An overview of the week
Seven days, four adults, one trip designed for comfort. Structure locked: airport hotel night one, pick up the Hertz Camry Hybrid at the airport Monday morning, drive to Apollo Bay for two nights on the Great Ocean Road, return to Dorsett Melbourne in the CBD Wednesday evening, then use the final three days for the combined Puffing Billy + Phillip Island tour, Queen Vic Market, GoBoat, Chinatown shopping, and a farewell dinner steps from the hotel.
The week at a glance
Duration
7 days
6 nights in Victoria
Flights
Locked
SQ207 & SQ208
Insurance
FWD
PNTR2026-00181074
Est. all-in
~SGD 2,643
per person
The trip in one sentence
Airport hotel Sunday → drive the Great Ocean Road Monday–Wednesday from an Apollo Bay base → settle into Dorsett Melbourne (CBD/Chinatown) Wednesday night → Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade combined day tour Thursday → Queen Vic Market + free afternoon + farewell dinner Friday → GoBoat + fly home Saturday.
Why this structure works
Three GOR days from a single Apollo Bay base — no repacking, no rushed driving, room for an Otways rainforest morning and a proper Twelve Apostles sunset. Puffing Billy and the Penguin Parade combined into one Thursday coach tour — one booking, one pickup, no separate Belgrave train trip — which frees Friday into a genuine unstructured afternoon. Car returned Wed evening at Hertz Downtown (Franklin St — two blocks from Dorsett, ~5-min walk back). Dorsett base sits inside the Free Tram Zone with Chinatown literally next door — most evenings end on foot. Farewell dinner now Chinatown, not Crown — the geometry rewards it.
Emergency contacts — save now
FWD assistance +65 6322 2072 · Australia emergency 000 (112 from mobile) · The Alfred ED Melbourne +61 3 9076 2000 · Apollo Bay Hospital +61 3 5237 8500 · Wonthaggi Hospital (nearest to Phillip Island) +61 3 5671 3333
ETA visa — apply for all 4 pax individually
Singapore passports require the Australian ETA. Apply via the official Australian ETA app (iOS/Android) — AUD 20 service fee, usually instant, valid 12 months. Not required at border.gov.au website; the app is the only method for Singapore passport holders now.
The headline moments
🌊
The Twelve Apostles
Limestone stacks off Victoria's Shipwreck Coast. Late afternoon on Day 3 for golden-hour light. The icon.
visitgreatoceanroad.org.au →
🌿
Maits Rest Rainforest
45-min boardwalk loop in 300-year-old Otways forest. Flat, ancient ferns, morning mist. Dad-friendly.
parks.vic.gov.au →
🐧
Penguin Parade
World's largest little penguin colony. Part of Thursday's combined tour — confirm the viewing tier before booking (see Activities).
penguins.org.au →
🚂
Puffing Billy
Century-old steam train through the misty Dandenong Ranges. Belgrave → Lakeside return, 2h 20m.
puffingbilly.com.au →
🍜
Queen Victoria Market
1878 produce and crafts market. Fri morning for ugg boots, honey, native spices, Dim Sim Man dumplings.
qvm.com.au →
⛵
GoBoat Yarra River
Self-piloted electric picnic boat, BYO brunch. ~12 min walk from Dorsett. No licence required.
goboat.com.au →
Flights — confirmed
SQ207 · SIN T3 → MEL T2 · Sun 9 Aug · 07:50 → 17:10
Economy K class · 7h 20m non-stop · A350-900. Check in online 48h prior. Arrive T3 by 05:30 for 07:50 departure. Airside breakfast at Ya Kun or Toast Box in T3 — no lounge needed for a group of 4.
SQ208 · MEL T2 → SIN T3 · Sat 15 Aug · 18:25 → 00:15 (Sun 16)
Economy V class · 7h 50m non-stop. Arrive SIN 00:15 Sun 16 Aug — the insurance covers you through to arrival at Changi.
Day-by-day
Seven days, six nights. The GOR is a single-base loop from Apollo Bay across Days 2–4, then everything shifts to Dorsett Melbourne in the CBD. Tap each day to expand.
Accommodation rhythm — all booked
Night 1: Novotel Melbourne Airport (1A Grants Rd, 2 rooms) · Nights 2–3: Apollo Bay Townhouse, 183 Great Ocean Rd 8 (hosted by Toby) · Nights 4–6: Dorsett Melbourne (CBD, Chinatown precinct) · Return car Wed evening at Hertz Downtown Franklin St · UberXL to airport Sat afternoon.
1
Arrive Melbourne → Novotel Melbourne Airport
Sun 9 Aug · SQ207 lands 17:10
Rest night
▾
17:10
Land MEL T2 International
Allow 45–60 min for immigration, bags, biosecurity. No car needed tonight — Novotel sits at 1A Grants Rd, a short shuttle or 5-min taxi from T2.
18:15
Transfer to Novotel Melbourne Airport
Hotel courtesy shuttle or short taxi/Uber from Terminal 2 (~AUD 15–20). 2 rooms booked via Agoda — 1× Deluxe King + 1× Deluxe Twin (zip-beds), Booking IDs 2003003048 and 2003003573. Check in, rest, unpack light for Apollo Bay tomorrow.
19:30
Dinner · Novotel on-site or T2 concourse
Hotel restaurant is the easy default after a long flight. Or walk back into T2 — more variety, comparable prices. Either way, keep it simple.
21:00
Early night
Big driving day tomorrow. Hertz pickup is 08:30 — set alarm for 07:00. Load Google Maps offline for the Apollo Bay region tonight.
2
Pick up car · GOR east segment → Apollo Bay
Mon 10 Aug · Sunrise 07:06, sunset 17:41
Driving day
▾
Why Apollo Bay as the GOR base
Port Campbell is too far west (Lorne becomes a 3-hour each-way slog); Lorne is too far east (the Apostles become punishing in winter daylight). Apollo Bay puts both flagship regions inside a comfortable half-day radius — 85 km to the Twelve Apostles west, 45 km to Lorne east — plus the deepest winter dining and the only 24h fuel on the coastal road.
