MANSIONS & 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. Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening — you might like to join in the local quiz night at the hotel.

Delve into Victoria’s rich pastoral heritage, beginning with Tarndwarncoort Homestead. Enjoy a guided tour and morning tea at this 1840s estate. 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 Bellarine Peninsula, pausing at historic Suma Park Homestead. Later, continue on to your accommodation and check in. The evening includes a light dinner at the hotel, allowing time to unwind after a full and memorable day.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Werribee for 1 night

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 to Melbourne to check in for our final three nights. This evening, enjoy a light dinner at the hotel.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne for 3 nights

Today we visit the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show — the Southern Hemisphere’s premier horticultural event. Marvel at show gardens, floral installations, and home design exhibits from Australia’s leading landscape and floral artists. To elevate your experience, enjoy a High Tea in the VIP marquee, offering a peaceful retreat amid the festival’s vibrant displays. The evening is at leisure.

This morning, set out on a guided Melbourne city tour, providing an overview of the city’s landmarks and character before continuing to Como House and Garden. Built in 1847, Como House is an elegant blend of Australian Regency and Italianate architectural styles, set within historic gardens that reflect its long heritage. The afternoon is free for personal leisure, allowing time to relax or explore independently. Later, gather for a final dinner at a Melbourne restaurant, marking the closing evening of the tour.

Travel via Woodend and Kyneton to Bendigo. Enjoy lunch at the historic Shamrock Hotel before checking in. This afternoon, join a guided tour of Bendigo and discover its grand architecture and rich gold rush history.

Hotel: Shamrock Hotel, Bendigo for 3 nights

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Central Deborah Mine and learn about Bendigo’s gold mining history. Afterwards, take a Talking Tram tour to see some of the city’s key sights and attractions. There will be free time to explore Bendigo and purchase lunch at your leisure. This afternoon, visit the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion for a guided tour before enjoying dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant this evening.

This morning, travel to Maldon, Australia’s first “Notable Town,” where you can admire its beautifully preserved 19th-century streetscape and historic buildings. Continue to Lavandula for lunch, followed by a guided tour of the property and its gardens. Later, visit Daylesford and enjoy time to stroll through the town’s charming streets, browse local shops, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

Visit the Eureka Centre to learn about the famous Eureka Stockade before exploring the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and their renowned Begonia Display. Following lunch at Pipers, continue to the iconic Craig’s Royal Hotel. The afternoon is at leisure before dinner at the hotel.

Hotel: raig’s Royal Hotel, Ballarat for 2 nights

Visit Creswick Woollen Mills to discover the history of one of Australia’s bestknown woollen producers. Return to Ballarat for a heritage tram ride before free time to explore the city. This evening, celebrate your tour with a farewell dinner at The Boatshed.

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.