Geelong

Nature & Adventure

On board the swift eco boat, cruise by the glorious coast of the Mornington Peninsula. Explore 20-million-year-old sandy cliffs, immaculate holiday homes, and pristine beaches. The coastline is part of the Point Nepean National Park and Port Phillip Bay, home to a variety of wildlife including seals, dolphins, occasional migrating whales, and over 70 different species of seabird. Tour Port Phillip Bay and cruise by the Ticonderoga Bay Dolphin Sanctuary as you look at the cliffs leading to Point Nepean and the original defense forts precinct built to guard the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Known as The Rip, this is where the waters of the bay meet the seas of Bass Strait. Passing by protected marine parks and Ramsar Convention wetlands, you'll enjoy 360-degree views from the open vessel. During the summer months, the migratory shearwater birds congregate en masse with thousands upon thousands of birds rafting together on the water's surface. Australian fur seals, once hunted excessively for their pelts, are now fully protected and enjoy resting on a manmade haul-out platform in the bay. Here the seals get out of the water and rest after days of fishing. Seeing them up close you will be mesmerized by their presence and adore their features. From around June through to August (winter), along the southern coast of Victoria, the waters are home to the migration passages of whales. Sightings of humpback, southern right and killer whales are increasing year on year. Visits into Port Phillip Bay are becoming more frequent and it's possible to gain some amazing sightings.

You will meet at a location determined at least 24 hours prior to your flight (which will always be in Geelong). You will park your car at this location, before climbing into one of the minibuses or Troop Carriers. Hot air balloons float in the wind, so you will therefor begin by heading upwind to one of the various launch sites where you can prepare the balloon for your flight. Preparations take around half an hour, throughout which passengers are welcome to help out if they are able and wish to. Following a safety briefing by your pilot after the balloon has been fully prepared, it will be time to take to the skies. It never stops amazing passengers how gentle ballooning is as an experience. When you go ballooning you are not participating in an adrenaline sport, but are rather participating in what your guides like to refer to as "the gentle adventure of floating in the wind". Ballooning is an experience of enjoying the warm rays of the early morning sun, it is about enjoying the views, about sharing the moment with loved ones and friends, and can also simply be a gift people give to themselves. A hot air balloon flight is always an unforgettable experience and each flight is different. You will receive majestic views of Geelong and its surrounding area, the bay, the Barrabool Hills to the West and the Barwon River. After packing the balloon away following your activity, you will be driven back to your original meeting place where you will have the option of enjoying a delicious breakfast with the rest of the passengers and crew if you so wish.

After being collected from your accommodation, you will make your way to the Geelong Waterfront. Geelong’s spectacular waterfront is the perfect place to start the day, and will provide you with the opportunity to breathe in the fresh sea air as you walk along the esplanade. After departing from Geelong, you will visit the Scotchmans Hill Vineyard. Set on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula with magnificent views, your first stop includes a wine tasting at this old French provincial barn house, situated amongst the vineyards of an estate. Your tour then advances towards the Jack Rabbit Vineyard. Renowned for its breathtaking views, the house of Jack Rabbit Café will give you an opportunity to break for lunch and taste some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s epic eateries in a "local that the locals never want to leave". You will then sail upon the bay enjoying a Devonshire tea, observing the beauty of the area. St. Andrews Brewery is next on your experience, which is a craft brewery set amongst the beauty of the Mornington Peninsulas which was once a world-class horse training facility. There you’ll join the locals for a beer-paddle tasting and the opportunity to watch the brewers crafting and pouring fantastic brews right from the stable doors. Following the brewery, you will stop at Arthurs Seat and admire the panoramic views from Murrays Lookout across the bay to the city. You will eventually make your way to the Peninsula Bathing Boxes, iconic bathing boxes which are the area’s symbol of summer and are a tourist attraction to themselves. At the conclusion of your peninsular experience, you will be returned to your point of origin.