Discover Victoria’s rich past and stunning landscapes on this nostalgic journey. Travel the iconic Great Ocean Road, explore shipwreck history in Warrnambool, and relive the Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill. Cruise the Murray River on a historic paddlesteamer in Echuca, once Australia’s busiest inland port. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train in the Dandenongs.
Activity Level 2
Home pick up and return within the Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout
Return economy class airfares Auckland to Melbourne
Quality hotel accommodation throughout
7 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners including lunches at Apollo Bay Brewhouse, award winning Seppelt Winery and Killara Estate plus our Farewell Dinner
Scenic Great Ocean Road drive - see the iconic 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village featuring Victoria's largest maritime collection
“Tales of the Shipwreck Coast” Sound & Light Show
Sovereign Hill gold mine and city tour in Ballarat
Bendigo Vintage Talking Tram tour
Echuca Heritage activities including a Paddlesteamer cruise, museum visit and tour The Great Aussie Beer Shed
Puffing Billy Vintage steam train ride in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges
All airport and hotel transfers throughout.
Travelwise Holidays documentation and travel bag
WED 25 NOV- AUCKLAND/MELBOURNE/TORQUAY
Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand flight NZ123 at 8.50am, arrive Melbourne 10.50am. Travel to Torquay, at the start of the Great Ocean Road. The afternoon is free. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight. Stay The Sands Torquay, 1 night. Included: D
THU 26 NOV – TORQUAY/WARRNAMBOOL
Head for the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most iconic and picturesque ocean-lined roads. Lunch is waiting for us in the seaside town of Apollo Bay at one of the local legendary microbrewer’s, the Brewhouse. With our stomachs full, we continue west. Get your cameras ready as next on the list is the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Our accommodation is in the seaside city of Warrnambool. Stay Best Western Olde Maritime Hotel, Warrnambool, 2 nights. Included: B, L, D
FRI 27 NOV – WARRNAMBOOL
This morning we head off at 9.30am to tour Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village a state heritage listed site overlooking the beautiful Lady Bay, and holders of Victoria's largest maritime and shipwreck collection. Enjoy a Devonshire tea mid morning, and enjoy a city tour including a stop at Tower Hill. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, before we meet up again at dusk to walk over to enjoy the “Tales of the Shipwreck Coast” Sound & Light Show. Dinner tonight at the hotel. Included: B, D
SAT 28 NOV - WARRNAMBOOL/DUNKELD/BALLARAT
Leaving Warrnambool early we head for the Grampians town of Dunkeld. Enjoy morning tea at Little Brick House Cafe (own cost). A stop at Boroka Lookout en route to Seppelt Winery, a winery that has been at the forefront of Australian winemaking for over 160 years where we will enjoy an underground tour and delectable lunch. We then head to the historic town of Ballarat. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. Stay The George Hotel or similar, 2 nights. Included: B, L, D
SUN 29 NOV – BALLARAT, GOLD MINE TOUR
Today we visit Sovereign Hill gold mine to experience the magic and adventure of the Gold Rush era. Gold was discovered here in 1851, triggering the greatest alluvial gold rush the world has ever known. A Ballarat city tour and visit to the Botanical Gardens, one of Victoria’s oldest gardens established 1858, rounds out the day. Enjoy freedom dining tonight. Included: B
MON 30 NOV – BALLARAT/ECHUCA
Today we head to the river town of Echuca, on the Murray River, with a stop enroute in Bendigo for lunch. In Bendigo, all aboard the Vintage Talking Tram from Bendigo Joss Temple House to Central Deborah Gold Mine, a delightful way to learn about the local history. Stay Mercure Hotel, Port of Echuca, 2 nights. Included: B, L,D
TUE 01 DEC - ECHUCA HERITAGE SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, we set out for the day learning about Echuca’s heritage - hop onboard a traditional paddlesteamer for a leisurely one hour cruise, wander the Echuca Historical Society Museum, and visit The Great Aussie Beer Shed, one of Echuca’s most unique attractions. Dinner at the hotel. Included: B, D
WED 02 DEC – ECHUCA/MELBOURNE
We head south to Melbourne, the cultural and food capital of Australia. A hub for art, music, and sporting events, offering a blend of rich history and modern trends. Stay Hotel Grand Chancellor, 3 nights. Included: B, D
THU 03 DEC - MELBOURNE, PUFFING BILLY TRAIN
Step into a timeless world of wonder with Australia’s favourite steam train, Puffing Billy, located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges. Later savour a hearty vineyard lunch in the Yarra Valley, and finish with a visit to a chocolatery. Freedom dining tonight. Included: B, L
FRI 04 DEC - MELBOURNE FREE DAY
A free day to explore Melbourne. The city is famous for its diverse and trendy neighborhoods, bustling laneways, and a sophisticated foodie scene. Enjoy a Farewell dinner tonight. Included: B, D
SAT 05 DEC- MELBOURNE/AUCKLAND
Depart Melbourne on Air New Zealand flight NZ124 at 12.05pm, arrive Auckland 5.35pm and transfer home (if applicable) Included: B
Deposit: $500pp
