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The Iconic One

  
Duration: 8 Days
     
Starts: Melbourne
     
Finishes: Sydney

(This tour can also be travelled in reverse order)

From rolling countryside laced with vineyards through scenic alpine valleys and along the whitest sand beach in the world. The Iconic One has it all. Mix in lush green national parks and countless opportunities to spot Australia’s famous wildlife and it is not hard to see why Australia is often referred to as “the lucky country”.

This short journey between the two largest cities has been specifically designed to showcase Australia at her best. Try your hand panning for gold, dine on the freshest ocean caught seafood imaginable, enjoy a beach picnic with the local Kangaroos, swim with Australian Fur Seals or join a tour to learn about Aboriginal bush foods. There is something for everyone on this iconic drive.

Day 01

REST AUSTRALIA TOURS will meet you on arrival at the airport, and answer any questions you might have. You will be transferred to your accommodation with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Your travel documentation will be waiting for you at the hotel reception.

We recommend you explore Melbourne, a city loaded with hidden treasures. Behind non-descript doors in Melbourne’s hidden alleyways and laneways are artistic hot spots and highly talented individuals whose crafts span all fields of art, food, fashion and design. Sit back, relax and enjoy the world’s best coffee; Melbourne is truly the multi-cultural capital of the world.

Day 02
Approximate driving time 1 hour, 63 km

Pick up your rental car from the city office and drive north east towards the Yarra Valley. Located on the outskirts of Melbourne the Yarra Valley is Victoria’s premium wine growing region and home to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wander the peaceful tracks and meet iconic Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats and emus. The vets and nurses at the Wildlife Health Centre treat and care for more than 1,500 native animals every year. The ‘Wade with the Platypus’ encounter offered at Healesville is a world-first animal experience and not to be missed (optional).

After lunch it is time to explore the many delights the valley has to offer. Spend the afternoon sampling wines, ciders or ales at one of the many cellar doors and visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie with abundant free chocolate tastings.

Day 03
Approximate driving time 4 hours, 180 km

Start today with an enchanting hot air balloon ride over the vines followed by a champagne breakfast. In the cool morning air, expect to see an abundance of native wildlife (optional).

After breakfast you will drive deeper into the remote and beautiful Yarra Ranges National Park, through charming historic villages as the road winds its way eastwards. There is no need to rush as part of today’s drive will be on well-maintained gravel roads through some of the most spectacular lower alpine forests in Australia.

In the afternoon you will arrive at Walhalla. Once one of Australia’s richest towns this sleepy mountainside village set in an outstandingly beautiful valley seems frozen in time. Only 20 permanent residents live here and with a variety of scenic walks on offer you will have plenty see and do.

Day 04
Approximate driving time 2.5 hours, 200 km

Wake to a dawn chorus from Australia’s native bird species. After breakfast you have time to explore Walhalla goldmining past with the Goldfields Railway or the Long Tunnel Gold Mine nearby.

After lunch you will leave the Southern Alps for a more coastal experience. Driving east you will soon arrive in the popular seaside town of Lakes Entrance. Situated on the edge of ninety-mile beach and boasting Australia’s largest network of inland waterways it’s not hard to see why this region is popular with locals and tourists.

Day 05

Lifesavers patrol the swimming beaches during the summer months and hiking opportunities in abundance, the Gippsland Lakes has plenty to offer.
You can enjoy a boat cruise on the Lakes or hire a paddleboat or catamaran during the summer months.

Other options for today include canoeing, kayaking, and cycling, horse-riding, fishing, playing a round of golf or simply just relaxing/

Day 06
Approximate driving time 4.5 hours, 377 km

Continue along the Pacific Highway towards the New South Wales border. Leave the main highway at Cann River and join the scenic Monaro Highway. Following the river northbound the scenery changes from heavily forested areas to rolling green hills and farmlands.

Cross the border into New South Wales and rejoin the coastal highway to Tilba Tilba, a delightful village with Natural Heritage listing. Set in the foothills of Gulaga National Park there are opportunities to explore this pretty region.

Day 07
Approximate driving time 3 hours, 204 km

Depart Tilba Tilba early as there is a lot to see today. The Batemans Bay coastline is stunning, with a string of white sandy beaches and pretty sheltered coves. Stop and enjoy the scenic view whilst enjoying a scrumptious morning tea. Before leaving grab supplies for a picnic lunch.

A little further north of Batemans Bay is Pebbly Beach. Located in the Murramarang National Park it is already widely known as the home of the “surfing kangaroos”. You will find a large resident kangaroo population at Pebbly Beach quite happy to be patted or to pose for a photograph. The perfect location for lunch with the locals.

After lunch continue north to the Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay. Reported to have the whitest sand in the world… you be the judge. This attractive seaside village and the beach itself is surrounded by beautiful natural attractions that include Jervis Bay National Park. A large range of bushwalks are nearby and whale and dolphin cruises are also available.

Day 08
Approximate driving time 3 hours, 202 km

Watch the magical sunrise over the ocean and enjoy the morning in this beautiful beach setting. Leaving Jervis Bay travel north via Wollongong and
the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. A highlight on this drive, Sea Cliff Bridge hugs the coastline just north of Wollongong and permits the most spectacular views.

Continue to the capital of New South Wales and Australia’s most famed city, Sydney.

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