Melbourne Regional Tours

THE GRAND PENGUINS & SEALS TOUR

The best that Victoria has to offer! Cruise to Cowes for lunch followed by the Bay Connections Cruise of Seal Rocks. Experience the largest colony of fur seals in the world. Words cannot describe the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing over 5,000 seals in their natural environment from the ocean’s surface, up close and personal. Continue on to enjoy the wonders of the Phillip Island Nature Park; Koala Conservation Centre and the days climax, the Penguin Parade. Tour highlights include:

• Melbourne's eastern suburbs
• Ferntree Gully at the foot of the ranges
• The Dandenong Ranges National Park, the home of the mimicry Lyrebird
• Superb traditional gardens and towering mountain ash forests
• Western Port Bay, mangroves and waterbirds
• Enjoy a short introductory video titled “The Little Penguin”
• Panoramic views of French Island & San Remo, maritime fishing village
• Board the Wildlife Coast Cruises seal-watching cruise for one of Australia's creme-da-la-crème natural experiences. Be enthralled at the sight and sound of over 5,000 fur seals close up while drifting in the shelter of Bass Strait’s Seal Rocks
• Phillip Island Nature Park, a natural home for koalas, seals, shearwaters and little penguins
• Koala Conservation Centre, look for koalas in their natural habitat from tree top boardwalks
• The Nobbies, a rugged rocky outcrop
• Witness the natural phenomena of the Penguin Parade on floodlit Summerland Beach
• See penguin rookeries from an elevated boardwalk
• Inspect the Visitor's Centre, an opportunity to learn about the life of the Little Penguin
• During your evening return to Melbourne, a panoramic Victorian video will be screened

This tour is seasonal and only operates during “Daylight Savings or Summer Time”, from 26th October 2003 to 27th March 2004 and then 24th October 2004 to 26th March 2005

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR

Discover the wonders of the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Enjoy one of the world's greatest coastal drives with its dramatic scenery of striking contrasts. The region boasts powerful seas, golden beaches, peaceful townships, giant cliffs and lush forests. Enjoy views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay from the West Gate Bridge. Stroll along the pristine sandy beaches and wander through sleepy seaside holiday towns. View majestic monoliths abruptly rising from the sea. Discover the deep fern gullies and eucalypt trees as they meet sheer coast that plunges into the sparking Southern Ocean. Hear the legends of the “Shipwreck Coast”, imbibe in a traditional Aussie Billy Tea, stop for photos and relax while watching breathtaking coastal panoramas. Bring your cameras and a brace of spare film and memory sticks. Prepare yourself for a wonderful unforgettable day. Your tour includes the following highlights:

• View the popular coastal townships of Torquay, home of surfing’s famous Bells Beach and Lorne another surfer’s haven and Melbournian retreat
• Experience a traditional Australian morning tea with Billy Tea, vegemite, damper and lamingtons
• Tour the length of the Great Ocean Road, passing towering limestone cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches and stunning forest scenery
• Enjoy the character of the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay and take a walk along the beach
• Explore Port Campbell National Park with its awe-inspiring natural attractions, including the Blowhole and the Grotto
• An icon of the Australian coastline, the Twelve Apostles are the world's largest limestone towers

MORNINGTON PENINSULA TOUR

Visit the Mornington Peninsula, a true delight of Victoria! Set between Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay, the Mornington Peninsula is Melbourne's holiday playground. It boasts stunning views from the summit of Arthur’s Seat, looking over the bay with its long white sandy beaches, the splendour of vineyards, farms, holiday homes and a quiet country lifestyle. Tour highlights include:

