Don't forget you will have to find somewhere secure to park the car in Melbourne which will not be cheap. Your hotel might offer car parking. We've stayed twice at City Tempo apartments which have a small kitchenette. It's also five min walk to Vic Market (mentioned above). They only have studios or one bedrooms but there is a link on the home page to 2-3 bedroom places. Also if you are after something with a kitchen, you can look at Citadines and Punthill Apartments. For hotels, I would check Trip Advisor or Booking.com. Look for something in the central city area (Bourke St mall is the middle of the shopping area if that helps).

Kay

Hi everyone, after some consideration, I adjusted the plan by reversing the route. What you guys think? Should I spent 1 more night in Gor ? or another town ( any town to recommend : ) )? 4 nights in Melbourne will it be too much? The reason I putting Melbourne at the end ,maybe I can return the rental car in town and use the public transport for the last 2 or 3 days? That will definitely save some money 1 day in Melbourne will use the car to go Phillip Island and somewhere not so accessible by public transport ( Anywhere else to recommend? )

14th October 2019
Reach Avalon 920am
Day 1 -14/10 Take rented car and go to Gor - Apollo
Day 2 - 15/10 Port Fairy
Day 3 -16/10 Grampian National Park
Day 4 - 17/10 Grampian National Park
Day 5 -18/10 Grampian National Park - Ballarat
Day 6 - 19/10 Melbourne
Day 7 - 20/10 Melbourne
Day 8 - 21/10 Melbourne
Day 9 - 22/10 Melbourne
Day 10 - 23/10 Melbourne -1045pm flight back Malaysia KL

That sounds good. Here's a few suggestions along the way.
While you are in the Grampians, go for a drive around Halls Gap in early evening - best time to see animals. We were there a few weeks ago and saw hundreds of kangaroos, some emus and deer.
If you want to see a big Australian shopping complex, you could stop at Fountain Gate shopping centre on your way to Philip Island. It's beside the Monash Freeway which is the main route to Philip Island so not out of your way.
In Ballarat, I'd suggest visiting Sovereign Hill, plus there is also the gold museum opposite. You may also enjoy seeing the gardens at Lake Wendouree.

Hope you have a great time!

Hi everyone I am back!
Suddenly my family member wanted to visit Tasmania Island! OMG! Then I was wondering could this plan work so would like to ask some expert and local for some advice. Is it possible I take 2 full days out from Melbourne and insert Tasmania into my itinerary?

Original Plan not finalized
14th October 2019
Reach Avalon 920am
Day 1 -14/10 Take rented car and go to Gor - Apollo
Day 2 - 15/10 Port Fairy
Day 3 -16/10 Grampian National Park
Day 4 - 17/10 Grampian National Park
Day 5 -18/10 Grampian National Park - Ballarat
Day 6 - 19/10 Melbourne
Day 7 - 20/10 Melbourne
Day 8 - 21/10 Melbourne
Day 9 - 22/10 Melbourne
Day 10 - 23/10 Melbourne -1045pm flight back Malaysia KL

Modify Include Tasmania
14th October 2019
Reach Avalon 920am
Day 1 -14/10 Take rented car and go to Gor - Apollo
Day 2 - 15/10 Port Fairy
Day 3 -16/10 Grampian National Park
Day 4 - 17/10 Grampian National Park
Day 5 -18/10 Grampian National Park - Ballarat
Day 6 - 19/10 Tasmania
Day 7 - 20/10 Tasmania
Day 8 - 21/10 Tasmania - Melbourne
Day 9 - 22/10 Melbourne
Day 10 - 23/10 Melbourne -1045pm flight back Malaysia KL

Will finalized once I have an answer for this, but deep inside hopefully able to visit Tasmania as well. Thank you everyone in advance ya

I honestly don't think it is worth trying to fit a visit to Tasmania in your short time frame. Assuming that you would fly to either Launceston or Hobart on 19/10, by the time you get to the airport, go through security etc, fly to your destination, collect a hire car etc, that would take at least half of your day. On the 21/10, you do the whole thing in reverse. That leaves you a few hours on 19/10, a full day on 20/10, and another few hours possibly on 21/10. You're not going to see much in that time, particularly since the best of Tasmania is well away from the major cities.

