Beyond Melbourne is a host of natural attractions
Melbourne has lots of attractions outside the city centre, including natural bushland walks, wildlife parks, theme parks, historic old houses and museums and the sceneic Great Ocean Road.
At the eastern and western ends of Port Phillip Bay, the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas are popular getaway locations with plenty of water sports and coastal scenery.
Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula
Victoria's second largest city, Geelong is only an hour's drive from Melbourne. The sheltered waters of Corio Bay are perfect for water sports and the city's waterfront has many restored old buildings and dozens of excellent cafes and restaurants. The charming waterfront town of Queenscliff can be found at the south of the Bellarine Peninsula. Here are many stately Victorian stone buildings, including Fort Queenscliff, and a maritime museum with exhibits that show the local nautical history.
Geelong Information Centre, Moorabool Street, Geelong;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 1800 620 888
Geelong Gallery
The Geelong Gallery is one of Victoria's premier regional galleries. With a collection of over 4,000 pieces and changing exhibitions this public gallery is a fascinating place to visit.
Little Malop Street, Geelong.
Open Mon-Fri 10pm-5pm; Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 1-5pm. Closed Christmas Day & New Years Day
Ph: 5229 3645
www.geelonggallery.org.au
Mornington Peninsula
The Nepean Highway follows the southeastern arc of the peninsula that encloses Port Phillip Bay, providing access to sandy beaches, waterfront promenades and stunning coastal scenery. The little bayside towns of Mt Eliza, Mornington, Mt Martha, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea have uncrowded beaches and golf courses. On the Western Port side of the peninsula are the surfing beaches and the seaside suburbs of Hastings and Flinders. From Stony Point you can catch a ferry to nearby French Island and from Portsea a ferry runs to Queenscliff. The peninsula has dozens of excellent B&Bs and wineries.
Peninsula Visitor Centre, 359 Point Nepean Road, Dromana
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5987 3078
Ashcombe Maze
Australia's oldest and largest hedge maze, also features a rose maze. Wander among 1,200 rose bushes comprised of more than 200 varieties, or stroll around 12 hectares of theme gardens, including the English-style garden or the Italian-inspired garden planted in pots.
Red Hill Road, Shoreham, Mornington Peninsula;
0pen daily 10am-5pm
Ph: 5589 8387
www.ashcombemaze.com.au
Cape Schanck
Cape Schanck is part of Mornington Peninsula National Park, and offers superb views of the rugged coastline and the sea. The lighthouse was built in 1859. There is an information centre, a kiosk and museum.
Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck
Ph: 5988 6251
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
French Island
This undeveloped island, once a prison farm, has a prolific koala colony and more than 200 species of birds, including the ground-breeding muttonbirds. The best way to get around is by bicycle.
Peninsula Visitor Centre
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5987 3078
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
National Wool Museum
Housed in a century-old woolstore, this excellent museum has displays and hands-on exhibits covering all facets of the wool industry. The shop here sells a wide range of wools and wool products.
Moorabool Street, Geelong
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5227 0701
One and a half hours drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is renowned for its nightly penguin parade, wildlife, scenic beauty, rugged surf beaches and motorcycle racing.
Phillip Island
This popular island offers a range of accommodation at its villages and you can swim at many of the protected bays and beaches on the north side, both Woolamai and Smiths beaches are patrolled. Cowes is the principal town. Visit The Nobbies where over 12,000 fur seals can be seen through binoculars.
Phillip Island Nature Park
Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne the Phillip Island Nature Park is home to the world famous Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island - Historic Farm. All new penguin viewing options have been developed to provide visitors with a more exclusive and intimate penguin viewing experience.
Penguin Parade
Each night at sunset see the world's smallest penguins waddle a shore to their sand dune burrows at the world renowned Penguin Parade. The all-new viewing areas allow visitors to experience the penguins.
Penguins Plus: This viewing platform provides closer viewing of the penguins while rangers provide commentary on their fascinating lives.
