The Great Ocean Road
21 The Great Ocean Road
The world’s most scenic coastal drive?
Is the Great Ocean Road the world’s most scenic coastal drive? No, but its close. The highway is carved into sheer cliffs that drop away into the ocean. The waves from Bass Strait swell up and crash onto the rocks and beaches below. For 243 kilometres you can view pristine beaches, breathtaking headlands, cross river estuaries and venture through lush rainforests. All amazing stuff of course but what most of us want to see is the 12 Apostles. Pictures’ of the Apostles and the Great Ocean Road often adorn Victoria’s travel guides. You’ll find these magnificent structures between Lorne and Apollo Bay. Apollo Bay is arguably the most picturesque section of the Great Ocean Road.
The 12 Apostles
The amazing collection of rock formations collectively known as the 12 Apostles come out to greet you as you wind your way through this incredible landscape. These rocks can make a powerful impression. You are strongly advised to make full use of the scenic lookouts.
22 Wine Tasting – Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley offers all you adventurers a chance to slow down a little. Indulge in life’s great pleasures of food and wine mixed with a generous slice picturesque countryside. With around 70 wineries to choose from you won’t lack for choice. “Visit the cellar doors of grand architecturally significant wineries to rustic tin sheds hidden among the vines. From stalwarts that continue to innovate like DeBortoli, Fergusson and Yering Station to boutique upstarts like Punt Road and Mandala Wines.” Follow the link below for more:
23 Phillip Island Little Penguins Parade
Phillip Island Little Penguins Parade is a great little thing to do. The wild little penguins are very cute and you end up willing them on as they emerge from the surf at sunset and waddle to the sanctuary of their dune nests.
The Large Little Penguin Colony
The Little Penguin is the world’s smallest penguin species. Phillip Island is home to one of the largest little penguin colonies in the world. It doesn’t take long to get to Phillip Island from Melbourne. Well worth the trip.
Phillip Island Little Penguins Parade
24 Sovereign Hill – Ballarat
Sovereign Hill has found fun and interesting ways of describing the gold rush of the 1850’s. You can pan for gold, get horse-drawn in a coach, see steam being let-off by an engine and get down under on a gold mine tour. The ‘must do’ is the impressive ‘Blood on the Southern Cross Sound and Light Show’. It tells the dramatic story of the 1854 Eureka Uprising. Additional activities are often laid on during holiday periods.
Not cheap
Sovereign Hill is aptly named. They have worked out to how efficiently convert visitors into cash. Be warned that the entrance fee may not cover everything you want to see.
25 Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is located approximately 90 kilometres east of the City of Melbourne. It is a famed wine area surrounding the Yarra River. Make sure you try a glass chardonnay, pinot noir or sparkling wine. These Yarra wines are some of finest wines of their variety in Australia.
Healesville Sanctuary and National Parks
Meet the wildlife at the Healesville Sanctuary. Soak up some amazing scenery provided by the Yarra Ranges National Park, Toolangi State Forest and Kinglake National Park. You might also enjoy sampling the fresh and local produce. The region’s studios and art galleries are also worthy of investigation.
Open Studios Weekend
September is a good time to visit as the Yarra Valley hosts an Open Studios weekend. It is much easier to appreciate the art when the gallery is open. 🙂
Follow the links below and above for the beginning of the top 25 things to do in Melbourne. Events and attractions further down the list are still being reviewed . If you have a comment or suggestion to make please don’t hesitate.