Mount Gambier & Portland
Members from: $2,348 P.P Twin ShareNon-members from: $2,398 P.P Twin ShareSolo traveller from: $2,888
Type
Escorted Tours
Destination
Australia
Supplier
Trade Travel
Departs
11 October 2025
Day 1. Sat 11 Oct: Melbourne - Hamilton - Mt Gambier - Lunch & Dinner
This morning we meet up with our Trade Travel Tour Host and Coach Captain after boarding our coach at the Melbourne designated pick up points. We then set off early on our Mt Gambier adventure travelling via Ballarat and Hamilton where we stop by the Speckled Frog for a light lunch. Before leaving Hamilton we visit the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum which celebrates Hamilton as the birthplace of Ansett Airlines. The original hangar for Ansett Airlines of Australia has been used to create a museum dedicated to the history of Sir Reginald Ansett’s contribution to the Australian transport industry. Back on the coach we pass through Coleraine and Casterton before adjusting our watches back 30minutes as we cross the border into South Australia. On arrival into Mt Gambier later this afternoon we check into our accommodation with time to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight Mt Gambier: Quality Inn Presidential - Executive Rooms
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2. Sun 12 Oct: Mt Gambier - Breakfast & Dinner
Today we are joined by a local guide who will help us explore this beautiful city including the Blue Lake and the Umpherston Cave that has been impressively landscaped with terraced gardens, palm trees reaching to the sky and plants hanging over the edges of the sinkhole. We then head into town for some free time to purchase lunch before visiting the National Trust Old Court House, built in 1865. Located in this captivating limestone and dolomite building is the original courtroom furniture, judge’s chambers, cells and photographic representations of past events. Early afternoon we return to our motel to freshen up before heading to Nelson for a delightful BBQ Dinner Sunset Cruise along the Glenelg River, which flows down through the Lower Glenelg National Park, where it then enters the Southern Ocean. Our fabulous cruise will see us sail up-river during the remaining daylight, returning down-river after sunset allowing us to experience this absolutely stunning river and surrounds in the two lights. Following our cruise we rejoin the coach and return to our motel for a good night’s rest.
Overnight Mt Gambier: Quality Inn Presidential - Executive Rooms
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3. Mon 13 Oct: Penola - Naracoorte Caves - Coonawarra - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning we travel north of Mount Gambier to the delightful village of Penola. Established in the 1850’s, most of its colourful history has been preserved and is on display along Petticoat Lane and throughout the Saint Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre. We see and hear the story of the co-founders of the Institute of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart – initially to provide a Catholic education for poor, isolated and rural children. Adjacent to the Interpretative Centre is Petticoat Lane, an intriguing heritage site which portrays the pioneer living standards and stories of the 1890s. Heading further north is the Wonambi Fossil Centre located within the Naracoorte Caves National Park. Here we have the opportunity to step back in time’ and discover what Naracoorte was like over 200,000 years ago or take the option of a guided tour of the Alexander Cave followed by a light lunch in the Visitor Centre. (Please note there are some stairs to negotiate on this tour - 35 steps up, on completion of tour). On our return back to Mount Gambier we passed through the renowned wine growing district of Coonawarra and stop off at the renowned Wynns of Coonawarra Cellar Door for our Wynns Classic Tasting Experience. After another delightful day we head back to our accommodation to relax before dinner.
Overnight Mt Gambier: Quality Inn Presidential - Executive Rooms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4. Tues 14 Oct: Robe - Millicent - Beachport - Breakfast & Dinner
This morning we drive to Millicent to take a look through the amazing Millicent Museum, featuring several rooms and displays, and arguably the best collection of horse drawn vehicles in Australia. Down in the popular seaside resort town of Robe we are met by our local guide who will show us around this beautiful hamlet, with streets of heritage cottages and buildings with loads of character. We then enjoy some free time to look around this quaint and charming town and to purchase some lunch before heading to the seaside town of Beachport, situated on a rugged but beautiful stretch of coastline, it offers some superb views of the coast. Whilst in Beachport, we stop to visit the Old Woolgrain Store which now houses an interesting museum, before making our way back to Mount Gambier for our final night’s stay.
Overnight Mt Gambier: Quality Inn Presidential - Executive Rooms
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5. Wed 15 Oct: Mt Gambier - Portland - Breakfast & Dinner
This morning we farewell our hosts before enjoying one last highlight in Mount Gambier as we partake in the unique Blue Lake Aquifer Tour Experience. Learn about the hydrology of Mount Gambier’s water supply and the aquifer system before making our way into the bowels of the Pumping Station, through the 80 metre tunnel to the viewing platform where we take in the stunning spectacle across the lake. Following our tour we make our way back across the SA/Vic border adjusting our watches forward 30 minutes. Down in Portland we step inside the rib cage of the Sperm Whale skeleton and with our guide, learn the history of Victoria’s birthplace through Portland’s images of the past within the walls of the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre. The museum also includes permanent displays documenting the region’s rich maritime history including whaling, shipwrecks, rescue, navigation and the local fishing industry. We then take a break to purchase lunch before visiting the Portland Cable Tram Depot, take a look through the museum before enjoying a ride on the tram through the Botanical Gardens, along the working harbour before arriving at the WW11 Memorial Lookout. From the memorial we head to our accommodation for check in and short rest before taking a drive down to the Cape Nelson Lighthouse for some wonderful late afternoon vistas and sunset drinks. Back at the motel we celebrate our last night on tour as we enjoy our farewell dinner.
Overnight Portland: Richmond Henty Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6. Thurs 16 Oct: Portland - Wickliffe - Melbourne - Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast and checkout we begin our drive back across to Melbourne. Just north of Portland we stop by Treloar Roses, Display Garden, Nursery and Gift Shop, with over 500 varieties available, plus gifts, tools and accessories, We then travel back up through Hamilton, Dunkeld and Wickliffe before arriving at the impressive Narrapumelap Homestead and Gardens. The homestead presents an example of Australian Neo French Gothic revival and is widely recognised as an Australian Architectural masterpiece. After our tour of the homestead and lunch we can sit back and relax as we head back across to Melbourne following our delightful few days away with Trade Travel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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Members from: $2,898 P.P Twin Share
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Members from: $4,848 P.P Twin Share
All prices are per person in Australian Dollars unless specified. Prices are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies, exchange rates and other considerations. All are subject to change. For up-to-date pricing contact National Travel.
No surcharges regarding cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the land only price once the deposit is received.