Melbourne, Australia 6-day self-driving tour
8 cities |
22 attraction(s) |
total distance 321
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day1: Melbourne
4 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
Flinders Street Station is the largest and busiest train station in Melbourne, Australia. It is a Victorian-era building and the first railway station in Melbourne. Located in the city center, directly opposite Federation Square, with St Paul's Cathedral nearby. It is a landmark building on Swanston Street and a popular meeting point for locals. The station's famous "meet under the clocks" refers to the large clock in front of the station. The entire station is made of yellow stone, with a distinctive bronze dome. At night, the station is illuminated by yellow lights, showcasing a different classical and magnificent Victorian architecture. It is worth visiting Flinders Street Station at night to experience its unique charm.
1
km
2
Whether you have just walked out of the train station, or taken a tram, or strolling along the streets, this church located at the corner of Flinders St and Swanston St is a must-see sight. Through the frequently opened heavy wooden doors, you can enter this Neo-Gothic building and admire the stained glass on every side.
1
km
3
Federation Square is the largest public square in Melbourne, Australia. It covers an area of 3.2 hectares and is located in the city center, along the Yarra River. The square features unique architecture with colors and styles that reflect the rich Indigenous Australian culture and respect for the indigenous heritage.
Federation Square is a popular destination for locals and tourists, especially the visitor center. It hosts various festive events throughout the year and is a classic location for the New Year's Eve countdown. The square also has a giant screen that frequently broadcasts important sports events such as the Australian Open tennis finals, the Australian Rules Football Grand Final, and the opening and closing ceremonies of major international sporting events. Many tourists and locals gather here.
Previously, the site of the square was the office building of the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria from the 1960s to the mid-1990s. It was later demolished and the current Federation Square was built as a result of an international design competition held by the Victorian government in 1997. The winning design by a London-based designer became the concept for the current Federation Square.
Opened in 2002, Federation Square is a mixed-use and multifunctional space. It features 16 cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as boutique shops and a tourist service center offering services such as bike rentals, bus and cruise tours, free Wi-Fi, and ticketing services. It is surrounded by six other attractions including The Ian Potter Centre (NGV Australia), the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the National Gallery of Victoria Kids Space, the Australian Commercial Galleries Association (ACGA), the Fed History Showcase, and Melbourne Visitor Centre.
These are the six attractions located around Federation Square.
3
km
4
With over 12,000 species of plants, it is more accurate to say that it is Melbourne's most "luxurious" garden. The botanical garden is located on the beautiful Yarra River, where exotic flowers and plants from Australia and around the world thrive. You can take a stroll along a dirt road through a small patch of pristine rainforest, or have some fun with a frisbee on the vast lawns scattered throughout. There is also a 4-kilometer running track that runs through the garden, and you can even spot eels and black swans in the lake.
Day2: Melbourne > The Yarra Valley
2 attraction(s) ·
80 km
1
Translated into English, it becomes: As one of the narrow-gauge railway lines built by the government in the early 1990s for the development of remote areas, the Puffing Billy steam train has become one of the best-preserved steam train routes in the world today thanks to the relentless efforts of volunteers. Following many children on board, crossing over dozens of meters high wooden trestle bridges, and shuttling through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, after an hour's journey, you will arrive at Emerald Lake where you can take a walk on the surrounding hiking trails or enjoy outdoor barbecues and feed the friendly lorikeets.
80
km
2
Ten Minutes by Tractor Winery was established in 1999 by three families whose vineyards are adjacent to each other on the Mornington Peninsula. Its goal is to produce wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their vineyards. It was acquired by Martin Spedding in 2004. The winery has three vineyard sites that can be reached within ten minutes. It has 14 hectares of vineyards with an average age of 16 years, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Tempranillo. The different locations, altitudes, and orientations of the vineyards allow for the harvest of different grapes or the production of wines using different grapes. The winery also has a restaurant, which requires reservations. Chef Stuart Bell utilizes high-quality local ingredients, including herbs, lettuce, and vegetables grown in their own garden, to create delicious dishes.
Day3: Melbourne > Phillip Island
2 attraction(s) ·
20 km
1
On Philipe Island, the distance between attractions is short, with a drive time of no more than 15 minutes. If you depart from the Koala Conservation Center and head towards the outskirts of the island, you can reach the Chocolate Factory in just a 7-minute drive. After booking your tickets, you can visit the Chocolate Factory, where you can hear the rumbling sound of the chocolate waterfall.
20
km
2
Philip Island Nature Park (PINP) is a conservation park located on Philip Island, Victoria, Australia. Established in 1996, the park is owned by the Victorian Government. Situated just 90 minutes' drive from Melbourne, it covers an area of 2,750 hectares on Philip Island, offering the opportunity to see adorable groups of little penguins.
Day4: Great Ocean Road > Lorne > Apollo Bay
5 attraction(s) ·
136 km
1
The beautiful dolls, more than 100 in total, created by artist Jan Mitchell, are scattered along the coast of Geelong. Each doll has a special story behind it. Travelers need to have enough stamina and observation skills to not miss them. Along the coastline, there are over a hundred different themed wooden dolls. Originally, these wooden dolls were just boat latches made of wood. Later, artists used them as canvases, giving birth to various wooden dolls. There is one doll to commemorate a couple during World War II, as well as a volunteer infantry band. They are all very brightly colored and unique. I believe that visitors to this area will take photos for a keepsake.
