7 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
10TH MAY TO 16TH MAY 2021
Food glorious food, hot sausage and mustard!
This might not be the movie Oliver! but we will experience some glorious food.
An edible bounty of cheeses, wines, olives, oils, nuts, fruits and vegetables, awaits us on the Murray Farm Gate Trail.
All of these working farms have something to whet your appetite, set against the magnificent back drop of the Mighty Murray River.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Milawa Cheese Company, Brown Brothers Vineyard, Aintree Farm Organics, Cheeky Grog Co, Lochelian Farmhouse Cheese, Corowa Chocolate Factory, Katamatite Garlic, Byramine Homestead, Rich Glen Olives, Goorambat & Devenish Silos, Hurlstone Homestead, Bundarra Berkshires, Echuca Farmers Market and Fowles Wines.
CRUISE
Murray River Luncheon Cruise
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
3 Nights in Wangaratta and Echuca.
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: |
$2,920 per person $2,895 per person $2,870 per person $2,845 per person $ 435 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: mondAY 10th may, 2021
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: tuesday 11th may, 2021
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 3: wednesday 12th may, 2021
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. 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. Continuing along the Murray Highway we visit a fascinating colonial house that was built in the early 1820s 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. We’ll finish the day 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. From here we wander 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. 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. Continuing along the Murray Highway we visit a fascinating colonial house that was built in the early 1820s 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. We’ll finish the day 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. From here we wander back to Wangaratta with time to freshen up before dinner at the hotel
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel, WANGARATTA
DAY 4: thursday 13th may, 2021
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 was one 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
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 was one 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
DAY 5: friday 14th may, 2021
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 Redgum 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 Redgum 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: saturday 15th may, 2021
ECHUCA - EXPERIENCE THE TASTE
We’re fortunate to be in Echuca on the 3rd 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 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 3rd 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 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: SUNDAY 16th may, 2021
HEADING HOME
Sadly, all good(ie) 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 to Elmore, a small town with a big heart. Here at the Rural Discovery Centre we find an interactive agricultural museum. Take “walk back in time” and uncover a unique part of the region’s rural history before heading 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(ie) 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 to Elmore, a small town with a big heart. Here at the Rural Discovery Centre we find an interactive agricultural museum. Take “walk back in time” and uncover a unique part of the region’s rural history before heading 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.
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.
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Touring Coach
Features include comfy reclining seats for a maximum of 36 passengers with plenty of leg room to stretch out.
Arm and foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Road Cam screens which display the road ahead in real time and an onboard rest room. A second door for easier entry and exit,
a hands-free hand sanitizer dispenser onboard and full air suspension for a smooth, quiet ride.
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.
Meals
Full cooked breakfasts, morning tea, all lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... The trail has been designed to whet your appetite with just a taste of what’s on offer....”
visitthemurray
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.