9 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
THURSDAY 19TH MAY TO FRIDAY 27TH MAY
Starting in Foster, the gateway to Gippsland’s spectacular attractions like Wilsons Prom and beautiful Tidal River, this tour takes us over the Great Dividing Range along the Great Alpine Road, Australia’s highest year-round road. We visit beautiful historic gold rush towns like Beechworth, taste test some of our best produce in the gourmet food region of Milawa and enjoy a relaxing Paddlesteamer luncheon cruise on the Mighty Murray River at Swan Hill. Then we will be spellbound by the spectacular Silo Art Trail, as we wend our way home. The best of what Victoria has to offer in one tour!
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Caldermeade Farm & Café, State Coal Mine, Wonthaggi, Foster, Fish Creek, Waratah Hills Winery, Beloka Kelpie Stud, Wilson’s Promontory National Park, Skull Rock, Port Albert, Yarram, Lakes Entrance, Great Dividing Range, Mount Hotham, Wangaratta, Beechworth, Milawa Cheese Factory, Echuca, Swan Hill, Silo Art Trail and Horsham.
CRUISE
Wilsons Promontory Cruise
PS Canberra Murray River Cruise
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
3 nights in Foster
2 nights in Wangaratta
TOUR COSTS
Twin Share Room First Tour: $4,395 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $4,345 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $4,320 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $4,295 per person
Single Room Supplement: $635 per person
Deposit: $300 per person
As a thank you for travelling with O'Shannessy's Quality Tours, you will automatically receive a saving on the total tour price for your second and subsequent tours.
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).
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).
MAP
|
|
ITINERARY
DAY 1: thursday 19th may, 2022
MELBOURNE TO FOSTER
With personal pick up from home, our chauffeurs will take us to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew for our tour ‘Across the Great Divide’. We arrive in Caldermeade Farm & Café, an ideal place to begin our day. With our guide leading the way we’ll learn, laugh and taste our way through the Dairy and enjoy morning tea.
Then we head to Wonthaggi and visit the historic State Coal Mine. We’ll uncover its history through a presentation and self-guided surface tour. We enjoy lunch, before journeying deeper into the lush rolling hills, arriving at the Prom Country Lodge in Foster.
OVERNIGHT: Prom Country Lodge, FOSTER
With personal pick up from home, our chauffeurs will take us to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew for our tour ‘Across the Great Divide’. We arrive in Caldermeade Farm & Café, an ideal place to begin our day. With our guide leading the way we’ll learn, laugh and taste our way through the Dairy and enjoy morning tea.
Then we head to Wonthaggi and visit the historic State Coal Mine. We’ll uncover its history through a presentation and self-guided surface tour. We enjoy lunch, before journeying deeper into the lush rolling hills, arriving at the Prom Country Lodge in Foster.
OVERNIGHT: Prom Country Lodge, FOSTER
day 2: friday 20th may, 2022
ART, WINE AND THE WORKING DOG
This morning we explore the surrounding area by visiting Fish Creek. Here we pop in to see the astonishing detail of botanical art at Celia Rosser’s Gallery - we may also have the chance to meet the artist herself! We’ll then have time to explore the village, meander through the eclectic works at Ride the Wild Goat made from recycled metals. Next door is Alison Lester Gallery, one of Australia's most beloved children's authors. Wander through her imagination, finding examples of preliminary working sketches and displays of how Alison forms ideas into stories. Continuing our day, we find nestled within a picturesque valley, Waratah Hills Vineyard. Be warmly greeted by Neil and Judy Travers who will enlighten us to their story while enjoying lunch, tastings and the surrounding vale. Then it is off to meet a true Gippsland identity at Beloka Kelpie Stud. Paul Macphail has been breeding and training dogs since the early nineties and here we will get to witness him and his four-legged co-workers in action. From veterans to pups it will be a fun and intriguing afternoon. Thanking Paul, we then return to our hotel and relax before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Prom Country Lodge, FOSTER
