Australia was always at the top of my list of dream places to visit and as I boarded my Qantas flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne, I still couldn’t believe I was finally going ‘Down Under.’ The 15 and a half hour flight flew by thanks to Qantas’ super comfortable seats, attentive crew, yummy meals and snacks, and tons of movies and TV shows to pass the time.

As soon as I arrived in Melbourne, I dropped my stuff off at the hotel and ran to my first tour. Hidden Secrets’ Lanes and Arcades walking tour is a must and the perfect introduction to this vibrant city. As I explored Melbourne’s maze of cobblestone laneways and elegant arcades, I immediately fell in love with the city’s lively atmosphere. Street musicians, myriad of cafes and restaurants, quirky little shops, stylish boutiques, funky street art – there were surprises around every corner!

      

Melbourne is the perfect place to base yourself as you explore Victoria. I took a day trip to travel the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, where a heli flight over the 12 Apostles and a stop at Bells Beach to watch the surfers are a must!

I spent a day in the Yarra Valley, tasting my way from one cellar door to the next. There are over 70 wineries in the region to choose from, producing premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, but if you’re a sparkling wine fan like me, a stop at Chandon to taste their sparkling Pinot Noir is not to be missed!

My most unique day trip in Victoria was to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade. Sitting on the beach at sunset and watching these little penguins make their way ashore after a day’s fishing, completely undisturbed by the hundreds of people in the viewing stands as there is absolutely no photography allowed, is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. After a group of penguins, known as a raft, makes it ashore, they begin their waddle to their burrows, some of which are as far as 2km away. As you walk back from the beach, you are surrounded by these adorable creatures and may even be asked by a ranger to stop for a penguin crossing – after all, you’re on their turf!

Photo credit: Visit Phillip Island

Stay tuned for the next post, where Ksusha explores Tropical North Queensland.

Call us and book your trip

Call Esplanade Travel and you’ll talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members who can help you book your perfect trip.

Get in Touch

Amazing yet again. Esplanade travel planned a great trip to South America to the countries of Argentina Chile and a part of Brazil. We used Esplanade a few years ago for a beautiful trip to New Zealand. Everything was perfect then. We had high hopes for another great trip. From the beginning of the planning process and to organizing all the activities and sights to be seen, were seamless. We had a few things we had already planned and the Esplanade team filled in the rest with perfect accommodations. From the hotels, transfers and guides, everything was perfect. We had an amazing trip crisscrossing Argentina to Chile. No doubt in my mind I will be using Esplanade Travel again. True professionals that are connected to the world and know how to plan meaningful adventurous trips.<br />

See all of our testimonials

Travel Insurance

We offer comprehensive travel insurance at affordable rates that will give you peace of mind during your travels.

Find out more