Arguably, Route 1 is one the most iconic highways in the world. But the scenic coastal suburban road that runs along the northeastern shore of Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay rivals the PCH. Route 3 is the official name of the section of Beach Road in Melbourne, Australia that runs between Mordialloc and Mornington. The ocean-and-cliff scenery that lines Beach Road is a true bucket-list trip. And one that’s made immeasurably remarkable by the fact meet up with penguins and koalas. The 4-stop trip will take two or three days and provide your eyes and taste buds with plenty of stimulation, and help fund the conservation of Phillip Island.
STOP 1
PT. LEO ESTATE
South of Melbourne, hook up with Route 3 in St. Kilda—from there it will take you down the coast. After only an hour's drive, Pt. Leo Estate (in the Mornington Peninsula) offers a good excuse for a detour off Route 3. Picture this: rolling vineyards, ocean views and a sculpture park with art that captivates your imagination. Welcome to Pt. Leo Estate. They offer cellar door tastings and you can sample a generous flight of 5 wines. It's hard to go wrong here.
STOP 2
RARE HARE
Don't let the picnic bench tables and the rustic feel of RH fool you—this place has some serious food. Their chef and the rest of the team here churn out seasonal dishes carefully crafted to highlight the finest produce, while igniting a sense of curiosity on your taste buds. This was seriously a "food affair."
STOP 3
ANZACS BEACH
Anzacs Beach on Phillip Island, Victoria is known for surfing. It's the biggest north-facing beach in Victoria. Some say it's a great surf beach with views of the promontory. Others say it's an undiscovered beach mainly used by surfers. It's also home of the Koala Conservation Reserve where you watch koalas roam in eucalyptus groves.
STOP 4
PENGUIN PARADE
Photo: penguins.org.au
Making it to Summerland Beach to watch the penguin parade just after sunset every night of the year, will make you wish the trip never ends. The Penguin Parade is a daily event at Phillip Island Nature Park, where you see the world's largest fairy penguin colony. Seeing the penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle up to their burrows is surreal.