Leg 1: Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory

Wilsons Promontory is a two-hour drive from Melbourne, with plenty of things to see and do along the way.

A favourite destination for lovers of Australian wildlife, Phillip Island is home to the Little Penguins that parade up Summerland Beach each night, Australian fur seals cavorting around the Nobbies and a large population of koalas that can be viewed at close range. Explore tranquil wetlands and the imposing granite cliffs and golden beaches of Cape Woolamai, breeding ground of the short-tailed shearwater. Waves roll in on one side of the island, while the other side offers protected bay beaches that suited water sports of all sorts.

Mainland Wonthaggi is home to Victoria’s black coal industry. Don a hard hat and tour an underground working mine at the State Coal Mine. For those who prefer their exploration in the open air, the 16-kilometre Bass Coast Rail Trail from Wonthaggi to Anderson is Victoria’s only coastal rail trail, a highlight for walkers and cyclists.

Farmers throughout the rolling hills of Gippsland produce high-quality local produce from smoked meats and venison to world-renowned cheeses and organic fruit and vegetables.