Mount Gambier & Portland Great Lakes, Caves, Rivers & Ports Sinkholes

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

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

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

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