This morning we explore the surrounding area by visiting Fish Creek. Here we pop in to see the astonishing detail of botanical art at Celia Rosser’s Gallery - we may also have the chance to meet the artist herself! We’ll then have time to explore the village, meander through the eclectic works at Ride the Wild Goat made from recycled metals. Next door is Alison Lester Gallery, one of Australia's most beloved children's authors. Wander through her imagination, finding examples of preliminary working sketches and displays of how Alison forms ideas into stories. Continuing our day, we find nestled within a picturesque valley, Waratah Hills Vineyard. Be warmly greeted by Neil and Judy Travers who will enlighten us to their story while enjoying lunch, tastings and the surrounding vale. Then it is off to meet a true Gippsland identity at Beloka Kelpie Stud. Paul Macphail has been breeding and training dogs since the early nineties and here we will get to witness him and his four-legged co-workers in action. From veterans to pups it will be a fun and intriguing afternoon. Thanking Paul, we then return to our hotel and relax before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Prom Country Lodge, FOSTER
DAY 3: saturday 21st may, 2022
WILSONS PROMONTORY CRUISE
Today is going to be a spectacular day! Winding our way through the Wilsons Promontory National Park, we arrive at Tidal River. We board Pennicott Wilderness Journey’s amphibious boat and cruise a rugged and raw coast like no other, marvelling at its prehistoric boulders. Become speechless by the iconic granite monolith that is Skull Rock. Sculpted by waves and surrounded by crystal blue waters, Skull Rock's eerie facade becomes even more mysterious the closer we get. After an amazing morning cruising the inspiring coastline, we return to dry land with plenty of time to explore Tidal River Reserve before returning to our lodge.
OVERNIGHT: Prom Country Lodge, FOSTER
Today is going to be a spectacular day! Winding our way through the Wilsons Promontory National Park, we arrive at Tidal River. We board Pennicott Wilderness Journey’s amphibious boat and cruise a rugged and raw coast like no other, marvelling at its prehistoric boulders. Become speechless by the iconic granite monolith that is Skull Rock. Sculpted by waves and surrounded by crystal blue waters, Skull Rock's eerie facade becomes even more mysterious the closer we get. After an amazing morning cruising the inspiring coastline, we return to dry land with plenty of time to explore Tidal River Reserve before returning to our lodge.
OVERNIGHT: Prom Country Lodge, FOSTER
DAY 4: Sunday 22nd may, 2022
FOSTER TO LAKES ENTRANCE
We have a fascinating day today, featuring some absorbing history and exciting street art old and new! We commence the day with a visit to the historic Port Welshpool Long Jetty. Arriving into the charming seaside village, the Long Jetty is unmissable and its impressive 800 metre stretch out to the waters of Corner Inlet provides delightful photo opportunities. We make our way to the idyllic coastal fishing village of Port Albert and journey back in time to the life of a Mariner at the Regional Maritime Museum. After morning tea and an introductory talk there will be time to explore the museums many fascinating exhibits at leisure. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before we head on to Yarram, a small East Gippsland town where muralist and fine artist Heesco Khosnaran has transformed the town into a gallery of murals, reflecting the town’s history and people. We have time to view what has affectionately been called the Heesco Town Art Trail, before continuing on through Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance for our overnight stay.
OVERNIGHT: Bellevue on the Lakes, LAKES ENTRANCE
We have a fascinating day today, featuring some absorbing history and exciting street art old and new! We commence the day with a visit to the historic Port Welshpool Long Jetty. Arriving into the charming seaside village, the Long Jetty is unmissable and its impressive 800 metre stretch out to the waters of Corner Inlet provides delightful photo opportunities. We make our way to the idyllic coastal fishing village of Port Albert and journey back in time to the life of a Mariner at the Regional Maritime Museum. After morning tea and an introductory talk there will be time to explore the museums many fascinating exhibits at leisure. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before we head on to Yarram, a small East Gippsland town where muralist and fine artist Heesco Khosnaran has transformed the town into a gallery of murals, reflecting the town’s history and people. We have time to view what has affectionately been called the Heesco Town Art Trail, before continuing on through Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance for our overnight stay.