Winter GOR — driving rules
August is the wettest, windiest month on this coast — Apollo Bay averages 19 rain days, gusts 40–60 km/h routine. Delay morning driving until after 08:30 (Otways fog). Hard rule: no driving 30 min before sunrise or 60 min after sunset — kangaroo/wallaby strikes peak at twilight, and rental CDW typically excludes single-vehicle animal strikes at night. Check the VicTraffic app each morning for landslide alerts (Lorne–Skenes Creek is the most vulnerable stretch). Australia is right-hand-drive, same as Singapore — no adjustment needed. Confirm at the Hertz counter that both Shi Hao and Shi Xiong are named drivers (~AUD 11–15/day extra).
07:00
Checkout
Check out Novotel by 08:00 — Hertz pickup is 08:30, the depot is on the ground floor of the T123 car park opposite Terminal 2. Main breakfast is after the car pickup, at The Ninth Ave (see below).
08:30
Collect Hertz Camry Hybrid · MEL Airport depot
Hertz counter on the ground floor of the T123 car park opposite Terminal 2. Confirmation L57413872D0. Bring the same Amex used for booking + Shi Hao's licence. Budget AUD 15–20 min for paperwork + inspection. Capacity reality check: Camry is a 5-seater sedan — 4 adults plus full GOR luggage will be tight. Pack light, use the boot well, consider asking Hertz about an upgrade at the counter if available.
09:00
Breakfast · The Ninth Ave
9 Western Ave, Westmeadows VIC 3049 — ~10 min drive from the airport, on the way out toward Torquay. Quick Woolworths run nearby if needed for GOR road snacks, motion-sickness tablets, water.
09:45
Depart Westmeadows → Torquay
Via West Gate Bridge + M1 Princes Fwy (toll-free, ~1h 30m). Fill tank in Torquay — last easy petrol for hours.
11:45
Torquay + Bells Beach
GOR Memorial Arch photo, Torquay Surf Museum, Bells Beach clifftop lookout. 45 min stop.
12:45
Anglesea Golf Course kangaroos
Wild kangaroos grazing freely on fairways. Walk perimeter or café terrace view. 30 min.
13:45
Lunch · Lorne
Ipsos (Greek, Mountjoy Parade), Kosta's Taverna, or Bottle of Milk for burgers. 75 min stop including beach esplanade walk.
15:15
Kennett River koalas (en route)
Grey River Rd — highest density of wild koalas on the GOR. Feed king parrots and crimson rosellas. 30 min stop.
16:30
Arrive Apollo Bay · check in to Toby's Townhouse
183 Great Ocean Rd 8, Apollo Bay VIC 3233 — directly on the foreshore. Check-in window: after 15:00, so 16:30 is well within. Confirm parking + access details with Toby on arrival day. Foreshore walk before sunset (the property is literally on the GOR with sea-facing aspect). Dinner at Apollo Bay Hotel bistro (log fire, easy pub meal) or La Bimba (sustainable seafood, best wine list in town).
3
GOR Apostles day · from Apollo Bay base
Tue 11 Aug · Shipwreck Coast + Otways
Iconic coast
▾
Driving distances from Apollo Bay (Google estimate + 35% GOR winding adjustment)
• Maits Rest Rainforest — 17 km · 20m
• Cape Otway Lighthouse — 32 km · 40m
• Twelve Apostles — 85 km · 1h 40m
• Loch Ard Gorge — 90 km · 1h 45m
• Port Campbell — 97 km · 1h 50m
• Cape Otway Lighthouse — 32 km · 40m
• Twelve Apostles — 85 km · 1h 40m
• Loch Ard Gorge — 90 km · 1h 45m
• Port Campbell — 97 km · 1h 50m
Accessibility for Dad (70M) today
easy Twelve Apostles — boardwalk from car park, zero steps · easy Loch Ard Gorge — flat clifftop boardwalks · easy London Bridge, Arch, Grotto — accessible boardwalks · easy Cape Otway Lighthouse grounds — flat paths, skip the 70-step climb · moderate Maits Rest — 800m boardwalk, mostly flat · skip Gibson Steps beach — 86 steep stairs
08:30
Apollo Bay Bakery breakfast
Regional institution — the scallop pie is not to be missed. Coffee + grab sandwiches for later picnic.
09:15
Fill petrol · Ampol Apollo Bay 24h
177 Great Ocean Rd. No petrol for 60+ km after Apollo Bay. Fill to full even if 3/4.
09:30
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
15 min drive from Apollo Bay. 800m flat boardwalk loop through 300-year-old beech and myrtle. 45 min visit. Genuinely one of the trip's most atmospheric stops in August morning mist.
10:45
Cape Otway Lightstation
Koalas frequently in eucalyptus along Lighthouse Rd entry. Open 09:00–17:00 daily. Walk the grounds and Visitor Centre — skip the 70-step lighthouse climb for Dad. Scones at Lightkeeper's Café. 90 min visit.
12:45
Drive Otways → Port Campbell
70 km via Lavers Hill (winding, 1h). Top-up fuel at Lavers Hill if needed. Lunch at 12 Rocks Café Port Campbell (ocean view) or Forage for tapas-style. 60 min stop.
14:45
Loch Ard Gorge
Often more dramatic than the Apostles themselves — the 1878 shipwreck story, sea-caves, 6 connected viewpoints along flat clifftop boardwalk. Skip the Gibson Steps beach descent (86 stairs) for Dad's knees. 45 min.
15:45
London Bridge · Arch · Grotto
Three quick stops on the drive back east. Each 5–10 min viewing. Accessible boardwalks.
16:30
Twelve Apostles · golden hour
Sunset 17:41 — arriving 16:30 means 70 min of the best light. Most tour buses gone by 15:30. Fully accessible boardwalk to main viewing platform. 75 min.
17:45
Depart Apostles → Apollo Bay
Drive back via Lavers Hill (1h 15m). Part of the return is in twilight on familiar road — manageable but drive slowly for wildlife. Late dinner at Chris's at Beacon Point (book ahead — Mediterranean fine dining, wood fire, 20 min drive) or simple at Apollo Bay Hotel.
