5 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
DECEMBER 29TH 2020 TO JANUARY 2ND 2021
New Year in Beechworth!
Come and celebrate with us. Discover the beautiful sights, sounds and surrounds of Beechworth. Roam the paths paved with gold during the 1850’s gold rush and be impressed by the many National Trust listed buildings in this picturesque historical town. This rich history includes the gaol that hosted our most famous Bushranger Ned Kelly, the 1850’s Telegraph Station and the Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum.
Of course no visit to Beechworth is complete without a delicious snack from the famous Beechworth Bakery or a taste of the exquisite Beechworth Honey.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
George Kerford Hotel, Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct, Burke Museum, Beechworth Honey, Beechworth Bakery, Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum, Bright, Ovens Valley, Tawonga Gap Lookout, Bonegilla Migrant Centre, Tolpuddle Farm and Nagambie
CRUISE
Goulburn Explorer Lunch Cruise
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
4 nights in Beechworth.
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: |
$2,495 per person $2,470 per person $2,445 per person $2,420 per person $285 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:TUESDAY 29TH DECEMBER, 2020
MELBOURNE TO BEECHWORTH
No need for a taxi – we’re chauffeur driven from home to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Sit back and relax as we drive through picturesque farmlands and scenic countryside. We will be ready to stretch our legs, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a delicious lunch by the time we arrive in Mansfield. Ready to take on the afternoon, we are treated to spectacular views of the high country from Powers Lookout before continuing to Beechworth. What a unique getaway –
4 nights in the fascinating, historic (and maybe haunted……) George Kerford Hotel. Opened the late 1800’s, Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum was noted as the largest building in the colony. The site was chosen primarily for its healthy elevated position and its proximity to Beechworth. Now it is the perfect location for a beautiful hotel, surrounded by peaceful, charming gardens within walking distance of town. This is our home for the next 4 nights – unpack, freshen up and meet us for a pre-dinner drink in the bar
OVERNIGHT: George Kerford Hotel, BEECHWORTH
No need for a taxi – we’re chauffeur driven from home to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Sit back and relax as we drive through picturesque farmlands and scenic countryside. We will be ready to stretch our legs, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a delicious lunch by the time we arrive in Mansfield. Ready to take on the afternoon, we are treated to spectacular views of the high country from Powers Lookout before continuing to Beechworth. What a unique getaway –
4 nights in the fascinating, historic (and maybe haunted……) George Kerford Hotel. Opened the late 1800’s, Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum was noted as the largest building in the colony. The site was chosen primarily for its healthy elevated position and its proximity to Beechworth. Now it is the perfect location for a beautiful hotel, surrounded by peaceful, charming gardens within walking distance of town. This is our home for the next 4 nights – unpack, freshen up and meet us for a pre-dinner drink in the bar
OVERNIGHT: George Kerford Hotel, BEECHWORTH
day 2: WEDNESDAY 30TH DECEMBER, 2020
BEECHWORTH
Be fully immersed in the history and charm of one of Victoria’s best-preserved gold rush towns, Beechworth. Our local expert will bring the area alive for us as we explore the historic National Trust buildings that line the streets. It was here, in the Courthouse, where Australia’s most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly, was committed to stand trial for murder. His mother Ellen, brothers Dan and Jim and Uncle Jim Kelly also faced charges in this courtroom and spent many nights in the Gaol. We take time to wander the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct – see the Burke Museum, one of Australia's best regional museums named after Robert O'Hara Burke - Beechworth's Police Superintendent. Collections include natural history, the Goldfields, Chinese influences and one of the original Ned Kelly death masks. Next we see the Historic Beechworth Courthouse where Ned Kelly was committed to stand trial for murder. There are many little cafes and even a brewery where you can enjoy lunch and a brew. Don’t forget to wander into Beechworth Honey for some tastings, into Gum Tree Pies for a real pie packed full of meat, or the infamous Beechworth Bakery for a bun! The quaint little stores lining the streets are calling out to provide you with some retail therapy. We will return to the hotel with time for a wander around the grounds or some quiet time. At dusk, we are off on adventure – a guided tour of the historic precinct Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum (with a couple of Ghost Stories). You would have already seen the buildings in the distance. At the peak of its operation there were over 67 buildings and housed over 1200 patients and 500 staff!!! Tonight, our guide will walk us through the rooms of the asylum and the memories, local tales and urban myths will come to life. This is sure to be a highlight of the tour. Dinner will be a bit later – rest assured after the tour there will be plenty to talk about.
