6 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
10TH MARCH TO 15TH MARCH 2021
A 40,000 year old hunter gatherer. A rugged lanky local muse for artist Fintan Magee. A national park that will have you thinking you’ve landed on the moon. Incredible street art and murals by artists at the top of their game. And the only remaining “Stick Shed” of its type in the world. See all of this and more on this tour, unlike anywhere else in the country.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Benalla Street Art, Goorambat Silo, ‘Sophia’ Mural Uniting Church, Rochester Silo, Devenish Silo, Tungamah Silo, Echuca, Catalina Flying Boat Museum - Lake Boga, Mildura, Varapodio Estate - Olive Farm, Orange World, Mungo National Park, Patchewollock Silo, Hopetoun, Brim Silo, Sheep Hills Silo, The ‘Stick Shed’ Murtoa, Rupanyup Silo, Halls Gap, Grampians National Park and Ararat.
CRUISE
PS Melbourne.
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
3 Nights in Mildura.
PRICE
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Twin Share Room First Tour: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: Single Room Supplement: Deposit: |
$2,635 per person $2,610 per person $2,585 per person $2,560 per person $ 340 per person $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).
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
TOUR MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 10TH MARCH, 2021
MELBOURNE TO ECHUCA
Welcome to our great tour which will encompass a three-night stay in Mildura and lots of silo art along the way! After personal pickups from home, we join our deluxe O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew to start our journey north. We stop along the way for our morning break and lunch in Benalla. Street art and silos are drawing crowds to small country towns in Victoria and after lunch, we drive around Benalla taking in some of the Street Art – artists from around the world were brought together to paint murals on bare walls, some over three stories high. We now commence our Silo Art hunt! Goorambat Silo – featuring the endangered Barking Owl and the “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church, painted by the Melbourne-based artist Matt Adnate; Devenish, Cam Scale’s artwork of a First World War nurse and a modern-day combat medic; St James, a large mural of Sir George Coles, the founder of Coles Supermarkets; Tungamah, brolgas and a kookaburra. Our last stop today is in Rochester to see a sugar glider and a stunning azure kingfisher. Each silo has a different artist and a different story! Our accommodation this evening is in the river port of Echuca.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure, PORT OF ECHUCA
Welcome to our great tour which will encompass a three-night stay in Mildura and lots of silo art along the way! After personal pickups from home, we join our deluxe O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew to start our journey north. We stop along the way for our morning break and lunch in Benalla. Street art and silos are drawing crowds to small country towns in Victoria and after lunch, we drive around Benalla taking in some of the Street Art – artists from around the world were brought together to paint murals on bare walls, some over three stories high. We now commence our Silo Art hunt! Goorambat Silo – featuring the endangered Barking Owl and the “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church, painted by the Melbourne-based artist Matt Adnate; Devenish, Cam Scale’s artwork of a First World War nurse and a modern-day combat medic; St James, a large mural of Sir George Coles, the founder of Coles Supermarkets; Tungamah, brolgas and a kookaburra. Our last stop today is in Rochester to see a sugar glider and a stunning azure kingfisher. Each silo has a different artist and a different story! Our accommodation this evening is in the river port of Echuca.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure, PORT OF ECHUCA
day 2: THURSDAY 11TH MARCH, 2021
ECHUCA TO MILDURA
Today’s destination is Mildura, but we stop along the way at Lake Boga, home to the famous Catalina Flying Boat A24-30 - one of only 4 in Australia. Lake Boga was an ideal stretch of water on which the mighty flying boats could alight. The Flying Boat played an integral part in the allied defence of the South Pacific during World War II, with all types of Flying Boats that were serviced at Lake Boga being represented in the Museum. A special section is dedicated to the United States of America and the Netherlands aircraft and crew who visited Lake Boga during World War II. We now continue our travels to Mildura. We have time to settle in and unpack as we’re here for three nights.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
Today’s destination is Mildura, but we stop along the way at Lake Boga, home to the famous Catalina Flying Boat A24-30 - one of only 4 in Australia. Lake Boga was an ideal stretch of water on which the mighty flying boats could alight. The Flying Boat played an integral part in the allied defence of the South Pacific during World War II, with all types of Flying Boats that were serviced at Lake Boga being represented in the Museum. A special section is dedicated to the United States of America and the Netherlands aircraft and crew who visited Lake Boga during World War II. We now continue our travels to Mildura. We have time to settle in and unpack as we’re here for three nights.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
