Victoria Extended Tours

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Melbourne

Victoria's grand capital is a holiday destination in itself. From here in the Hunter there are many different touring options for travellers whether it be the scenic coastal route via Batemans Bay, Eden and Lake Entrance, an alpine journey via Canberra, Cooma and the Snowy Mountains through to The Dandenongs or the direct route down the Hume Highway to Albury.

Once there a treasure chest of attractions and touring options are available to visitors - Melbourne sights including the grand, gothic buildings, Fitzroy Gardens, the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, the infamous Old Melbourne Gaol, magnificent Cathedrals, Como House and the Botanical Gardens are just a few of the major attractions.

On the outskirts and within an easy days touring are the Dandenong Ranges, a breathtaking National Park famous for its giant fern trees that flourish in wet gullies and along the road sides. And there's no better way to experience the Ranges than by travelling aboard the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train as it chugs along the historic old rail line.

For a fascinating look at Mother Nature take the journey down to Phillip Island and witness the amazing Fairy Penguin Parade at dusk. Each evening hundreds of adults suddenly appear from the surf and waddle across Summerland Beach to their burrows.

Take a trip down the Mornington Peninsula for fabulous views across Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento, a renowned summer resort of Melbourne's elite with beautiful mansions and charming cottages overlooking the Bay. Take the ferry across to Queenscliff, another seaside resort with many historical reminders of the past.

It is possible to do a section of the famous Great Ocean Road, a day tour to beautiful Ballarat or perhaps you would like to plan your holiday around one of the cities many events or smash hit Musicals and Theatre? We can arrange Grandstand Melbourne Cup, Musicals and Theatre tickets before you leave home. It just means staying on a little longer and enjoying Melbourne's cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The Great Ocean Road

Regarded as one of the Worlds greatest drives! The highway between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool is a must do for every Australian to truly experience the wondrous natural beauty of our great country. Wind your way along the steep and savage shoreline as waves ceaselessly crash against the brightly coloured cliffs, see weird and wonderful rock formations like the 12 Apostles, the remains of London Bridge and the treacherous Loch Ard Gorge. Your itinerary to and from Victoria can include stopovers at Albury or Ballarat then from Warrnambool consider returning via the magnificent Grampian Mountains, Bendigo and the old river port of Echuca allowing up to 9 days of unforgettable sightseeing.

The Victorian Alps

The High Country of Victoria is famous for its outstanding mountain vistas - towering ancient granite peaks mostly covered with cloud and snow, crystal clear streams rolling down steep valleys, and dainty wildflowers all add to the alpine beauty. Amid the hills are famous drawcards such as Bright, famous for its spectacular Autumn Leaves when its giant old oaks, chestnuts and poplar trees become ablaze with the reds, oranges and golds of their leaves. The towering Mount Beauty and Mount Buffalo too offer spectacular viewing and it's been often said by our past passengers that viewing from the coach is the only way to truly appreciate the breathtaking scenery. Add to the area the charm of historic Beechworth, Harrietville and Myrtleford and you can easily plan a 6 to 9 day tour based in any of these beautiful towns. Plan early accommodation during autumn time needs to be booked at least 12 months in advance.

The Goldfields

The very mention of Ballarat and Bendigo takes us back in time to the Gold rush days of the mid and late 1800s. The prodigious amount of gold discovered in central Victoria has left a colourful and rich heritage that is still vivid today, more than a century on. Plan for at least two days stopover in each town for each has their own unique character and a tremendous array of tourist attractions.

At Ballarat don't miss the recreated gold town, Sovereign Hill with blacksmiths, wood turners, shop owners, fossickers and more going about their daily duties. An added attraction is the Sound & Light Show each evening - another compulsory inclusion. Whilst touring through the town admire the gracious old buildings of the Victorian and Edwardian era, take a walk through the famous Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Wendouree and see the famous Eureka Stockade Memorial. Of course if you want to see the city in full glory, plan a tour during March for the annual Begonia Festival.

Bendigo was literally built on gold and as you drive through the city streets it's not hard to see why. Magnificent buildings like the Shamrock Hotel, Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Post Office and more than a dozen other buildings are all classified by the National Trust. Take the Talking Tram Tour for a short familiarization of the city, go on an underground adventure in the Central Deborah Gold Mine and learn of the Chinese influence on the town visiting the Joss House and Golden Dragon Museum.

Bendigo, Ballarat and other attractions of Central Victoria including the Grampian Mountains and Colac Lakes can be the centrepiece of your holiday staying 4 or 5 nights in either city and venturing out each day exploring the rich surrounds. Alternatively use them as stopovers to and from Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road or even Mount Gambier in South Australia to strengthen the appeal of any holiday.

The Mighty Murray

Make no mistake; the romantic riverboat era still lingers on along the mighty Murray River at places like Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura, which were once the heart of the busy river trade with bustling ports, and many, many paddleboats and steamers.

Today Echuca preserves many of its links with it's restored 100 year old wharf, many authentic Paddle steamers and Paddleboats ploughing the river with cruises for tourists and an array of other attractions. Perhaps the best drawcard Echuca can offer is its great array of quality accommodation all centrally located making it a perfect stopover for sightseeing in Victoria's goldfields and beyond.

Following the river west you'll find Swan Hill and its highly regarded Pioneer Settlement where reminders of the early days are re-enacted - a living Museum of life on the River. Well worthwhile is the Sound & Light show at the Settlement each evening.

Mildura is a holiday in itself and we have a range of packages staying up to 5 nights in the city. Sunraysia, as the area is known, or the land of big sunsets, has more hours of sunshine than Surfers Paradise. There are many different ways to arrive and return from Mildura, via Broken Hill, Gulgong and West Wyalong or following the river from Swan Hill. Once there, the touring really begins - historic Wentworthville, the mystique, mystery and magnificence of the Mungo National Park, Red Cliffs and its developing wine industry plus of course the many attractions in the city itself. Plan to spend up to 10 days on a relaxing holiday criss-crossing the borders of 2 beautiful states.

The Murray Princess

Ever thought of cruising the Murray? We have special itineraries including the Murray Princess - relive the riverboat era in grand style cruising aboard this elegant hotel on water.