MELBOURNE TO MILDURA

Welcome to our “Christmas Cheer” tour to Loxton in the South Australian Riverland.   With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. We stop enroute for morning tea before continuing to Donald for lunch. This afternoon, we cross the Wimmera Plains and travel through the Victorian Mallee to Mildura for our first two night stay.

OVERNIGHT:  Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA

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. Our lunch break will be meandering along the river aboard a fully resorted paddle vessel. Listening to the comprehensive live commentary as we cruise to Lock 11, we gain a unique insight on the Murray Darling River system and the history of the paddle boats.   Back on dry land, we head to a lovely olive oil farm, Varapodio Estate, for a tour and tastings of their award winning oils. Stock up on salad dressings, olive oils, mayonnaise or olive oil cosmetics and soaps.  Lastly we stop in at 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. This evening we are in for a special treat! Making its home on the western banks of Lake Cullulleraine, Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights is a transcendent experience, allowing connection with both the artwork and the natural environment. Through the interplay of 12,500 firefly lights, Gone Fishing sculptures and the natural landscape, Munro invites contemplation and reflection, creating a space for introspection and wonder. As night falls, this spectacle will turn Lock Island into a must visit destination.

OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA

MILDURA TO BERRI

Our first stop this morning is Woodsies Gem Shop. The showroom boasts timeless jewellery, exquisite gemstones, beautiful carvings and much more. We’ll be able to watch a gem-cutting demonstration as well as entering Aladdin's Cave - a walk-through display of amazing gemstones. Leaving Mildura, we now head towards the South Australian border. Our shared-platter lunch today is at the Woolshed Brewery located in the historic 100 year old shearing sheds of Wilkadene Station overlooking a bend in the Murray River. This afternoon, we drive to Renmark which is often considered the gateway to the South Australian Riverland region. It's one of the largest and oldest towns in the Riverland and historically significant as the first irrigation settlement in Australia, established in 1887. We stop here to visit Angove Winemakers, the region’s oldest winery (1910). As well as a wine tasting, you may recognise the names of St Agnes Brandy and Stone Original. Our destination today is Berri where we settle in for the next two nights.

OVERNIGHT: Berri Hotel, BERRI

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RIVERLAND AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Located on a gorgeous stretch of the river and an easy drive to most towns, Berri sits in the heart of the Riverland providing a perfect central point to explore the region, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do today. View first-hand, the Riverland’s vibrant flora and fauna while cruising along the serene waters, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes. Back on dry land after a very peaceful morning, we head to the Overland Corner for lunch. This afternoon we will travel through Barmera to see the Campbell Statue – commemorating the 1964 Englishman, Donald Campbell, who attempted to break the water speed record on Lake Bonney. Our final stop today before returning to our hotel is at the Bella Lavender Estate. Here we have arranged afternoon tea with time to explore the pretty garden and browse their fine range of products. Following dinner back at our hotel, we make the short drive to Loxton for the Loxton Christmas Lights. Loxton shines during this joyous Christmas festival with thousands of twinkling fairy lights, bright colourful banners, sparkling garlands and tinsel to create a magic spectacle. An enormous Christmas tree dazzles in the heart of town and from there, large clusters of residential streets feature homes adorned with over 350 illuminated Christmas scenes, paintings and coloured light displays.

OVERNIGHT: Berri Hotel, BERRI

BERRI TO HORSHAM

This morning, we head to Pinnaroo along the Ngarkat Highway that bisects the Ngarkat Conservation Area, noted for its wildlife and vast Mallee landscape. We continue to Bordertown, where we’ll make a stop for lunch at the Morning Loaf Bakery. Over the border, we pass through Kaniva to Nhill, where we visit the Aviation Heritage Centre that was established to capture Nhill’s proud aviation history, spanning more than 100 years. It’s a tribute to more than 10,000 young men and women who trained at the Nhill RAAF Base during World War II. The last leg of today’s journey takes us to Horsham.

OVERNIGHT: Best Westlander Motor Inn, HORSHAM

HORSHAM TO MELBOURNE

Before we depart this morning, we’ll take a look at Horsham’s silos, titled “The Yangga Dyata”, which means “Walking on Country”.  We now make our way to Murtoa to see a breathtaking mural featuring a flock of brightly coloured birds. The artwork is inspired by the James Hill taxidermy collection, combined with the discoveries of Dr. John Cade, a psychiatrist who made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder. No visit to Murtoa would be complete without visiting the incredible Murtoa Stick Shed. Previously known as the Murtoa No. 1 Grain Store, it is the only remaining emergency grain store built during World War Two. This structure is an enduring testament to iconic Australian bush ingenuity and a symbol of the growth and strength of the Australian wheat industry.  We’ll be amazed by what we see as we are taken on a tour.  Our final silos on our art trail are in Rupanyup. These silos have been repainted by street artist Smug, after fading and rusting affected the original work. This afternoon, we drive 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!