. Fabulous food and fine wines, spectacular nature and scenic drives, this is Victoria!

Our collection of short breaks and longer escapes invite you to explore your backyard and #HolidayHereThisYear.

From the city to the coast, wines, walks, wildlife and wilderness, with each of the following itineraries we’ve also included a signature Southern Crossings experience to provide you with a personalised and beneath-the-skin introduction to the wonderful people and places that make this state so great.

These itineraries provide just a small sample of the endless possibilities within Victoria. With so much more to explore right across the state, if you can’t find your ideal escape here, we’ll tailor an itinerary that is just right for you.

Victoria

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Tastefully Melbourne Family fun in Melbourne

Wine and dine: Yarra Valley and Daylesford*

Experience Directory

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Browse through the images below and click through to further detailsof these extraordinary experiences available from Melbourneand curated exclusively by Southern Crossings

Waves, walks and waterways*

Country to Coast*

Short Breaks (4 night packages)

A little longer escapes (6 - 8 night packages)

The above * packages are offered as self-drive itineraries; please ask for details if you require alternative transport options.

The really great outdoors: Great Ocean Rd & Grampians*

Victoria’s South East Wild Wonders*

Inland and in-styleSouth Coast Splendour

Island-hopping golfing getaway (Tasmania & King Is by private jet)

Experience Directory

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Melbourne-Sydney Connections

Go all out!Leave the car behind, these packages include touring and transfers between accommodation venues

Take the coast road, head inland or overland with our collection of self-drives between Melbourne and Sydney

Sydney-Melbourne Overland

Gourmet getaway (All-inclusive and exclusive)

Tastefully Melbourne

Get a taste for Melbourne.

Escape to cosmopolitan Melbourne, where world class dining, lively laneways, colourful street art and fabulous shopping meet. Slip into the locals’ swing of things with a four-night stay at sleek and chic United Places Botanic Gardens in the trendy suburb of South Yarra. A guided walking tour will introduce you to Melbourne’s labyrinth of laneways and arcades, taste handcrafted chocolates and discover the urban street art scene, followed by a private 90-minute cruise on the Yarra River.

Spend a day learning the secrets of success behind James Halliday’s 2019 ‘Winery of the Year’ at Seville Estate in the Yarra Valley, where elegance and finesse flows through their wines and the surrounding vistas of the upper Yarra Valley are breathtakingly beautiful. Join the estate winemaker for a tour and tasting and enjoy a private cooking demonstration with the chef.

Price: From $3,260 pp (based on double/twin share. $6,520 total for two people).Inclusions: 4 nights’ accommodation United Places Botanic Gardens. Daily breakfasts and 2 lunches, Return

private airport/hotel transfers, Half-day private Melbourne touring and Full-day private Seville Estate Winemaker and Chef experience (available Friday, Saturday or Monday). Australian GST at 10%

Note: To take your Melbourne getaway to the next level, ask us about some of the other decadently tasty Melbourne diversions and day trips we can offer during your stay.

Family fun in Melbourne

Get arty and go wild in Melbourne.

Experience Melbourne’s very liveable lifestyle staying at Pan Pacific Melbourne in the vibrant South Wharf district. A private guided cycling tour explores the city’s lively riverfront and colourful hidden laneways. Meet a local street artist and uncover Melbourne’s street art scene on a guided laneways tour.; and unlock your arty side as you create your own masterpiece to take home on an expert-led spray-painting stencil workshop, fun for the entire family.

A family trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Phillip island to view the famous sunset Penguin Parade, where the Little Penguins return to Summerland Beach after a day of fishing. Visiting the Koala Conservation and The Nobbies Centre along the way.

Price: From $8.520 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) Inclusions: 4 nights’ accommodation Pan Pacific Melbourne (two-bedroom apartment). Daily breakfasts, 1 lunch

and 1 dinner per person. Return private airport/hotel transfers. Private cycling tour of Melbourne, Private Street Art tour with Melbourne street artist workshop, Private tour to Phillip Island including Koala Conservation Centre, Nobbies Centre and Penguin Parade. Australian GST at 10%.

Note: To take your family friendly Melbourne escapades to the next level, ask us about the option of spending the day as a wildlife ranger with zoologist at TV personality Chris Humfreys.

Wine and dine

Enjoy the good life; from the Yarra Valley to Daylesford.

A fabulous four day foodie’s folly starts in the Yarra Valley, staying at Yering Gorge Cottages adjoining the Eastern Golf Club and only moments from some of the region’s most celebrated cellar doors including de Bortoli where we have included a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting experience with lunch.