4
Apollo Bay → Melbourne · Dorsett check-in
Wed 12 Aug · Return car in CBD evening
Travel day
▾
Pick what you missed on Days 2–3
This morning is a sweep — anything you didn't have energy for earlier. Top candidates: Erskine Falls upper lookout (Lorne, 25 min detour), Split Point Lighthouse (Aireys Inlet, flat walk), or Triplet Falls (Otways, 1.6km walk). Only pick ONE — you need to be back in Melbourne CBD by 17:30.
Driving into the CBD · return notes
Hook turns: some CBD intersections require a right turn from the far-left lane (signposted). Trams have priority — never overtake a stopped tram. CityLink tolls: the rental is auto-enrolled with an e-tag, ~AUD 7 each way CBD↔Airport plus admin fee — total trip toll budget AUD 25–30. Refuel before return at Coles Express on Peel St or 7-Eleven Elizabeth St (within 10 km of Hertz Downtown — standard fuel-return rule); Camry Hybrid takes 91 ULP unleaded.
08:00
Breakfast · Apollo Bay café
Hello Coffee Brewing Co or Apollo Bay Bakery. Pack and clear the townhouse — check-out is 10:00 sharp.
10:00
Check out · depart Apollo Bay
All luggage in the Camry. Lock up per Toby's instructions, leave keys as directed.
11:00
Lorne · Erskine Falls upper lookout
Drive into hills behind Lorne. Upper platform accessible without the 250-step descent. 45 min total with drive.
12:30
Lunch · Lorne or Aireys Inlet
Grand Pacific Hotel Lorne (beach-view dining) or a la grecque at Aireys Inlet for something a bit special. 75 min.
14:15
Drive Melbourne via inland A1
Torquay → Geelong → M1 → West Gate → CBD. Faster than retracing coastal route (2h 15m vs 3h). Return to Melbourne ~16:30.
16:30
Drop luggage at Dorsett Melbourne
Pull up at Dorsett, valet or street-side unload. Quick stop only — do not unload fully and do not park. Dorsett check-in from 15:00, so the room is ready. Two of you can start check-in while one minds the car.
16:50
Return Hertz Camry · Melbourne Downtown, Shop 3/8 Franklin St
5 min drive from Dorsett via Lonsdale → Franklin (Franklin St is two blocks north of Lonsdale). Refuel beforehand at Coles Express on Peel St or 7-Eleven Elizabeth St (within 10 km of depot — standard fuel-return rule). Booked return time is 17:00, target arrival 16:50 max. Hertz Downtown weekday hours 07:30–17:00. After-hours key drop available, but liability holds until morning open.
17:30
Walk back to Dorsett
~5 min walk from Hertz Franklin St → Dorsett (south on Elizabeth or Swanston, then east). The CBD geometry just got generous.
19:30
Dinner · Chinatown (2-min walk)
Dorsett sits in/adjacent to the Chinatown precinct. Easy options under 5 min on foot: HuTong Dumpling Bar (Market Lane — xiao long bao institution, queue early), Shanghai Street Dumpling (Little Bourke), Supper Inn (mid-priced Cantonese late-night classic), Tim Ho Wan (dim sum, Bourke St). Low-key after a 5-hour drive — save the special-occasion dinner for Friday.
5
Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade · combined day tour
Thu 13 Aug · No car needed
Wildlife + steam train
▾
✓ Booked — 2 separate bookings, 4 adults total
Shi Xiong + 1 — ref VSR654665, voucher 5354682. Jolene + 1 — ref HYE779495, voucher 5354687. Same tour, same 10:00 departure, same date. Operator: Explore Australia — +61 3 5257 4588 · info@exploreaustraliatours.com.au · WhatsApp +61 479 166 755.
⚠ Viewing tier not specified on the voucher
The voucher lists "Admission Included" for the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre but doesn't state General vs. Underground viewing — General is the likely default for this tour class (exposed grandstand, 0–3°C wind chill). For a 70yo, an Underground upgrade is worth asking about. There's no self-service upgrade on the voucher — call or WhatsApp Explore Australia directly (above) to check before the day. Pack Dad's warmest layers regardless.
08:30
Breakfast · pack warm layers
Coffee at Patricia Coffee (Little Bourke, 5-min walk). Thermals + fleece + waterproof shell + beanie + gloves for tonight's parade.
09:35
Walk or free tram to Mail Exchange Hotel
Pickup point: Mail Exchange Hotel, 688 Bourke St (opposite Southern Cross Station) — the far west end of the CBD grid from Dorsett, ~20 min walk, or hop a free westbound Bourke St tram (both stops sit inside the Free Tram Zone). Be at the hotel by 09:45 for the 10:00 departure.
10:00
Coach departs Mail Exchange Hotel
Confirmed departure slot (the alternative was 12:30 — this one was booked). 1h transfer to the Dandenong Ranges.
11:00
Puffing Billy Railway · steam train ride
1h self-guided — historic steam railway since 1900, open-side carriages through fern-gullies and over the Monbulk Creek trestle bridge. Reserved seats included.
12:00
Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre
1h free-entry stop. Buy lunch here or bring your own — meals aren't included in the tour.
13:00
Transfer to Phillip Island
1h30 by coach via the Bass Highway. Good window for a nap.
14:30
Cowes township
1h free-entry stop — shops, café options, a chance for an early dinner before the evening leg.
15:30
The Nobbies boardwalk
20 min transfer, then 30 min on the flat boardwalk with ocean views to the blowhole and Seal Rock — accessible for Dad. Visitor centre has toilets and a café for a warm-up.
16:35
Penguin Parade Visitor Centre
2h admission-included window. Sunset ~17:44, first penguins typically 17:55–18:10 at Summerland Beach. No flash photography — makes it more intimate. See the viewing-tier note above.
18:35
Depart Phillip Island → Melbourne
2h coach back. Confirmed drop-off: Mail Exchange Hotel, 22:00. ~20 min walk or free tram back to Dorsett.
6
Queen Victoria Market · free afternoon · farewell dinner
Fri 14 Aug · Genuinely unhurried
City + free afternoon
▾
Friday opens right up
Now that Puffing Billy has moved to Thursday's combined tour, QV Market is the only fixed commitment. Trades 06:00–15:00. Everything after the midday return to Dorsett is genuinely free — rest for Dad, extra shopping in the arcades, a laneway coffee crawl, or a lie-down before the last full-night dinner. No reservation pressure, no formal dress, no bill anxiety.
