Melbourne Garden Festival Escape

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before travelling down to Queenscliff to take in the stunning 360-degree views of the bay, the heads and the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas from the Queenscliff Observation Tower. Back up at the Bellarine Peninsula’s Drysdale Railway Station, we enjoy a welcome drink before joining Geelong’s famous Q Train for our 11.30am, ‘First Class’ rail journey along the Bellarine Peninsula between the Drysdale and Queenscliff stations. Enjoy the best produce from Geelong, Bellarine and the Otway’s, incorporated into our delicious 5 course degustation menu with unique ‘Drink Paring’ for each course. Once we arrive at the station approximately 3 hours later, we top our day off with ‘mixed wine tastings’ at the Jack Rabbit Winery. Dinner this evening is at own cost with we have the option to purchase a snack in Ivor’s Spike Bar.

Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight Curlewis: Curlewis Golf Club

After breakfast and checkout, we travel into Melbourne to the iconic MCG for a tour of the Australian Sports Museum, home to Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia. We then explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed turf and experience where legends play before going behind the scenes visiting the famous Long Room and other iconic areas. Following our tour and light refreshments at the ‘G’, we head to Rippon Lea Estate to tour the magnificent mansion and garden led by a national trust guide. Later in the afternoon we check into our ideally located city accommodation with time to freshen up before meeting for drinks and dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight Melbourne: The Victoria Hotel

After breakfast, we head across to the Shrine of Remembrance where with our expert guide we discover the history which was born from grief after the First World War and now provides a place of remembrance for Australian service and sacrifice in all wars since. After leaving the Shrine we transfer across to the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, the Eureka Tower Skydeck to witness amazing views across the city and beyond. Later this afternoon, after a rest back at our hotel, we make our way to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. Australia’s top landscape designers are responsible for the breathtaking “Show Gardens” and the Great Hall of Flowers within the Royal Exhibition Building. Later as the sun sets, we are able to witness the very special Gardens By Twilight. With an indulgent offering of tasty gourmet food, delicious botanical beverages, with the added bonus of exclusive evening entertainment from stilt walkers, fire artists and LED hoop artists. Stroll through the illuminated gardens, life-size sculptures from hundreds of Australian artists inside the revamped Arts and Sculpture Precinct. Our day complete we head back to our hotel for the night,.

Breakfast

Overnight Melbourne: The Victoria Hotel

After checkout this morning, we are in for one last treat as we travel up to Mount Macedon, home to the Stokes Collection and Forest Glade Gardens. The remarkable Stokes Collection represents a life-long passion of Cyril Stokes, bearing witness to his love and knowledge of beautiful decorative arts. After our guided tour of the collection, we are free to explore Forest Glade Gardens, one of the most beautiful gardens in Australia. We also stop by the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, an imposing structure that commemorates all those who served in wars and conflicts. Spectacular views south and back towards Melbourne can be enjoyed at several locations. Pick a spot within the reserve to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back down to the Melbourne Airport for our flight back home after our amazing short break away in greater Melbourne with Trade Travel. Flight details: VA000 Melbourne - Homeport 0000/0000 (Flights to be advised)

Breakfast & Lunch

Werribee Park Mansion; Victoria State Rose Garden; Queenscliff Observation Tower; First Class Dining “Experience” Q Train Rail Journey; Jack Rabbit Winery; Australia Sports Museum & MCG Tour; Rippon Lea Estate; Shrine of Remembrance; Eureka Skydeck; Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show + Gardens By Twilight; Puffing Billy Rail Journey; Tesselaar Kabloom Festival Of Flowers; The Stokes Collection & Forest Glade Garden; Mt Macedon Memorial Cross plus more.