8 days in Melbourne & Cowes Itinerary

The state of Victoria crown jewel, Melbourne boasts shaded streets, leafy residential neighborhoods, vibrant street life, and a picturesque city center.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Koala Conservation Centre as well as Phillip Island Wildlife Park. On the 5th (Wed), step off the mainland to explore Koala Conservation Centre, look for all kinds of wild species at Phillip Island Wildlife Park, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens, enjoy breathtaking views from Eureka Skydeck, then savor the flavors at Food & Drink, and finally admire the striking features of Ross House.

To see photos, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read our Melbourne road trip planner.

If you are flying in from Singapore, the closest major aiport is Melbourne International Airport. In June in Melbourne, expect temperatures between 16°C during the day and 6°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Cowes.

Resting on the northern coast of Philip Island, Cowes is sandwiched between a coast and a forest.

Attractions like Tyde and Cowes Bazaar and Gallery make great kid-friendly stops. We've included these beaches for you: Cape Woolamai Beach and Squeaky Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from Cowes: Maru Koala and Animal Park (in Grantville), Paradigm Hill (in Merricks) and Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (in Mornington). Spend the 9th (Sun) exploring nature at Point Nepean National Park. The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Flynns Beach, admire nature's wide array of creatures at The Nobbies Centre, head off the coast to Churchill Island, and identify plant and animal life at Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm.

For traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Cowes holiday maker site.

You can drive from Melbourne to Cowes in 2 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 16°C in June, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can go by car back home.