08:00
QV Market — arrive early
15-min walk from Dorsett north up Swanston/Elizabeth, or one stop on any northbound Elizabeth St tram (19, 57, 58, 59) — free within the Free Tram Zone. Dorsett is inside the FTZ, so trams are free in either direction.
08:30
Fresh market sweep
Shopping priorities: Ugg boots/slippers at Millers Uggs (Aussie-made since 1985, AUD 90–260), honey at The Land of Soy & Honey (Dairy Produce Hall Shop 10-11), chocolate at Monsieur Truffe, native spices (wattleseed, lemon myrtle, pink salt) at Dairy Produce Hall bush-tucker vendors, merino scarves at Clothing Sheds J/K. Carry AUD 200 cash for smaller stalls. Light bargaining only acceptable on bulk or high-ticket.
11:00
Market brunch
QV Food Hall (Munro Building): The Bund Co Shanghai dumplings, Saltwater Sushi & Oyster Bar, borek from The Borek Shop (AUD 6 iconic spicy lamb). Also worth the detour: Hot Jam Doughnuts (the historic van, cash-only classic), Market Lane Coffee, and Publique Bakery. Budget AUD 12–25/pax.
12:00
Return to Dorsett · drop purchases
Free tram south on Elizabeth back to CBD core, or 15 min walk. Drop QV Market hauls in the room.
13:00
Free afternoon
Yours to fill. Ideas: rest for Dad, a laneway coffee crawl (Degraves St, Centre Place), extra shopping at Block Arcade/Royal Arcade (Haigh's, Koko Black) or the NGV Design Store, or the State Library's La Trobe Reading Room dome — all under 15 min walk. See the Activities tab for the full walking-distance guide.
19:00
Farewell dinner · Chinatown or precinct
All under 5 min walk from Dorsett. Flower Drum (Chinese fine dining, 17 Market Lane — the Melbourne institution, AUD 120–180/pax, book ahead) is now logistically trivial — reconsider it on the night if energy is good. Otherwise: HuTong Dumpling Bar (xiao long bao + Sichuan, AUD 40–60/pax), Lee Ho Fook (modern Chinese on Duckboard Place, AUD 70–100/pax, two-hatted alumni), Tipo 00 (Italian on Little Bourke, AUD 60–90/pax), Chin Chin (modern Asian, Flinders Lane, no reservations, AUD 50–80/pax). Or pick up dumplings from Shanghai Street and eat in pyjamas at Dorsett — no shame, last full night.
Optional swap · AFL game at Marvel Stadium
Shi Xiong flagged a possible Friday night AFL game at Marvel Stadium (10–12 min tram from Dorsett) as an alternative to — or dinner-then-game before — the farewell sit-down. As of this writing the AFL's later-season rounds (this weekend falls in the floating Round 20–21 window) are still unconfirmed on afl.com.au/fixture — check again closer to the date, and only commit if a fixture actually lands at Marvel Stadium that night. If it does: grab a quick bite near the stadium beforehand and treat Chinatown as the fallback rather than planning both.
7
GoBoat · brunch · fly home
Sat 15 Aug · SQ208 depart 18:25
Departure
▾
08:00
Slow breakfast · pack
Hotel breakfast or Patricia Coffee a few minutes away. Final pack. Check out target 10:30 — Dorsett bell desk holds luggage until UberXL.
10:30
Check out · leave bags with bell desk
Confirm with reception that luggage hold is free until 15:30. Most Dorsett properties offer this as standard for departing guests.
10:45
Walk to GoBoat via picnic run
~12 min walk from Dorsett to Banana Alley Vaults (south down Elizabeth, across Princes Bridge, then west along Flinders Walk under the King St bridges). Pick up supplies at Coles Central (Elizabeth St / Flinders Lane) or It's Bagel for a bagel-based picnic instead — both on the walking route. BYO picnic is the entire point.
11:00
GoBoat · 2h Yarra River picnic
Banana Alley Vaults, Berths 2 & 3 — Yarra north bank, foot of Queens Bridge / King St. Self-piloted 10hp electric boat, seats up to 8, no licence required. Central picnic table. Head upstream toward MCG / Melbourne Park / Botanic Gardens, or downstream past Crown / Docklands. Calm Yarra, no experience needed. Book 11:00 slot at goboat.com.au. Saturday rates ~AUD 200 whole-boat.
13:00
Boat return · walk back to Dorsett
~12 min walk back, or short tram ride within FTZ. Pick up any last Haigh's chocolates from Block Arcade en route (3 min detour).
13:20
State Library Victoria · quick visit (optional)
If the group has energy, the La Trobe Reading Room dome is ~10 min walk from Dorsett and worth 20–30 min — otherwise skip and use the time to finish packing before the 15:00 airport departure.
14:30
UberXL to MEL T2 · pre-book Uber Reserve
4 adults + full luggage = UberXL confirmed. Budget AUD 85–115 depending on Saturday AFL traffic. Pre-book the night before via Uber Reserve to lock price. Journey 30–50 min via Tullamarine Fwy from CBD. Check AFL schedule — if MCG match 13:15 start, leave 15:00 instead. SkyBus backup if Ubers are surging: departs the Southern Cross Station SkyBus terminal every 10 min, ~30 min to T2, no pre-booking needed.
15:30
Arrive MEL T2 International
SQ check-in desks open 15:25. Bag drop closes 17:25. Target airside by 16:45 for duty-free + rest before boarding.
18:25
SQ208 departs MEL → SIN
7h 50m flight. Arrive Changi T3 00:15 Sun 16 Aug. Home.
Where we sleep
Three properties across six nights, all booked. One night at the airport hotel, two in Apollo Bay (Toby's foreshore townhouse), three at Dorsett Melbourne in the CBD/Chinatown precinct. Every property meets the brief: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, four adults, no shared beds.
Night 1 · Sun 9 Aug · Novotel Melbourne Airport
Novotel Melbourne Airport · 2 rooms (booked)
Adjacent to Melbourne Airport — short courtesy shuttle or 5-min taxi from T2. Not skybridge-connected (the skybridge is the Parkroyal across the road), but functionally fine for one rest night. Modern Accor property, refurbished, on-site Airo restaurant.