OVERNIGHT: Bellevue on the Lakes, LAKES ENTRANCE
DAY 5: monday 23rd may, 2022
ACROSS THE DIVIDING RANGE TO WANGARATTA
This morning you may like to stretch your legs and wander along the Esplanade to view the WW1 Memorial Sculptures carved from the original Cypress trees planted as an Avenue of Honour. Following breakfast, we join the Great Alpine Road and head north stopping at the Crazy Cow Café & Bakery in Omeo for lunch. The next part of our drive is spectacular – crossing the Great Dividing Range along the Great Alpine Road - which passes through the largest National Park in Victoria containing 10 of the 11 highest mountains in the State. At a peak of 1,825 metres we will be travelling on the highest, year round accessible bitumen road in Australia. It is here at Mount Hotham, where we’ll feel like we’re on top of the world! Uninterrupted views over the alpine valleys surround us, with Mount Bogong, Mount Feathertop and Mount Buffalo all clearly visible on a fine day. We continue along the Great Alpine Road to Wangaratta for our 2 night stay.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel Gateway, WANGARATTA
This morning you may like to stretch your legs and wander along the Esplanade to view the WW1 Memorial Sculptures carved from the original Cypress trees planted as an Avenue of Honour. Following breakfast, we join the Great Alpine Road and head north stopping at the Crazy Cow Café & Bakery in Omeo for lunch. The next part of our drive is spectacular – crossing the Great Dividing Range along the Great Alpine Road - which passes through the largest National Park in Victoria containing 10 of the 11 highest mountains in the State. At a peak of 1,825 metres we will be travelling on the highest, year round accessible bitumen road in Australia. It is here at Mount Hotham, where we’ll feel like we’re on top of the world! Uninterrupted views over the alpine valleys surround us, with Mount Bogong, Mount Feathertop and Mount Buffalo all clearly visible on a fine day. We continue along the Great Alpine Road to Wangaratta for our 2 night stay.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel Gateway, WANGARATTA
DAY 6: tuesday 24th may, 2022
MILAWA, EUROBIN AND BEECHWORTH
Our touring today takes us to Beechworth where we will be joined on the coach by our local guide. This imposing historical town will remind us of those exciting gold rush years, with many landmarks still surviving. Those who wish may have some free time in the town centre instead of taking the tour. We’ll enjoy a cuppa before heading to Eurobin where we visit the Red Stag Deer Farm. This is our lunch venue and our hosts will give us a talk about the farm and there’ll be an opportunity to hand feed the animals. We now start making our way back through what is known as the “gourmet food area of North East Victoria”. Our final stop for the day is the Milawa Cheese Company, located in the historic Murray Goulburn Butter Factory. We’ll indulge in a tasting, and try our hand at cheese making before making our way back to the hotel in time to relax a little before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel Gateway, WANGARATTA
Our touring today takes us to Beechworth where we will be joined on the coach by our local guide. This imposing historical town will remind us of those exciting gold rush years, with many landmarks still surviving. Those who wish may have some free time in the town centre instead of taking the tour. We’ll enjoy a cuppa before heading to Eurobin where we visit the Red Stag Deer Farm. This is our lunch venue and our hosts will give us a talk about the farm and there’ll be an opportunity to hand feed the animals. We now start making our way back through what is known as the “gourmet food area of North East Victoria”. Our final stop for the day is the Milawa Cheese Company, located in the historic Murray Goulburn Butter Factory. We’ll indulge in a tasting, and try our hand at cheese making before making our way back to the hotel in time to relax a little before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Quality Hotel Gateway, WANGARATTA
DAY 7: wednesday 25th may, 2022
WANGARATTA TO SWAN HILL
Today we drive to Echuca, once Australia’s largest inland port in the late 1800’s and is home to Australia’s largest fleet of authentic paddle steamers. Lunch today is on the river aboard the Pride of the Murray Paddlesteamer. The boat has quite a history and is one of the many that were originally built in Echuca but one of the few still operating from her home port. Back on dry land, we’ll spend some time looking through the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre. We’ll now follow the mighty Murray River to Swan Hill for our overnight stay. We check in to the motel and meet up for an early dinner. This evening, we make our way to the Pioneer Settlement for the Heartbeat of the Murray sound and laser show. This wonderful new sound and light show is the first of its kind and utilizes water, light, laser, sound and special effects to tell the fascinating story of the Murray – from 30 million years ago to today. The set features 20 water fountains, each of which can spray water up to 40 metres high and is fitted with individually coloured LED light. The show will face the Little Murray River making it the first show of its kind to use a natural river environment and setting as the background. We’ll head back to the motel after an entertaining night out.
