Closest to the Animals of Victoria
Between sculpted cliffs and eucalyptus forests, a family road trip to meet Australian endemic wildlife
Duration
20 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Family, Couple, senior
The spirit of travel
A flexible stay with a pace particularly suited to family trips with children. The itinerary passes through Victoria's most iconic regions, perfect for taking time during the Australian summer to encounter Australian wildlife. Nature and outdoor activities, endemic fauna in its natural environment, summer flora, this road trip between hinterland and picturesque coast offers a wide variety of landscapes. Some unique attractions and experiences are included. Other excursions and activities such as bike rentals can be arranged on site, depending on the weather and your preferences. Don't hesitate to tell us what kind of traveler you are!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Start of your road trip!
Heading west from Melbourne towards the Grampians National Park. You can make a detour via Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. Continue towards the Grampians. Its sandstone mountain ranges remain visible as you enter the tourist town of Halls Gap, surrounded by the Wonderland and Mount William mountain ranges.
With its unique rock formations, its examples of Aboriginal rock art and its hiking trails for all levels, the Grampians Park will seduce you with the rich diversity of its fauna and flora.
Night in Halls Gap.
On a walk in the Grampians
Follow the walking trails such as Venus Baths, visit the viewpoint The Balconies Lookout, admire the waterfalls Mc Kenzie Falls, the Bellfield Lake and the lovely picnic area of Zumsteins.
Two peaceful days to enjoy this natural space.
Nights in Halls Gap.
Heading to the Great Ocean Road
On the way to the coast to find the junction to the Great Ocean Road.
The gigantic cliffs, the impressive rock columns, the wild surfing waves, the tranquil bays, the magnificent beaches, the lush forests and the entertaining resort towns are all things to discover.
Night on the Great Ocean Road.
Tower Hill Reservation and Great Ocean Road Icons
Take a break in the old crater of Tower Hill to observe emus and kangaroos. This place also offers an excellent opportunity to learn about nature from the perspective of the Aboriginal peoples of this region.
At Port Campbell you can see the famous 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and its impressive limestone cliffs. At the end of the day the light is particularly beautiful on these natural monuments.
Activity suggestions: helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles, kayaking tour to observe seabirds.
Night on the Great Ocean Road.
Continuation towards Otway National Park and its koalas
The road separates from the ocean and crosses the immense rainforests of the Great Otway National Park. You will be able to spot and sometimes easily photograph koalas in their natural environment.
In the afternoon, you participate in a one-hour walk in a small group with a naturalist guide at Wildlife Wonders. An experience entirely oriented towards "Nature". Part of the proceeds finance conservation actions such as natural habitat restoration or care for injured animals.
Night on the Great Ocean Road.
Ferry crossing to Phillip Island
Queenscliff → Sorrento
Take the ferry at Queenscliff to cross Port Phillip Bay. Keep an eye out for dolphins that regularly accompany the ferry during its crossing !
Sorrento → Phillip Island
Disembark at Sorrento and join Phillip Island for the next three nights.
As you stroll through the Phillip Island Nature Park (included) at sunset, you will see the penguins most famous in Australie!
Night at the farm on Phillip Island.
Phillip Island on Your Own
Observe koalas and seabirds in the wild at Rhyll and penguins waddling to their nests at dusk on Summerland Beach, pass by the largest Australian colony of fur seals at Seal Rocks and watch thousands of puffins on the rugged cliffs of Cape Woolami. A full programme awaits you on this island much beloved by tourists!
Want to explore further, head to French Island, once a hunting ground for Aboriginal peoples, the island was discovered by French explorers in 1802.
Nights at the farm on Phillip Island.
On the way to the fabulous Wilson Promontory National Park
Phillip Island → Parc National de Wilson Promontory
Short trip to Wilson Promontory!
On the way, have lunch in the coastal town of Inverloch and explore the art galleries, bookstores and cafés of the quirky village of Fish Creek.
Night near Wilson Promontory national park.