2 rooms booked via Agoda (paid by Shi Xiong, total SGD 336):
• 1× Deluxe Room with 1 kingsize bed — Booking ID 2003003573 (ref 2608090522)
• 1× Deluxe Room with 2 zip-beds — Booking ID 2003003048 (ref 2608090520)
Arrival 9 Aug, departure 10 Aug. Non-refundable. Free WiFi included. Present the credit card used at booking + photo ID with same name at check-in.
booked5-min from T2Agoda · non-refundable
novotel.com →
2 rooms booked via Agoda (paid by Shi Xiong, total SGD 336):
• 1× Deluxe Room with 1 kingsize bed — Booking ID 2003003573 (ref 2608090522)
• 1× Deluxe Room with 2 zip-beds — Booking ID 2003003048 (ref 2608090520)
Arrival 9 Aug, departure 10 Aug. Non-refundable. Free WiFi included. Present the credit card used at booking + photo ID with same name at check-in.
booked5-min from T2Agoda · non-refundable
Nights 2–3 · Mon 10 & Tue 11 Aug · Apollo Bay
Townhouse in Apollo Bay · hosted by Toby (booked)
Foreshore townhouse on the Great Ocean Road itself — sea-facing aspect, walking distance to Apollo Bay village, foreshore walk and Apollo Bay Bakery. Full kitchen, laundry, reverse-cycle heating expected. Townhouse format means stairs between levels — flag to Dad and reserve the lower-level bedroom for him.
Stay: 10–12 Aug · 2 nights · Mon check-in after 15:00 · Wed check-out before 10:00.
Address: 183 Great Ocean Rd 8, Apollo Bay VIC 3233, Australia.
Host: Toby — confirm parking, key collection, and Wi-Fi via Airbnb messaging the day before arrival.
bookedforeshore2-bed townhousestairs · plan room allocation
Stay: 10–12 Aug · 2 nights · Mon check-in after 15:00 · Wed check-out before 10:00.
Address: 183 Great Ocean Rd 8, Apollo Bay VIC 3233, Australia.
Host: Toby — confirm parking, key collection, and Wi-Fi via Airbnb messaging the day before arrival.
bookedforeshore2-bed townhousestairs · plan room allocation
Pre-arrival to-do · Toby's townhouse
3 days before arrival: message Toby on Airbnb to confirm parking instructions (driveway/street/permit), key access method (lockbox / meet on arrival), heating (gas/electric, ducted vs reverse-cycle), and whether linen is provided. Save Toby's mobile + a backup contact in your phone before driving — patchy 4G between Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Nights 4–6 · Wed 12 – Sat 15 Aug · Dorsett Melbourne
Dorsett Melbourne · CBD/Chinatown precinct (booked)
Confirmed for nights 4–6 (Wed 12 – Sat 15 Aug). Dorsett is the new-build flagship in Melbourne's east CBD, walking distance to Chinatown, Bourke St Mall, the Block & Royal Arcades, State Library, and the laneway coffee scene.
Confirm before arrival: two-bedroom suite or two adjoining rooms (must accommodate 4 adults, no shared beds), bathroom count, valet/self-park rates if any, breakfast inclusion, late check-out availability for Sat (target 10:30 hold + bag storage to 15:30).
bookedin Free Tram ZoneChinatown adjacentwalk to most activities
dorsetthotels.com/melbourne →
Confirm before arrival: two-bedroom suite or two adjoining rooms (must accommodate 4 adults, no shared beds), bathroom count, valet/self-park rates if any, breakfast inclusion, late check-out availability for Sat (target 10:30 hold + bag storage to 15:30).
bookedin Free Tram ZoneChinatown adjacentwalk to most activities
Why Dorsett works better than the original Southbank brief
Inside the Free Tram Zone — every CBD tram is free both ways, no Myki needed for in-CBD movement (Southbank sat outside, requiring Myki). Chinatown is a 2-min walk — farewell dinner geometry transformed: HuTong, Flower Drum, Supper Inn, Tim Ho Wan all within 5 min. Hertz Downtown depot is two blocks north on Franklin St — Wed evening car return is now a 5-min walk back instead of a 10-min Uber from Southbank. Trade-off: GoBoat at Banana Alley is now ~12 min walk (was 5 min from Southbank), and you lose the Yarra-promenade evening stroll. Net: trade favours Dorsett comfortably given the trip's evening shape.
Key activities
Two paid experiences form the backbone of the trip: the combined Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade tour (booked) and GoBoat. (Great Ocean Road planning notes live on the Day-by-Day tab, attached to the days that use them.)
Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade · Thu 13 Aug · combined day tour · Booked
Klook combined tour · Explore Australia · confirmed
One coach pickup covers both Puffing Billy (Belgrave → Lakeside steam train) and Phillip Island's Penguin Parade in a single 12h day — no separate Belgrave train trip needed on Friday. klook.com listing →
Two bookings, 4 adults: Shi Xiong + 1 (ref VSR654665, voucher 5354682), Jolene + 1 (ref HYE779495, voucher 5354687). Both 10:00 departure, 13 Aug 2026.
Confirmed itinerary: 10:00 depart Mail Exchange Hotel (688 Bourke St, opp. Southern Cross Station) → Puffing Billy Railway (1h) → Lakeside Visitor Centre (1h) → transfer (1h30) → Cowes (1h) → The Nobbies (30 min) → Penguin Parade Visitor Centre (2h, admission included) → return, drop-off 22:00 Mail Exchange Hotel.
Included: live English tour guide, coach transport, reserved Puffing Billy seat, admission to all listed sites. Excluded: meals, insurance, extra fees.
Paid: SGD 662.76 total (4 pax), paid by Shi Xiong.
Operator (for last-minute changes/emergencies): Explore Australia — TEL +61 3 5257 4588 · info@exploreaustraliatours.com.au · WhatsApp +61 479 166 755.
Two bookings, 4 adults: Shi Xiong + 1 (ref VSR654665, voucher 5354682), Jolene + 1 (ref HYE779495, voucher 5354687). Both 10:00 departure, 13 Aug 2026.
