Melbourne

Widely celebrated as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is a thriving metropolis filled with hidden laneways, tree-lined promenades, and grand Victorian buildings. Berth in the calm waters of Victoria Harbour at the Superyacht Marina and step ashore to enter Melbourne’s newest waterfront dining and entertainment precinct, Docklands, which features a wide array of cafes, restaurants, tourist attractions and parklands.

Head into the city and take the City Circle Tram Tour past Melbourne’s grand historic buildings. Parliament House, in particular is not to be missed. Built during the Gold Rush, the building is lavishly decorated with gold leaf and features chandeliers and a superb mosaic floor. Spend the afternoon exploring the labyrinthine alleyways of The Block Arcade, with its unique mosaic floor, period details, and boutique shops. Take afternoon tea at the Hopetoun Tearooms, the only shop in the arcade that dates all the way back to 1892. Later, ascend the gold-capped Eureka Tower to Skydeck 88 for a spectacular panoramic view of Melbourne from the highest vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. For a truly thrilling experience, step on to The Edge, a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building.

The centre of fresh produce shopping since 1878, Queen Victoria Market is the ideal place to find quirky gifts and souvenirs. This shopping hub hosts more than 600 stores across two city blocks, including fantastic food halls, market stalls, and specialty shops.
Once you’ve had your shopping fix, be sure to take a ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for spectacular views over the city. *Note, Wheel currenty closed.

For history buffs, Churchill Island is a dream come true. Be immersed in Australia’s pioneer history at the site of the first farm in Victoria as you watch whip cracking, sheep shearing, and working dogs. Enjoy a ride on a Clydesdale-driven wagon or simply explore the original homestead and traditional gardens.

Spend a day at the Melbourne Zoo, home to more than 320 different species. Experience the award-winning Trail of the Elephants, enjoy a Kangaroo or ‘Roar and Snore’ Encounter, and take part in behind-the-scenes tours of the animal enclosures. Make sure you leave time to visit the Melbourne Aquarium. Stroll through the glass viewing tunnels to walk among Australia’s marine life, including huge sharks, rays, and turtles. Have lunch in the only underwater restaurant in Melbourne!

Once an ordinary stretch of swampland, the Royal Botanic Gardens are now home to winding paths and walkways, peaceful lakes, and beautiful gardens with more than 8,500 species of plants. Take a punting boat ride on the sparkling waters of Ornamental Lake, go bird watching, or discover the turtles.

Experience the best of Australian native wildlife with a visit to Phillip Island, just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Stroll the treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre to get up close and personal with koalas in their natural habitat. Keep an eye and ear out for other native wildlife, including wallabies, echidnas, and a range of colourful native birds. Later, watch as the fairy penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle up the beach in the daily Penguin Parade. It’s a memory that will bring a smile to your face forever. Just off the coast, Seal Rocks is home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Take a cruise to watch the seals fish from the rocks and take in the rugged coastline.

Whilst safely tied up in port for a few days, set off on your own private Great Ocean Road adventure and experience one of the world’s most scenic and beautiful costal drives.
The 243 kilometres of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic destinations and a must do whilst cruising the area. Trips from Melbourne follow the road built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932, taking in the spectacular scenery of the Surf Coast, Otway Rainforest and Shipwreck Coast.
See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular route.

Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. Feast on spectacular views and local produce along the way.
Take a tour of the Cape Otway Lightstation, the southernmost point of the Great Ocean Road region, and discover its fascinating history while enjoying breath taking views of Bass Strait.
Soar over the 12 Apostles on a luxury helicopter flight. See the splendour of the Great Ocean Road from new heights and Climb above the crowds to experience the best of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast from an incredible and unforgettable vantage point.

Before cruising on to your next destination, make sure you save time to chug through the foothills of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges on the historic Puffing Billy steam train.
Stop off at the new Menzies Creek Museum to see an array of rare operational steam and diesel locomotives and carriages, as well as an operational boiler house. For an adventure a la Agatha Christie, dress in 1920s-era costume and step aboard the Dinner Train to take part in the mysterious ‘Murder on the Puffing Billy Express’.

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