Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush

PLEASE NOTE: As this trip departs at 7.30am today in Sydney, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night.

Dive into five days of history, food, and sightseeing on your Australia tour package in quaint Berrima before arriving in Gold Creek Station. Experience 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. for a Be My Guest BBQ lunch and tales about life on the land. This is your entrée to the country's cool little capital of Canberra, home to Parliament House where you can explore the grounds or take a self-guided tour.

After a full first day, get to know your group over a drink at your hotel. (L) 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 towns, Beechworth.

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 honey and gold shops, galleries, and museums. Get the lowdown on the town over a chat with the publican of the historic local pub and enjoy afternoon tea in the oldest hotel in town.

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

It's a complete change of scene as we journey to cosmopolitan Melbourne where you'll get your bearings on a city sightseeing tour. Discover why Melbourne has justifiably earned its reputation as one of the world's most livable cities and delve into its Victorian history in the CBD, Southbank's sprawling riverfront, arts district, and natural beauty at the Botanic Gardens.

Immerse yourself in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a guided galleries tour of our First Peoples arts and cultural centre, the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery. Cruise by the Crown complex and consider coming back this evening for one of its super-chef's restaurants, designer boutiques, or indoor amusement park.

After seeing so much of what awaits, you'll no doubt be eager to explore more of this stylish city. Fortunately, you're staying in a centrally located area, opposite - a fun area that comes alive at night. Pop back to an area you'd like to get to know better or tuck into a delicious seafood dinner and watch the sunset on the banks of the Yarra. (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. Or perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing.

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 travellers before your transfer to Melbourne Airport (flights anytime). (B)