Lunch at own arrangement and cost today.
OVERNIGHT: George Kerford Hotel, BEECHWORTH
Be fully immersed in the history and charm of one of Victoria’s best-preserved gold rush towns, Beechworth. Our local expert will bring the area alive for us as we explore the historic National Trust buildings that line the streets. It was here, in the Courthouse, where Australia’s most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly, was committed to stand trial for murder. His mother Ellen, brothers Dan and Jim and Uncle Jim Kelly also faced charges in this courtroom and spent many nights in the Gaol. We take time to wander the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct – see the Burke Museum, one of Australia's best regional museums named after Robert O'Hara Burke - Beechworth's Police Superintendent. Collections include natural history, the Goldfields, Chinese influences and one of the original Ned Kelly death masks. Next we see the Historic Beechworth Courthouse where Ned Kelly was committed to stand trial for murder. There are many little cafes and even a brewery where you can enjoy lunch and a brew. Don’t forget to wander into Beechworth Honey for some tastings, into Gum Tree Pies for a real pie packed full of meat, or the infamous Beechworth Bakery for a bun! The quaint little stores lining the streets are calling out to provide you with some retail therapy. We will return to the hotel with time for a wander around the grounds or some quiet time. At dusk, we are off on adventure – a guided tour of the historic precinct Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum (with a couple of Ghost Stories). You would have already seen the buildings in the distance. At the peak of its operation there were over 67 buildings and housed over 1200 patients and 500 staff!!! Tonight, our guide will walk us through the rooms of the asylum and the memories, local tales and urban myths will come to life. This is sure to be a highlight of the tour. Dinner will be a bit later – rest assured after the tour there will be plenty to talk about.
Lunch at own arrangement and cost today.
OVERNIGHT: George Kerford Hotel, BEECHWORTH
DAY 3: THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER, 2020
BRIGHT AND TAWONGA GAP
The Alps are calling us, make sure you pack a jacket as it will be fresh! The township of Bright is nestled in the beautiful Ovens Valley and surrounded by the towering Australian Alps. The town has a rich cultural heritage and has managed to retain its character and charm. We will be joined by our locally based guide who will show us around Bright and the surrounding areas – including a stop at Alpine Apples for some sparkling apple juice or cider tasting. We can delight in some free time in town to purchase lunch and maybe make a few purchases to support the local economy. An afternoon stop at the Tawonga Gap Lookout will provide some stunning High-Country views of Mount Bogong, the highest peak in the Victorian Alps and Mount Beauty before driving along the scenic Kiewa Valley Highway through one of Australia’s prettiest towns, Yackandandah. After some free time, we head out for dinner at the Hotel Nicholas. With its unique décor, delicious meals and gallery of photos from years gone by what more could we want after such a wonderful day.
Lunch at own arrangement and cost today.
OVERNIGHT: George Kerford Hotel, BEECHWORTH
The Alps are calling us, make sure you pack a jacket as it will be fresh! The township of Bright is nestled in the beautiful Ovens Valley and surrounded by the towering Australian Alps. The town has a rich cultural heritage and has managed to retain its character and charm. We will be joined by our locally based guide who will show us around Bright and the surrounding areas – including a stop at Alpine Apples for some sparkling apple juice or cider tasting. We can delight in some free time in town to purchase lunch and maybe make a few purchases to support the local economy. An afternoon stop at the Tawonga Gap Lookout will provide some stunning High-Country views of Mount Bogong, the highest peak in the Victorian Alps and Mount Beauty before driving along the scenic Kiewa Valley Highway through one of Australia’s prettiest towns, Yackandandah. After some free time, we head out for dinner at the Hotel Nicholas. With its unique décor, delicious meals and gallery of photos from years gone by what more could we want after such a wonderful day.
