Melbourne & Surroundings

Melbourne is a city waiting to be explored. After a visit to the restaurants of Lygon Street or Little Italy you will quickly appreciate the local passion for fine foods. Melbourne is the third biggest Greek city in the world adding wonderful color and variety to an already diverse cultural landscape. It's also a city of culture and refinement with a thriving corps de ballet, an outstanding Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and a superb performance hall. This is where Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, the last man to win all Grand Slam tournaments in a single year is honoured by the aptly named Rod Laver Tennis Center, host to the Australia Tennis Open.

Only an hour's drive from Melbourne is the Yarra Valley where the colorful valleys and unique Australian wildlife are a part of this attractive landscape. The galleries, the wineries and restaurants make it an ideal choice for a day trip from Melbourne. Yarra Valley is regarded as Australia's finest region for Pinot Noir and sparkling wines and an exceptional producer for Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Explore the antique shops and galleries at Olinda and Mt Dandenong. Garden lovers must visit the National Rhododendron Gardens, the terraced Piranda Garden and the William Ricketts Sanctuary.

Just a short drive from Melbourne is the Mornington Peninsula. The region is renowned for its farm fresh produce and wineries offering crisp fresh Chardonnay and exquisite Pinot Noirs. There are bushwalks, gardens, and beaches aplenty. There are galleries, arts and crafts and antique lovers must visit Tyabb Packing House. Visit the stylish seaside villages of Sorrento and Portsea and see the acres of lavender blooming on the hillsides at Nedlands Lavender Farm. Arthur's Seat is the highest point on the peninsula and you can take a chair lift ride with panoramic views.

Phillip Island is home to an astounding array of wildlife, including Australia's largest fur seal colony, penguins and cuddly koalas. If you add this experience to your Wish List we will arrange a tour that includes Warrook Cattle Farm, admission to The Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Centre. The Phillip Island Nature Park offers 3 up-close ways to witness the Penguin spectacle as these delightful animals make their way up the beach at dusk.

The delightful township of Daylesford is located an hours drive from Melbourne in a region that contains Australia's largest concentration of natural mineral springs. Many grand and historical buildings are well preserved in Daylesford, dating back to the town's former gold mining days. The town is surrounded by scenic hills, forests and numerous lakes, the largest and most popular being Lake Daylesford. A 5 minute drive north of Daylesford is the mineral spa resort town of Hepburn Springs, surrounded by the Hepburn Regional Park and in the nearby Macedon Ranges are impressive mansions, striking landscapes and some of Victoria's finest gardens. .