Confirmed itinerary: 10:00 depart Mail Exchange Hotel (688 Bourke St, opp. Southern Cross Station) → Puffing Billy Railway (1h) → Lakeside Visitor Centre (1h) → transfer (1h30) → Cowes (1h) → The Nobbies (30 min) → Penguin Parade Visitor Centre (2h, admission included) → return, drop-off 22:00 Mail Exchange Hotel.
Included: live English tour guide, coach transport, reserved Puffing Billy seat, admission to all listed sites. Excluded: meals, insurance, extra fees.
Paid: SGD 662.76 total (4 pax), paid by Shi Xiong.
Operator (for last-minute changes/emergencies): Explore Australia — TEL +61 3 5257 4588 · info@exploreaustraliatours.com.au · WhatsApp +61 479 166 755.
Viewing tier not stated on the voucher
The voucher confirms Penguin Parade admission but doesn't specify General vs. Underground viewing — General (exposed grandstand, 0–3°C wind chill) is the likely default for this tour class. For a 70yo, an Underground upgrade is worth asking Explore Australia about directly before the day, since there's no self-service option on the voucher itself.
Dress warmly — open carriages + exposed parade viewing
Puffing Billy carriages are open-sided with low wooden walls; the Penguin Parade grandstand is outdoors. Thermal base layer, fleece, waterproof shell, beanie, gloves, hand warmers. This matters especially for Dad.
GoBoat · Sat 15 Aug · morning
Yarra River picnic boat · 2h rental
10hp electric boat, seats up to 8, central picnic table. Self-piloted. No licence required. Top speed 8 km/h — safer than a bicycle.
Location: Banana Alley Vaults, Berths 2 & 3, on the north bank of the Yarra under the King St bridges. ~12 min walk from Dorsett (south on Elizabeth, across Princes Bridge, west along Flinders Walk).
Routes: Upstream past Melbourne Park, Botanic Gardens, boathouses. Downstream past Crown, Docklands, Marvel Stadium.
BYO: Wholly the point — pack a proper picnic. Coles Central at Elizabeth/Flinders Lane is on the walking route — pick up cheese, charcuterie, bread, fruit, pastries, drinks. Warm jacket essential (open water, August wind).
Price Saturday: ~AUD 200 for 2h (whole boat, not per person). Book 11:00 slot at goboat.com.au. Free reschedule up to 24h if rain.
Location: Banana Alley Vaults, Berths 2 & 3, on the north bank of the Yarra under the King St bridges. ~12 min walk from Dorsett (south on Elizabeth, across Princes Bridge, west along Flinders Walk).
Routes: Upstream past Melbourne Park, Botanic Gardens, boathouses. Downstream past Crown, Docklands, Marvel Stadium.
BYO: Wholly the point — pack a proper picnic. Coles Central at Elizabeth/Flinders Lane is on the walking route — pick up cheese, charcuterie, bread, fruit, pastries, drinks. Warm jacket essential (open water, August wind).
Price Saturday: ~AUD 200 for 2h (whole boat, not per person). Book 11:00 slot at goboat.com.au. Free reschedule up to 24h if rain.
Whale watching · optional extension
August is peak whale season — but it's a stretch goal
Logan's Beach, Warrnambool is the southern right whale nursery (June–October peak). Whales 50m from shore from a free viewing platform. From Apollo Bay it's ~3 hours each way, only achievable as a committed Tuesday push (replace part of the Apostles loop with Warrnambool). Decide Monday night based on weather and group energy. Warrnambool Whale Watch Facebook page has daily sighting updates. Not default — treat as bonus.
Melbourne city
Dorsett Melbourne is your base for the final three nights — east-CBD, Chinatown precinct, inside the Free Tram Zone. Most of the city's heavy hitters are within a 15-min walk. This is the reference guide for Friday's free afternoon and any spare pockets of time.
Within walking distance of Dorsett
Under 5 min on foot
Chinatown (Little Bourke St) — dim sum, Sichuan, late-night Cantonese, Flower Drum · Bourke Street Mall — Myer, David Jones, GPO building · Princess Theatre · Block Arcade & Royal Arcade — 1892 Victorian arcades, Haigh's Chocolates flagship, Koko Black, Beechworth Honey · State Library Victoria — La Trobe Reading Room dome (genuine free architectural set-piece, especially good in cold weather).
5–12 min on foot
Flinders St Station + Federation Square + NGV Australia · Birrarung Marr riverside park · Old Melbourne Gaol (history, easy hour visit) · Carlton Gardens + Royal Exhibition Building (UNESCO-listed, free to walk) · Melbourne Museum (great Phillip Island companion if anyone wants more wildlife / First Peoples exhibits) · Hardware Lane (laneway dining strip) · Degraves St + Centre Place coffee laneways.
12–18 min on foot (or one tram stop)
Queen Victoria Market · Lygon Street Carlton (Italian Quarter — University Café, DOC Pizza, Brunetti pasticceria for the morning espresso ritual) · Crown Melbourne / Southbank promenade · GoBoat Banana Alley Vaults · MCG / Melbourne Park.
Getting around · trams + Myki
Dorsett is inside the Free Tram Zone
The FTZ covers the CBD grid bounded by Spring St, La Trobe St, Spencer St, and Flinders St — Dorsett sits inside it. All trams are free within this zone, including hop-on/hop-off along Bourke St, Collins St, Elizabeth St, Swanston St, La Trobe St, Spring St. No Myki tap-on needed inside the zone. Now that Puffing Billy is part of Thursday's coach tour, there's no separate train trip to plan for — you'll only need Myki if a tram trip crosses the FTZ boundary (e.g. up Lygon St past Victoria St, or south of the Yarra).
Queen Victoria Market · Fri 14 Aug morning
Trading hours Fri · 06:00–15:00
Arrive 08:00–09:00 for best experience — produce traders fully set up, specialty shops open at 09:00, crowds peak after 11:00.
From Dorsett: 15-min walk north up Swanston/Elizabeth, or hop a free northbound tram from any Elizabeth St stop (Route 19, 57, 58, 59 — alight at Victoria St). All free within the FTZ.
From Dorsett: 15-min walk north up Swanston/Elizabeth, or hop a free northbound tram from any Elizabeth St stop (Route 19, 57, 58, 59 — alight at Victoria St). All free within the FTZ.
