7 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH TO SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH 2021
All 2021 tour dates are proposed dates and may be subject to change. We will update you as soon as we are advised of any changes.
Food glorious food, hot sausage and mustard!
Welcome to the Murray Farm to Plate gourmet food trail. This region is famous not only for the mighty Murray River but it has more days of sunshine than Queensland. We explore the edible delights of this region with a bounty of cheeses, wines, olives, oils, fruit, vegetables, beef, garlic and preserves all waiting to be sampled!
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH TO SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH 2021
All 2021 tour dates are proposed dates and may be subject to change. We will update you as soon as we are advised of any changes.
Food glorious food, hot sausage and mustard!
Welcome to the Murray Farm to Plate gourmet food trail. This region is famous not only for the mighty Murray River but it has more days of sunshine than Queensland. We explore the edible delights of this region with a bounty of cheeses, wines, olives, oils, fruit, vegetables, beef, garlic and preserves all waiting to be sampled!
TOUR INFORMATION
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Wangaratta, Brown Brothers Vineyard, Murray Farm Gate Trail, Milawa Cheese Company, Corowa Chocolate Factory, Rich Glen Olives, Byramine Homestead, Aintree Farm Organics, Locheilan Farmhouse Cheese, Goorambat Silos, Devenish Silos, Hurlstone Homestead, Backroads Trail, Echuca Farmers Market and Noorilim Estate. CRUISE Murray River Luncheon Cruise MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS 3 nights in Wangaratta and Echuca |
PRICE Twin Share Room: $TBA pp Twin Share Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $TBA pp Twin Share Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $TBA pp Twin Share Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $TBA pp Single Room Supplement: $TBA pp Deposit: $200 per person upon booking O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share with another single traveller of the same gender. However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost). All prices are from Melbourne. Please contact our office for a price from your capital city. |
TOUR MAP
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WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR
- Complimentary chauffeur driven transfers. Pick up from and return to your home from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, selected areas of Gippsland and Phillip Island.
- O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Touring Coach. Travel by O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Luxury Touring Coach. Features include comfortable reclining seats with ample leg room, arm and foot rests, seat belts, large panoramic windows with blinds, overhead parcel shelf, onboard rest room, Road Cam TV Screens which display the view ahead in real time, a kneeling (coach lowering) device, a second door for ease of entry and disembarkation and full air suspension for a smooth and quiet ride.
- Tour Director. Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours tour director and coach captain on board to ensure your travel experience is memorable.
- Best Available Quality Accommodation. Ensuite motel accommodation each night.
- Attractions. All tours and interest venues as per itinerary.
- All Meals. Full cooked breakfasts, morning tea lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
ITINERARY
DAY 1:
MELBOURNE TO WANGARATTA
Welcome aboard our 7 day Murray Farm to Plate tour!
Our destination today is Wangaratta and after personal pickup from home we are transferred to our O’Shannessy’s Luxury Coach and travel to Yea for our morning break, before driving up to Milawa. This is home to Brown Brothers Vineyard which is our venue for lunch. Since 1889, Brown Brothers have been growing grapes and making wine at Milawa in rich country nestled on the western side of the Australian Alps, so it’s only appropriate that we enjoy a wine tasting too! Just “down the road” is the Milawa Cheese Company, located in the historic Murray Goulburn Butter Factory. We have a tasting here as well before making our way to Wangaratta.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel, WANGARATTA
Welcome aboard our 7 day Murray Farm to Plate tour!
Our destination today is Wangaratta and after personal pickup from home we are transferred to our O’Shannessy’s Luxury Coach and travel to Yea for our morning break, before driving up to Milawa. This is home to Brown Brothers Vineyard which is our venue for lunch. Since 1889, Brown Brothers have been growing grapes and making wine at Milawa in rich country nestled on the western side of the Australian Alps, so it’s only appropriate that we enjoy a wine tasting too! Just “down the road” is the Milawa Cheese Company, located in the historic Murray Goulburn Butter Factory. We have a tasting here as well before making our way to Wangaratta.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel, WANGARATTA
DAY 2:
THE MURRAY FARM GATE TRAIL
Fertile soils, an enviable climate and a passion for paddock to plate fresh produce,
the Murray Farm Gate Trail farmers and their families invite all to see and savour what makes this place so special!