Sky Box: Located at the main viewing stands, the Penguin Sky Box allows visitors to have 'pole position' for penguin viewing alongside an experienced penguin ranger.
Ultimate Penguin Tour: Located away from the Penguin Parade, visitors use night vision technology to view the penguins as rangers provide an informative commentary through personal headphones.
Bookings and Information 5951 2800 or www.penguins.org.au
Phillip Island Aviation Centre
What a way to see the beautiful surrounds of Phillip Island and Westernport Bay! Phillip Island Aviation Centre provides 4 standard scenic flights which cover the superb views of the local areas.
Ph: 5956 7316
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and Information Centre
Come and see Australia's most exciting Grand Prix Circuit and Visitor Centre. A number of prestige vehicles from the Fox Collection will be incorporated into the History of Motor Sport display at the Visitor Centre. While at the Circuit, take a Guided Circuit Tour and visit the unique behind the scenes locations including the control tower, pit lane and, of course, the sacred winner's podium. The excitement of 'Spring Racing - MotoGP style- will hit Phillip Island from 15-17 October at the 2004 Cinzano Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Other Spring events at the Circuit include the Australian Superbike Championship, Stars of Tomorrow and Island Magic.
Back Beach Road, Phillip Island.
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5952 9400
www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au
Churchill Island
Connected by bridge to Phillip Island, Churchill Island features a beautifully restored homestead, gardens and historic working farm. With a lovely cafe and visitor centre open daily, Churchill Island is the host of various festivals and events.
Bookings and Information 5951 2800 or www.penguins.org.au
Koala Conservation Centre
With tree top boardwalks, close viewing areas and a tranquil bush setting, the Koala Conservation Centre gives visitors the opportunity to come 'face-to-face' with koalas in their natural habitat. This unique ecotourism attraction plays an important role in the conservation of Phillip Island's koala population.
Bookings and Information 5951 2800 or
www.penguins.org.au
Wilsons Promontory
The 'Prom', 200kms southeast of Melbourne is the southern most point of the Australian mainland. There are beaches and cliffs, immense outcrops of granite, coastal heathland and fern gullies and diverse flora and fauna.
Parks Information: 13 1963
Head for the ranges for dramatic scenery, cosy B&Bs and walks in the cool mountain forests. Travel via the Yarra Valley vineyards and stock up on great wines.
Dandenong Ranges
Just 35 km east of the city, the Dandenong Ranges are the perfect retreat with walking trails, splendid old gardens, art and craft stores and many B&Bs.
Dandenong Ranges Tourism, Upper Ferntree Gully;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 1800 645 505
Dee Decker Tours Wineries By Day, Melbourne By Night
Dee Decker Tours invite you to join one of their ultimate personalised tours. Visit the finest Wineries on offer throughout the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula regions. Indulge in Melbourne By Night. Experience the cafe-lined streetscapes with an array of restaurants and bars from St Kilda to Carlton, Docklands to Williamstown.The fleet ranges from cosy 12 seaters up to our Fully Refurbished Double Deckers. They offer flexible itineraries and tour options to ensure maximum enjoyment and lasting memories.
Ph: 9364 6263
Email: deedecker@bigpond.com or www.deedecker.com.au
Puffing Billy' Railway
Australia's favourite steam train runs every day except Christmas Day from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. It's great fun for the whole family, or wine and dine on our 'Luncheon Special' in enclosed dining carriages, enjoy steam and cuisine on the 'Dinner Special' or even have a day out with "Thomas" the Tank Engine - every child's favourite train.
Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave
Ph: 9754 6800
See website for further information www.puffingbilly.com.au
Yarra Valley
One of Victoria's premier wine growing regions, just 90 minutes drive east of the city where you'll find great wineries such as Coldstream Hills, Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, Eyton on Yarra, Fergusson, St Huberts and Tarrawarra.
