Victorian Homesteads & Private Gardens Along the Great Southern Touring Route
Overview
6 Days
Melbourne
Melbourne
Botanica World Discovery
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
12-99 Years
20
Fully Guided
BTHG6
Itinerary
Depart from Melbourne this morning for the beautiful Macedon Ranges. Visit the historic Mount Mitchell Estate to enjoy lunch at this private homestead and its garden. Afterwards we drive through the majestic Grampians National Park, home to more than a third of Victoria's flora.
Arrive at our accommodation, the Royal Mail Hotel. Here we take a guided tour of the hotel's kitchen garden, regarded as the largest of its kind in Australia. We then sit down for a Welcome Dinner at our hotel's award-winning restaurant, whose meals are prepared from the fresh garden produce grown on-site. Stay Two Nights: Dunkeld, The Royal Mail Hotel or similar (L/D)
Today, explore 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, we take the short journey to Hamilton to explore another beautiful private garden. Enjoy some free time in Hamilton before being introduced to the Budj Bim heritage area during a cultural tour. Afterwards we continue to the seaside town of Port Fairy, known for its heritage architecture and love of the arts. Stay Two Nights: Port Fairy, Seacombe Motor Inn or similar (B/D)
Today we visit the Regional Art Gallery of Warrnambool. The gallery showcases an important collection of works by local and national artists. Afterwards, we enjoy a private garden tour, and meet its owner, before returning to Port Fairy. (B)
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: Torquay, The Sands Hotel or similar (B/D)
We enjoy a leisurely morning in Torquay before continuing towards Geelong, where we visit The Heights Heritage House and Garden for a tour and lunch. Afterwards we travel to the Victoria State Rose Garden in Werribee, to admire its massed blooms, before arriving back in Melbourne at approximately 4.00 pm at the post-tour hotel. (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
- The Grampians: Stay overnight at the Royal Mail Hotel, on the edge of the Grampians. Dine at the renowned Parker Street Project Restaurant, which celebrates seasonal produce, sustainably grown in its 1.2-hectare garden or by local suppliers.
- Discover Port Fairy: Stay two nights in the seaside town of Port Fairy. Admire its idyllic harbour, 19th-century cottages, and rows of Norfolk pines.
- Stately Homes & Gardens: Take a tour of the French Gothic mansion Narrapumelap, just one of the many private homes and gardens on your journey.
- The Twelve Apostles: Travel the Great Ocean Road along Victoria's Shipwreck Coast to see the Twelve Apostles, the coastline's iconic limestone stacks.
- Botanical Guide - Sophie Holloway: Be escorted by an expert , who will offer insightful talks on various topics and be available for informal discussions, enriching your travel experience.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Fitness rating: Low
- Group size: 15 to 20 guests
Operator
From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.
Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
With 25 years’ experience Botanica World Discoveries are the experts in garden travel, offering a wide range of small group tours and cruises hosted by expert Botanical Guides. Read more
Our team of expert garden advisors work together to find the best private and iconic gardens to visit around the world enhanced by our professional and knowledgeable Botanical Guides and Guest Lecturers. Read more
On a Botanica tour, you will stay in carefully selected hotels, dine on quality meals and enjoy hand-picked sightseeing inclusions. Read more
Download Brochure
APT Botanica World Discoveries (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
USD
APT Club Benefits
GJ Loyalty Discount
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