I wholeheartedly agree with marg. TAS is a destination on it's own, not a two day side trip. We've visited TAS twice, both trips two weeks+ each.

You just don't have time.

Thank you Marg and Melng8,

Cause been hearing Tasmania is a very nice place as well, maybe next time then
I know there is a lot of things to do in Melbourne but 4 and half day will it be too much?
Any place recommend to visit? We do not mind to drive a bit since we got 2 driver with us and we do drive long distance often in our country as well.
My not fancy city places more to nature and scenery.

Hi, for day one do you think this is ok? I only have headache planning the itinerary for GOR , cause Melbourne have plenty to do and I found plenty of online blog where I can follow their itinerary there.Currently planning 2 night for GOR is that enough? Then maybe I will take 1 night out from Grampians and put 1 extra night at Melbourne. What you all think?

Day 1 - 14/10, 9.20am Take rented car Avalon airport and go to GOR -

1.Torquay ( Breakfast, Bells Beach, Point Impossible Beach, Surfing Museum )( 40min),
1a. Anglesea Beach (20min)
2. Loutit Bay Lookout (15min),
3. Lorne (Lunch maybe ) (30min)
3a. Kennett River , grey river road – koala spotting (32min )
4. Marriner's Lookout ( 32 min )
5. Apollo Bay Information Centre, Beach ,Grocery Shopping Enjoy Sunset - Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant (around 5.28pm) , Dinner and overnight.

I really think you will be impressed with the Grampians so would leave that part of your holiday as it is and not add another day to Melbourne. Lots of lookouts, good walks. Make a point of driving through the valley at dusk - we always see lots of animals at that time.

On the GOR, you will want to stop at Loch Ard gorge - quite spectacular and has a great story.

In Anglesea, drive to the golf course. It's close to the town and there are usually lots of kangaroos around there.

In Port Fairy, there is a wharf with a seafood restaurant and a take away fish and chips place.

If I understand correctly, this is the time you've allocated to each place? If so, it is wildly optimistic. Forty minutes to have breakfast, visit two beaches and a museum? No way. What about the time to drive around Torquay looking for somewhere to eat, then finding parking, walking back to the cafe, deciding and then waiting on your food etc. Then driving to each beach, time for photos and a walk, toilet stops etc. Then the museum could take 30 mins or hours, depending on what's there.

Even though your flight may land at 9.20am, that doesn't mean you'll be ready to go at 9.20. You'll have to wait to get off the plane, wait for luggage on the carousel, go through immigration, queue at the car hire desk, try fitting all the bags into the vehicle, figure out which road to take etc. It will all take time. My suggestion is do the drive but don't worry so much about accounting for every minute of the day. You don't know what the traffic will be like, or the weather, both of which could impact on your day. Slow down, enjoy the views and enjoy your time here.

Also if you prefer cities, add a day to Melbourne. If you prefer countryside with wildlife, then add it to the Grampians.

Kay

Sorry I caused a misunderstanding there, the timing is not the time allocated for the activities, is it duration to the next destination. I not counting that anymore because not really needed lol!
Already plan to stay a night in Apollo Bay and another night in Peterborough. Now planning if I should stay 2 nights in Grampians and 1 night in Ballarat.

Dear all, what you guys think? This is my complete itinerary before Melbourne stop. I did plan 1 more night stay in Grampians because I have 2 elderly with me that cannot do much climbing or hiking. Hence I allocated 5 nights in Melbourne which 1 day already going to spend in Phillip Island/French Island tour ( maybe ) and day 1 from Ballarat direct to Mornington Peninsular, return rental car and check in to hotel ( 33 Rose Lane 3000 Melbourne, this location ok? )