Yarra Valley Tourism, Harker Street, Healesville;
Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Ph: 5962 2600
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Covering 3,215 hectares, the park consists of mountain ash forests, tree ferns and clear streams.
Parks Information: 13 1963
Hedgend Maze & Tea Rooms
Forget the hassles of life and relax in this friendly, country atmosphere fun park. More than just a maze, allow 2-3 hours. Mini Golf and other games and puzzles. Lovely gardens, glorious views, free BBQ's. Light meals and refreshments. Make Hedgend Maze your preferred destination.
Albert Road, Healesville (Melways Ref. 278 E7)
Open daily 10am
Ph: 5962 3636
www.hedgend.com.au
Healesville Sanctuary
Located 65 km east of the CBD, this award- winning sanctuary has over 200 native species, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, emus and dingoes, kept in as near natural surroundings as possible. Exhibits include the Sidney Myer World of Platypus, The Billabong, the Frog Bog and a walk-through aviary.
Badger Creek Road, Healesville
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5957 2800
www.zoo.org.au
Yarra Ranges National Park
Stretching from mountain tops to rivers, with temperate rainforests, sub-alpine heathlands and mountain ash forests.
Healesville Visitor Information Centre
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5962 2600
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Yarra Valley Dairy
Yarra Valley Dairy offers a unique and pleasurable experience. Situated in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Yarra Valley Dairy is a cafe in an old milking shed, a cheese factory and a dairy farm. Here where you'll be able to walk by the newly born calves or see the seasonal activities of the farm. Local wines are served by glass or bottle and are available for purchase.
McMeikans Road, Yering.
Open daily 10am-5pm
Ph: 9739 0023
Brisbane Ranges National Park
Just 70km from the centre of Melbourne there are good walking trails and at the picnic area at Anakie Gorge you have a good chance of spotting koalas in the wild. As well, the plant life here represents nearly a quarter of Victoria's flora. At Fairy Park there are 100 clay figures derived from fairy tales.
Geelong and Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5275 5797
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
These Central Highlands twin towns, less than two hours' drive from the centre of Melbourne, have long been popular for their mineral springs and spas and there are plenty of good restaurants here. Take the walking trails to Sailors Falls and Tipperary Springs or try Lake Daylesford for boating and fishing. The renowned Convent Gallery at Daylesford has art and craft galleries and donít miss the Sunday market at the railway station.
Daylesford Tourist Information Centre
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5348 1339
Eureka Stockade Centre
This hi-tech interpretive centre stands on the site of one of Australia's most significant events. The centre includes a series of exhibitions, theatrette and a souvenir shop.
Eureka Street, Ballarat;
Open Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Ph: 5333 1854
Macedon Ranges
The cool mountain air, great scenery and heritage gardens of the Macedon Ranges are only a little over an hour's drive northwest of the CBD. There are mountain walking trails, excellent restaurants and wineries, and dozens of B&Bs.
Woodend Visitor Information Centre
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 5427 2033
Sovereign Hill
The regionís history is re-created at this outdoor museum at Ballarat,113 km west of Melbourne, built on the site on an old gold field. Staff dress in period costume and you can walk the main streets, shop for souvenirs, watch craftspeople at work and even pan for gold. The entrance fee includes a guided underground mine tour and entry to the museum.
Corner of Main Road and Bradshaw Street, Ballarat;
Open daily 10am-5pm
Ph: 5331 1944
Unique Touring
Around and About offers you a truly unique touring experience as they take you exploring throughout the many interesting and exciting places Victoria has to offer: * Great Ocean Road * Grampians * Dandenong Ranges * Gippsland * Phillip Island * Mornington Peninsula * Around Port Philip Bay * Wineries * Mt Buller * Murray River * Bush Walking Trips * Goldfields * In & Around Melbourne. Trips vary in length from 1/2 day tours to 7 day escapes and cost from $60 for a half day tour and $90 for a full day per person.
Call 03 9391 2949 for more details www.aroundandabout.com.au
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