Continue the self-drive journey to the heart of Victoria’s spa country to stay at the lovely Lake House in Daylesford where you can enjoy long country walks, healing spa treatments and hatted dining.

Price: From $1,690pp (based on double/twin share. $3,380 total for two people).Inclusions: 4 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Yering Gorge Cottages and 2 nights Lake House Daylesford)

inclusive of daily breakfast and 1 lunch,, ultimate de Bortoli Winery Experience and 4 days rental vehicle with insurance (max. cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS. Australian GST at 10%

The really great outdoors

Nature lovers get outdoors and active, from the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians.

Romance and adventure come together on this 4-day self-drive. Immersed in the serenity of nature on the grounds of the Cape Otway conservation ecology centre, the Great Ocean EcoLodge offers easy access to the great outdoors: beaches and sea cliffs, rainforests and pristine bushland – from the Great Ocean Road to the Great Otway National Park. Enjoy wonderful walks, a visit to the Cape Otway Lighthouse, a 15 minute scenic helicopter flight and a peaceful gourmet picnic lunch during your stay here.

Head inland to stay at the Royal Mail Hotel, renowned as one of Australia’s foremost destination dining venues, this country getaway is also at the gateway to the Grampians National Park. Follow your passions with the choice of a canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding or mountain biking adventure in these spectacular surrounds.

Price: From $1,405 pp (based on double/twin share. $2,810 total for two people).Inclusions: 4 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Great Ocean Road EcoLodge and 2 nights’ Royal Mail Hotel),

Daily breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners per person. Admission to Cape Otway Lighthouse, choice of 3hr small group canoe/SUP or mountain bike adventure, 15 min scenic helicopter flight, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS. Australian GST at 10%

Waves, walks and waterways

Feel the wind in your hair and the sand under your feet.

Begin your nature escape at the contemporary Lon Retreat, a seven-suite lodge and mineral spa set on a 200-acre private estate, on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Explore the area’s natural surrounds with a 3.5-hour dolphin and seal swim or a surfing experience (the choice is yours!).

Continue along the iconic Great Ocean Road to join a guided three day/two night Twelve Apostles Lodge walk. Hike through beautiful forests and sandy pathways, enjoy stunning vistas of the Southern Ocean and iconic shipwrecks, and take to the skies on a 15-minute helicopter scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles.

Conclude with a two-night stay in the cosy, coastal town of Port Fairy, staying at Drift House, relax and unwind after the walk and enjoy the “most liveable community in the world”.

Price: From $3,480 pp (based on double/twin share. $6,960 total for two people).Inclusions: 6 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Lon Retreat, 2 nights 12 Apostles Lodge, 2 nights Drift House).

Daily breakfast (provided as a gourmet hamper at Lon Retreat), 3 lunches, and 2 dinners per person. Choice of either a 3.5 hr Dolphin and Seal Swim cruise or a surfing experience (shared basis). 3 day shared small group walking tour of the Great Ocean Road, 15 min. scenic helicopter flight, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS. Australian GST at 10%

Note: This itinerary is available September through to April, commencing on Thursdays.

Country to coast

Fine wine, spectacular scenic drives and fabulous food come together.

Hit the road to reunite with family or friends and begin your self-drive journey in the marvellous Mornington Peninsula enjoying wonderful wines and fabulous food at Jackalope with its intoxicating combination of contemporary sophistication and classic country charms. A private tour of the region combines and introduction to the local art and wines.

Continue across the Bay to follow the scenic Great Ocean Drive, past iconic surf beaches to sleep surrounded by the Great Otway National Park at Alkina Lodge. From here it just a short hop to join your heli-scenic flight over the famous 12 Apostles. Follow the iconic shipwreck coast and sandstone stacks to Port Fairy where the delightful Drift House is your home for the next two nights. Return to Melbourne via the Grampian National Park, enjoying two delicious nights at the Royal Mail Hotel, home to some of the state’s finest destination dining experiences.

Price: From $3,065pp (based on double/twin share. Minimum 4 people, $12,260 total for four people). Inclusions: 8 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Jackalope, 2 nights Alkina Lodge and 2 nights Drift House and 2

nights Royal Mail Hotel), full-day private touring in the Mornington Peninsula and a 25 minute Great Ocean Road scenic helicopter flight). Daily breakfast. 9 days rental vehicle. Australian GST at 10%

Victoria’s South East Wild Wonders

Wilson’s Prom wilderness, Philip Is wildlife and Mornington Peninsula Wines.

Just 3 hours from Melbourne feels like worlds away. Hit the road and for Wilsons Promontory. With the Church House boutique retreat as your base, explore the southern-most coast of the Australian mainland with a full-day guided tour of the Prom’s wildest wonders including a spectacular wilderness cruise.

