Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)
Day 1. Perth to Melbourne (D)
Today starts with courtesy home collection and transfers to the Perth Airport. On your arrival into the vibrant city of Melbourne, your coach captain will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. Overnight Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne
Day 2. Daylesford Convent and Gardens (BLD)
Today we leave Melbourne behind for Daylesford. Meet Roger McLean, founder of Herbal Lore Liqueurs. After 30 years of producing premium ports and liqueurs, Roger has developed a unique range of products under the name of Herbal Lore. The release of this outstanding range of liqueurs is certainly a first in Australia, if not the world. It is not only the magnificent depth of flavour of these products that makes Herbal Lore special, it is the mysterious healing power of herbs that has been documented over the years by some of the world’s best scrolls. Next, nestled on the crest of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, over-looking Daylesford, The Convent boasts expansive views of the countryside and township below. A feast for the senses, the gallery is more than a three level haven of fine art in an historic 19th Century mansion. With its decadent retail areas, Mediterranean restaurant, restored chapel and nun’s museum all surrounded by six acres of stunning gardens, this multi-award winning gallery offers endless possibilities and a delightful setting for lunch, a tour and time to wander and explore the gardens. Overnight: Central Springs Inn, Daylesford
Day 3. Daylesford Markets and Railway (BD)
Begin this morning at the Amazing Mill Markets of Daylesford where you will find vintage clothes and furniture, collectables, antiques, memorabilia, fine china, art, glass, jewellery, books and so much more. There is then time to enjoy the town of Daylesford at your leisure. This quaint village has a generous collection of historic buildings and the streets are lined with deciduous trees that will be in ablaze of colour for Autumn. In the afternoon take a train ride straight out of the good old days. The restored heritage train will take you through the beautiful scenic countryside and forest of the Central Highlands to the highest operating railway station in Victoria. The return trip will then take you along the top of the range, past open farmland and through thick forest passing the sites of ancient volcanoes and little communities established in the gold rush era. Overnight: Central Springs Inn, Daylesford
Day 4. Daylesford to the Macedon Ranges (BLD)
We leave Daylesford for the Macedon Ranges. Not far from Kyneton step inside the parklands and gardens of Bringalbit. The setting is stunning with a ten-acre park and garden that is world recognised and a 150-year-old granite homestead. The owner will take you on a guided tour and provide a delightful lunch. In the afternoon we tour on to the famous Hanging Rock where we are met by one of the locals to gain an insight into this famous location. From a sacred place for local indigenous people and the backdrop to Joan Lindsay’s book, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Peter Weir’s film of the same title, to a colourful host of music concerts, markets and popular horse races, the Rock tells many tales about the history of the Macedon Ranges. Overnight: Overnight: Grange Cleveland Winery, Lancefield
Day 5. Forest Glades and Stokes Collection (BLD)
A guided tour today will reveal the delights found at Forest Glade Gardens located on the southern slopes of Mount Macedon. Located at the centre of the stunningly beautiful garden is The Stokes Collection, regarded as one of the greatest private collections of porcelain, furniture and art in Australia. On a guided tour discover this amazing collection for yourself. For lunch we duck out to the Mount Macedon Hotel which exudes the atmosphere of an old English pub. We then return to the historic private garden of Forest Glade for a tour through one of the most beautiful gardens in Australia. As you wander through the grounds you will discover how it has embraced a mixture of landscaping styles taking inspiration from English, Italian and woodland traditions. Overnight: Grange Cleveland Winery, Lancefield
Day 6. Melbourne and the Festival (BD)
This morning we travel back to Melbourne where the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Festival has commenced its first day of activities. Hosted in the exquisite heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens the show is a celebration of Australia with breathtaking floral displays and spectacular show gardens. The Royal Exhibition Building will turn into the Great Hall of Flowers where you will be immersed in bright displays and colourful scents, the Main Stage will feature free seminars and demonstrations, and roving entertainment will feature throughout. In the afternoon join us aboard the Explorer Tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Overnight Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne
Day 7. Melbourne Markets and High Tea (BL)
This morning, step inside the Queen Victoria Market, the heart and soul of Melbourne. Eat, shop, explore and discover your way through the iconic food halls and heritage sheds where the banter is as fresh as the produce or simply soak up the atmosphere of the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Next high tea is a decadent ritual at The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne which has been serving its sumptuous Afternoon Tea since 1883. As soon as you set foot in The Hotel Windsor’s magnificently appointed dining room, you can understand why it has survived the test of time. In the afternoon you may choose to return to the flower festival (at own expense). Overnight Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne
Day 8. Melbourne to Perth (B)
After an action packed holiday we begin the return journey home. We transfer you to the Melbourne Airport to board your return flight to Perth. On arrival to Perth our courtesy small charter vehicle will see you safely home.
Itinerary subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. FreeCall 1800 066 272 for details.