Victorian Homesteads & Private Gardens Along the Great Southern Touring Route
Victorian Homesteads & Private Gardens Along the Great Southern Touring Route
Overview
Itinerary
Depart from the Marriott Hotel at 9am. Arrive at David Glenn's Lambley Nursery for a tour of its renowned dry garden.
Continue on to the historic town of Beaufort to enjoy lunch in a private homestead garden. Arrive later in the majestic Grampians National Park, home to over 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 you will stay for two nights. Stay Two Nights: Dunkeld, The Royal Mail Hotel or similar (L/D)
Today, explore a couple of 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 private garden. Enjoy some free time in Hamilton 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 two more private gardens, and meet their owners, in the surrounding area, before continuing on 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)
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 two more private gardens, and meet their owners, in the surrounding area, before continuing on 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)
Trip Inclusions
- Learn about the history of the homesteads you visit, including Narrapumelap Homestead
- Tour David Glenn's Lambley Nursery, as well as the Royal Mail Hotel's kitchen garden
- Visit a number of unique private gardens and meet their owners, including Botanica Founder Judy Vanrenen
- Be captivated by the stunning landscape of the Grampians National Park
- Drive along the Great Ocean Road, see the Twelve Apostles and stay overnight in Port Campbell
- Explore the Victorian State Rose Garden in full bloom
- Six days in a small group with a Botanical Guide and an experienced Coach Captain
- 12 included meals over the course of your trip.
- Five nights' accommodation, including Dunkeld's Royal Mail Hotel
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Fitness Rating: Low
- Group size: 15-20 guests
- Prices are for land only, flights not included
- Learn about the history of the homesteads you visit, including Narrapumelap
- Stay at the iconic Royal Mail Hotel and tour the hotel's kitchen garden and explore the Victoria State Rose Garden in full bloom
- Visit a number of unique private gardens and meet their owners, including Botanica Founder Judy Vanrenen
- Be captivated by the stunning landscape of the Grampians National Park and drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles
- Travel with a small group of 15-20 guests, escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
- Includes return private airport-to-hotel transfers
- Relax aboard a spacious coach with an experienced and informative Coach Captain
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- 12 included meals over the course of your trip.
- Five nights' accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Fitness Rating: Low - involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, and being able to stand up for up to one hour, while keeping up with the pace of the group
- Prices are for land only, flights not included
Brochure
APT Tasmania (2023-24)
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