We make our way to Corowa to visit the refurbished Corowa Chocolate Factory. We’re going to stop here for a tour, a bracer of a whisky tasting plus morning tea in the Café. Moving on to Yarrawonga, we stop at Rich Glen Olives but they have a lot more than olives! The Vodusek family take great pride in the products they offer and we have a chance to sample a lot of them today. Continuing along the Murray Highway we visit a fascinating colonial house that was built in the early 1820’s and is one of the oldest homes in Australia. It was built by Elizabeth Hume, sister in law of Hamilton Hume the explorer. Called Byramine Homestead which means “rustic retreat” it was, in essence, a fortress. Elizabeth Hume’s husband had been murdered by bushrangers and often the family had to hide in the cellar which we can see on our tour. The Homestead now features a brewery and cider house and we enjoy a Ploughman’s Lunch here, before we continue to the town of Katamatite. Did you know that Australians consume approx 12,000 tonnes of garlic per year? 80% is imported and is often bleached, chemically treated with methyl bromide before arriving on supermarket shelves. At Katamatite Garlic all garlic is Premium quality and organically grown without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides or soil conditioners. The garlic is hand planted, harvested, cleaned and prepared, and is ideal for people who enjoy quality food, are conscious of their health and the health of the environment. We’ll enjoy an informative talk on the processing of this wonderful plant. From here we head back to Wangaratta with time to freshen up before dinner at the hotel.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel, WANGARATTA
Fertile soils, an enviable climate and a passion for paddock to plate fresh produce,
the Murray Farm Gate Trail farmers and their families invite all to see and savour what makes this place so special!
We make our way to Corowa to visit the refurbished Corowa Chocolate Factory. We’re going to stop here for a tour, a bracer of a whisky tasting plus morning tea in the Café. Moving on to Yarrawonga, we stop at Rich Glen Olives but they have a lot more than olives! The Vodusek family take great pride in the products they offer and we have a chance to sample a lot of them today. Continuing along the Murray Highway we visit a fascinating colonial house that was built in the early 1820’s and is one of the oldest homes in Australia. It was built by Elizabeth Hume, sister in law of Hamilton Hume the explorer. Called Byramine Homestead which means “rustic retreat” it was, in essence, a fortress. Elizabeth Hume’s husband had been murdered by bushrangers and often the family had to hide in the cellar which we can see on our tour. The Homestead now features a brewery and cider house and we enjoy a Ploughman’s Lunch here, before we continue to the town of Katamatite. Did you know that Australians consume approx 12,000 tonnes of garlic per year? 80% is imported and is often bleached, chemically treated with methyl bromide before arriving on supermarket shelves. At Katamatite Garlic all garlic is Premium quality and organically grown without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides or soil conditioners. The garlic is hand planted, harvested, cleaned and prepared, and is ideal for people who enjoy quality food, are conscious of their health and the health of the environment. We’ll enjoy an informative talk on the processing of this wonderful plant. From here we head back to Wangaratta with time to freshen up before dinner at the hotel.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel, WANGARATTA
DAY 3:
THE MURRAY FARM GATE TRAIL
Following breakfast we make our way to an interesting venue in Strathmerton - Cactus Country. The Hall family run business has been a labour of love for many years and we will see this when we meet our guide, who takes us through this large garden with over 4000 different species of Cacti from Africa, North America, Mexico and South America. You will be pleasantly surprised by this visit. From here we travel to Aintree Farm Organics where Mariea and Trinity established their ‘Farmacy’ in the 1980’s. Together they produce and offer an extensive range of all Australian honey varieties including almond honey, hemp oil, seeds, creams, muesli, almond products and much more. It’s lunchtime now so we call in to Cheeky Grog Co proudly owned and operated by Mark and Jenny Morey. It was created as a means of value adding to the juicing grade Pink Lady apples produced by Mark and Jenny’s Marenny Vale Orchards business, and now produces quality craft ciders that quickly developed into a passion. As well as a look at and tasting of their unique ciders, we’ll enjoy a wood fired pizza lunch – yum! Our last stop for the day is Locheilan Farmhouse Cheese. Combining traditional methods with a 21st century cheesery, we can learn firsthand how grass, cows and milk combine to result in a delectable range of artisan cheeses.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel, WANGARATTA
Following breakfast we make our way to an interesting venue in Strathmerton - Cactus Country. The Hall family run business has been a labour of love for many years and we will see this when we meet our guide, who takes us through this large garden with over 4000 different species of Cacti from Africa, North America, Mexico and South America. You will be pleasantly surprised by this visit. From here we travel to Aintree Farm Organics where Mariea and Trinity established their ‘Farmacy’ in the 1980’s. Together they produce and offer an extensive range of all Australian honey varieties including almond honey, hemp oil, seeds, creams, muesli, almond products and much more. It’s lunchtime now so we call in to Cheeky Grog Co proudly owned and operated by Mark and Jenny Morey. It was created as a means of value adding to the juicing grade Pink Lady apples produced by Mark and Jenny’s Marenny Vale Orchards business, and now produces quality craft ciders that quickly developed into a passion. As well as a look at and tasting of their unique ciders, we’ll enjoy a wood fired pizza lunch – yum! Our last stop for the day is Locheilan Farmhouse Cheese. Combining traditional methods with a 21st century cheesery, we can learn firsthand how grass, cows and milk combine to result in a delectable range of artisan cheeses.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel, WANGARATTA
DAY 4:
WANGARATTA TO ECHUCA