• Spectacular views of rolling hills, pastures and vineyards
• Visit Nedlands Lavender Farm home of fragrant fields of lavender. Witness the harvesting, pruning, distillation process, then see and smell many different varieties of lavender. Enjoy a lavender style morning tea of scones, jam and cream with tea or coffee, overlooking the stunning scenery of the 100-acre property
• Sunnyridge Strawberry Farm, Australia’s largest strawberry producer. Wander through Strawberry Fields and pick your own luscious strawberries
• Visit Red Hill Estate for a spot of wine tasting and spectacular unspoilt views over Western Port to the Nobbies and Phillip Island
• Visit Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove for a further tasting and inspection
• Ashcombe Maze & Water Gardens, lose yourself in Australia's oldest traditional hedge maze
• Enjoy a delightful lunch while overlooking the maze and gardens
• Take in the serenity of the water gardens, bird life and the impressive rose maze
• Climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views of the Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay
• Drop in on the beachside hamlets of Dromana and Mt Martha
• Follow the coast road with wondrous views of Port Phillip Bay
• Visit the picturesque seaside resort of Mornington
• Perhaps a walk along the pier or simply relax on the beach

This tour is seasonal and only operates during “Daylight Savings or if you prefer Summer Time”, from 26th October 2003 to 27th March 2004 and then 24th October 2004 to 26th March 200

ECHUCA BENDIGO & the MIGHTY MURRAY TOUR

Does a journey into the heart of the Victorian countryside interest you? Then here it is, visit Bendigo, known for its opulent heritage and considered one of the most impressive examples of 19th century “boom town” architecture in Australia. Then climb aboard the P.V. Canberra, an authentic paddle steamer for a cruise along the Mighty Murray River. Journey into the heart of the Victorian countryside. Discover the bygone era of paddleboats and a once bustling river highway as you wind along the Murray River to historic Echuca. Cruise under majestic river gums and explore the restored port before heading to Bendigo to discover the town's grand old buildings. Your tour includes the following highlights:

• Journey through the impressive Macedon Ranges and visiting charming country towns and classic farming landscapes along the way
• Visit Bendigo and her grand historic buildings, meticulously preserved to retain the city's opulence and splendour. Built on gold, Bendigo continues to flourish 100 years after the gold rush era that brought immense wealth to the town
• Climb aboard the Talking Tram, to discover Bendigo's fascinating history whilst touring the local heritage sights
• Cruise the mighty Murray River aboard an authentic paddle steamer, the P.V. Canberra
• Take a guided tour of the original Port of Echuca and Wharf Museum, once a thriving center of inland trade and see traditional Australian craftsmen at work

SOVEREIGN HILL BALLARAT & WILDLIFE PARK TOUR

Step back in time to the Gold Rush era, begin panning for gold. Explore the glorious history of Sovereign Hill, a replica of an old gold-mining town, where you can tour the underground mines, ride a stagecoach and prospect for alluvial gold! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the 1850's the clip-clop of horses on Main Street, the sight of soldiers marching by and the occasional joyous shout of a miner in the throes of striking it rich. Share an interactive close-up encounter with wildlife including kangaroos, emus, koalas, dingoes, giant turtles and so many more. Tour highlights include:

• Share the Parker family's passion for Australia's wildlife at the Ballarat Wildlife Park
• Get as close as you dare to a crocodile at a feeding session and see Tasmanian devils, wallabies, giant turtles, emus and poisonous snakes
• Touch a cuddly koala, tap a kangaroo on the shoulder, meet 'Patrick' the wombat and enjoy a personalized tour amongst the unique Australian animals
• Explore Ballarat and discover the turbulent story behind one of Australia's most notorious incidents, at the Eureka Stockade Centre
• Pan for gold, tour underground mines, ride a stagecoach or travel in a horse-drawn carriage at the restored goldmining settlement of Sovereign Hill
• Turn the clock back 150 years at Sovereign Hill, where you share the lives of the locals at an original 1850's gold-mining settlement

GRAMPIAN NATIONAL PARK & KANGAROOS TOUR

Renowned for the rugged beauty of her mountain ranges and stunning wildflower displays, the Grampians National Park is one of Victoria's most popular visitor destinations. See kangaroos and emus in their natural environment. View spectacular waterfalls cascading down cliff faces. A great day out for the nature lover, the surrounding wilderness yields thousands of species of Australia's native flora and fauna, where visitors can mingle with kangaroos and emus in their natural habitat. Your tour includes the following highlights:

• Tour Ballarat, “Gateway to the Goldfields”
• Visit picturesque Halls Gap, a unique village tucked away in the heart of the Grampians
• Experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grampians National Park or “Gariwerd” as it is known by local Aboriginals
• Enjoy incredible views at Boroka Lookout and the Balconies
• View Victoria Valley from Reids Lookout
• Choose to hike to the Jaws of Death an easy walk to Mackenzie Falls reveals a spectacular series of waterfalls, the more energetic can walk to the bottom
• Stroll amidst emus and see kangaroos and other native wildlife roaming free at Zumstein’s Park
• For raw power look over the mighty Drummer and Broken Falls

THE SAVANNAH WALKABOUT

Venture into real Australia, just outside the city limits of Melbourne! Kangaroos and koalas, bustards and brolgas, abundant wildlife and rich Aboriginal heritage. Spend a day discovering the bird and wildlife of the open range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary, a reservation for rare and endangered indigenous fauna in the bushlands of Brisbane Ranges National Park. A great day of nature touring across the western plains of Victoria. Learn about native animals and plants within easy reach to the centre of the city of Melbourne, these environments provide the perfect introduction to Australia's unique wildlife and indigenous culture. Walk amongst Kangaroos in large free ranging groups. Spot emus, wallabies, koalas and other unique Australian flora and fauna then enjoy a delicious bush lunch. The Brisbane Ranges are home to a large and healthy population of wild koalas and the tour rarely misses out on multiple sightings of these delightful creatures. During your journey your guide will share with you the great significance of the Western Plains to Aboriginal people. Tour Highlights include:

• Kangaroos and Koalas, see them in the wild
• Experienced and friendly naturalist guide
• Wildlife and indigenous culture, just out of Melbourne
• Gourmet bush lunch
• Small touring groups

YARRA VALLEY WINERY TOURS

Winery tours have never been so much fun or affordable! Take in some of Victoria’s best wineries in the stunning upper reaches of the Yarra Valley, only one hour from Melbourne. The wineries visited are:

• Yering Station
• St Huberts
• Eyton on Yarra
• Domaine Chandon

Tastings at all wineries are included in the fare. A private walk through tour of Domaine Chandon's winery shows you the magic that goes into creating a great glass of bubbly. Eyton on Yarra offer a glass of estate wine with lunch, the cellar door tasting prior to lunch helps you to decide what will go nicely with your meal. The tours showcase one of Australia's best winery regions, the Yarra Valley. Renowned for its quality wines, specialty foods and breathtaking scenery, the perfect place to enjoy a day away from the city. Meals are of the highest restaurant quality. Afternoon platters consisting of cheeses, fruits, pate & crusty breads are provided at Domaine Chandon with a glass of sparkling wine, after an informative tour of the estate.

GREAT SOUTHERN EXPERIENCE

Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians National Park, Ballarat and back to Melbourne. Discover some of the most beautiful regions in Victoria on this 3-day private tour. Drive along the famous Great Ocean Road, with such highlights as the Twelve Apostles, Otway National Park and Lorch Ard Gorge. Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Grampians National Park and learn of the gold mining heritage of Ballarat. Three spectacular days of touring.

BALLART GOLDRUSH TOUR

GOLD… GOLD… GOLD! Experience the heady days of Australia's goldrush era on this private tour. Travel to Ballarat and Sovereign Hill, a replica of an old-gold mining town, where you can pan for gold, explore an underground mine, watch a gold ingot being poured and visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park to see some of Australia's native animals. An exciting day out for all those who lucky enough to visit Melbourne.

GREAT SOUTHERN ESCAPE

Melbourne, Ballarat, the Great Ocean Road and return to Melbourne or vice versa. Spend a couple of days exploring Ballarat and the Great Ocean Road on this private tour. Pan for gold in a creek, feed a kangaroo and wind your way along a spectacular ocean drive. A highlight is a performance of “Blood on the Southern Cross”, a re-enactment of Australia's only civil uprising, the Eureka Stockade Rebellion.

More Melbourne Tours…

• Tour operators within the Melbourne City
• Tour operators in other Victorian regions