The wilderness adventures continue on Philip Island, where your stay includes wildlife encounters with penguins, koalas, wallabies and more, while enjoying the heritage charms of Glen Isla house.

Wilderness and wildlife give way to wines in the Mornington Peninsula. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour and tastings at the award-winning Pt Leo Estate winery and sculpture park. Continue the culinary indulgences, staying at the super-chic, Jackalope.

Price: From $2,935pp (based on double/twin share. $5,870 total for two people).Inclusions: 6 nights’ accommodation (2 nights The Church House, 2 nights Glen Isla House, 2 nights Jackalope).

Daily breakfast and 1 lunch per person. Full-day private Wilsons Promontory tour with lunch and(shared basis) wilderness cruise, Entry to Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Entry to Bushland Escape Koala Reserve, Churchill Island entry, entry to Antarctic Journey at Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre, Behind-the-scenes wine tasting and tour at Pt Leo Estate, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS. Australian GST at 10%

Note: Itinerary is available from September 2020, for travelers 12yrs+ (ask us for details if travelling with younger children).

South Coast splendour

Coastal treasures and pleasures from Melbourne to Sydney.

The scenic coastal touring route from Melbourne through to Sydney, winds its way between pristine national parks, rolling farmlands, tranquil lakes and white sandy beaches, over dramatic sea cliffs and through relaxed coastal towns. Enjoy coastal walks and seaside picnics, canoeing and mountain-biking or swimming and beachcombing, the choice is yours, just take your time and take it all in.

Sleep under the Church House’s theatrically vaulted ceilings that have featured on Australian Grand Designs and in ‘tented’ luxury under at canopy of canvas at Australia’s original glamping experience. From Jervis Bay to Wilsons Prom, Merimbula to Metung, we have hand-picked a collection of unique and boutique accommodation to provide a true sense of place; and a selection of activities to provide a deeper connection to the destinations visited: cruise around the southern-most tip of the Australian mainland and Victoria’s first marine park from Wilsons Promontory; and cruise with the resident dolphins in Jervis Bay.

Price: From $2,530 pp (based on double/twin share. $5,060 total for two people).Inclusions: 8 nights’ accommodation (2 nights The Church House, 2 nights Five Knots Metung, 2 nights Coast

Merimbula, 2 nights Paperbark Camp). 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners. 9 days rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS. 2.5hr Wilsons Promontory Wilderness cruise (shared basis) and 1.5hr dolphin cruise in Jervis Bay (shared basis). Australian GST at 10%

Melbourne-Sydney inland and in style

Decadent by design and deliciously different.

Head north from Melbourne to enjoy contemporary design-led comforts at the Mitchelton, surrounded by the property’s own vineyards on the banks of the Goulburn River. Unwind with the hotel’s regionally inspired day spa and dining. Crossing into New South Wales, stay in at the hot new regional spa hotel, Circa 1928, a stylishly converted art-deco former bank building.

Staying at Peppers Manor House in the Southern Highlands south of Sydney, enjoy a get back-to-nature culinary full-day private tour combining canoes, canapes, fresh regional flavours and local wines.

Finishing up in Sydney, staying in the heart of one of Sydney’s hottest dining precincts at the Spicers Potts Point. Your stay in the city culminates with a progressive lunch tour cruising between some of Sydney’s wonderful waterfront tables.

Price: From $4,770 pp (based on double/twin share. $9,540 total for two people).Inclusions: 8 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Mitchelton, 1 nights Circa 1928, 2 nights Peppers Manor House, 3

nights Spicers Potts Point). 8 breakfasts and 2 lunches per person. Full day private Canoe, Canapés & Champagne tour including lunch and wine tastings, Half day small group progressive lunch cruise with selected beverages, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS. Australian GST at 10%

Sydney-Melbourne overland

Follow the path less travelled, from Melbourne to Sydney.

Head south from Sydney to explore Canberra’s star attractions and the city’s coming of age with the chic and quirky QT Canberra as your base. During your stay in the capital, enjoy a private tour of the Australian War Memorial with behind-the-scenes access and captivating insights into heroic tales of service and sacrifice, courage and camaraderie.

Cross the border into Victoria and delve into the State’s gold-rush heritage from Beechworth to Bendigo. A full-day private tour in Bendigo invites you to roll your sleeves up and get creative. Combining great coffee, fine chocolate, gnocchi making and the chance to create your own pottery masterpiece, you’ll discover its not just the gold that shines here!

