Upon arrival in Melbourne, start the trip off by visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, an art museum with an extensive collection of contemporary and classical art from around the world.
Begin the day by exploring the city centre on foot, starting at the Flinders Street Railway Station, an iconic landmark known for its yellow facade and beautiful architecture. The next stop is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, which features stunning landscaped gardens and diverse plant collections. Continue on to the National Sports Museum, which celebrates Australia's rich sporting heritage.
Embrace the scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, with stops at the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, Gibson Steps, a staircase leading down to a beautiful secluded beach, and the Loch Ard Gorge, a site of great historical significance due to a famous shipwreck.
Start the day by observing cute penguin friends at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Then, head to the Koala Conservation Centre to observe beautiful and cuddly koalas in their natural habitat. Top off the day with a visit to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre, which covers the history of motorsports in Australia.
Start the final day with a relaxing visit to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, where visitors can indulge in geothermal pools, saunas, and stylish facilities. Then, take a short drive to the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a scenic cable car that offers breathtaking views of the peninsula.
While public transportation is available in Melbourne, it may be more convenient to travel by car for the trip to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. Consider renting a car at the airport for more flexibility. Estimated travel costs for these trips will vary based on rental car and fuel prices but expect to spend AUD 80-120 per day.
If you have more time, consider exploring the Yarra Valley wine region or going on a hot air balloon ride over the city. If you have less time, consider focusing on the Melbourne city centre and the Great Ocean Road portion of the trip.
The airport serving Melbourne is Melbourne Airport (MEL), which is located about 14 miles from the city centre. Another airport serving the area is Avalon Airport (AVV), located about 31 miles southwest of Melbourne.