Lunch at own arrangement and cost today.
OVERNIGHT: George Kerford Hotel, BEECHWORTH
DAY 4: FRIDAY 1ST JANUARY, 2021
North Eastern Victoria – Little Gems
HAPPY NEW YEAR! The North East of Victoria is full of little gems that, unless you know someone local, you could easily drive straight past. Today we will show you some of our favourite stops. Only a short distance from Beechworth, we stop at the Bonegilla Migrant Centre, the first Australian home for more than 300,000 post war migrants from over 50 countries. It was in in fact, Australia's largest and longest operating migrant centre with over 1.5 million Australians today being descended from people who spent time here. We will walk in their footsteps and hear the amazing stories retold so we can get a glimpse into the lives of these brave new Australians, who left what they knew to come to a new land and a new life. Not far away is the historic village of Chiltern a fascinating small, historic town with a historic streetscape of well-preserved brick buildings and old-fashioned timber verandahs. After lunch our local guide will build the picture of yesteryear. The historic Dows Pharmacy, still containing the original fittings and stocks, will be like time travelling back to the late 1800’s. Our afternoon break at Tolpuddle Farm will see us having some fun interactions with some delightful goats with very cheeky personalities and a tasting or two of their special cheeses. Tonight, we will be joined by the infamous Lazy Harry, a very well-travelled Beechworth entertainer and true-blue Aussie, who can hold a tune and tell a story, a perfect final night of our tour.
OVERNIGHT: George Kerford Hotel, BEECHWORTH
HAPPY NEW YEAR! The North East of Victoria is full of little gems that, unless you know someone local, you could easily drive straight past. Today we will show you some of our favourite stops. Only a short distance from Beechworth, we stop at the Bonegilla Migrant Centre, the first Australian home for more than 300,000 post war migrants from over 50 countries. It was in in fact, Australia's largest and longest operating migrant centre with over 1.5 million Australians today being descended from people who spent time here. We will walk in their footsteps and hear the amazing stories retold so we can get a glimpse into the lives of these brave new Australians, who left what they knew to come to a new land and a new life. Not far away is the historic village of Chiltern a fascinating small, historic town with a historic streetscape of well-preserved brick buildings and old-fashioned timber verandahs. After lunch our local guide will build the picture of yesteryear. The historic Dows Pharmacy, still containing the original fittings and stocks, will be like time travelling back to the late 1800’s. Our afternoon break at Tolpuddle Farm will see us having some fun interactions with some delightful goats with very cheeky personalities and a tasting or two of their special cheeses. Tonight, we will be joined by the infamous Lazy Harry, a very well-travelled Beechworth entertainer and true-blue Aussie, who can hold a tune and tell a story, a perfect final night of our tour.
OVERNIGHT: George Kerford Hotel, BEECHWORTH
DAY 5: SATURDAY 2ND JANUARY, 2021
HOMEWARD BOUND
We farewell Historic Beechworth knowing so much more about the area than we did only a few days ago. We make our way to Nagambie, home to legendary race horse Black Caviar, born here in 2006 and finished her career unbeaten, winning all 25 of her races and claiming almost $8 million in prize money. We board the Goulburn Explorer for our lunch cruise, passing horse studs and wineries. After a relaxing couple of hours, we re-board the coach and make our way back to Melbourne, where as always, our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us straight to our very door – a delightful way to finish our time away and all part of the great O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours service!
We farewell Historic Beechworth knowing so much more about the area than we did only a few days ago. We make our way to Nagambie, home to legendary race horse Black Caviar, born here in 2006 and finished her career unbeaten, winning all 25 of her races and claiming almost $8 million in prize money. We board the Goulburn Explorer for our lunch cruise, passing horse studs and wineries. After a relaxing couple of hours, we re-board the coach and make our way back to Melbourne, where as always, our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us straight to our very door – a delightful way to finish our time away and all part of the great 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.
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, most lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
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.