1
km
2
Eastern Beach in Geelong is located in the northeast of the city center, facing Corio Bay and with a backdrop of greenery. It is a popular destination for both travelers and locals to relax and enjoy. Adjacent to the beach are various interesting sculptures, fountains, and a small Ferris wheel. There is also a playground and swimming pool for children to play. During sunny summer days, you can go swimming in the sea, have a barbecue or picnic on the beachside green, or dine at the various restaurants nearby. Most of the restaurants serve good food, and if you're not a fan of Western cuisine, you can also sit at a waterfront seat and enjoy a cup of coffee.
69
km
3
Long En Beach is very close to the main street, and you can see it as soon as you leave the Wei Line Bus Station. As one of the most famous resorts in Victoria, the beach is definitely a must-visit place for leisure. During the summer, many locals swim, surf, sunbathe here. There are also many people fishing at the mouth of the Esken River entering the sea. There are also many barbecue pits near the beach. When the weather is not hot in the summer evenings, you can buy fresh fish fillets from the seafood shops on the main street and have a barbecue here, which tastes great. The annual thousand-person swimming competition is also held here, and the spectacular scene is unforgettable when witnessed in person.
2
km
4
At the end of Lorne Town, there is a deep-sea pier that provides a view of the town and is also perfect for fishing. Adjacent to the pier is the renowned Lorne Pier Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious oysters and lobsters.
65
km
5
The Great Otway National Park stretches from the town of Torquay to Princetown, and extends northwards through the Otway hinterland to Colac. The park features a winding coastline, sandy beaches, rocky platforms, wind-swept heathland, towering forests, fern-filled valleys, majestic waterfalls, and peaceful lakes. It showcases the diversity of nature, with magnificent waterfalls and sparkling gorges. The park offers excellent camping grounds throughout, catering to families seeking a holiday spot for their camper vans, as well as those in search of solitude to gaze at the night sky.
Day5: Apollo Bay > Great Ocean Road > Port Campbell National Park > Warrnambool
7 attraction(s) ·
82 km
1
Gibson's Steps is an 86-step staircase carved on a cliff, which leads from the top of the cliff to the beach. It is said that the steep staircase was originally carved by local indigenous people and later repaired and improved by an early immigrant named Hugh Gibson.
The Gibson's Steps are in a zigzag shape with a width of about 1 meter, only enough for one person to pass. At the end of the staircase, you can see the endless blue sea and two huge pillars (called Gog and Magog by the locals) behind them are cliffs almost perpendicular to the ground, making people marvel at the insignificance of human beings. Due to the turbulent waves here, swimming is not recommended, but it is a good place for fishing.
2
km
2
The Twelve Apostles is one of the most famous attractions on the Great Ocean Road, located in the Port Campbell National Park. These rock formations, initially consisting of thirteen different-shaped giant limestone pillars, resemble the twelve apostles following Jesus in the Bible, hence the name "The Twelve Apostles."
These pillars, about 45 meters high, have been eroded and weathered by the sea over time, and five of them have collapsed. However, this does not diminish the awe and admiration that this natural wonder brings. The best time to admire the Twelve Apostles is during sunrise and sunset. Standing on the lookout platform, overlooking the vast expanse of the sea, feeling the gentle sea breeze, one can't help but marvel at the power of nature's craftsmanship.
The park is free for visitors and has an information center providing cultural information and basic facilities such as toilets. There are numerous viewing platforms throughout the park, allowing visitors to experience the visual impact of this wonder from different angles. Due to the fragile geological structure of the limestone, there are clear signs in dangerous areas, and visitors are advised to stay away. The best time for photography is in the early morning and evening on sunny days.
5
km
3
Lock ard Gorge is located in the Campbell Port National Park, a 10-minute drive west of the Twelve Apostles.
8
km
4
Camperdown Bay, located on the western end of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is a natural gorge. The Campbell Port National Park was established in 1964 and named after Captain Alexander Campbell. It is a fascinating seaside village that can be reached either by the Princes Highway, 245 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, or via the Great Ocean Road, 281 kilometers in total.
7
km
5
The London Arch (formerly London Bridge) is also one of the most famous attractions along the Great Ocean Road. It is said that the huge arch-shaped rocks that now stand in the ocean were once connected to the mainland, and their shape is somewhat similar to that of the London Bridge, hence the name. In the early 1990s, the section of rocks connected to the mainland collapsed, so now travelers can only admire it from a distance.
There is an interesting story about the London Bridge. When the rocks collapsed, a couple was trapped on the arch-shaped rocks. Fortunately, they were rescued by a helicopter and were safe. After being rescued, journalists interviewed the couple and found that the woman was talkative while the man remained silent and evasive. Later, it was revealed that the man was on a trip with his mistress and he was intentionally avoiding the camera to prevent his wife from finding out.
13
km
6
The Bay of Islands is located between the Great Ocean Road and Warrnambool, and is one of the most worthwhile attractions to visit, apart from the Twelve Apostles.
49
km
7
The beaches of Wannabur have fewer people, but the beautiful scenery is no less than other famous beaches. It is very pleasant to take a walk on the beach when the weather is sunny and unload the tired body and mind.
Day6: Melbourne
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Built in 1869, the Melbourne Town Hall was designed by the renowned local architect Joseph Reed in the Second Empire style. It features a concert hall and was once the most renowned music hall in Australia.
2
km
2
The Royal Arcade, built in the late 19th century, is Melbourne's oldest Parisian style shopping arcade. It was constructed in 1869 and connects Little Collins Street and Bourke Street Mall. This arcade is an important Victorian-era building and a landmark in Melbourne. The Royal Arcade now houses popular shops and some specialty stores, such as a tarot card shop.
