6 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
THURSDAY 20TH OCTOBER TO TUESDAY 25TH OCTOBER
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
Goorambat Silo, Tungamah Silo, Rochester Silo, Echuca, Catalina Flying Boat Museum - Lake Boga, Mildura, Varapodio Estate, Orange World, Mungo National Park, Silo Art Trail, The Stick Shed, Stawell, Halls Gap Zoo and Ararat.
CRUISE
PS Melbourne Cruise on Murray River
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
3 nights in Mildura
TOUR COSTS
Twin Share Room First Tour: $2,995 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $2,970 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $2,945 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $2,920 per person
Single Room Supplement: $370 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
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: thursday 20th october, 2022
MELBOURNE TO ECHUCA
With personal pick up this morning, we’re chauffeur driven from home to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew for our 6 day Mungo National Park and Silo Art Trail Tour! We commence our Silo Art hunt at Goorambat Silo which features the endangered Barking Owl and the “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church; Devenish, 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 Echuca.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Port of Echuca, ECHUCA
With personal pick up this morning, we’re chauffeur driven from home to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew for our 6 day Mungo National Park and Silo Art Trail Tour! We commence our Silo Art hunt at Goorambat Silo which features the endangered Barking Owl and the “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church; Devenish, 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 Echuca.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Port of Echuca, ECHUCA
day 2: Friday 21st october, 2022
ECHUCA TO MILDURA
Today we’re heading to Mildura, but first a spot of history en-route, at majestic Lake Boga. During World War 2 the lake was a base for Catalina Flying Boats operating in the Pacific and the fascinating museum here is now home to Catalina Flying Boat A24-30 - one of only 4 surviving in Australia. All types of Flying Boats serviced at Lake Boga are represented in the Museum, with a special section dedicated to the American and Dutch aircraft and crew, who visited here during the war. We now continue on to Mildura, where we have time to settle in and unpack, as we’re here for three nights.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
Today we’re heading to Mildura, but first a spot of history en-route, at majestic Lake Boga. During World War 2 the lake was a base for Catalina Flying Boats operating in the Pacific and the fascinating museum here is now home to Catalina Flying Boat A24-30 - one of only 4 surviving in Australia. All types of Flying Boats serviced at Lake Boga are represented in the Museum, with a special section dedicated to the American and Dutch aircraft and crew, who visited here during the war. We now continue on to Mildura, where 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: saturday 22nd october, 2022
EXPLORING MILDURA
After breakfast, we’ll be joined by a 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. We enjoy lunch onboard the fully restored paddle steamer PS Melbourne, meandering along the Murray 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’re off to a lovely olive oil farm, Varapodio Estate, for a tour and tastings of their award-winning oils. Lastly, Orange World - a working 50-acre citrus property. Here we join a unique 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’ll be joined by a 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. We enjoy lunch onboard the fully restored paddle steamer PS Melbourne, meandering along the Murray 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’re off to a lovely olive oil farm, Varapodio Estate, for a tour and tastings of their award-winning oils. Lastly, Orange World - a working 50-acre citrus property. Here we join a unique 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: sunday 23rd october, 2022
MUNGO NATIONAL PARK
Today we take a giant leap back in time and enjoy an exciting day with a local expert exploring remarkable Mungo National Park, which sits within the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. This important scientific site has been paralleled to Africa's "Rift Valley" and is the story of ancient Australia and of the people who belong to the oldest continued civilization in the world. We walk upon the spectacular moon-like dunes known as "The Walls of China", an ice-age lunette. The rare beauties of the geologically unique, highly eroded formations create amazing photographic opportunities, but more importantly is to sense the deep spirituality of this special place of rich cultural significance.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
Today we take a giant leap back in time and enjoy an exciting day with a local expert exploring remarkable Mungo National Park, which sits within the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. This important scientific site has been paralleled to Africa's "Rift Valley" and is the story of ancient Australia and of the people who belong to the oldest continued civilization in the world. We walk upon the spectacular moon-like dunes known as "The Walls of China", an ice-age lunette. The rare beauties of the geologically unique, highly eroded formations create amazing photographic opportunities, but more importantly is to sense the deep spirituality of this special place of rich cultural significance.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA
DAY 5: Monday 24th october, 2022
MILDURA TO STAWELL on the SILO ART TRAIL
The Wimmera-Mallee region has become Australia’s largest outdoor gallery with the creation of a 200km Silo Art Trail linking some of Victoria’s smallest towns. We follow this trail, first to Patchewollock, where it’s hard to miss the 35m high “silo man”, local sheep and grain farmer Nick Hulland. After lunch, we’ll take a look at the large, 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 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 unique 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.
OVERNIGHT: Magdala Motor Lodge, STAWELL
The Wimmera-Mallee region has become Australia’s largest outdoor gallery with the creation of a 200km Silo Art Trail linking some of Victoria’s smallest towns. We follow this trail, first to Patchewollock, where it’s hard to miss the 35m high “silo man”, local sheep and grain farmer Nick Hulland. After lunch, we’ll take a look at the large, 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 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 unique 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.
OVERNIGHT: Magdala Motor Lodge, STAWELL
DAY 6: tuesday 25th october, 2022
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 like a natural oasis where plants and animals, extinct in other areas, flourish. It’s like a giant botanical garden, filled with one third of Victoria’s fauna. Here we visit Halls Gap Zoo, actively involved in breeding and conservation programs for such wildlife as Brush-Tailed Bettongs, Tasmanian Devils and the tiny Bilby. We make a stop in Ararat for a lunch before driving 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!
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 like a natural oasis where plants and animals, extinct in other areas, flourish. It’s like a giant botanical garden, filled with one third of Victoria’s fauna. Here we visit Halls Gap Zoo, actively involved in breeding and conservation programs for such wildlife as Brush-Tailed Bettongs, Tasmanian Devils and the tiny Bilby. We make a stop in Ararat for a lunch before driving 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.
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, all lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
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.