What to buy · best stalls
Ugg boots & slippers: Millers Uggs (since 1985, 100% Aussie sheepskin, AUD 90–260), Jumbo Ugg Boots (made in Melbourne, up to 70% off RRP), Maree Nominees. Authenticity: "Made in Australia" label + double-face sheepskin + green/gold kangaroo logo. Avoid Deckers "UGG" US brand (Chinese export).
Honey: The Land of Soy & Honey (Dairy Produce Hall Shop 10-11) for Manuka/Aussie honey. Beechworth Honey flagship at Block Arcade for premium gift-quality (afternoon stop).
Chocolate: Monsieur Truffe (deli hall). Haigh's flagship at Block Arcade later.
Native spices: Dairy Produce Hall bush-tucker vendors — wattleseed, lemon myrtle, Murray River pink salt, mountain pepper.
Merino: Clothing Sheds J/K/L/M. Scarves AUD 40–80, jumpers AUD 80–200.
Lunch: QV Food Hall (Munro Building) — Bund Co Shanghai dumplings, Saltwater Sushi, The Borek Shop (iconic spicy lamb borek AUD 6).
Cash vs card: Most stalls tap-to-pay. Carry AUD 200 cash for smaller vendors + occasional 1.5% surcharges. Markets are fixed-price — light bargaining only on bulk or high-ticket, never aggressive.
Honey: The Land of Soy & Honey (Dairy Produce Hall Shop 10-11) for Manuka/Aussie honey. Beechworth Honey flagship at Block Arcade for premium gift-quality (afternoon stop).
Chocolate: Monsieur Truffe (deli hall). Haigh's flagship at Block Arcade later.
Native spices: Dairy Produce Hall bush-tucker vendors — wattleseed, lemon myrtle, Murray River pink salt, mountain pepper.
Merino: Clothing Sheds J/K/L/M. Scarves AUD 40–80, jumpers AUD 80–200.
Lunch: QV Food Hall (Munro Building) — Bund Co Shanghai dumplings, Saltwater Sushi, The Borek Shop (iconic spicy lamb borek AUD 6).
Cash vs card: Most stalls tap-to-pay. Carry AUD 200 cash for smaller vendors + occasional 1.5% surcharges. Markets are fixed-price — light bargaining only on bulk or high-ticket, never aggressive.
Laneways · Block Arcade · shopping
Degraves St + Centre Place
Melbourne's iconic coffee laneways. Dukes Coffee Roasters or Patricia Coffee for flat whites. Clementine's for Australian-made gifts (jams, soaps, ceramics).
Block Arcade + Royal Arcade
1892 Victorian-era arcades. Haigh's Chocolates flagship (dark chocolate raspberry truffles — best gift purchase in Melbourne). Beechworth Honey at Shop 14, 282 Collins St. Koko Black at Royal Arcade.
NGV Design Store · Federation Square
Best design-forward souvenirs in Melbourne. For Yanzhen: quality art print or ceramic far more memorable than generic tourist items. shop.ngv.vic.gov.au
Dining steps from Dorsett
Chinatown · 2–5 min walk
Flower Drum (17 Market Lane) — the Melbourne fine-dining institution, Cantonese, AUD 120–180/pax, book ahead. Now logistically trivial from Dorsett — worth re-opening as the farewell dinner option.
HuTong Dumpling Bar (14–16 Market Lane) — xiao long bao + Sichuan, queues form early.
Supper Inn (15 Celestial Ave, upstairs) — late-night Cantonese, open till 02:30, locals' favourite.
Shanghai Street Dumpling (146 Little Bourke) — fast, cheap, generous, kid-friendly.
Tim Ho Wan (206 Bourke St) — dim sum chain, BBQ pork bun is the order.
HuTong Dumpling Bar (14–16 Market Lane) — xiao long bao + Sichuan, queues form early.
Supper Inn (15 Celestial Ave, upstairs) — late-night Cantonese, open till 02:30, locals' favourite.
Shanghai Street Dumpling (146 Little Bourke) — fast, cheap, generous, kid-friendly.
Tim Ho Wan (206 Bourke St) — dim sum chain, BBQ pork bun is the order.
Modern restaurants · 5–10 min walk
Lee Ho Fook (Duckboard Place) — modern Chinese, two-hat alumni, AUD 70–100/pax · Chin Chin (Flinders Lane) — modern Asian, no reservations, AUD 50–80 · Tipo 00 (Little Bourke) — handmade pasta, AUD 60–90 · Cumulus Inc. (Flinders Lane) — Melbourne classic, all-day, AUD 60–90 · Higher Ground (650 Little Bourke) — converted power station, brunch-to-dinner, AUD 25–60.
Coffee · 3–5 min walk
Patricia Coffee Brewers (Little Bourke / Little William) — stand-up specialty coffee bar, considered city-best by many · Market Lane at QV Building · Dukes Coffee Roasters on Flinders Lane · Brother Baba Budan on Little Bourke (chairs hanging from the ceiling).
The budget
Honest numbers with 2 decimal places. AUD 1.00 ≈ SGD 0.92 (actual rate from Shi Xiong's expense sheet, not the earlier estimate). Realistic all-in per person is SGD 2,600–2,800 excluding personal shopping. Apollo Bay + Dorsett now at actual paid rates.
Confirmed payments
Flights 4 pax
SGD 4,438.80
Shi Hao paid · DC7MAQ
Insurance 4 pax
SGD 110.24
Shi Xiong paid · FWD
Novotel Night 1
SGD 336.00
Shi Xiong paid · 2 rooms
Apollo Bay · 2N
SGD 725.85
Shi Hao paid · Airbnb
Dorsett · 3N
SGD 918.72
Shi Xiong paid · 2 rooms
Puffing Billy + Penguins · 4 pax
SGD 662.76
Shi Xiong paid · 2 bookings
Hertz Camry · 3d
AUD 253.67
Pay at counter · L57413872D0
Estimated land costs — group of 4
Total all-in per person
Flights: SGD 1,109.70 · Insurance: SGD 27.56 · Land: SGD 1,505.77
Comfortable estimate: ~SGD 2,643 per pax
Budget-conscious (lighter shopping): ~SGD 2,574 per pax
Heavier shopping (extra AUD 500 personal): ~SGD 2,757 per pax
Previous drafts of this page used an inverted AUD/SGD rate (×1.15, implying AUD stronger than SGD) — corrected here to ×0.92 using the rate from Shi Xiong's own expense sheet (AUD 253.67 Hertz payment ≈ SGD 232.36). Apollo Bay, Dorsett, and the Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade tour are now actual paid amounts, not estimates.
