MELBOURNE TO BENDIGO

Welcome to our New Year holiday on the PS Australian Star! With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. We’ll make a stop for morning tea enroute to Maldon where we stop for lunch. The historic village of Maldon was christened the "First Notable Town in Australia" by the National Trust because of its authenticity. Today cottage gardens, pavements overhung by verandahs, tailing dumps and old mining structures are the essence of Maldon. Maldon has been perfectly preserved since its mining days and is Australia's First Notable Town - classified by the National Trust in 1966. Most of the historical buildings of interest are concentrated around the block in the town centre bounded by Main Street, High Street, Camp Street and Church Street. Many of the commercial buildings located along Maldon's streets have been converted into cafes, galleries and antiques shops. We will spend some time here to enjoy the village before continuing to Bendigo for a two night stay.

OVERNIGHT:  Quality Lakeside Hotel, BENDIGO

EXPLORING BENDIGO

This morning, we board the ‘Talking Tram’ for an interesting ride through the main areas of Bendigo to see some of the other stunning buildings, such as the Shamrock Hotel and to learn a little about the history of the Goldfields. At the Central Deborah Gold Mine, we have arranged a guided surface tour of what is an actual working mine - right in the centre of the city. After lunch we visit the Golden Dragon Museum. Our guide will share the story of the impact and contribution made by the Chinese people of Bendigo - from the gold rush of the 1850s to the present day. One permanent display is “Sun Loong” the longest Imperial dragon in the world and “Loong” the oldest Imperial dragon in the world. Our final visit today is to the Rosalind Historical Park with its landmark 19th century conservatory featuring diverse floral displays year-round. Returning to our hotel, we refresh for dinner tonight in the hotel to share our stories of the day.

OVERNIGHT: Quality Lakeside Hotel, BENDIGO

BENDIGO TO TORRUMBARRY WEIR

Leaving Bendigo this morning, we make our way to Echuca where we stop for lunch  before making our way to Torrumbarry Weir, where we board the brand new PS Australian Star (latest boarding time 1500 for a 1600 departure) and make ourselves comfortable in our cabins. Whilst cruising upstream, get acquainted with the vessel and admire the picturesque views passing us by. Indulge in afternoon Devonshire tea then feel free to engage with the skipper in the wheelhouse for a chat and insights into the boat’s recent construction. As the sun sets, unwind in the cozy saloon seats during Happy Hour before experiencing the distinctive Welcome Dinner by a riverside campfire.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  PS Australian Star

PS AUSTRALIAN STAR

After a satisfying breakfast, our cruise leads us to the renowned Perricoota Station. Here an adventure awaits as we set off to discover Restdown Winery joining the property’s owners for a guided tour. Our journey unfolds along a wetlands trail revealing culturally significant areas that hold stories of the land.  Our efforts are rewarded with a gourmet lunch celebrating local flavours and a wine tasting. Later we explore the historic buildings and immaculate gardens of the station before enjoying dinner overlooking the famous property and witnessing the magic of the river at night. Later, as the night curtain falls, we take a cinematic journey with a fascinating documentary featuring archival footage of the paddlesteamers and the communities that flourished along these shores.

OVERNIGHT:  PS Australian Star

PS AUSTRALIAN STAR

With the sun climbing up over the horizon, the early risers and enthusiastic photographers are treated to a spectacular display of morning mist accompanied by the wildlife of the area. Embrace a full day of cruising whilst the gentle current propels us upstream towards Layfield Lane. Lunch is served on the deck or in the saloon tailored to the day’s conditions. This evening’s dining experience is set on the riverbank with our signature Australian BBQ taking centre stage. The night then comes alive with entertainment and casual conversation around the warmth of our campfire.

OVERNIGHT:  PS Australian Star

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Begin the day with a fulfilling breakfast to give us a foundation for the adventure ahead. Embarking on a half day land and river tour, we step into a world of history and natural wonders. We explore the historic town of Echuca discovering little-known historic sites such as Hopwood’s Punt and pontoon bridge, which was the first crossing of the river created by Echuca’s founder Henry Hopwood. The magic of the Murray continues as we prepare to be enchanted by our 110-year-old PS Canberra featuring a red gum timber hull built in 1912 in Goolwa South Australia. Enjoy morning tea aboard, before returning to the PS Australian Star for lunch as we continue upstream passing the imposing Port of Echuca Wharf, once home to over 100 paddlesteamers in its heyday. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner cruise upstream of Echuca.

OVERNIGHT:  PS Australian Star

ECHUCA TO WANGARATTA

This morning, early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast. Farewelling Echuca we drive via the Art Silo in Picola to Strathmerton for our visit to 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 4,000 different species of Cacti from Africa, North America, Mexico and South America. After morning tea of cactus cake, we continue to the charming Byramine Homestead. Built by the famous explorer Hamilton Hume for his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hume, the homestead was classified by the National Trust due to its unique design, featuring octagonal rooms.  The central room, known as the fortress room allowed a clear view from all angles in case of attack from bushrangers. Take a stroll around the well-established garden and view the Elm trees, the oldest in Victoria and sample one of the beers produced at the onsite brewery.  We continue through to Rutherglen where we stop for a delightful wine tasting before arriving in Wangaratta.

OVERNIGHT:  Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, WANGARATTA

WANGARATTA TO MELBOURNE

After breakfast we make our way to the small town of Swanpool. Here we step back in time and visit the Swanpool Cinema which was originally built as the Swanpool Hall and will remind us just what it was like going to the ‘Flicks’ throughout Australia. We continue to Mansfield where lunch will be waiting for us at the Mansfield Hotel. Built in 1862, the grand old building holds a significant place in the town’s heart as a beloved watering hole and gathering place. After lunch, we continue on home, where our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us to our very door – all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service.