Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush

Dive into five days of history, food, and sightseeing on your Australia tour package in quaint Berrima before arriving in Gold Creek Station to Connect With Locals. You'll enjoy a true taste of Aussie hospitality from the Starr Family who'll offer insights into farm life on their 400-hectare station. Watch Craig give a sheep shearing demonstration before they get to cooking and fire up the BBQ for your Be My Guest lunch.

On arrival in Australia's modern capital of Canberra, you'll embark on a tour through Parliament House with a Local Specialist. After this informative ending to a big first day, get to know your group over dinner, washed down with wine and a selection of tempting desserts. (BMG/D) Stay: Crowne Plaza

Venture out of the city and see it from above ascending the summit of towering Mt. Ainsley. The views are your perfect farewell to Canberra before crossing the mighty Murray River into the state of Victoria to take a step back in time and Dive Into Culture in one of Australia's best-preserved gold rush town, Beechworth. Go inside the circa 1858 Telegraph Station to send a telegraphic message and sit in the judge's chair of the courthouse that sealed Ned Kelly's fate.

Wherever you explore in the Beechworth Historic Precinct, there's plenty to see in the many historic buildings preserved from the gold rush days as well as in the charming antique shops, galleries, and museums. No trip to Beechworth would be complete without a trip to the legendary Beechworth Bakery, 'Australia's Greatest Bakery' the owners like to say, to grab a toasty, or their specialty Bushwhacker or Bushranger focaccia.

After a taste of the local fare, you'll travel to the nearby cathedral city of Wangaratta. (B) Stay: Quality Wangaratta

From small town to big city life, today you'll journey from Wangaratta to cosmopolitan Melbourne kicking off your time here with a city sightseeing tour. Guided by your Travel Director, learn about its Victorian history in the CBD and check out the Southbank's riverfront, arts district, and the gorgeous blooms of Botanic Gardens. Stop by the latest super-chef's restaurants, designer boutiques, and even indoor amusement park at the Crown complex, thinking how you'd like to spend your free evening in town.

After your tour, you'll understand why Melbourne is called one of the world's most liveable cities and be eager to explore even more of what's on that night. You're in the perfect spot to do it: opposite the Crowne Complex in centrally located and lively Southbank. Ask your Travel Director for dining recommendations or find a great spot on the Yarra River to try some of the area's seafood. (B) Stay: Crowne Plaza

It's your last full day in Melbourne and you'll want to make the most of it exploring on your own or joining an optional experience in or outside of the city. If you're looking for a view, Melbourne Skydeck at the Eureka Tower, is the place for panoramic, floor-to-ceiling vistas of the city. Foodies will want to join a Hunt and Gather Food Tour of Queen Victoria Market taking in the sites and bites of this historic marketplace. If you'd rather venture farther out, combine wine and history on a tour of the Dandenong Ranges aboard the century-old Puffing Billy steam train to two wineries in the Yarra Valley where you'll get to taste the area's famous Chardonnay, sparkling wine, and Pinot Noir.

Another kind of road trip takes you along the scenic Great Ocean Road stopping at quaint seaside villages and the towering Twelve Apostles limestone formations rising above the Southern Ocean. Another option is a trip to Phillip Island to see the Little Penguins make their trek from the sea to their sand dune burrow homes - a totally unique wildlife encounter not possible anywhere else in the world. It's hard to believe it's only been four days, and oh what a journey it's been! Back in Melbourne your spoilt for choices to raise a glass and celebrate the things we've tasted, learnt, seen and discovered over the last four days. (B)

All good things must come to an end, as your travels through Southern Australia conclude, say a fond farewell to your fellow travelers before your transfer to Melbourne Airport (flights anytime). (B)