Melbourne is an ever changing, vibrant city with café lined laneways, eclectic art displays and cultural experiences at every turn. Discover the hidden treasures, iconic structures, heritage, history and past stories as we travel in and around Melbourne.
Fly Carbon Neutral to Melbourne Airport where we board our opulent ‘Diamond Class’ coach travelling responsibly knowing all coach emissions are 100% offset. We make our way to the hub of Melbourne CBD and check in. This afternoon is at your leisure to explore the many cafés, shops or laneways of Melbourne. 5 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne
Today you have a free day to discover all that Melbourne city has to offer at your leisure. Perhaps begin your day with a stroll through the iconic Queen Victoria Market, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere and sample fresh local produce. As you wander through the city’s laneways adorned with street art, don’t miss the famous Hosier Lane for a visual feast. Take a leisurely walk along the Yarra River, enjoying the picturesque views of the skyline and the bustling Southbank precinct. Melbourne is renowned for its diverse arts scene, so make sure to explore the free galleries and installations at the National Gallery of Victoria. For a touch of nature, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Wrap up your day by catching the sunset at St Kilda Beach, just a short tram ride away, where you can relax on the sandy shores or stroll along the iconic pier. *Lunch is at your own expense today.
This morning we 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 guided 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. Next, 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 you 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. 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.
We take the scenic route today, travelling the Mornington Peninsula to the Sorrento Pier. From here we board the ferry and take a short cruise across the southern tip of Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff Harbour. Keep your eyes on the water as you may catch sight of a seal, gannet or dolphin frolicking here. A highlight today is our journey on Australia’s premier rail restaurant – the Q Train. Wine and dine in style as this award-winning restaurant travels along the historic Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff. Relax in the restored carriages and enjoy a gastronomical journey unlike anything else you have experienced. A delicious rail journey complemented with unique views of Swan Bay and the Bellarine. After detraining, we return to Melbourne.
The main event this morning, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show! With a major focus on emerging lifestyle trends, the show is set to inspire crowds with breathtaking floral displays and spectacular show gardens. Visitors to the show will also experience masterclasses with floral designers, meet key landscape designers, exhibitors and industry experts, as well as peruse the avenues of exhibitors selling everything from bulbs, plants, tools, trinkets and garden accessories. The prestigious show is well established in the psyche of Australians as a ‘must see’ event. Take your time to really explore today at the event, with several transfers from the show back to accommodation for those that would like to leave earlier than others. Your afternoon is at leisure. *As it is festival day, lunch is at your own expense.
Melbourne is a blend of bustling laneways, world-class restaurants, and captivating museums. The locals love their coffee, and serve it up in abundance at cosy cafés. Enjoy a free morning for retail therapy and browse the unique hidden surprises in the laneways. Please meet back at the hotel mid-afternoon for transfers to Melbourne Airport for respective Carbon Neutral flights home. *Lunch is at your own expense today.
B = Hot & Continental Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner
| Twinshare | Sole Use | Departs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| $4125 | $5175 | 24 March |
**The date for the Melbourne Flower show is yet to be released for 2025. This departure date is indicative only and is subject to change. Should Melbourne Flower Show tour dates fall over Melbourne Grand Prix dates, an additional surcharge from hotels will apply.
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