itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Melbourne (D)
Flights arrive into Melbourne Airport where we board our opulent ‘Diamond Class’ or luxury ‘Gold Class’ coach to make our way to the hub of Melbourne CBD and check in. Unpack once in our 5-star hotel which is situated at the Paris end of Collins Street, in the heart of the city’s premier shopping, dining and theatre district. This award winning hotel has 363 luxurious rooms that begin from level 36 offering breathtaking views from floor-to-ceiling windows. 5 Night Stay: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Day 2. Melbourne & Werribee (B,L,D)
This morning we make our way to Werribee Open Range Zoo. Here you can take time to visit the Australian Trail featuring all Aussie animals, step into the African Trail featuring gorillas, lions, hippos, monkeys or meerkats. The zoo also boasts a safari bus that takes your through the savannah with camels, bison, ostrich, rhinos, zebras, and giraffe all roaming freely in the park’s 494-acre grasslands, affording some incredible wildlife-watching opportunities. The open-air vehicle gives you the best views whilst you learn about some of the world’s most endangered species as well as the zoo’s conservation efforts. Next, we venture on and discover the story of an Australian pastoral empire, Werribee Park Mansion. One of the largest and most opulent properties in Victoria with 60 rooms across several wings, the mansion is in a Renaissance Revival style. Walk through on a selfguided tour using audio headsets and take in the fine interior which includes some original furniture set within a richly decorated entry hall and grand staircase. The onsite rose gardens are also a feature of this visit. This afternoon, we board the Melbourne River Cruises and spend a delightful hour aboard a riverboat, gliding under the Princes Bridge and past beautiful river gardens, Herring Island, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and other top cultural attractions.
Day 3. Free Day (B,D)
Take a free day today to unearth the Melbourne of your choice. Wind your way through the many laneways in the city or shop up a storm. Stroll along cultural Southbank to the Botanic Gardens, the world is your oyster today, there’s so much on offer in this multicultural city. See Melbourne from a whole new angle tonight, as we take a flight on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. At its peak height of 120 metres – the equivalent of a 40 storey building. **Lunch is at own expense today.
The Melbourne Star provides uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views of Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding area, stretching up to 40kms. Our in-cabin audio commentary will reveal interesting stories about Melbourne past and present, together with the unique history of giant observation wheels. This evening we dine riverside, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Melbourne.
Day 4. Queen Victoria Markets, Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy (B,L,D)
This morning we take a short drive to the Queen Victoria Markets to shop and browse through Melbourne’s favourite marketplace. Next, we discover the Dandenong Ranges, travelling through the lush and picturesque low mountain ranges to Olinda, arriving at Belgrave to board Puffing Billy. 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. This afternoon we visit the Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne. Built in 1934, the Shrine is the Victorian state memorial to Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping operations. Enter the classical interior and discover the reverent solitude of the sanctuary. Permanent exhibitions include the Galleries of Remembrance, recent conflicts, The Victoria Cross and the Gallery of Medals.
Day 5. Melbourne International Flower Show (B,D)
Today we take in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, rated among the top five flower and garden shows in the world. Staged within the world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, this prestigious show is a colourful celebration of our Australian lifestyle and great outdoors. Enjoy masterclasses with floral designers, meet key landscape designers and purchase everything from bulbs, plants, tools and trinkets to the latest garden accessories. Take as much time as you like to delve into this world of floral mastery before reuniting with the rest of the group this evening for a night out. Tonight, a special finale dinner with surprising entertainment of Titanic proportions! Let us take you on a voyage that will live in your heart long after you have come back ashore. Step back to a bygone era and relive the story that made Titanic the Ship of Dreams. Step aboard the theatre restaurant and experience a night filled with dining, dancing, laughter and drama. Period costume is encouraged but not compulsory. **Lunch is at own expense today.
Day 6. Flights home (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure this morning. Check-out is at 10am, when we depart the hotel and make our way to Artvo Immersive Gallery. This ‘trick art’ gallery is the first of its kind in Australia, where you are encouraged to touch and interact with the artworks, photographing yourself in them. You can become part of over 100 3D artworks, placing you in the midst of scenes, locations and famous paintings. After our time here, we make our way to the airport for our respective flights home.
B = Hot & Continental Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner
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