truly magical adventure you will never forget.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s best drives. This busy day tour visits many towns along the way and gives you fantastic photo opportunities and even the chance for a swim. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea in Torquay at the famous Bells Beach. Visit Anglesea and Lorne, Apollo Bay, Otway National Park and the fishing village Port Campbell, plus see the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge.

Joining a small group in a luxury vehicleis a fine way to see the Great Ocean Road’s dramatic coastline, winding from one spectacular view to another. Travel to Bells Beach, then inland to Erskine Falls, before a treetop walk among rainforest giants and more superb scenery at Loch Ard Gorge. There’s a koala park and a sumptuous lunch before returning to the Shipwreck Coast and dramatic rock formations like the Twelve Apostles.

This day out starts with a ride aboard the famous Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest steam train, through the rainforest and glens of the Dandenong Ranges. On arriving at Fergusson Winery, there’s a spit-roast lunch with wine tasting. Afterwards, tour the famous Healesville Sanctuary wildlife park, home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles in a natural setting. You’ll see dingoes and Tasmanian Devils, echidnas and goannas, and a fantastic birds of prey demonstration.

There’s nothing more certain to give you a lift than a sunrise balloon flight over either Melbourne or the beautiful Yarra Valley. See Melbourne’s skyline or kangaroos hopping around the countryside in the Yarra – giving you some amazing photo opportunities. A truly unique, hands-on experience where you get to help with the inflation and deflation of the balloon too. Breakfast and flight certificate are included.

Spend a morning orienting yourself with the sights and geography of this beautiful riverside city. Get to know the landmarks, gardens and, of course, where best to shop and dine. Take in Parliament House and Melbourne Cricket Ground; Captain Cook’s Cottage and the Rod Laver Arena; Queen Victoria Market and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Zoom past the F1 racetrack, cross the Yarra River and take tea in the Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon feel you’re welcome in Melbourne.

Take an afternoon scenic drive and stop at Warrook Cattle Farm to see native animals and birds. Reaching Phillip Island, tour major sights like the Nobbies rock formations overlooking the treacherous Bass Strait, and the Koala Conservation Centre, showing these loveable creatures in their native habitat. Relax with dinner in Cowes (payable locally), then, from an exclusive platform, view the charming nightly ritual of the penguin Parade as they emerge from the waves and waddle up to their burrows in the dunes.

Start with the drive to Phillip Island, breaking for home-made afternoon tea in cattle country. At the Koala Conservation Centre, walk among treetops with wild koalas within touching distance. See magnificent views over Mornington Peninsula and Bass Strait then finally it’s the highlight - the Penguin Parade. From an exclusive area, just ten of you can watch little penguins waddle from the sea into their sand-dune burrows. Lastly, enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the township of Cowes before returning to Melbourne.

For true connoisseurs, tasting is best done in small, like-minded groups. Your journey through the Yarra Valley is conducted by experts and stops first at the De Bortoli Winery, tempting you with wine, cheese and fruit. As well as wine tasting, the produce store at Yering Station Winery showcases the region’s produce. Enjoy lunch at Domaine Chandon, then more tasting at Coldstream Hills Winery and the Yarra Valley Dairy and Wine Hub. It’s a gourmet day out.