Leg 1: Melbourne to Queenscliff

Head out of Melbourne along the Princes Freeway towards Geelong, stopping at Werribee’s historic mansion to gain a fascinating insight into the opulent life of wealthy early settlers.

At Geelong walk along the colourful waterfront, which is lined with caricature bollards and restaurants that specialise in seafood lunches.

Continue on to Queenscliff, home to sample local wines at wineries such as Scotchmans Hill, or Pettavel Winery, which has a popular restaurant and gallery. Take a detour to Portarlington for lunch at one of the many great cafes or buy fresh mussels straight from the pier and barbecue them on the shore.

The grand old seaside town of Queenscliff boasts an historic fort, excellent shops, galleries and restaurants and plentiful accommodation, including magnificently restored nineteenth century hotels. Queenscliff is also the departure point for the car and passenger ferry that crosses the bay regularly each day.

Take a side trip to nearby Point Lonsdale for a walk to the white lighthouse, the sheltered beach and the fierce waters of Bass Strait. Barwon Heads is a tranquil fishing village that was the location for the popular SeaChange TV series, and where you can fish the calm estuary waters or amble along kilometres of sandy beaches.