MELBOURNE TO BALLARAT

Welcome to our delightful Tranquil Gardens & Seaside Ventures tour. With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Today we head to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, one of Victoria’s oldest Botanical Gardens and home to an extensive array of flowering plants, exotic trees and floral bedding displays. After a pleasant morning, we enjoy lunch before visiting The Lake Wendouree Museum. Here we uncover numerous historical photographs, artifacts and paddle boat records dating back to the late nineteenth century. The Museum’s prized possession is The Golden City Paddle Boat, a working replica of its namesake which operated on the lake from as early as the mid 1880’s. And today we are in for a treat, as we get to board this historic replica and see Lake Wendouree from a different point of view! Peacefully cruising along, we note that this Lake provides the perfect habitat for numerous species of birds and a vast range of flora and fauna. After a wonderful start to our getaway, we head to our hotel and settle in for the next two nights.

OVERNIGHT:  Sovereign Park Motor Inn, BALLARAT

TREASURES, HISTORY AND REGIONAL PRODUCE

Today we travel further afield to explore the Spa Region of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Swiss Italian miners settled in this region in the 1850-60’s and this morning we see some of this Swiss influence at Historical Lavandula Farm. The lavender may not be in bloom, but this historic farm is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serenity of the area. With a guide leading the way, we will uncover more to this farm followed by a delicious morning tea of lavender scones! Next, visit the Amazing Mill Market; spend time exploring the many stalls featuring vintage furniture, collectables, antiques, memorabilia, home decor, jewellery, books and records to name a few. We then continue to The Convent Gallery, nestled on the crest of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens boasting views of the countryside and township below. This historic country boarding school for girls has now transformed into a haven for art, history and culture. The Gallery beckons with its gallery spaces, museum and chapel, all enveloped by meticulously groomed gardens.  Before returning to Ballarat we pop into the Terra Australis Distillery located in the Old Butter Factory. Specialising in herbal liqueurs and spirits we experience a unique tasting and the magic of Herbal Lore!

OVERNIGHT: Sovereign Park Motor Inn, BALLARAT

BALLARAT TO WARRNAMBOOL

This morning, we farewell our hosts and travel to the quaint village of Wickliffe, where we are greeted at Narrapumelap Historic House. This remarkable French Gothic Mansion was once owned by pastoralist and philanthropist John Dixon Wyselaskie (1818-1883). We’ll embark on a guided tour of the garden and homestead, immersing ourselves in the world of timeless charm and tranquillity before sitting down for a pleasant lunch.  Heading towards the coast now, we visit the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Here the Volcanic cone-shaped hills rise from the lakes, making it one of Victoria’s most fascinating and significant geological formations. Afterwards we arrive in Warrnambool,  home for the next two nights.

OVERNIGHT:  Best Western Olde Maritime Motor Inn, WARRNAMBOOL

EXPLORING WARRNAMBOOL AND PORT FAIRY

Warrnambool was recently voted as one of the best places in Australia to reside. We take a look around this beautiful city with its gardens, art installations and local pubs. Our first stop today is a visit to the Maremma dogs. Discover the captivating story of the local Little Penguin colony and the innovative use of these dogs as guardians. Today we will have the chance to meet the Maremma dogs and to learn why Middle Island Maremmas are needed and their success at the role of penguin guardians—a truly amazing story! Next, we head to the charming seaside village of Port Fairy where our local guide will meet us at the Visitor Information Centre. Rich in maritime history and colonial character, our passionate guide will lead us through the township highlighting bluestone cottages, fine antique shops and original Victorian buildings. Discover more about this town at the Museum and Archives Centre before enjoying lunch overlooking the water at Charlie’s on East. We now have some free time to enjoy the village before returning to Warrnambool. Our last stop today is a stroll around the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens. The gardens were conceived by William Guilfoyle, who later became a director of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. In 1877 he designed an appropriate layout of sweeping lawns, meandering paths that will beckon us to explore further.

OVERNIGHT:  Best Western Olde Maritime Motor Inn, WARRNAMBOOL

WARRNAMBOOL TO MELBOURNE

Making the most of our last day together we visit the Schulz Organic Dairy Farm, where we are exclusively invited for a behind-the-scenes tour. Meet the famous happy cows and discover the farm’s innovative and organic practices and their philosophy on regenerative farming. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, we also learn the ins and outs of cheese-making in the creamery. During our visit our hosts will also join us for morning tea in the Creamery. Afterwards we then begin the journey home via Winchelsea where we enjoy lunch before heading to Melbourne. What a great time away it’s been! 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!