Wilson Promontory and its marine park
Today you take a fast boat cruise to discover the coastal landscapes of Wilson Promontory National Park. Discover the iconic South Point, the southernmost point of continental Australie, and sail through the waters of the Bass Strait and Victoria's first marine national park. Breathtaking landscapes guaranteed and unexpected encounters with wild marine wildlife.
Rest of the day is free.
Night near Wilson Promontory National Park.
Day trip or hiking in the national park
Explore the park at your own pace, enjoy the great outdoors and pure nature. In Wilson Promontory National Park, follow the Lilly Pilly Gully hiking trail through the eucalyptus forest, walk to Squeaky Beach or climb to the top of Mt Oberon to access one of the most beautiful views in Victoria.
Endemic wildlife is very active at the end of the day. Wombats and kangaroos are waiting for you at "Wilson Prom!"
Night near Wilson Promontory National Park.
Like locals in Lakes Entrance
Parc National de Wilson Promontory → Lakes Entrance
A new coastal destination to finish your road trip! Spend the next few days of your journey at Lakes Entrance, "THE" destination for Australian holidaymakers on Victoria's coasts!
On the road, stop for lunch in Yarram or at Tarra Bulga National Park for a picnic. At Metung at the entrance to the lakes, admire Australia's largest river.
Night at Lakes Entrance.
Having a good time
A wide choice of things to do around Lakes Entrance, ranging from water activities to walks in national parks and reserves, small local markets or exploring Raymond Island to see koalas.
Nights at Lakes Entrance.
Return to Melbourne
Return to Melbourne or continue to your next destination.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights, domestic flights, airline taxes
- Meals (except breakfasts as indicated)
- Cancellation fees for one-way trips
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Change in GST Rate
- Supplements for public holidays and events
- Fuel, tolls and parking fees
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- Supplementary insurance for this trip
Included
- 15 nights in Australia with suitable accommodation
- SUV car rental with unlimited mileage
- Walk with naturalist guide at Wildlife Wonders
- Phillip Island Nature Park entry ticket
- Boat trip to Wilson Promontory
- Ferry crossing from Queenscliff to Sorrento
- The GST (local tax)
- Customized itinerary on mobile application
- Documents de voyage détaillés en français
- English-speaking assistance during your stay
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Australia for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Australia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. It is, however, strongly recommended that it remain valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Electronic Visa (eVisitor or ETA)
Australia does not grant visa exemptions in the traditional sense. Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland are eligible for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), while Canadian nationals must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601). Both of these electronic authorizations are free or low-cost, electronically linked to the passport, and do not result in any stamp or visa label.
These authorizations permit tourist stays of up to 3 months per visit, with overall validity of 12 months from the date of issue. They may allow multiple entries during this period.
The application must be completed online before departure, via the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or the Australian ETA application. Authorization is generally issued quickly, sometimes within minutes.
Authorities may request:
proof of an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Declaration on Arrival
Before or upon arrival in Australia, travelers must complete an Incoming Passenger Card. This form provides customs and biosecurity services with:
personal and passport information,
flight and travel details,
customs declarations (food, plants, animals, medications, currency, etc.).
Australia enforces strict biosecurity rules: certain food items, plants, animal products, and wooden articles may be prohibited or subject to inspection. It is essential to declare any item that may be affected, as failure to do so can result in substantial fines.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport as well as their own electronic authorization (eVisitor or ETA).
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Health
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Australia for travelers from Europe or Canada. However, it is recommended that you ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly advised, as healthcare in Australia can be costly for non-residents.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the Australian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An electronic travel authorization (ETA or eVisitor) is mandatory and must be requested online before departure (approximately 20 AUD). The authorization is valid for 12 months and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. Your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay. Before booking your trip, check with the embassy or consulate of your country for the specific conditions applicable to your nationality, as travel authorization requirements may vary depending on your country of origin.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €270 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€1,300-2,000 return) are additional. Distances require domestic flights and car rentals.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Victoria-Melbourne
Architect of Australia's Great Journeys, based in Sydney
Australia is lived through distances, light and contrasts. My role is to help travellers transform this vastness into a smooth, coherent and truly personal itinerary.
— Yann
