Dear all:

I am planning to have around 8 nights staying in Melbourne and towns around Victoria. Pls give me suggestion on which town / site should I visit and an itinerary, and a good tour operator (as I don't want to have long drive myself). Here are what I have searched:

1. 12 Apostles
2. Phillip Island
3. Dayleslord??
4. Ballarat
5. Tasmania (by fly)
6. Grampian

thx
Daisy

Hi Daisyho,
May I suggest you look at doing Phillip Island one afternoon Penguin parade that night. There are many bus companies which do this. Phillip Island is around 1 1/2. hours drive from Melbourne. (the other direction to all your other places of interest)
Ballarat & Daylesford can both be covered on the same day or an overnight stop at Ballarat to see the Sound & Light show. Stop in at the Chocolate shop in the main street Daylesford yum.
The Great Ocean road, 12 Apostles then back via the Grampians may be a good option.
I know AAT King offer a lot of tours all around Australia although I have to admit they usually stretch the day out from morning to night. Good luck

Hi AussieJo,

What are the bus companies that run down to Phillip Island? I'd like to see the penguins, but don't arrive Melbourne until 2:25pm. Is this too late to get from the airport to Phillip Island via bus? Thanks.

I think Grayline buses have a tour down to Phillip Island. The penguins come in at dusk so you will get back quite late, in the dark. Not sure what time they leave the city but check their website. It gets very cold down at the beach watching the penguins - wrap up warmly!
A good general info site is www.visitvictoria.com.au also try www.travelmate.com.au
Kay

Hi Daisy ho,
I have topped a previous thread for you.
'Unique days out from Sydney to Melbourne'.
There are some great suggestions that helped me with the planning for our trip.
hope it helps you too
Muck