DAY 3: FRIDAY 12TH MARCH, 2021
EXPLORING MILDURA
After breakfast, we will be introduced to town by our locally based expert for a morning of sightseeing. We’ll hear about the Canadian Chaffey Brothers who arrived in Mildura in 1886 to establish the first irrigation scheme in Australia and hear about life on the river past and present. Our lunch break will be cruising along the river aboard the PS Melbourne. Our cruise takes us downstream through Lock 11, built to bypass the weir across the river. We’ll experience the workings of a lock as the Melbourne is lowered to the downstream level and raised again on the return journey. Back on dry land, we head to a lovely olive oil farm, Varapodio Estate, where we enjoy a tour and tastings of their award winning oils. Stock up on salad dressings, olive oils, mayonnaise or olive oil cosmetics and soaps. Our final visit for the day is Orange World - a working 50-acre citrus property. We join a citrus tour aboard the 70-seat tractor train around the picturesque property of avocado trees, numerous citrus varieties and tree grafting areas plus an informative commentary on a wealth of citrus information with a juicy sense of humour.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
After breakfast, we will be introduced to town by our locally based expert for a morning of sightseeing. We’ll hear about the Canadian Chaffey Brothers who arrived in Mildura in 1886 to establish the first irrigation scheme in Australia and hear about life on the river past and present. Our lunch break will be cruising along the river aboard the PS Melbourne. Our cruise takes us downstream through Lock 11, built to bypass the weir across the river. We’ll experience the workings of a lock as the Melbourne is lowered to the downstream level and raised again on the return journey. Back on dry land, we head to a lovely olive oil farm, Varapodio Estate, where we enjoy a tour and tastings of their award winning oils. Stock up on salad dressings, olive oils, mayonnaise or olive oil cosmetics and soaps. Our final visit for the day is Orange World - a working 50-acre citrus property. We join a citrus tour aboard the 70-seat tractor train around the picturesque property of avocado trees, numerous citrus varieties and tree grafting areas plus an informative commentary on a wealth of citrus information with a juicy sense of humour.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
DAY 4: SATURDAY 13TH MARCH, 2021
MUNGO NATIONAL PARK
Today we take a giant leap back in time and enjoy a day exploring the remarkable natural location of Lake Mungo which sits within The Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. A local expert will join us so we can experience all the highlights. The Willandra Lakes preserve the longest continuous record of aboriginal life in Australia from 40,000 years ago to the present. The tour slowly and gently weaves through unique geological formations of rare beauty passing by the ancient evidence of the people that once walked this land. Lunch is included today. After a great day we return to Mildura.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
Today we take a giant leap back in time and enjoy a day exploring the remarkable natural location of Lake Mungo which sits within The Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. A local expert will join us so we can experience all the highlights. The Willandra Lakes preserve the longest continuous record of aboriginal life in Australia from 40,000 years ago to the present. The tour slowly and gently weaves through unique geological formations of rare beauty passing by the ancient evidence of the people that once walked this land. Lunch is included today. After a great day we return to Mildura.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
DAY 5: SUNDAY 14TH MARCH, 2021
MILDURA TO STAWELL on the SILO ART TRAIL
The Wimmera-Mallee region has become Australia’s largest outdoor gallery with the creation of a silo art trail stretching 200kms and linking some of Victoria’s smallest towns. We follow this trail, first to Patchewollock, where it is hard to miss the 35m high “silo man”, local sheep and grain farmer Nick Hulland. We enjoy lunch at the Hopetoun Community Hotel Motel and take a look at the large and colourful wall mural in the centre of town depicting aspects of local history and the memorial fountain erected in 1929. Continuing south we arrive in Brim to view the magnificent work of Guido van Helten, depicting an anonymous multi-generational quartet of farmers. At Sheep Hills, we see a depiction of Wergaia and Wotjobaluk Elders alongside two young children. A step away from the silos and into history takes us to Murtoa for a fascinating visit to The Stick Shed. Built in 1941 it was the first emergency bulk wheat storage shed built in Victoria and is the only remaining shed of this type in Australia. Our final silo visit today is in Rupanyup featuring two local residents, both members of the local Rupanyup Football and Netball Club. After a very special day we arrive at our motel with time to freshen up before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Magdala Motor Lodge, STAWELL
