DESCRIPTION
Itinerary
Day 1: Gold Rush Towns: Echuca
Stop At: Castlemaine, Castlemaine, Victoria
A bustling town renowned for its rich gold rush history and eclectic artistic heritage. Its grand public buildings, amazing architecture and wide streets are testament to a bygone era
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maldon, Maldon, Victoria
Gold rush history and eclectic artistic heritage
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bendigo, Bendigo, Greater Bendigo, Victoria
Lunch is served at the Shamrock Hotel
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Port of Echuca, 41-59 Murray Esplanade, Echuca VIC 3564, Australia
Learn why its spectacular Port set to a background of majestic river red gums, was originally the busiest on the Murray. before we board our paddlesteamer we enjoy a walking tour of the Port of Echuca. We board the PS Emmylou for a tour of the Murray
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mercure Port of Echuca Hotel
Day 2: Echuca – Rutherglen
Stop At: Koonoomoo, Koonoomoo, Moira Shire, Victoria
Our first stop today is the fabulous Strawberry farm to learn about the growing and production of strawberries. Continue with a visit to what has become a worldwide sensation, the unmissable Cactus Country.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Byramine Homestead & Brewery, 1436 Murray Valley Hwy, Burramine VIC 3730, Australia
Next up is historic Byramine Homestead Brewery & Cider House, a testament to those early pioneering days. We enjoy a hearty “ploughman’s lunch” and a sample of the boutique beer, wine and cider range in rustic surrounds.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Lake Moodemere Estate, 12 Moodemere Road, Rutherglen, Victoria 3685 Australia
Lake Moodemere Estate where we enjoy the magnificent views over the vineyard
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Strathmerton, Strathmerton, Moira Shire, Victoria
Visit to what has become a worldwide sensation, the unmissable Cactus Country. Visitors from around the globe have flocked to explore these prickly gardens. You will have the opportunity to taste some prickly delights such as cactus ice cream or cactus cake.
Duration: 40 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tuileries Rutherglen
Day 3: Rutherglen – Glenrowan – Melbourne
Stop At: Rutherglen, Rutherglen, Victoria
This morning we discover Rutherglen, a historic wine growing region, invigorated by a crop of young and bold winemakers. We won’t go thirsty and there is something for everyone. The region is the unchallenged capital of fortified wines in Australia, yet there are also plenty of robust reds and crisp whites produced here, waiting to indulge us. We visit the wonderfully imposing All Saints Estate, its grand architecture; superbly tended gardens and avenue of majestic elms make for one of the most spectacular vineyard settings in Australia.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Corowa, Corowa, New South Wales
Marvellous Corowa Whisky and Chocolate factory, a renovated 1920s flour mill, which will charm us on entry. We sample the delicious Belgian style organic chocolate and tour the whisky distillery, where we witness the production of high quality Australian whisky. Lunch is served before we commence our trip south.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Glenrowan Heritage Siege Precinct, Siege st, Glenrowan, Victoria Australia
On the return journey we head into bushranger territory. We learn about the notorious Ned Kelly and his gang which roamed the area in the 1880s in the Glenrowan Heritage Siege precinct before arriving back in Melbourne after an eventful 3 days.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
