Explore Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges. Travel the stunning Great Ocean Road and stay in Warrnambool and Mt Gambier, then discover the beauty of Adelaide, Hahndorf and the Barossa Valley before boarding the PS Murray Princess for a 4 night Outback Heritage Cruise on the beautiful Murray River.
Flights arrive in Melbourne Airport, where we board our opulent ‘Diamond Class’ coach to make our way to the hub of the city and check-in for three nights. Our hotel is ideally situated on the Yarra River and at close proximity to Southbank and the Crown Casino. 3 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne CBD
Today we head into the Dandenong Ranges, travelling through the lush and picturesque low mountain ranges east of the city. Quaint villages dot the region and we break in Sassafras to discover its unique shops, cafés and European feel before passing through Olinda to arrive at Belgrave where we board Puffing Billy for a steam and cuisine luncheon. Travelling first class, we enjoy the grandeur and charm of a three-hour steam train journey whilst savouring a delicious lunch in fully enclosed heritage dining carriages. As the train whistle signals, entrees are served before we cross the historic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. The journey continues through temperate rainforest chugging through dense fern foliage and wide-open fields. Mains are served before we arrive at Lakeside Station, where we have time to disembark the train and explore the park which is home to leisurely walking trails, picturesque Emerald Lake and abundant birdlife. We then re-board for our return journey whilst finishing off with dessert, tea and coffee before returning to the CBD. GGP
Take a free day today! Melbourne is a creative, exciting, ever-changing city with extraordinary surprises to be discovered in every basement, rooftop and laneway. **Lunch is at own expense today. GGP
Departing Melbourne, we pass Geelong to travel the famous Great Ocean Road, taking a break at Torquay. We continue on through the seaside towns of Anglesea and Lorne, breaking for lunch at Apollo Bay. We settle in for a great scenic drive along this famous coastal road, viewing the amazing Twelve Apostles, before finishing the day at Warrnambool. 1 Night Stay: Mid City Motel, Warrnambool
Departing Warrnambool, we travel to Port Fairy to collect a local tour guide and discover this quaint fishing village, steeped in the history of whalers and seal hunters. Leaving Port Fairy, we travel through the seaside town of Portland, the oldest European settlement in Victoria. After lunch we travel to Mount Gambier to view the mysterious Blue Lake. 1 Night Stay: The Barn, Mount Gambier
Today we travel through the rich agricultural and pastoral district of Naracoorte and on to Keith for an early cuppa. We then travel through Tailem Bend where we leave the Duke’s Highway to make our way to Victor Harbor for lunch. We take some free time in Victor Harbor before making our way to Adelaide. 3 Night Stay: Rydges Adelaide
Today we discover downtown Adelaide, taking a city sights tour before we climb the Mount Lofty Ranges, offering spectacular views over Adelaide and beyond. We continue on to the quaint Bavarian village of Hahndorf and indulge in a Germanthemed luncheon at the Hahndorf Inn. Take some free time afterwards to discover the original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings, many beautifully maintained or restored to original conditions. GGP
Today brings an experience like no other as we arrive early at Adelaide Zoo for a private Panda & Friends Experience tour. With no other patrons on the zoo grounds, we are guided through the various exhibits and take a behind the scenes look at the life of Wang Wang and Fu Ni, Australia’s only giant pandas. After lunch, we return to the city to take advantage of some free time in the city of churches.
Our day takes us into the Barossa Valley, travelling via Mengler’s Hill lookout to arrive at the majestic Chateau Tanunda, the largest and oldest wine chateau in Australia. We take a tour of this beautiful estate, its vineyards, winemaking area and barrel hall before sampling some of the wines. Our next stop is the Maggie Beer Farm Shop where there’s time to sample Maggie’s signature products before sitting down to dine at The Eatery. Next stop is the Historic Herbig Tree for a quick photo opportunity before making our way to Mannum to board the PS Murray Princess for a 4 night Outback Heritage Cruise. Sit back, relax and enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a welcome dinner as we cruise upriver to our overnight mooring destination at Caurnamont. 4 Night Stay: PS Murray Princess
Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of the 13 locks. This afternoon we moor near Salter’s Station for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter’s vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at his cellar door.
Cruise upriver to picturesque Swan Reach, home to native flower and fruit growers, and visit the Swan Reach Hotel. After lunch we cruise downriver to Sunnydale where it’s ‘all ashore’ for the Woolshed Show, a re-creation of typical Australian woolshed history. Later we visit the Native Wildlife Shelter, and tonight enjoy an ‘Aussie Barbeque’ cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River.
Today we cruise slowly downstream past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. We reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, a significant archaeological site, for a guided boardwalk tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in the area. After reboarding, we continue downriver to Younghusband. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular farewell Captain’s buffet dinner.
After breakfast we dock at Mannum, reluctantly disembark and transfer back to Adelaide for our return flights home.
B = Hot & Continental Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner
| Twinshare | Sole Use | Departs 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| $6490 | $8150 | October 25 |
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