Comfortable estimate: ~SGD 2,643 per pax
Budget-conscious (lighter shopping): ~SGD 2,574 per pax
Heavier shopping (extra AUD 500 personal): ~SGD 2,757 per pax
Previous drafts of this page used an inverted AUD/SGD rate (×1.15, implying AUD stronger than SGD) — corrected here to ×0.92 using the rate from Shi Xiong's own expense sheet (AUD 253.67 Hertz payment ≈ SGD 232.36). Apollo Bay, Dorsett, and the Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade tour are now actual paid amounts, not estimates.
Where the budget can still flex
Accommodation and the Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade tour are now at actual paid rates, so the variable line items are: cook-in one GOR dinner from the townhouse kitchen (save AUD 100–150) · Chinatown dumpling-and-takeaway farewell instead of Flower Drum (save AUD 200–400).
Booking list
All accommodation and the Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade tour are locked. GoBoat is the only outstanding item.
Booked — done
Booked Novotel Melbourne Airport · Night 1
2 rooms (1× Deluxe King, 1× Deluxe Twin) · Agoda IDs 2003003573 + 2003003048 · SGD 336 paid by Shi Xiong. Non-refundable. Bring Shi Xiong's Visa ····7847 + photo ID at check-in.
Booked Apollo Bay Townhouse · Nights 2–3 (Mon 10 – Wed 12 Aug)
Airbnb · hosted by Toby · 183 Great Ocean Rd 8, Apollo Bay VIC 3233 · check-in after 15:00 Mon, check-out before 10:00 Wed · SGD 725.85 paid by Shi Hao. Pre-arrival: message Toby for parking + key access + heating + linen. Townhouse layout has stairs — allocate ground-floor bedroom to Dad.
Booked Dorsett Melbourne · Nights 4–6 (Wed 12 – Sat 15 Aug)
CBD/Chinatown precinct · inside Free Tram Zone · 2 rooms (deluxe king, deluxe twin), separate bookings · SGD 918.72 paid by Shi Xiong. Confirm with Dorsett before arrival: 4-adult occupancy in non-shared beds, late check-out + bag storage Sat to ~15:30, breakfast inclusion. Save reception number to phone before arrival day.
Booked Hertz Camry Hybrid · 3 days
Confirmation L57413872D0 · Fullsize Hybrid (D2), Toyota Camry Hybrid or similar · AUD 253.67 pay at counter (3 days @ AUD 125.21, less AUD 250.42 Promo Code 211084; incl. Maximum Damage Waiver, unlimited km, sales tax, location fee, vehicle reg fee — Credit Card Surcharge 1.35% applies on top at counter). Pickup Mon 10 Aug 08:30 MEL Airport (Arrival Drive, Tullamarine · +61 3 8312 9590), return Wed 12 Aug 17:00 Hertz Downtown Shop 3/8 Franklin St (+61 3 9659 8890, weekday hours 07:30–17:00). Bring Amex ····1005 + Singapore licence — pay-later booking. Decide before pickup whether to upgrade to a larger vehicle (Camry boot is tight for 4 adults + GOR luggage).
Booked Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade combined tour · Thu 13 Aug
Klook, operated by Explore Australia — klook.com listing →. Two bookings, 4 adults: Shi Xiong + 1 (ref VSR654665), Jolene + 1 (ref HYE779495). 10:00 departure, Mail Exchange Hotel (688 Bourke St) → Puffing Billy → Cowes → The Nobbies → Penguin Parade → 22:00 return, same hotel. SGD 662.76 paid by Shi Xiong. Still open: the voucher doesn't confirm Underground vs. General penguin viewing — call/WhatsApp the operator (+61 3 5257 4588 · +61 479 166 755) to check before the day, given Dad's cold sensitivity.
Book within 2 weeks
Soon GoBoat · Sat 15 Aug 11:00 slot
Whole boat, 2h rental. goboat.com.au. Free reschedule up to 24h if rain.
When ready
When ready Australian ETA · all 4 individually
AUD 20/person. Apply via official Australian ETA app (iOS/Android). Instant approval usually. Each person applies separately.
When ready AUD cash + YouTrip/Wise top-up
Carry AUD 200–300 cash per person for QV Market bargaining + regional stops. Load AUD 500–800 on travel debit card. Avoid airport FX.
Weather + packing essentials
Melbourne CBD Aug
8–14°C
Wet, windy, 4 seasons a day
Great Ocean Road Aug
7–13°C
Wettest month · 19 rain days
Phillip Island Aug eve
0–3°C
With wind chill · 40 km/h SW
Pack list · non-negotiable
All: Thermal base layers (2–3 sets) · fleece mid-layer · waterproof + windproof shell jacket (≥10,000 mm hydrostatic head) · beanie · scarf/buff · gloves · thermal socks · waterproof walking shoes · casual dining clothes · motion sickness tablets · portable charger · Google Maps offline (Melbourne + GOR + Dandenong Ranges downloaded before leaving SG) · disposable hand warmers × 8 pairs (bring from SG — harder to find in Melbourne chemists).
Dad (70) specifically: Extra thermal layer · personal medications in carry-on in original labelled packaging with doctor's letter · compression socks for flights · fold-up walking stick if balance is a concern · confirm FWD insurance covers pre-existing conditions before travel.
Power: Australia uses Type I plugs (Singapore is Type G). Voltage identical (230V) — no converter needed. Bring 4 Type G to I adapters — hotels stock 1–2 max.
Dad (70) specifically: Extra thermal layer · personal medications in carry-on in original labelled packaging with doctor's letter · compression socks for flights · fold-up walking stick if balance is a concern · confirm FWD insurance covers pre-existing conditions before travel.
Power: Australia uses Type I plugs (Singapore is Type G). Voltage identical (230V) — no converter needed. Bring 4 Type G to I adapters — hotels stock 1–2 max.