Description

Discover the wild elegance of Victoria’s Southern Ocean coastline — from the famous Great Ocean Road to the hidden beaches of Wilsons Promontory. Designed for families, friends, and couples, this itinerary combines dramatic coastal drives, charming seaside towns, gourmet dining, and soft adventures. Whether you’re posing before the Twelve Apostles or soaking in natural hot springs, every stop celebrates the spirit of the Southern Ocean.

🌟 Why Choose This Journey?

• 🛣️ Drive the iconic Great Ocean Road with jaw-dropping coastal views

• 🐨 Spot koalas in the wild near Kennett River

• 🌄 Hike pristine trails in Wilsons Promontory National Park

• 🧖 Soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs under the stars

• 🏖️ Swim, surf, or stroll on Southern Ocean beaches

📸 Instagram Highlights

• 📷 Twelve Apostles sunrise

• 🦘 Kangaroo photo ops at Wilsons Prom

• 🌅 Sunset dip at Peninsula Hot Springs

• 🛣️ Drone shots along Great Ocean Road

• 🧺 Coastal picnic on a clifftop

📈 What’s Hot Right Now

• 🚗 Great Ocean Road campervan mini-tours

• 🦘 Kangaroo safaris at dusk in open grasslands

• 🧺 Pop-up food trucks at Southern Ocean viewpoints

• 📸 Drone photography sessions at the Twelve Apostles

• 🛍️ Beachside weekend artisan markets

🕐 Best Time to Visit

• ☀️ November to April – Summer season with warm weather & festivals

• 🌤️ May to July – Crisp skies, fewer crowds, excellent wildlife sightings

• 📸 Best light for photos: Sunrise at Great Ocean Road, sunset at Squeaky Beach

💎 Top Luxury Stays

• 🏨 Jackalope Hotel (Mornington Peninsula) – designer hotel & vineyard

• 🏨 RACV Cape Schanck Resort – spa, golf, and Southern Ocean views

• 🏨 Lancemore Lindenderry at Red Hill – boutique wine country retreat

• 🏨 Crown Towers Melbourne – opulent city finish before flight

🧭 Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Melbourne → Local exploration

• Day 2: Begin Great Ocean Road → Stay at Apollo Bay

• Day 3: Visit Twelve Apostles → Port Fairy stay

• Day 4: Travel to Mornington Peninsula

• Day 5: Relax at hot springs → Explore wineries

• Day 6: Drive to Wilsons Promontory → Beach walk

• Day 7: Full day in Wilsons Prom → Wildlife hikes

• Day 8: Return to Melbourne → Departure

🗓️ Detailed Itinerary

📍 Day 1: Welcome to Melbourne

• ✈️ Arrive in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

• 🚶‍♀️ Explore Flinders Street, Federation Square & Laneways

• 🏨 Stay: Crown Metropol Melbourne

🍽️ Eat: Chin Chin – hip Thai-fusion with buzzing atmosphere
🛍️ Shop: Emporium Melbourne – designer Aussie brands

📍 Day 2: Begin Great Ocean Road → Apollo Bay

• 🚗 Start your Great Ocean Road drive

• 📸 Stop at Bells Beach and Split Point Lighthouse

• 🐨 Visit Kennett River to see wild koalas

• 🏨 Stay: Captains at the Bay – Apollo Bay

🍽️ Eat: Chris’s Beacon Point – fine dining with coastal views
🛍️ Shop: Apollo Bay Market – handmade soaps, surfwear

📍 Day 3: Twelve Apostles → Port Fairy

• 🌊 Witness the stunning Twelve Apostles at sunrise

• 🚶‍♀️ Stroll Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps

• 🏘️ Stay in historic Port Fairy, a quaint fishing town

• 🏨 Stay: Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel

🍽️ Eat: Coffin Sally – gourmet pizzas + craft beer
🛍️ Shop: Wishart Gallery – coastal art & decor

📍 Day 4: Coastal Drive to Mornington Peninsula

• 🚗 Scenic inland drive with rural pitstops

• 🍷 Check in near Red Hill wine region

• 🌄 Sunset at Sorrento Back Beach

• 🏨 Stay: Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill

🍽️ Eat: Montalto Restaurant – wine & modern Aussie plates
🛍️ Shop: Main Street Mornington – indie boutiques & delis

📍 Day 5: Relaxation & Wineries

• 🧖 Soak in Peninsula Hot Springs

• 🍇 Enjoy wine tastings and vineyard walks

• 🏞️ Optional zipline or tree surfing at Enchanted Adventure Garden

• 🏨 Stay: Still at Lindenderry Red Hill

🍽️ Eat: Paringa Estate – cellar-door lunch
🛍️ Shop: Red Hill Market (if Sat) – artisan foods & gifts

📍 Day 6: Wilsons Promontory National Park

• 🚗 Drive through country towns to reach the “Prom”

• 🏖️ Sunset walk at Squeaky Beach

• 🏨 Stay: Tidal River Eco Cabins (inside the park)

🍽️ Eat: Picnic at Tidal River or general store snacks
🛍️ Shop: Visitor Centre – nature guides, trail gear, souvenirs

📍 Day 7: Full-Day Prom Adventures

• 🥾 Hike Mount Oberon summit or explore Lilly Pilly Gully

• 🦘 Spot kangaroos, wombats & emus

• 🛶 Optional kayaking tour or beach yoga

• 🏨 Stay: Tidal River Eco Cabins

🍽️ Eat: Cookout or nearby café (seasonal)
🛍️ Shop: Park kiosk – outdoor gear & souvenirs

📍 Day 8: Return to Melbourne & Depart

• 🚗 Early return drive via Inverloch and Bass Coast

• 🛍️ Brunch stop at a farm café

• ✈️ Fly home from Melbourne

🍽️ Eat: Store Fifteen Café, Mornington
🛍️ Shop: Melbourne Airport Duty-Free

🛒 Optional Add-ons

• 🚁 Helicopter flight over Twelve Apostles

• 🐬 Dolphin and seal swim at Sorrento

• 🛶 Kayaking tour at Wilsons Prom

• 🧺 Guided coastal picnic with private chef

🛍️ Shopping Tips

• 🛍️ Melbourne Laneways: Local designers, street art keepsakes

• 🛍️ Red Hill: Boutique wineries with gourmet food shops

• 🛍️ Port Fairy: Artisan crafts and photographic prints

• 🛍️ Wilsons Prom Visitor Centre: Park-themed gear & guides

💡 Tips Before You Go

• 🎒 Self-drive is the best way to explore – easy and scenic

• 🧴 Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and hiking shoes

• 📸 Early mornings = best light for Twelve Apostles

• 🧥 Carry a jacket year-round – coastal weather changes fast

• 🛂 Apply for Australia visa at least 3–4 weeks in advance

🧘‍♀️ Who It’s For

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families who enjoy nature, beaches, and wildlife

• 👯 Friend groups looking for wine, wellness, and fun drives

• 💑 Couples seeking romantic coastal hideaways

• 📸 Photographers and nature lovers

• 🧳 Soft adventurers who want freedom + comfort

✨ Magnificence of the Southern Ocean

Victoria’s Southern Ocean coast weaves together wild beaches, misty forests, and vineyard-laced hills. It’s where wave-carved cliffs meet ancient rainforests, and where each road curve reveals a new postcard moment. From sunset walks on Squeaky Beach to the endless road bends of the Great Ocean Road, this region is a canvas of natural brilliance. It’s not just about where you go — it’s how it makes you feel.

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