OVERNIGHT: Comfort Inn Campbell, SWAN HILL
Today we drive to Echuca, once Australia’s largest inland port in the late 1800’s and is home to Australia’s largest fleet of authentic paddle steamers. Lunch today is on the river aboard the Pride of the Murray Paddlesteamer. The boat has quite a history and is one of the many that were originally built in Echuca but one of the few still operating from her home port. Back on dry land, we’ll spend some time looking through the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre. We’ll now follow the mighty Murray River to Swan Hill for our overnight stay. We check in to the motel and meet up for an early dinner. This evening, we make our way to the Pioneer Settlement for the Heartbeat of the Murray sound and laser show. This wonderful new sound and light show is the first of its kind and utilizes water, light, laser, sound and special effects to tell the fascinating story of the Murray – from 30 million years ago to today. The set features 20 water fountains, each of which can spray water up to 40 metres high and is fitted with individually coloured LED light. The show will face the Little Murray River making it the first show of its kind to use a natural river environment and setting as the background. We’ll head back to the motel after an entertaining night out.
OVERNIGHT: Comfort Inn Campbell, SWAN HILL
DAY 8: thursday 26th may, 2022
SWAN HILL TO HORSHAM - THE SILO ART TRAIL
Today we’re off to investigate the unique Silo Art Trail, astonishing and colossal works of art using wheat silo’s as a canvas. First stop is Lake Tyrrell just 80 kilometres from Swan Hill. It’s a must for any nature enthusiast or budding photographer. The lake is dry most of the year, and evaporation leaves a salt crust which is commercially extracted. At times it may be covered by shallow water and the unique salty formation on the lake bed has also become a mecca for international visitors looking to capture that once in a lifetime photo opportunity, over the shallow lake's reflective surface. At nearby Sea Lake the local silo has been adorned with an artwork by Drapl and The Zookeeper. The mural depicts a young girl swinging from the branch of a Mallee Eucalyptus, looking out over the reflective surface of the lake. A Wedge-tailed eagle flies overhead, and a trio of emus cluster nearby. We continue our way to Lacelles, where the world renowned artist Rone’s mural depicts the faces of long term local couple, Geoff and Marrilyn Horman, whose families have lived and farmed in the area for four generations. At Patchewollock Fintan Magee’s giant mural depicts local sheep and grain farmer, Nick ‘Noodle’ Hulland, chosen for his ‘classic farmer looks’ and his strong connection to the farming community. After lunch we take a look at the large and colourful wall mural in the centre of Hopetoun depicting aspects of local history and the memorial fountain erected in 1929. Continuing south we arrive in Brim to look at the magnificent work of Guido van Helten. He is not depicting specific personalities but an impression of Brim and its people after spending weeks touring Wimmera farms and getting to know the locals. At Sheep Hills, Melbourne street artist Matt Adnate used 300 litres of house paint and 100 spray cans on the project! This work stands at 30 metres high and 40 metres wide, a massive undertaking, inspired by time spent with the Barengi Gadjin Land Council and other indigenous people. It’s been a grand day looking at the longest open air art gallery in Australia and if time permits, we’ll make a stop in Rupanyaup where the work of Russian mural artist Julia Volchkova quietly honours the integral role that sport and community play in rural Australia. We make our way to Horsham, in time for a well-earned pick-me-up before dinner!
