Family Winter Sun in Southern Australia

Early check-in and two-night stay in a modern and stylish hotel in Melbourne's Southbank. The modern, 18-storey hotel has an opulent and luxurious atmosphere. The decor is relaxing with natural and bright tones. On site, there's a beautiful indoor heated pool - where you can gently recover from jet lag - a gym and a sauna.
Things to see and do in Melbourne - Get lost in the countless alleyways, dead ends and covered passageways where there are a multitude of cafes, shops, artists' workshops and street art - Sit on a hidden terrace to observe the buzz of the city - pitch up on the lawn of the Royal Botanic Gardens for the Moonlight Cinema - explore the bohemian atmosphere of Fitzroy, and the not-to-be-missed Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street - visit the Ian Potter Centre or the City Library - visit the small shops of Acland Street and go to Luna Park - have an impromptu picnic at the Queen Victoria Market - see the penguins at the end of the pier in St. Kilda.

Pick up your hire car and drive to Apollo Bay for an overnight stay in a private, downtown location just a short walk from the seaside.
On the way - Geelong - Torquay, a mecca for surfers - Anglesea, the gateway to Great Otway National Park - Lorne, a small coastal town and the starting of the Great Ocean Road.

A day's drive takes you to the small town of Port Fairy, whose old-fashioned charm is reminiscent of New England. Spend the night in a charming mansion on the banks of the river overlooking the marina.
Things to see and do on the way - Stop at Maits Rest for a short walk (30 minutes) amongst the ferns and giant eucalyptus trees - visit the lighthouse and wild koalas of Cape Otway - admire the iconic Twelve Apostles, the jewel of Great Ocean Road - have lunch at the tiny harbour of Port Campbell - stop off at the many lookouts over coastal rock formations, including The Arch, London Bridge and Bay of Martyrs.
Option - A helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles.

From Port Fairy, head west along the coast through Portland and Nelson.
Things to see and experience - Coastal walk and blowholes aroundCape Bridgewater - Whale watching - Watch the birds around Nelson, where the river meets the ocean.
Continue on towards Mount Gambier and its Blue Lake nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, then take the road to Coonawarra, a winemaking region renowned for the quality of its soils and which produces excellent red and white wines including cabernet and sauvignon).
Overnight stay in a charming bed and breakfast in the heart of the old town of Robe with stunning views of Guichen Bay. You will love the spacious and bright apartments, the warm welcome from the owners and the hearty, homemade breakfasts.

It's a peaceful drive to the small coastal town of Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula for an overnight stay in simple but comfortable accommodation, nestled on a hillside in the middle of a beautiful park.
Not to be missed - A visit to the South Australian Whale Centre, which allows visitors to learn about the movement of whales throughout the season and participate in interactive exhibits on dolphins and sharks that inhabit the local waters.

Drive to Cape Jervis and take your hire car on board a ferry (45 minutes) to Kangaroo Island, one of the great places of interest in the area.
Things to see and do - Visit a eucalyptus distillery to sample some local wines - stop to witness sheep shearing - learn about the life of Hanson Bay Sanctuary's koalas - greet the sea lions at Seal Bay - walk the white sand dunes of Little Sahara - take in the long, untouched beach of Vivonne Bay - explore the Remarkable Rocks and its imposing granite boulders - Flinders Chase National Park - Admiral's Arch, home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals - at night, search for kangaroos, wallabies, possums and wombats with a local guide.
Overnight stay at Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, a remote hotel in the middle of 114 acres of nature and built in perfect harmony with the natural environment. The setting is an idyllic balance of stunning scenery and wonderful peace and quiet. The rooms, are simply but comfortably equipped, and open out onto a courtyard where wild animals can be seen roaming freely: kangaroos, possums, porcupines, parrots. and many more besides.

Return your hire car and fly to Sydney. Upon arrival, you'll take private transfer of approximately 15 minutes to get to Manly Beach, which is located north of Sydney. Stay in an internationally-renowned comfortable hotel that has a beautiful location close to the beach facing the ocean. You'll have three days to relax and enjoy the attractions of the hotel and the many water-based activities, including surfing lessons, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, a trip on a small catamaran or windsurfing, private cruises and jet-skiing.

To the north-east of Sydney, near the appropriately-named North Head, Manly is perfectly balanced between the bay and ocean, between the waters and the city. A quiet, pretty neighbourhood, you would usually come here by ferry from Circular Quay to enjoy the narrow spit that is used as a beach. But we also love its relaxed charm and flowered pavilions, the coves of Little Manly Point and the stunning view of North Head from the Manly Scenic Walkway. Wild and undisturbed, this natural park is just 30 minutes from Sydney's CBD.
Children will love - Putting on a mask and snorkel to explore Shelly Beach's little cove - eating pizza with their fingers at Hugo's in Manly - Little Collins' small, secret idyllic beach - visiting Sydney's Taronga Zoo and its unique setting overlooking the bay and city - visiting the giant Christmas tree at the Queen Victoria Building - eating fish and seafood at the Fish Market - taking the ferry like the locals and crossing Sydney Bay.
Option - A surfing course in Manly - overnight stay at the Taronga Zoo: night safari and night in a tent.