9 Days Autumn Festival & Alpine High Country 2020

itinerary

DAY 1 – Flights to Melbourne (D)

Our flights take us into Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport where we join one of Fun Over Fifty’s signature luxury coaches `Diamond Class’ or ‘Gold Class’ for a transfer to the city of Melbourne. On route, we travel the Tullamarine Freeway with a bird’s eye view of the CBD and the Docklands. We arrive at our hotel to check-in and take time to explore the city, or perhaps a stroll along the Yarra River at Southbank. Tonight, we dine out in style on the elegant Colonial Tramcar Restaurant taking in the seaside suburbs of South Melbourne, Middle Park and St Kilda while enjoying the Silver and White Linen service accompanied by complimentary fine wine, beer and spirits. 1 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne. Diamond Class in King Superior Rooms

DAY 2 – Albury & Surrounds (B,MT, L,D)

After breakfast, we board the coach and make our way north along the Hume Highway over the Great Dividing Range to Seymour. The township of Seymour is situated only four kilometres from the army base of Puckapunyal, and plays an important part in servicing the army base. It is also the home of the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk which was built to commemorate service of all who played their part in what turned out to be a tumultuous part of Australia’s history. After our break, we continue north to the Ned Kelly country town of Glenrowan where we have lunch and visit the Ned Kelly Last Stand. Through the brilliance of animation and animatronic figures, you will be taken back in time, to witness the events of the Kelly Gang. With the fame of Ned Kelly behind us, we continue to the city of Albury to our accommodation for a three night stay. 3 Night Stay: Albury. GOLD CLASS: Albury Manor House DIAMOND CLASS: Best Western Hovell Tree Inn

DAY 3 – Beechworth, Gala Day at the Autumn Festival, Bright (B,D)

After breakfast, we travel to Beechworth where we pick up a guide for a tour of this historical town followed by a visit to an open garden showcasing three acres of landscaped gardens, rock walls, hedges, standard roses, dogwoods, maples, Mt. Fuji weeping cherries, catalpas, weeping elms & mulberries. We then head to Bright’s Gala Day at the Autumn Festival. The festival is a ten-day celebration of the wonderful autumn colours produced in the valleys of Victoria’s High Country. Bright is the ‘legend of the fall’ and the main street comes alive with brass and highland bands, street stalls, craft displays and the highlight ‘The Autumn Festival Parade’. After the parade, we travel back to our accommodation at Albury. **Lunch is own expense today as you have free time at the festival. (GGP)

DAY 4 – Mt Beauty, Falls Creek, Bogong High Plains, Albury (B,MT,L,D)

This morning we board the coach and travel through the picturesque Kiewa Valley and onto Mt Beauty. Here we have a break before ascending the mountain, passing Bogong Village (built for the Hydro Electric Scheme) to the alpine village of Falls Creek. We continue, skirting the Rocky Valley Storage Dam to historic Wallace’s Hut, the oldest (but still standing) hut in the Bogong High Plains. After a brisk walk, we descend the mountain making our way to Annapurna Estate Winery for wine tasting and lunch. Annapurna Estate Winery is a hidden treasure with spectacular views, a beautiful vineyard and a simple yet tasty seasonal menu. Our afternoon’s travels take us via the Tawonga Gap Road with breath-taking views of the Kiewa Valley at Tawonga Gap. We return via Yakandandah to our accommodation at Albury. (GGP)

DAY 5 – Gundagai, Blue Mountains (B,MT,L,D)

This morning we leave the border town of Albury making our way north along the Hume Highway through the township of Holbrook and onto Gundagai where we have a break at the ‘Dog on the Tucker Box’. We continue via Goulburn into the Southern Highlands and onto the Western Highway to the lofty heights of the Blue Mountains finishing our day at Leura where we check-in to our resort accommodation. 2 Night Stay: Fairmont Resort, Leura. Diamond Class in Deluxe Rooms on the uppermost floors.

DAY 6 – Blue Mountains (B,L,D)

Today we enjoy some of the sights of the Blue Mountains including Three Sisters, Govetts Leap, Wentworth Falls and the township of Katoomba. We top off the day with a visit to Scenic World to take rides on the cable car, railway and skyway. Descend a steep track on the Scenic Railway route to arrive at a pristine rainforest landscape where you can stroll through the greenery. When you’re ready, step into the fully-enclosed cabin of the Scenic Cableway, which offers aerial views of landmarks such as Mt Solitary, Orphan Rock, Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls, then get another perspective as you soar high over Jamison Valley on the Scenic Skyway.

DAY 7 – Bathurst, Mudgee (B,MT,L,D)

We board the coach after breakfast and travel west along the Great Western Highway passing through Mt Victoria and descending into the western plains through Lithgow to break in Bathurst. We travel in the coach on the circuit of the famous Bathurst Race Track – Mount Panorama (providing it is open) before continuing to the historic gothic mansion Abercrombie House. We spend time here taking a guided tour of the house followed by lunch. Leaving Bathurst behind, we travel the scenic route through the historic gold mining town of Sofala to finish our day at Mudgee for an overnight stay. 1 Night Stay: Parklands Resort, Mudgee

DAY 8 – Gulgong, Gunnedah, Armidale (B,MT,L,D)

We leave the town of Mudgee and travel the short distance to Gulgong (the town on the ten-dollar note) to their famous museum. Continuing on we travel through the Central Western part of New South Wales passing through Coolah and skirting the Coolah Tops National Park to break at the Black Stump for a cuppa and a photo shoot. We then pass through the town of Mullaley and arrive in Gunnedah for lunch. Taking to the road again we travel the Oxley Highway to Tamworth, home of the Country Music festival held in January every year. We visit the Big Guitar, an opportunity to perhaps get some souvenirs before we head off again. Lastly we take the New England Highway up the Moonbi Range through Uralla and on to Armidale for our final night. 1 Night Stay: Quality Hotel Powerhouse, Armidale

DAY 9 – Return to Brisbane (B,MT,L)

After breakfast we board the coach for our final day. We travel along the New England Plateau surrounded by rich autumn colours as we pass through the tiny towns of Guyra, Glen Innes and onto Tenterfield for a break and cuppa. After our break, we continue to Stanthorpe to the College of Wine and Tourism for lunch. After our wining and dining, we travel via Cunningham’s Gap to Brisbane Transit Centre.

B = Hot & Continental Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner

dates & pricing