MELBOURNE TO GEELONG

Welcome to our springtime getaway based in Geelong. 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 at the State Rose Garden before heading to the Werribee Open Range Zoo where the magnificent wildlife, including rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes will seem almost touchable. Boarding our special safari coach to take a drive through the Zoo, we will be completely immersed in the sights and sounds of the savannah as we travel across the Zoo’s open plains. Afterwards we enjoy lunch in Werribee, then make our way to Geelong, home for the next three nights.

OVERNIGHT: Rydges Geelong, GEELONG

EXPLORING GEELONG

This morning we meet our local expert who will spend most of the day with us. We begin by getting to know the city of Geelong with a sightseeing tour and a visit to 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. We now make our way to our lunch venue, right on the water at the Geelong Boat House – just perfect. This afternoon our local expert will enlighten us with all the stories, past and present, of the fascinating Federal Woolen Mill site. The mill was the most advanced in the world in the first half of 20th Century, manufacturing the cloth for ALL Allied uniforms in both world wars. This heritage-listed Woollen Mill has undergone an award-winning reinvention to become one of the most forward-thinking places for business in Regional Victoria. The remainder of the afternoon is now free to explore perhaps take a stroll along the Geelong Bollard Trail Walk. The bollards, taken out of the old harbour, have been carved turned into colourful and interesting characters of various themes. There are more than 100 of these huge painted icons guiding visitors along the foreshore.

OVERNIGHT: Rydges Geelong, GEELONG

THE Q TRAIN

This morning, we make our way to the Bellarine Peninsula and Drysdale Railway Station to board The Q Train. The dining journey includes an exceptional 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, where we encourage you to stretch your legs. The journey continues travelling alongside beautiful Swan Bay. The Q Train runs for approximately three 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. For those still peckish there’s a light supper available at the hotel this evening.

OVERNIGHT: Rydges Geelong, GEELONG

GEELONG TO MELBOURNE

It’s been a lovely break and now it’s time to wend our way home, but not before we make a couple of more stops! We head for Winchelsea, first settled in 1837 and was named after one of the Cinque Ports in England. There are many historic buildings and an old bridge in the town. One in particular is Barwon Park Mansion, where we stop for a tour of this beautiful home built in 1869 and later bequeathed to the National Trust. It is noted for the fine cast iron balcony verandah, its bluestone construction and the ornate furnishings. After lunch in Winchelsea, we then head for home, where our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us to our very door, a lovely end to our getaway.