MELBOURNE TO WERRIBEE

Welcome to our delightful Q Train in Wintertime tour! With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew.  Our journey this morning takes us to Williamstown where we embark on the Hidden Williamstown Tour. This tour delves into King William’s town, the original capital of Victoria uncovering the hidden facets of Williamstown while our engaging guide shares the local stories with us. We’ll have lunch in Werribee, then head off to visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo. The zoo has a special focus on African animals so we’ll board our special safari bus to take a tour amongst some of the world’s iconic grassland animals. We will be completely immersed in the sights, scents and sounds of the savannah as we travel across the Zoo’s open plains. The magnificent wildlife, including rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes will seem almost touchable.  journey this morning takes us to Werribee and the Werribee Open Range Zoo. The zoo has a special focus on African animals so we’ll board our special safari bus to take a tour amongst some of the world’s iconic grassland animals. We will be completely immersed in the sights, smells and sounds of the savannah as we travel across the Zoo’s open plains. The magnificent wildlife, including rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes will seem almost touchable. We now check into our hotel, home for the next three nights.

OVERNIGHT:  Holiday Inn Werribee, WERRIBEE

THE Q TRAIN EXPERIENCE

This morning we make our way through Geelong and on to the Bellarine Peninsula to Drysdale Railway Station to board The Q Train.  The dining journey includes an exceptional 5-course degustation of fresh local produce, all cooked and prepared on board the well-appointed kitchen car. Every day, the Head Chef and their team carefully choose top quality ingredients from local ethical and sustainable producers. This way, the menu always reflects the very best of what the region has to offer, so expect fresh, delicious, seasonally changing menus. As the train whistle sounds the journey begins, travelling along the beautiful Bellarine Railway, offering views of the rolling hills of The Bellarine. One of the courses will be served soon after departure. The Q Train will pause at Suma Park Historic Homestead, where we encourage you to stretch your legs. The journey continues travelling alongside beautiful Swan Bay. The Q Train runs for approximately 3 hours, and as The Q Train closes its return journey into Drysdale Railway station, staff will make their way around the train to make sure you enjoyed your trip. Our coach will be waiting for us and we return to our hotel to complete a memorable day. After such a substantial lunch, we’ll enjoy a light supper this evening.

OVERNIGHT: Holiday Inn Werribee, WERRIBEE

GEELONG

This morning we make our way to Geelong. Here we are introduced to a local guide that will hop on board our coach for a more extensive tour of Geelong city. After our tour we make our way to our lunch venue, right on the water at the Geelong Boat House – just perfect. This afternoon we visit the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. Sophisticated and technology-rich, this world-class facility is designed to meet the expectations of 21st century public library users, providing contemporary and innovative library and information services. Within the iconic domed building, there are five public levels – all beautiful, inspiring and inclusive spaces for reading, studying, meeting, discovery and fun.

OVERNIGHT: Holiday Inn Werribee, WERRIBEE

WERRIBEE TO MELBOURNE

It’s been a lovely break and now it’s time to wend our way home.  We head to Woodlands Historic Park, home to Woodlands Homestead and Living Legends racehorses. Woodlands Homestead is a unique and treasured heritage building that now houses an extensive art collection, historic artefacts and horse racing memorabilia. Living Legends has been home to some of Australia’s finest retired champion racehorses including Melbourne Cup winners, Rogan Josh (1999), Brew (2000) and Efficient (2007), Prince Of Penzance (2015), Almadin (2016).  Following lunch, we head for home, where our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us to our very doors - a lovely end to our winter getaway!