This morning’s touring takes us to the small towns of Goorambat and Devenish. The Goorambat silos were painted by famed iconic Melbourne Street artist Dvate, known for his striking renditions of endangered animals from across Australia. Dvate has created another monumental artwork depicting an endangered bird of prey from the area. Whilst in Goorambat we will also see the impressive “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church, painted by the Melbourne-based artist Matt Adnate. The Devenish Silo artwork was unveiled on Anzac Day Eve 2018 and coincides with the 100 year centenary of the end of the First World War. The artwork is of both a First World War nurse and a modern day combat medic. Fifty young men and women from the Devenish community enlisted in military service for the First World War. From here we head into Shepparton and arrive at Hurlstone Homestead. The house was originally owned by the Ford family, who were some of the original directors of the Shepparton Preserving Company (SPC). It has been restored to its former glory and enhanced with the establishment of significant gardens. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this historically refurbished manor and spectacular gardens followed by a light lunch. Our afternoon’s drive takes us to Rochester where we look at the most recently painted grain silo in Victoria that features a brightly painted Squirrel Glider and an Azure Kingfisher. From here we head into the port city of Echuca where we spend the next three nights.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Port of Echuca, ECHUCA
This morning’s touring takes us to the small towns of Goorambat and Devenish. The Goorambat silos were painted by famed iconic Melbourne Street artist Dvate, known for his striking renditions of endangered animals from across Australia. Dvate has created another monumental artwork depicting an endangered bird of prey from the area. Whilst in Goorambat we will also see the impressive “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church, painted by the Melbourne-based artist Matt Adnate. The Devenish Silo artwork was unveiled on Anzac Day Eve 2018 and coincides with the 100 year centenary of the end of the First World War. The artwork is of both a First World War nurse and a modern day combat medic. Fifty young men and women from the Devenish community enlisted in military service for the First World War. From here we head into Shepparton and arrive at Hurlstone Homestead. The house was originally owned by the Ford family, who were some of the original directors of the Shepparton Preserving Company (SPC). It has been restored to its former glory and enhanced with the establishment of significant gardens. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this historically refurbished manor and spectacular gardens followed by a light lunch. Our afternoon’s drive takes us to Rochester where we look at the most recently painted grain silo in Victoria that features a brightly painted Squirrel Glider and an Azure Kingfisher. From here we head into the port city of Echuca where we spend the next three nights.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Port of Echuca, ECHUCA
DAY 5:
THE BACKROADS TRAIL
The Backroads Trail enables people to connect with artisan producers who are passionate about preserving and promoting their rural heritage, lifestyle and landscape and is the most authentic hidden gem tourism trail in Australia. We’re going to travel the trail today and seek out some of these hidden gems. In 2006 Jim Arrowsmith and Pete Tonge, both from Chorley in Lancashire, were backpacking around Australia, but couldn’t find a decent pork pie, ‘for love nor money’ so decided to make them themselves, and so Pacdon Park was born. The business specialises in a British ‘style’ range, using the whole Free Range Pig, sourced from several small farms in the local area. From here we make our way to Barham for lunch at Bundarra Berkshires, a small free range Berkshire pig farm. They handcraft traditional charcuterie and smallgoods without any ‘nasties’ in their farmstead butchery. We’ll hear of their techniques on how they raise and produce their unique wares. Heading back to Echuca, we stop in Koondrook to look at the Red Gum Statue River Walk that has been created by a local chainsaw carver. The Red Gum Statue walk meanders along the banks of the Murray River through both the towns of Koondrook and Barham. The walk takes in the many Redgum statues which have been carved by Kevin Guilders and his chainsaw. Late afternoon we arrive back at our motel in Echuca in time for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Port of Echuca, ECHUCA
The Backroads Trail enables people to connect with artisan producers who are passionate about preserving and promoting their rural heritage, lifestyle and landscape and is the most authentic hidden gem tourism trail in Australia. We’re going to travel the trail today and seek out some of these hidden gems. In 2006 Jim Arrowsmith and Pete Tonge, both from Chorley in Lancashire, were backpacking around Australia, but couldn’t find a decent pork pie, ‘for love nor money’ so decided to make them themselves, and so Pacdon Park was born. The business specialises in a British ‘style’ range, using the whole Free Range Pig, sourced from several small farms in the local area. From here we make our way to Barham for lunch at Bundarra Berkshires, a small free range Berkshire pig farm. They handcraft traditional charcuterie and smallgoods without any ‘nasties’ in their farmstead butchery. We’ll hear of their techniques on how they raise and produce their unique wares. Heading back to Echuca, we stop in Koondrook to look at the Red Gum Statue River Walk that has been created by a local chainsaw carver. The Red Gum Statue walk meanders along the banks of the Murray River through both the towns of Koondrook and Barham. The walk takes in the many Redgum statues which have been carved by Kevin Guilders and his chainsaw. Late afternoon we arrive back at our motel in Echuca in time for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Port of Echuca, ECHUCA
DAY 6:
ECHUCA - EXPERIENCE THE TASTE
We’re fortunate to be in Echuca on the 5th Saturday of the month, so we take the time to visit the Echuca Farmers Market which features the best of local produce ranging from olives, cheese, fruit, bread, a variety of wine, sweets, jams and specialty soaps and goods. Later this morning we join the Pride of the Murray paddle steamer for a delightful 2 hour luncheon cruise along the Mighty Murray! Back on dry land, we have some time for a little retail therapy in some of the towns specialist goodie shops - Echuca Heritage Sweet Co, Echuca Chocolate Co, Coffee Roasters and My Dad’s Honey. A delicious way to end the day!
