Day 1- Journey to Wangaratta

Board your luxury Coach for your journey south to Wangaratta. Morning tea along the way followed by a light lunch provided in Yass before an afternoon comfort stop at the submarine in Holbrook. A warm welcome awaits you at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway Resort (PH: 03 5721 8399). The Gateway has very impressive facilities & a wonderful restaurant where you will enjoy dinner tonight. (L,D)

Day 2- Introduction to Melbourne

Arrive in Melbourne around lunchtime with lunch provided before an orientation coach tour of the inner City. Whether your interest is art, sport, history or culture, Melbourne has something special for you & there will be some free time allocated one afternoon for you to pursue your interests. On this tour it is not possible for the coach driver to provide morning tea from the coach. However, there will be an opportunity to purchase a coffee yourself each morning. This afternoon you will be welcomed at Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands (PH: 03 8578 0000) which offers a comfortable and relaxing stay in Melbourne’s modern waterfront precinct. Conveniently located close to shops, restaurants and the free city tram network, the hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the city’s many attractions. Enjoy contemporary accommodation and quality facilities while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the Docklands area. Our home for the next 4 nights. (B,L,D)

Day 3– Melbourne International Flower Show and Yarra River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before boarding your informative Yarra River Cruise. Sit back and take in Melbourne’s iconic riverside attractions as you glide along the Yarra, passing the vibrant Docklands precinct and the city’s impressive skyline. This afternoon, enjoy time at the spectacular Flower Show, showcasing stunning floral displays, garden designs, and horticultural exhibits. Afterwards, you may choose to remain in the city and explore Melbourne’s CBD at your leisure, with a coach pick-up arranged by your driver, or return to your hotel to relax and perhaps enjoy a coffee in nearby Lygon Street. For those wishing to discover more of Melbourne, the free City Circle Tram is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore. This heritage-style tram travels around the city, providing informative commentary while stopping at many of Melbourne’s most popular attractions. Pick up a city guide map and visit places that interest you, including Melbourne Museum, Old Treasury Building, Old Melbourne Gaol, Federation Square, and some of Australia’s finest shopping precincts. (B,L,D)

Day 4- The Dandenong’s & the Yarra Valley

For the inquiring traveller who loves to follow roads which promise some new discovery around every corner then today you will find the Dandenong’s an endless source of enjoyment. Pass through the lively, colourful villages, which are always busy with visitors. The clear crisp air, the towering mountain ash & feathery tree ferns create a magical world. Travel through Kallista Sassafras & Olinda & recapture the romance and charm of the bygone days of steam on Australia’s oldest steam railway, The Puffing Billy. This unique steam train is still running on its original mountain track through the beautiful forests and fern gullies of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. After lunch we continue onto the Yarra Valley synonymous with boutique wines & gourmet fare. Visit one of Victoria’s leading wineries for a tasting as you travel back to Melbourne this afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 5- Phillip Island- take warm clothes today as it can be cold at the Penguin Parade tonight

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning with a slightly later departure at around 9:00am as you set off for Phillip Island. Be sure to bring warm clothing, as coastal conditions can be quite chilly at any time of year—especially during this evening’s Penguin Parade. Renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, rich history, and world-class facilities, Phillip Island offers a truly memorable day of discovery. Your first stop is the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, a fascinating and moving tribute dedicated to preserving and showcasing memorabilia from Australia’s longest war. After lunch, continue to Churchill Island Heritage Farm, where you can step back in time and experience one of Victoria’s earliest European settlement sites, complete with historic buildings and tranquil coastal surroundings. While the Nobbies Centre is currently closed due to safety reasons, you will still have the opportunity to explore the scenic boardwalks. From here, take in breathtaking coastal views and look out towards Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest colony of Australian fur seals. Dinner is not included this evening; however, there will be time to purchase a light meal, coffee, or snack at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre before the main event. As the sun sets, prepare for one of Victoria’s most iconic wildlife experiences at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Watch in delight as the little penguins emerge from the sea, riding the waves onto Summerland Beach before making their way across the sand and into their burrows for the night. With its incredible wildlife and natural beauty, Phillip Island promises a truly unforgettable day and evening experience. (B,L)

Day 6- Depart Melbourne

This morning visit the Victoria Markets before leaving Melbourne. Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. A historic landmark spread over two city blocks, it is a vibrant and bustling inner-city Market where you can shop for everything from fruit and vegetables, and local and imported gourmet foods, to cosmetics, clothing, and souvenirs. Depart Melbourne with lunch provided in Seymour & an afternoon comfort stop along the way. Overnight accommodation & meals will be provided at the Quality Siesta Resort Albury (PH: 02 6025 4555) (B,L,D)

Day 7- Journey Home

Heading north towards Sydney with a morning tea break followed by lunch provided along the way. A comfort stop will be provided mid-afternoon. This afternoon we hope you arrive home relaxed and refreshed with many happy new memories of your holiday in Melbourne. Thank you for travelling with us.  (B,L)