Victorian Homesteads & Private Gardens Along the Great Southern Touring Route

Depart from the Marriott Hotel at 9am for the beautiful Macedon Ranges. Visit a private garden here before continuing to the historic Mount Mitchell estate to enjoy lunch at this private homestead garden. Arrive later in the majestic Grampians National Park, home to more than a third of Victoria's flora. From here, we explore Halls Gap, situated in the heart of the park. Sit down to a Welcome Dinner this evening at the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel, where we stay for two nights. Stay Two Nights: Dunkeld, The Royal Mail Hotel or similar (L/D)

Today, explore two private gardens in the Western District, starting with Narrapumelap mansion. Constructed in 1873, this is an expansive French mansion with an intricate Gothic style. We then visit the private garden of Wiltshire owned by Botanica Founder Judy Vanrenen OAM, to hear how she created her garden from bare paddocks. (B/L/D)

This morning, tour the Royal Mail Hotel's kitchen garden, regarded as the largest of its kind in Australia. We then take the short journey to Hamilton to explore another beautiful private garden. Enjoy some free time in Hamilton where you may choose to explore the botanic gardens or art gallery, before travelling to the seaside town of Port Fairy, known for its heritage architecture and love of the arts. Stay: Port Fairy, Seacombe Motor Inn or similar (B/D)

Today we explore the Camperdown Botanic Gardens. Designed by William Guilfoyle, architect of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, these gardens feature views over the twin volcanic lakes of Bullen Merri and Gnotuk. Afterwards, visit a private garden, and meet its owner, before continuing to Port Campbell. Stay: Port Campbell, Southern Ocean Motor Inn or similar (B/L)

Today, we journey along the Great Ocean Road, which is not only a spectacular coastal drive, but also serves as the world's longest war memorial, having been built by the country's returning World War I veterans. Stop at the iconic limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, which cut a dramatic figure along Victoria's Shipwreck Coast.

We then travel through the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park on our way to Lorne. Enjoy time to explore the shops or stroll along Lorne's famous beaches before visiting the spectacular private garden Sunnymeade. Stay: Geelong, Novotel Hotel or similar (B/D)

Visit a private garden just outside Geelong before heading to The Heights Heritage House and Garden. After lunch, we travel to the Victoria State Rose Garden in Werribee, to admire its massed blooms, before arriving back in Melbourne at approximately 4:00pm at the post-tour hotel. (B)