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Port of Echuca, ECHUCA
We’re fortunate to be in Echuca on the 5th Saturday of the month, so we take the time to visit the Echuca Farmers Market which features the best of local produce ranging from olives, cheese, fruit, bread, a variety of wine, sweets, jams and specialty soaps and goods. Later this morning we join the Pride of the Murray paddle steamer for a delightful 2 hour luncheon cruise along the Mighty Murray! Back on dry land, we have some time for a little retail therapy in some of the towns specialist goodie shops - Echuca Heritage Sweet Co, Echuca Chocolate Co, Coffee Roasters and My Dad’s Honey. A delicious way to end the day!
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Port of Echuca, ECHUCA
DAY 7:
ECHUCA TO MELBOURNE
Sadly all good things come to an end and it’s time for us to wend our way home. We say farewell to our hosts this morning and make our way through Murchison on the Goulburn River, to visit the absolutely stunning Noorilim Estate’s Open Day for a self guided tour. It is one of the grandest homesteads ever erected in Victoria and reflects the affluence of 19th century pastoralists and their role in building the Australian economy and nation. From here we head into the Strathbogie Ranges for our last visit together – lunch at Fowles Wines. Using locally sourced and in-season produce their shared platters are excellent – especially when paired with a glass of their delicious wine! A fitting conclusion to our farm to plate extravaganza! After our visit, we head for home where our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us to our very doors.
Sadly all good things come to an end and it’s time for us to wend our way home. We say farewell to our hosts this morning and make our way through Murchison on the Goulburn River, to visit the absolutely stunning Noorilim Estate’s Open Day for a self guided tour. It is one of the grandest homesteads ever erected in Victoria and reflects the affluence of 19th century pastoralists and their role in building the Australian economy and nation. From here we head into the Strathbogie Ranges for our last visit together – lunch at Fowles Wines. Using locally sourced and in-season produce their shared platters are excellent – especially when paired with a glass of their delicious wine! A fitting conclusion to our farm to plate extravaganza! After our visit, we head for home where our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us to our very doors.
Milawa Cheese Company “... great service and the store has a great selection of local produce available …”
Cassie, Melbourne
CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL
- Any special passenger requirements must be notified to O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours upon booking.
- No passenger will be permitted to embark on or continue the tour while their physical or mental condition is, in the opinion of any representative of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. Whilst on tour with O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours should a passenger require medical attention, discharge papers must be provided to a representative of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours before you are able to re-join the tour.
- O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour for any such reason. No refunds or transfers will be given on any unused portions of the itinerary.
- It is a requirement of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours that each passenger is able to negotiate coach steps without the aid of the coach crew or other passengers.
- Any passenger who requires assistance for any of the above is required to travel with a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance.
- Passengers who are smokers, have a CPAP machine or snore, unless travelling with a companion, will be required to pay the single supplement premium for the sole use of a room.
- Items of a personal nature such as medical expenses, mini bar, beverages, laundry service, room service, internet usage, telephone calls, and any optional extras are not included in your tour price.
- All passengers are required to co-operate with the seat rotation program determined by O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours tour directors.
- O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours reserves the right to vary any accommodation, price or other features of the tour at any time at their own discretion.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Receipt of payment of funds will be taken as acceptance of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours conditions of travel for this tour. Prices include GST and all taxes.
Balance due on invoice approx 30 days prior to departure.
Deposit is fully refundable until 31 days prior to departure date.
Cancellation 30 to 8 days before tour departure date, 20% Refund of Tour Cost.
Cancellation within 7 days before tour departure date, No Refund.
Cancellation on or after tour departure date, No Refund.
Travel Insurance is not compulsory, however is highly recommended and available from our office.
Contact us on 1800 354 352 to arrange a quote for you.