Day 1 - 14/10, 9.20am Take rented car Avalon airport and go to GOR – Optional Geelong Gallery
1.Torquay ( Breakfast, Bells Beach, Point Impossible Beach, Surfing Museum ),
1a. Anglesea Beach
2. Loutit Bay Lookout , Split Point Lighthouse
3. Lorne (Lunch maybe )
3a. Kennett River , grey river road – koala spotting
4. Marriner's Lookout MAYBE CAN SKIP ABIT STEEP WALK 10 MIN WALKS
5. Apollo Bay Information Centre, Beach ,Grocery Shopping Enjoy Sunset - Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant (around 5.28pm) , Dinner and overnight. MUST TRY ICE CREAM DOOLEY
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn


Day 2 - 15/10

Have Breakfast and checkout - Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary ( can go have a look )
1. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
2. Cape Otway Lightstation snacks maybe
3. Castle Cove Lookout
4. Gibson’s Steps - Twelve Apostles - Loch Ard Gorge - The Arch - London Arch (formerly London Bridge) - The Grotto – Catch Sunsets here or Bay of Island also can

5. Port Campbell – visit Jetty - visit around town then check in to Peterborough, Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
6. If time allow will go Bays of Island and the rest then turn back if not can visit this place early next day morning. ( OPTIONAL )


Day 3 -16/10 Grampian National Park

1. Have simple breakfast in room, and go to Grampians National ,Park MACKENZIES FALLS
   

1. Have lunch at Hall Gaps, check in hotel in Hall gap - Grampians Hall Gaps Rosie's retreat ( pay at property )
   

1. Catch REEDS LOOKOUT sunset
   

1. Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre or Halls Gap Zoo ( if got a lot time to spend )
   

1. Halls Gap in early evening - best time to see animals
   

1. Dinner and rest in hotel
   

Day 4 - 17/10 Ballarat

1. Simple breakfast and maybe wake up to catch Boroka Lookout sunrise
   

1. Go to Ararat town, Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre
   

1. Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre
   

1. Snacks or lunch here Ararat
   

1. Beaufort Band Rotunda stop by have a break, snacks or lunch
   

1. Check in Ballarat hotel - Ballarat, Eureka Views B&B Ballarat Breakfast included

What you guys think about my finalize ( roughly ) anywhere still can improve ? Just a reminder I have 2 elderly with me that cannot do much hiking or swimming XD
I thank you everyone in advance 1st XD

Day 5 -18/10 Melbourne – Mornington Peninsular & Phillip Island
1. Have breakfast in hotel and check out head to Brighton Bathing Boxes
2. Go to Mornington Peninsular and have lunch nearby
- Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre
- Arthurs Seats cable car if got time or drive up $15.00 - $24.00
- Blairgowrie
- Sorrento
- Point Nepean National Park
- Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
- Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens - $16.50 - $18.50

3. Explore Phillip Island - Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre
- Fishing Village San Remo, before midday see Pelican Feeding
- Cape Woolamai
- Maybe Churchill Island / French Island tour 1872
- Cowes for lunch maybe seal viewing tour
- Nobbies blowhole scenery)( penguin parade 1 hour evening time Summerland Beach )
and check in hotel Mud Hollow Barn
4. Dinner there

Day 6 - 19/10 Melbourne - Phillip Island - Dandenong Ranges National Park - Olinda Village
- Sassafras Village
1. Have breakfast nearby and explore the rest of Phillip Island if yesterday did not manage cover all
2. Head out to next destination
- Dandenong Ranges Visitor Information Centre visit here for information 1st
- SKYHIGH MOUNT DANDENONG Lunch highest natural view - William Ricketts Sanctuary
- Puffing Billy Train ( est 5 hour )
- DANDENONG RANGES BOTANICAL GARDENS
- Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
- Optional to visit some farms if got time
- Check in hotel Wantirna South

Day 7 - 20/10 Melbourne - Healesville Sanctuary - Yarra Valley

1. Have breakfast nearby and check out hotel and head to Warratina Lavender Farm
   

1. Yarra Valley Visitor Information Centre - lunch nearby or lunch after zoo
   

1. Healesville Sanctuary Zoo ( few hours ) (38AUD for adults) depend on weather that day. If good day book via Klook 1st.
   

