MANSIONS & THE GOLDEN CHARMS OF VICTORIA

Our day begins with a guided visit to the National Wool Museum in Geelong to uncover the region’s rich wool heritage. Enjoy a short morning tea break before exploring the Geelong Gallery, home to an impressive collection of Australian and European art. We then travel to Jack Rabbit Vineyard for a delicious lunch with stunning bay views — this time seated in the main restaurant to soak up the lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, browse the eclectic treasures at the Mill Markets, a haven of vintage and collectables. Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening — you might like to join in the local quiz night at the hotel.

Today we delve into Victoria’s rich pastoral heritage, beginning with Tarndwarncoort Homestead, the birthplace of the Polwarth sheep breed. Enjoy a guided tour and morning tea at this remarkable 1840s estate. We then continue to Coragulac House, a privately-owned mansion showcasing grand cedar-panelled interiors and panoramic views — lunch is served here in refined surrounds. On our way back, we stop at the now-reopened Barwon Park Mansion, a National Trust property renowned for its bluestone architecture and 42-room grandeur. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before we head to Drysdale Railway Station to board The Q Train — a travelling restaurant showcasing local produce in a moving, multi-course degustation. Journey through the scenic Bellarine Peninsula, pausing at historic Suma Park Homestead. After this exceptional experience, we travel to Werribee Park to check in to our hotel set within the historic estate.

Hotel: Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park for 1 night

An unforgettable blend of heritage and elegance, the Lancemore Mansion Hotel boasts grand 1920s architecture and a storied history, all framed by beautifully manicured English gardens.

This morning, enjoy time to explore the Werribee Park Rose Garden at your own pace. Then we head to the Werribee Open Range Zoo for a safari tour to see African wildlife like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras — we’ll split into two smaller groups for a more comfortable experience. Lunch follows at Shadowfax Winery, known for its striking architecture and seasonal produce. From here, we travel into Melbourne to check in for our final three nights. This evening, enjoy a light dinner at the hotel.

Hotel: Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne for 3 nights
,em>The Rendezvous Hotel, once home to the Commercial Travellers Association of Victoria, is now a beautifully restored heritage-listed property located on Flinders Street, overlooking the Yarra River.

This morning, enjoy time to explore the Werribee Park Rose Garden at your own pace. Then we head to the Werribee Open Range Zoo for a safari tour to see African wildlife like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras — we’ll split into two smaller groups for a more comfortable experience. Lunch follows at Shadowfax Winery, known for its striking architecture and seasonal produce. From here, we travel into Melbourne to check in for our final three nights. This evening, enjoy a light dinner at the hotel.

Hotel: Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne for 3 nights

The Rendezvous Hotel, once home to the Commercial Travellers Association of Victoria, is now a beautifully restored heritage-listed property located on Flinders Street, overlooking the Yarra River.

Step into the elegance of a bygone era with a visit to Rippon Lea Estate — a grand 19th-century mansion and garden retreat managed by the National Trust. Enjoy a guided tour through the opulent interiors and beautifully landscaped grounds, steeped in history and heritage. Tonight, indulge in dinner at The Conservatory at Crown Melbourne, known for its striking décor and indulgent buffet.

Farewell Melbourne this morning as we travel west to the grand gold rush city of Ballarat. En route or on arrival, enjoy free time to purchase lunch at one of Ballarat’s many charming cafés or bakeries — perhaps along the historic Lydiard Street precinct. This afternoon, we visit the nearby Creswick Woollen Mills for a behind-the-scenes look at the production of natural fibres and a chance to meet the friendly alpacas. Later, we check in to the iconic Craig’s Royal Hotel, your home for the next four nights. Enjoy dinner tonight in the hotel’s elegant restaurant.

Hotel: Craig’s Royal Hotel, Ballarat for 3 nights

A truly elegant day awaits. Begin with a visit to The Convent Gallery in Daylesford, perched on Wombat Hill with stunning views. Take a guided tour of this restored 19th-century mansion, with time to explore the chapel, galleries, gardens, and café. Continue to the tranquil Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm for a relaxed farmhouse lunch and time to explore the gardens, historic stone buildings, and boutique gift shop. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Today we journey through the heart of Victoria’s gold rush country, starting with a visit to Maldon — officially Australia’s first “Notable Town” for its remarkably preserved 19th-century streetscape. Enjoy time to browse its charming main street, filled with heritage buildings, antique shops, cafés and galleries. Continue to Castlemaine, a creative regional hub, where you’ll have free time to explore The Mill — a former woollen mill now transformed into a bustling complex of artisan producers, vintage stalls and food vendors. Enjoy lunch at your leisure (own expense), perhaps sampling from the on-site bakery, wine lounge, or brewery. Return to Ballarat in the late afternoon and gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, we farewell Ballarat and return to Melbourne Airport for your flight home. Upon arrival in Perth, enjoy a private car transfer back to your home.