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Attractions
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Farming, Food and Produce (1)
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Melbourne's South & East From the world famous Little Penguins to Australia's most loved steam train, Puffing Billy, the regions to the east and south-east of Melbourne provide many wonderful experiences to add value to a Melbourne visit. The Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula are all easily accessible within two hours' drive of the city on simple self-drive routes that also connect to form the South & East touring route. Head east to the Yarra Valley for more than 55 mainly boutique wineries, fine local produce and the native wildlife of Healesville Sanctuary. Just 30 minutes south of here, the hillside retreat of the Dandenong Ranges is a great spot for a bushwalk among the eucalypt trees, scones and tea at a traditional tearoom, superb rhododendron gardens and of course a journey on Puffing Billy. Journey south from here to Phillip Island, for the remarkable nightly penguin parade, thousands of seals offshore and beautiful surf beaches. Then continue on to the stunning Mornington Peninsula, a Mediterranean-like jewel with sandy bays, upmarket wineries and cafes, strawberry farms and excellent golf courses. From the peninsula it's just over an hour back to cosmopolitan Melbourne.
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Natural Attractions (2)
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The Nobbies Not far from the Penguin Parade at the far south-western tip of Phillip Island is The Nobbies - a magnificent headland with boardwalks and lookout points offering spectacular coastal views. But there's much more to see than great views - the main drawcard of The Nobbies is the chance to view Australia's largest colony of fur seals, located 1km offshore. Up to 16,000 seals gather at Seal Rocks, with the number peaking during breeding season from October to December. Watch the seals sunning themselves on the rocks, feeding their young, wrestling, or flopping into the cool water. From the boardwalks at The Nobbies you can watch their transformation from ungainly land creatures to swift, sleek marine dwellers twisting and rolling in the clear waters. For a closer look, visit the new Nobbies Centre which has just opened on the headland. The centre features state-of-the-art animal viewing technology, via a camera positioned on Seal Rocks that can be steered by visitors to zoom in on their favourite seal. Also onsite are educational displays about marine life, a café and upstairs function centre.
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Woolamai Beach In-the-know surfers flock to stunning Woolamai Beach, located on the southern coastline of Phillip Island. The vast beach is virtually deserted most days and the cliffs and golden sands are a stunning backdrop to the challenging waves. Cape Woolamai frames the eastern end of the beach – it is Phillip Island's highest point and is criss-crossed with walking tracks that lead to viewing platforms and breathtaking views of The Pinnacles rock formations offshore. The long beach is patrolled by the Woolamai Surf Lifesaving Club during the summer months.