itinerary
DAY 1 – ARRIVE MELBOURNE (D)
Flights arrive to Melbourne, where we board our luxury ‘Gold Class’ coach, travelling responsibly knowing all coach emissions are 100% offset. We make our way to the hub of the city to check-in to our hotel. 2 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza Melbourne
DAY 2 – MELBOURNE SURROUNDS (B,L,D)
Today we head into the Dandenong Ranges, travelling through the lush and picturesque low mountain ranges east of the city, where quaint villages dot the region. 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 steam train. We cross the historic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge travelling through temperate rainforest chugging through dense fern foliage and wide-open fields before we arrive at Lakeside Station, where we disembark the train. We enjoy lunch in the lovely town of Olinda.
DAY 3 – GREAT OCEAN ROAD (B,L,D)
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
DAY 4 – GREAT OCEAN ROAD, MT GAMBIER (B,L,D)
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
DAY 5 – KEITH, VICTOR HARBOUR, ADELAIDE (B,L,D)
Today we travel through the rich agricultural and pastoral district of Naracoorte and on to Keith. 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: Hilton Adelaide
DAY 6 – ADELAIDE & HAHNDORF (B,L,D)
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 where we learn to make a traditional strudel before our local guide takes us on a stroll around the village, imparting knowledge as only a local can! We then indulge in a German themed lunch at Hahndorf Inn.
DAY 7 – ADELAIDE & SURROUNDS (B,D)
Today brings an experience like no other as we arrive early at Adelaide Zoo for a private Panda & Friends Experience tour. 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. We return to the city to take advantage of some free time in the city of churches. **Lunch is at own expense today.
DAY 8 – BAROSSA VALLEY, BOARD PS MURRAY PRINCESS (B,L,D)
This morning we travel into the Barossa Valley travelling via Mengler’s Hill lookout to the Maggie Beer Farm Shop where there’s time to sample Maggie’s signature products. Enjoy lunch before we depart for 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
DAY 9 – ON BOARD CRUISE (B,L,D)
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.
DAY 10 – ON BOARD CRUISE (B,L,D)
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.
DAY 11 – ON BOARD CRUISE (B,L,D)
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.
DAY 12 – ARRIVE ADELAIDE, FLIGHTS HOME (B)
After breakfast we dock at Mannum, reluctantly disembark and transfer back to Adelaide for our return Carbon Neutral flights home.
B = Hot & Continental Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner
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