This morning we fly from Sydney to Melbourne, where our journey begins with a city sights tour onboard the coach taking in the rich heritage of our southern capital, before we enjoy lunch at Docklands on the waterfront.  We will also visit Victoria Markets and Federation Square where the gallery exhibits a fabulous collection of classic Australian artwork. We will then head to our motel – Best Western Travel Inn Hotel, Carlton (Ph: 03 9347 7922).  Our dinner tonight is in house at 7.00pm.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Carlton
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

We will commence our day with a visit to the fabulous Melbourne Botanic Gardens. Established in 1846, this 36 hectare garden is a delightful oasis close to the city centre and much loved by Melburnians. It is a treasured part of the city’s cultural life and with its stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections, the gardens are a place of continual discovery and delight. We will then head across to Albert Park for a hot lap around the Formula One course before travelling through St Kilda to the bay. We will follow the shoreline through Elwood, Brighton, Sandringham, Beaumaris and Mentone passing beautiful waterfront houses, beaches and marinas. Returning to the city, we will enjoy a cruise down the Yarra to the Port of Melbourne and Docklands, followed by lunch at Southbank.

This afternoon we will enjoy some free time in the city before returning to our accommodation. Dinner tonight will be at one of the fabulous restaurants on Lygon St. 

Overnight: Best Western Plus Carlton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning we will head west to the thriving regional city of Ballarat where we will enjoy a guided tour taking in its beautiful heritage buildings, parks and gardens.    As we tour the city we will see the prosperity generated by its golden past as well as exploring its rich history –  the Eureka Rebellion was one of Australia’s defining events.  We will see the impressive Town Hall, Craig’s Royal Hotel, The Eureka Stockade Memorial, the Burke & Wills Fountain, the Mechanics Institute, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Black Hill Lookout, the Avenue of Honour and the Titanic Memorial prior to our visit to the excellent Ballarat Art Gallery.

Our lunch today is in the Ballarat Botanic Gardens which is located on the shores of Lake Wendouree.   Its 40 hectares is divided into three distinct zones and includes many features such as the returned ex POW Memorial, the Conservatory, the Stoddart Statue Collection and the busts of Australia’s Prime Ministers (Alfred Deakin, our 2nd Prime Minister represented Ballarat).   This afternoon we will continue on to Great Western where we will visit the historic Seppelts Cellars. They contain over 3 kilometres of underground cellars known as the drives – the largest underground cellars in the Southern Hemisphere.   Excavation commenced in 1868 and continued for over 60 years.   During our visit we will be able to taste wines produced from 3 regions – the cool Grampians country, the wild Henty hinterland and the famous Heathcote district.

The final leg of today’s journey across the Grampians takes us through the township of Stawell.   We will arrive at our home for the next 2 nights, The Country Plaza Motel, Halls Gap.  (Ph:  03 5356 4344)

Overnight: Country Plaza Halls Gap
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we explore the southern Grampians, taking in the dramatic views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt.  At the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, we learn about the traditions and stories of the region’s First Nations people before continuing to the majestic Mackenzie Falls.  After a relaxed lunch and time to wander, we return to Halls Gap for an afternoon at leisure before dinner together at the hotel.

Overnight: Country Plaza Halls Gap
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing Halls Gap, we journey into the Wimmera Mallee to discover the incredible Silo Art Trail. We pause at Rupanyup, Sheep Hills, Brim, Rosebery, and beyond, admiring the scale and artistry of these regional masterpieces. Lunch is enjoyed lakeside at Lake Lascelles, followed by visits to more painted silos at Lascelles, Patchewollock, Sea Lake, and Nullawil.  Arriving in Swan Hill, we share dinner before witnessing the Pioneer Settlement’s dazzling Laser Light Spectacular.

Overnight: Swan Hill Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin at the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, which is home to a restored Catalina A24-30 and communications bunker as a commemoration to the service men and women who served at No. 1 flying boat repair depot, Lake Boga, from 1941 to 1947. We then continue to Echuca for a relaxing lunch and a one-hour cruise aboard an authentic paddle steamer. Later, in Shepparton, we explore the striking Art Museum (hours pending) before enjoying the peaceful Botanic Gardens and Victoria Park Lake. This evening, we dine together and unwind at our comfortable hotel.

Overnight: Quality Hotel Parklake Shepparton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we follow the Silo Art Trail once more, visiting St James, Devenish, and Goorambat. After morning tea at the Benalla Botanic Gardens, we browse the local art gallery and explore the town’s vibrant street art. Following lunch, we visit the Winton Wetlands and the Ned Kelly Museum before continuing on to Albury where we will have a brief tour of the town. Continuing along the Olympic Way, we pass through country towns of Culcairn and Henty en route to Wagga.

Overnight: Mercure Wagga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will commence the day with a visit to the Wagga Botanic Gardens which features a beautiful Rose Garden, Rainforest Gully, Cactus and Succulent Garden, Shakespearian Garden, Camelia Garden and fabulous Zoo. After morning tea we depart for Goulburn via Gundagai and Yass, taking the Hume Highway with a brief comfort/photo break at Gundagai.  After lunch in Goulburn, we’ll have a short orientation tour of the town’s highlights before rejoining the highway and break our journey home at Pheasants Nest, returning to Sydney late afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch