A Victorian Christmas

Welcome to our fantastic Christmas Tour featuring the iconic Great Ocean Road and Melbourne. On arrival to the airport, we meet our friendly coach captain and make our way to Werribee Open Range Zoo, where it has a special focus on African animals. We board our safari bus across the unique open range savannah and spot rhinos, giraffes and zebras. With free time to wander at leisure, visit the world’s largest gorilla exhibit or see the cheeky monkeys at play. This afternoon we drive to Geelong for our overnight stay. The once industrial city has been turned into an incredible mix of historic buildings and urban culture. We will check into our accommodation, have time to freshen up and then meet for a Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation: Rydges Geelong or similar (1 night)

After a leisurely morning we join the Great Ocean Road, one of the best drives in Australia. Beginning in Torquay we uncover the story behind this seaside towns surfing culture at the Surf Museum, home of the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame. We stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie for our morning tea break where you also might like to purchase some of their yummy products before continuing to Anglesea and then onto Lorne. The approach to the town is remarkable as the township is built amongst a forest with native trees stretching down to the water. We have time to wander the town and purchase lunch (own expense) before continuing to Skenes Creek where our accommodation is located. We check in to our rooms and will meet in the evening for dinner.

Accommodation: Ocean Road Motel or similar (2 nights)

After breakfast this morning we board the coach for our sightseeing tour of the area. From Apollo Bay, the road leaves the coast, winding its way through the Otway Ranges. Steeped in history and surrounded by beauty, the Cape Otway Lighthouse is an unforgettable experience. This monument to the wild untamed coast has stood the test of time. For many of our brave forbears, it was their first sight of this southern land, for some it was their last. In 1848 the lighthouse became the beacon of hope on a dangerous coastline and is one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia. Next, we stop to experience the spectacular Otway Fly, the longest and highest canopy of its kind in the world. There is a 600m metre long 25-30-metre-high elevated walkway that provides unrivalled views of the unique beauty of the region’s flora and fauna from the rainforest floor up into the soaring heights of the treetops. Returning via Apollo Bay, we visit the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse for a tasting. This evening we go out for dinner to the Apollo Bay Hotel.

Enjoy breakfast before we check out this morning and board the coach to further our journey. The natural beauty of the area continues as we travel the full length of the Port Campbell National Park where we’ll see the Twelve Apostles – a group of magnificent rock stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Our drive also features Loch and Gorge, London Bridge and the beautiful Bay of Islands. We arrive to the seaside town of Warrnambool. More than 100 ships and boats have been wrecked within 80km of Warrnambool, hence the current name for the area – The Shipwreck Coast. Check in, unpack and relax as we spend our next three nights here in Warrnambool.

Accommodation: Mid City Motel or similar (3 nights)

This morning after breakfast we explore the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. Supported by the local community, this delightful complex authentically recreates the appearance, atmosphere and activities apparent in a small coastal port during the 50 years prior to 1900. It presents and preserves material, artefacts and vessels relating to Australia’s early maritime museum. Heading out of town, we travel to Port Fairy. The town’s rich, maritime history and colonial character have been faithfully restored and is still seems like a small fishing village. Seaman’s blue stone cottages rub shoulders with gracious commercial and administrative buildings. Its fine antique shops, pubs and restaurants are all housed in original Victorian buildings – the National Trust have classified 50 of them. We continue to Portland, the oldest European settlement in Victoria and the only deep-water sea port between Adelaide and Melbourne, making it a major centre for sea transport of goods and produce from the surrounding area. Here we visit the Portland Cable Tram Depot where it’s all aboard the tram to follow the scenic track running along Henty Beach with wonderful views of the deep-water harbour. We will return to the Flagstaff Hill Village tonight for a spectacular night time sound and laser show, called “Shipwrecked” recreating the tragic story of the Loch Ard Shipwreck that took place in local waters more than 120 years ago. This evening we go dinner at Pippies by the Bay restaurant.

Today we have a full day at leisure in Warrnambool. You may like to immerse yourself in the hot springs bathing experience or indulge in a massage at Deep Blue, Victoria’s first hot springs hotel. You may like to visit one of the fantastic attractions or browse the many boutiques in town. You may even like to visit the foreshore where you’ll be surrounded by walking trails and idyllic beach. Today, the choice is yours!

After breakfast we check out, board the coach and make our way to Ballarat, where on arrival we visit the Eureka Centre, dedicated to the central theme of democracy. Located on the site where young miners bravely stood up for their rights in 1854, we explore the events surrounding the Eureka Stockade and see the original Eureka Flag. We spend the rest of the day at Sovereign Hill, where Australia’s history comes to life. It’s like stepping back in time – from the hustle and bustle of Main Street where costumed ladies and gents parade their new found wealth, to the excitement of the Red Hill Gully Diggins where you can pan for real gold. This afternoon we arrive at our overnight accommodation and have time to check in and freshen up before meeting for dinner.