1. Hedgend Maze - Yarra Valley Diary -to buy cheese
   

1. Yering Station - to buy wine – snacks and wine tasting
   

1. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery - chocolate tasting
   Check in hotel Ellia Doncaster Apartment
   

Day 8 - 21/10 Melbourne
- Have breakfast nearby, check out and go to return rental car, find luggage storage and go explore
- Cosmo Hotel Apartment check in 4pm
- Eureka Skydeck at night
- pending

Day 9 - 22/10 Melbourne
pending
Day 10 - 23/10 Melbourne
- Have breakfast in room or nearby and check out and place luggage in Southern Cross Station or nearby
- we got around 10smth am to 5 or 6 pm around 6 to 7 hour to walk around Melbourne.
- Queen Victoria Market
- DFO South Wharf
- pending
- best to be at Southern Cross to collect luggage and have a bath around 5 or 6pm
- Travellersaid (6:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week) at southern cross station to a shower before going to Avalon Aiport
- Airasia express Avalon Airport Skybus / Con X Ion / Uber / Taxi to Avalon need to leave leave by 745pm Southern Cross around 45min journey, 8.45pm reach airport

The address you have booked for Melbourne accommodation looks fine. It is not far to walk to Queen Victoria Market which is wonderful, selling just about everything you could think of. Lots of fruit and veg, seafood, cheeses, bread etc but also clothes, souvenirs, electronics, etc etc. Covers quite a big area with an indoor food court and cafes in the area.

Your Day 4 says Ararat. I assume you mean Ballarat? Ballarat has some grand old buildings from the gold rush era and Sovereign Hill may be of interest if you have time. In general, your days seem ambitious. Maybe pick one or two things that are the top of your list each day and if you see any others, that's a bonus. Traffic can be heavy, especially peak hour or weekends and you will be unfamiliar with the roads.

Hope your trip is great, let us know afterwards how it all went.
Kay

Dear Kayf,

Thanks for your reply and thanks for everyone ideas and advice. Ya I notice I might not have that many time at some places especially the Puffing Billy side, Mornington Peninsular , Phillip Island and maybe Melbourne CBD. I notice in just a short period of days need to cover a lot of place, but I just list down interesting places to see how it goes. Will have to make adjustment here and there , or even skip some places. I did not even put St Kilda in my plan because too many nice place to cover! One trip surely not enough! Future trip even want to plan for Perth, Gold Coast, Tasmania Island & Sydney.

Northie

Better not to ask the ages of their "elderly". I did that to a poster recently and found that their "elderly" were 10 years younger than I am, and I don't consider myself elderly!

You have far too much happening on this trip. I'd expect the elderly to put their elderly feet down!

Hi dear friends,

Now I have one last thing to confirm and need help with. The final few days in Melbourne not sure how I should arrange them -.-
I know there is so much to do in Melbourne, I can avoid those many cafes and only aim for the main few since I am travelling with my parents. Our goals more towards sightseeing the important and main attractions and little bit of shopping along the way


Day 8 - 21/10 Melbourne
- Have breakfast nearby, check out 30 minutes to reach hotel, and go to return rental car, find luggage storage and go explore
- Cosmo Hotel Apartment , check in 4pm

Coops Shot Tower next to Melbourne Central Station
State Library of Victoria also just next door
Flinders Street

Hosier Lane

Remembrance Shrine

Southbank Area of Melbourne

Eureka Skydeck at night

Day 9 - 22/10 Melbourne
- Museum and Royal Exhibition Centre (Optional)
- St Patricks Cathetral & Cooks Cottage
-

Day 10 - 23/10 Melbourne
- Have breakfast in room or nearby and check out and place luggage in Southern Cross Station or nearby
- we got around 10smth am to 5 or 6 pm around 6 to 7 hour to walk around Melbourne.
- Queen Victoria Market ( final shopping ) , Blender Lane Street art just beside
- DFO South Wharf ( final shopping )
-
- best to be at Southern Cross to collect luggage and have a bath around 5 or 6pm
- Travellersaid (6:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week) at southern cross station to a shower before going to Avalon Aiport
- Airasia express Avalon Airport Skybus / Con X Ion / Uber / Taxi to Avalon need to leave leave by 745pm Southern Cross around 45min journey, 8.45pm reach airport
- 1045pm flight back Malaysia KL - reach 4.15am 24th Oct 2019