Unwind in spa country, with a stay at the award-winning Lake House Daylesford before reaching the city. Round off the overland adventure with a night on the town, wining and dining with a local guide and staying at United Places Botanic Gardens in trendy South Yarra.

Price: From $5,170 pp (based on double/twin share. $10,340 total for two people).Inclusions: 10 nights’ accommodation (2 nights QT Canberra, 2 nights The Graces Beechworth, 2 nights

Alexandra Place, 2 nights Lake House Daylesford). 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner. Private tour of Australian War Memorial, Private full-day tour Bendigo including gnocchi making and pottery class, Melbourne private guided progressive dinner tour, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS. Australian GST at 10%

Island-hopping golfing getaway

The ultimate Australian golfing getaway by private jet.

Fresh air and fabulous food, great golf and the great outdoors come together in this ultimate golfing getaway.

Jet off from Essendon airport to land at Tasmania’s premier golfing destination, Barnbougle and play two of Australia’s best courses – Lost Farm and Barnbougle Dunes on the wild and windswept coast of North-East Tasmania.

A short scenic flight lands you on the wonderfully remote and beautifully rugged King Island, to enjoy two more spectacular Australian coastal links courses high on any golfers’ lust-list: Ocean Dunes and Cape Wickham. Return to Melbourne with your private jet, rejuvenated and refreshed.

Price: From $6,195pp (based on double/twin share. $12,390 total for two people).Inclusions: 3 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Barnbougle Lost Farm Lodge and 1 night King Island), a round of

golf at Cape Wickham (18 holes), Ocean Dunes (18 holes), Barnbougle Dunes (18 holes) and Barnbougle Lost Farm (20 holes) with pull-cart and full-size bag hire, return private jet flights Essendon-Barnbougle-King Is-Essendon. Australian GST at 10%.

Note: This touring is offered subject to Tasmania borders reopening.

Gourmet getaway

A decadent combination of wining and dining, including hands-on and behind-the-scenes foodie experiences.

Begin your gourmet getaway as you mean to continue, in style, sipping champagne at the famed Lake House in Daylesford. Then roll up your sleeves to enjoy an exclusive hands-on cooking class the with the acclaimed restaurant’s talented chefs. Enjoy the spoils of your labour, a fabulous three course meal, with matched premium wines. It would of course be remiss to visit Victoria’s spa country without a visit to the day spa, so spend the following morning soaking in 100% pure mineral waters, and we have included one-hour relaxing massage to help you really unwind.

Journey to the Grampians through beautiful farmlands and towering eucalypts, stopping for lunch in the grand gold-rush city of Ballarat. On arrival at the Royal Mail Hotel, join the sommelier for a tour and tasting in the hotel’s impressive wine before a degustation dinner in Wickens Restaurant, another hatted regional Victorian restaurant. After breakfast, join one of the hotel chefs to learn the sustainable philosophies of Australia’s largest restaurant kitchen garden. Then journey through the Grampians National Park and take the opportunity to hike to scenic lookouts, admire waterfalls and wildflowers and learn about the region’s rich Aboriginal history.

Gourmet Getaway

Mt Langi Ghiran, regarded as one of Australia’s most celebrated producers of Shiraz, is the perfect spot to break the return journey to Melbourne, and an exclusive tour and tasting experience is the perfect way to round off this exclusive escorted epicurean escape.

Continue to Melbourne by road, or finish on a real high with a scenic 75-minute scenic helicopter flight to the city.

Price: OPTION 1: DRIVE BACK TO MELBOURNE$14,060 total for 2 people, $17,400 for 4 people, $20,670 for 6 peopleOPTION 2: FLY BACK TO MELBOURNE & CAR TRANSFER HOME$19,980 total for 2 people, $24,400 total for 4 people, $31,500 total for 6 people Costs based on two guests sharing double/twin occupancy rooms.

Inclusions: Private Cooking Class at Lake House Restaurant (3-course with beverages), one night accommodation, supper and breakfast in a Lodge Studio Room at Lake House Daylesford, Mineral Springs Bathing and 60-minute massage, one night accommodation in a deluxe mountain view room at the Royal Mail hotel including sommelier-led cellar tour and tasting, chef-led kitchen garden tour, breakfast and dinner in Wickens Restaurant, exclusive tour and tasting experience at Mount Langi Ghiran. 3 days private driver/guide and luxury vehicle (pick up/drop off within 10km Melbourne CBD)

Note: Private charter tour can commence Tues, Weds, Thurs or Fridays year round, subject to availability.

Gourmet Getaway continued

If you haven’t found your ideal escape among these suggestions, we’ll tailor an itinerary that’s just right for you.

Images with thanks to Tourism Australia and our accommodation partners featured.

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