5 Days – Monday 15th to Friday 19th November 2027
Accommodation: Bell Tower Inn Ballarat, Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel Melbourne
Theis five day tour charts a course from South Australia to the vibrant heart of Victoria’s capital. The itinerary balances extensive retail opportunities with iconic cultural and wildlife experiences, travelling on a luxury coach through regional agricultural hubs such as Tailem Bend, Horsham and the historic gold mining city of Ballarat. The route provides a scenic transition from the vast plains of the state’s southeast into the bustling Melbourne city. Participants will explore prominent Melbourne landmarks, including a comprehensive guided tour go the Melbourne Cricket Ground and a scenic highlights cruise along the Yarra River. The tour caters to diverse interests, featuring dedicated shopping time at DFO South Wharf and the historic Queen Victoria Markets, alongside visits to the Sealife Melbourne Aquarium and the expansive Melbourne Zoo. Accommodation includes overnight stays in the Ballarat to ease the long journey, paired with a multi-night stay in the inner city suburb of Carlton. Designed to provide a well rounded Victorian experience, this itinerary combines sightseeing with opportunities for independent discovery.
Highlights of the tour:
- « The tour heads out of the Adelaide metropolitan area onto the South Eastern Freeway and through the Heysen Tunnels.
- « Stop for morning tea at the town of Tailem Bend.
- « Continue along the highway toward the state border, the coach makes a stop for lunch at the Morning Loaf Bakery in Bordertown. Enjoy a light lunch before the afternoon travel commences.
- « Arrive at the historic city of Ballarat where we will spend our first night.
- « Board the coach to complete the final leg of the journey into Melbourne.
- « Arriving in the city by mid morning, the itinerary immediately caters to retail enthusiasts with a visit to the DFO South Wharf. Passengers are allocated ample free time to explore the extensive outlet shopping centre and are encouraged to utilize the on site food court to purchase their lunch.
- « Visit the Sealife Melbourne Aquarium on the banks of the Yarra River, where guests can view diverse aquatic exhibits including prominent penguin enclosures.
- « Upon concluding the aquarium visit, the group will board the City Circle Tram for a ride around the central business district. The tram ride concludes near Parliament House, where the coach will collect the group and transfer them to our Hotel in Carlton.
- «On one of the days you will focus entirely on Melbourne’s historical and cultural landmarks.
- «Spend one of the mornings exploring Fitzroy Garden. Spend time at the manicured grounds, which houses notable sites including the historic Cooks Cottage, the John F. Kennedy Memorial, The Conservatory and the classical Dianna and the Hounds Fountain.
- «Enjoy a comprehensive tour of the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, offering insights into Australia’s sporting icon .
- « Following the stadium tour, the group proceeds to Federation Square and the nearby Town Hall precint, where guests will have free time to independently buy their lunch in this vibrant cultural hub.
- «Embark on a City Highlights Cruise from the Southbank Promenade, providing a unique vantage point of Melbourne’s skyline.
- «Disembarking in the late afternoon, the group takes a brief walk to the Crown Casino complex.
- « Visit the historic Queen Victoria Markets. Operating since the 19th century, this expansive open air market offer a vast array of goods, from fresh local produce to clothing and artisanal products. Guests are provided with a dedicated block of free time to browse the diverse stalls, engage with local vendors and experience the lively atmosphere of the city’s most recognizable retail institution.
- «Drive to Parkville to visit the Melbourne Zoo. Featuring a wide variety of native and exotic wildlife situated within landscaped botanical gardens, the zoo offers an immersive afternoon experience. Purchase your own lunch here and enjoy it on their designated picnic areas.
- « The final day of the tour is dedicated to the return overland transit from Victoria to South Australia.
- « Leave Ballarat initiating the westbound journey along the highway. The transit is broken up with regular stops to ensure passenger comfort, beginning with a brief mid morning stop in the regional town of Ararat.
- « Continuing across the Victorian plains, the coach reaches Horsham for a second comfort stop. Around this point in the journey, passengers will adjust their watches as the tour crosses back over the state border, gaining half hour due to the time zone change.
- « Stop at Bordertown at midday to enjoy the last meal together at the Bordertown Hotel.
- « Departing Bordertown in the afternoon, the journey progresses through the upper South East region with a final comfort stop in Tailem Bend.
- « The tour officially concludes with an evening arrival back at Innovation House.
Inclusions
- « Morning tea provided on Day 1
- « Fully cooked or continental breakfast on Day 2, 3, 4 and 5
- « Lunch on Days 1 and 5
- « Two course dinner on Days 1, 2, 3 and 4
- « Entrance to Museums/attractions listed
- « Fully escorted with a tour host.
- « Deluxe bus travel.