The Wimmera-Mallee region has become Australia’s largest outdoor gallery with the creation of a silo art trail stretching 200kms and linking some of Victoria’s smallest towns. We follow this trail, first to Patchewollock, where it is hard to miss the 35m high “silo man”, local sheep and grain farmer Nick Hulland. We enjoy lunch at the Hopetoun Community Hotel Motel and take a look at the large and colourful wall mural in the centre of town depicting aspects of local history and the memorial fountain erected in 1929. Continuing south we arrive in Brim to view the magnificent work of Guido van Helten, depicting an anonymous multi-generational quartet of farmers. At Sheep Hills, we see a depiction of Wergaia and Wotjobaluk Elders alongside two young children. A step away from the silos and into history takes us to Murtoa for a fascinating visit to The Stick Shed. Built in 1941 it was the first emergency bulk wheat storage shed built in Victoria and is the only remaining shed of this type in Australia. Our final silo visit today is in Rupanyup featuring two local residents, both members of the local Rupanyup Football and Netball Club. After a very special day we arrive at our motel with time to freshen up before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Magdala Motor Lodge, STAWELL
DAY 6: MONDAY 15TH MARCH, 2021
STAWELL TO MELBOURNE
On our final tour day, we make our way to Halls Gap, situated in the Grampians National Park. Apart from the stunning scenery the park is a natural oasis where plants and animals, which have become extinct in other areas, flourish. It is likened to a giant botanical garden, filled with one third of Victoria’s fauna. Here we visit the Halls Gap Zoo. The zoo is actively involved in breeding & conservation programs for wildlife such as Brush-Tailed Bettongs, Tasmanian Devils and Bilbys. We make a stop in Ararat for lunch before driving back to Melbourne to complete a fabulous tour looking around Victoria! Our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us home – all part of the wonderful O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Service!
On our final tour day, we make our way to Halls Gap, situated in the Grampians National Park. Apart from the stunning scenery the park is a natural oasis where plants and animals, which have become extinct in other areas, flourish. It is likened to a giant botanical garden, filled with one third of Victoria’s fauna. Here we visit the Halls Gap Zoo. The zoo is actively involved in breeding & conservation programs for wildlife such as Brush-Tailed Bettongs, Tasmanian Devils and Bilbys. We make a stop in Ararat for lunch before driving back to Melbourne to complete a fabulous tour looking around Victoria! Our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us home – all part of the wonderful O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Service!
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Complimentary chauffeur driven transfers
Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up from home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers.
For Victorian passengers not within this pick up zone, or our interstate passengers a quote can be provided for home pickup in extended areas. At the end of your tour, you will be safely returned home with memories of a sensational tour.
Luxury Touring Coaches
Our full size 3 axle luxury coaches have only 34 -36 passenger seats allowing you even more personal space and huge leg room. Our coaches are fitted with comfortable reclining seats with aisle arm rests, foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Climate control air conditioning & Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach also has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe. The coaches have full air suspension delivering a smooth and quiet ride which also allows us to lower the coach closer to the ground, making boarding and disembarking even easier.
Tour Director
Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) 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.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... Take a road of discovery on the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail, where you will experience art in a large scale and not in a gallery....”
enjoybenalla
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Balance due on invoice approximately 30 days prior to departure.
Deposit is fully refundable until 31 days prior to departure date.
Prices include GST and all taxes.
Cancellation 30 to 8 days before tour departure date, 20% Refund of Tour Cost
Cancellation within 7 days of tour departure date, No Refund
On or after tour date departure, No Refund
Travel Insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommended you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurer at the time you pay for your tour.