OVERNIGHT: Best Westlander Motel, HORSHAM
Today we’re off to investigate the unique Silo Art Trail, astonishing and colossal works of art using wheat silo’s as a canvas. First stop is Lake Tyrrell just 80 kilometres from Swan Hill. It’s a must for any nature enthusiast or budding photographer. The lake is dry most of the year, and evaporation leaves a salt crust which is commercially extracted. At times it may be covered by shallow water and the unique salty formation on the lake bed has also become a mecca for international visitors looking to capture that once in a lifetime photo opportunity, over the shallow lake's reflective surface. At nearby Sea Lake the local silo has been adorned with an artwork by Drapl and The Zookeeper. The mural depicts a young girl swinging from the branch of a Mallee Eucalyptus, looking out over the reflective surface of the lake. A Wedge-tailed eagle flies overhead, and a trio of emus cluster nearby. We continue our way to Lacelles, where the world renowned artist Rone’s mural depicts the faces of long term local couple, Geoff and Marrilyn Horman, whose families have lived and farmed in the area for four generations. At Patchewollock Fintan Magee’s giant mural depicts local sheep and grain farmer, Nick ‘Noodle’ Hulland, chosen for his ‘classic farmer looks’ and his strong connection to the farming community. After lunch we take a look at the large and colourful wall mural in the centre of Hopetoun depicting aspects of local history and the memorial fountain erected in 1929. Continuing south we arrive in Brim to look at the magnificent work of Guido van Helten. He is not depicting specific personalities but an impression of Brim and its people after spending weeks touring Wimmera farms and getting to know the locals. At Sheep Hills, Melbourne street artist Matt Adnate used 300 litres of house paint and 100 spray cans on the project! This work stands at 30 metres high and 40 metres wide, a massive undertaking, inspired by time spent with the Barengi Gadjin Land Council and other indigenous people. It’s been a grand day looking at the longest open air art gallery in Australia and if time permits, we’ll make a stop in Rupanyaup where the work of Russian mural artist Julia Volchkova quietly honours the integral role that sport and community play in rural Australia. We make our way to Horsham, in time for a well-earned pick-me-up before dinner!
OVERNIGHT: Best Westlander Motel, HORSHAM
DAY 9: friday 27th may, 2022
HORSHAM TO MELBOURNE
Sadly, our tour has come to an end today. We say farewell to our friendly hosts in Horsham and make our way through the heart of the Grampians National Park. A visit to this magical region would not be complete without stopping in at Boroka Lookout. An easy stroll through stringybark forest leads us to two lookouts revealing panoramic views over the Halls Gap Valley, Lake Bellfield, Wonderland and Mt William ranges.Sit back and relax as we wind our way down to the delightful village of Halls Gap for some time to stretch our legs. Back on board we take the scenic route via the tiny yet charming towns of Pomonal, Moyston and Beaufort reaching Ballarat where we enjoy our last lunch together. We then make our way home with memories of a wonderful time away. As always, our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us safely home.
Sadly, our tour has come to an end today. We say farewell to our friendly hosts in Horsham and make our way through the heart of the Grampians National Park. A visit to this magical region would not be complete without stopping in at Boroka Lookout. An easy stroll through stringybark forest leads us to two lookouts revealing panoramic views over the Halls Gap Valley, Lake Bellfield, Wonderland and Mt William ranges.Sit back and relax as we wind our way down to the delightful village of Halls Gap for some time to stretch our legs. Back on board we take the scenic route via the tiny yet charming towns of Pomonal, Moyston and Beaufort reaching Ballarat where we enjoy our last lunch together. We then make our way home with memories of a wonderful time away. As always, our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us safely home.
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 32-36 passenger seats allowing you even more personal space and extra 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, restroom, climate control air conditioning and Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe.
Our 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 Directors
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
All full cooked breakfasts, morning teas most days, lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... It has been the setting of some of the most fascinating court cases in Victoria's history …”
victorian collections.net.au
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.
Deposit is fully refundable until 46 days prior to departure date.
Balance due on invoice approximately 45 days prior to departure.
Cancellation 45 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.
If a tour is cancelled for any reason by O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours before the departure date, all passengers will be offered the option of transferring to another tour of their choice, hold the funds in trust for a future tour or a full refund. There is no time limit as to when this must be used. If a lockdown is implemented while a tour is in progress, our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and ensuring that we get each and every one of them home safely, and therefore we treat every situation individually. Travel insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommend our passengers take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable provider at the time the balance of the tour is paid. Our office can provide contact information for companies we know are now providing travel insurance. It is a condition of travel that all passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID19 unless medically exempt, and confirmation must be provided to our office upon payment of your invoice/booking.