Accommodation: Bell Tower Inn or similar – (1 night)

Check out this morning after breakfast before we head into Melbourne today with our first stop just outside of the CBD at Overnewton Castle. The castle was built in 1849 and now stands as a prominent heritage building. This Scottish Baronial style castle set amidst 4 acres of private tranquil English gardens makes the perfect setting for our historical tour and high tea. We continue into the city where we meet our local guide. Melbourne has the perfect blend of rich cultural history and new age trends which we’ll explore today. Located on the southern banks of the Yarra River is Melbourne Skydeck. Enjoy floor to ceiling, 360-degree views of Melbourne’s CBD, sports precinct, Port Phillip Bay, Docklands and everything in between. After an interesting day we check into our hotel and have time to freshen up before dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza or similar – (8 nights)

We have the perfect start to the joys of Christmas Day with a leisurely breakfast before a morning of sightseeing. We travel to the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens for a self-guided tour. The impressive gardens feature an amazing and diverse plant collection including camelias, rainforest flora, succulents and roses. Next, we head to St Kilda, a trendy seaside suburb, renowned for its unique atmosphere and diversity. We have free time here to stroll the beach or wander the historic pier. Our touring continues at Brighton where the 82 distinctive bathing boxes are a focal point of the beach. Built well over a century ago, the bathing boxes remain almost unchanged. Despite the artistic and colourful display, they all retain the classic Victorian architectural featuring such as timber framing, weatherboards and corrugated iron. We return to Melbourne to enjoy our traditional festive lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure until we come together for a light supper.

After a leisurely morning we visit the Melbourne Museum where we’ll be given a rich and surprising insight into life in Victoria. Showcasing intriguing permanent collections and brilliant temporary exhibitions, we’ll see the natural environment, culture and history through different perspectives. Picture yourself in a top hat or full dress with coreset; this is how people were dressed when dining at our lunch venue today. Located in Melbourne’s famous Block Arcade, The Tea Rooms are steeped in history. Opening in 1892, it is home to the original Hopetoun Tearooms. Take it all in as you sit sipping your coffee or tea over lunch. Next, we enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Yarra River. Within moments of departing, we are cruising through Melbourne’s picturesque gardens, parklands and some of our famous sporting arenas. We then have a free afternoon in Melbourne where you may like to find a bargain in the Boxing Day sales or visit one of the many restaurants or attractions on offer in this vibrant city.

Today enjoy breakfast before we explore the Mornington Peninsula. Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, it has long been a favourite destination with gardens, coastal scenery and wineries in abundance. We uncover Australia’s oldest and most famous hedge maze at Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens. We have time to wander the year-round flowering lavender labyrinth and 25 acres of world acclaimed gardens. Shortly after we arrive at Red Hill Estate, a multi award winning winery situated in the internationally recognised “cool climate” region. This stunning property also boasts superb panoramic views of Westernport Bay which we will enjoy as we indulge in a wine tasting. This afternoon we soar the heights of the Mornington Peninsula gliding through the sky in a gondola at Arthurs Sea Eagle. With uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay and framed by swaying gum trees, be impressed by the magic landscape. Returning to Melbourne, dinner tonight will be at Ludlow Bar & Dining Room, located on the banks of the Yarra River on Southbank.

After breakfast, we drive to the Macedon Ranges and its most famous landmark, Hanging Rock. Mount Diogenes, as it is known, is a rare volcanic formation and one of the best examples of a volcanic plug or mamelon in the world. It has been exposed to considerable weathering and erosion, resulting in a conglomeration of unusual rock formations. We visit the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre where the hands-on interpretive displays will help you discover the history and geology of the Rock. Next, we visit the Forest Glade Garden where we have plenty of time to look around. The original garden is over 100 years old and now covers 12 acres including a magnificent laburnum arch, a peony walk highlighted with climbing roses together with numerous pergolas, fountains, ponds and statues. Our final stop is to Mount Macedon Winery. Set on 80 acres of farmland, this boutique vineyard with panoramic views is the idyllic location for a relaxed lunch. The kitchen offers rustic, hearty, seasonal dishes that we will enjoy with a wine tasting. Back in Melbourne, the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.

Today we have a full day of leisure in Melbourne. We meet up again for dinner at the hotel to share our stories from the day before an evening out at a show. Melbourne’s theatre scene offers a wealth of entertainment and we are sure to have a fantastic night.

We have a morning at leisure before meeting up to travel to Phillip Island, one of Australia’s more popular islands and home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. Here we visit Phillip Island Nature Park we visit the Nobbies Centre which offers spectacular coastal scenery as well as a viewing the offshore seal colony at Seal Rocks. We take a virtual journey into the wonderful world of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica and engage with many interactive and immersive experiences included through the Antarctic Journey. We enjoy dinner here followed by the Penguin Parade. Every day at dusk the Little Penguins come ashore after fishing for whitebait for their young. To see them come out of the surf in small groups and waddle up the beach is a unique spectacle. Make sure you have your cameras ready!

After breakfast this morning we travel to Coombe – Melba Estate, one of the largest and oldest family estates in the Yarra Valley. The history, beauty and romance of the estate makes it a unique place to visit. Lunch today is at Yarrawood Estate where we enjoy a delightful wine tasting and lunch. The estate is internationally acclaimed for producing fine handcrafted single vineyard wines. Not too far away is Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. We’ll be welcomed with chocolate tastings, displays of thousands of premium chocolates and chocolatiers hard at work handcrafting their creations. Returning to our hotel we have time to freshen up before our special New Year’s Eve dinner at Berth Restaurant. After enjoying our delicious two course meal we have a chance to see the early fireworks before returning to our hotel.

Happy New Year! Our time on the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and then with our bags packed, we say our goodbyes and transfer to the airport. We arrive home from a fantastic holiday with lifelong memories.