Next Departure Date: 17 Feb 2020
Price per person: $1985 per person twin share, $2515 sole occupancy
Tour Duration: 8 Days
The Mornington Peninsula is located south-east of Melbourne. It is surrounded by Port Phillip to the west, Western Port to the east and Bass Strait to the south, and is connected to the mainland in the north. The area abounds in natural attractions such as a variety of beaches both sheltered and open-sea, scenic sights and views, like Cape Schanck, national parks such as the spectacular Point Nepean, historic sites, various wineries and intriguing mazes. Enjoy 2 nights at the Flinders Hotel located in the lovely village of Flinders on the east coast of Western Port Bay. This really is a delightful spot. It’s a contemporary architecturally designed hotel that blends into the coastal landscape. Also visit Arthur’s Seat, Red Hill Estate and the Ashcombe Maze to mention a few. Cross Port Phillip Bay by ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff, then travel the spectacular Great Ocean Road from Geelong through Lorne and Apollo Bay to Warrnambool. As well as the magnificent coastal scenery we visit the Otway Fly and Port Campbell National Park, including the Twelve Apostle and Loch Ard. Enjoy 2 nights in Warrnambool and visit Flagstaff Maritime Village and nearby Portland. Our journey home takes us through historic central Victoria with an overnight stop at the old gold mining city of Bendigo.
Day 1: Canberra to Lakes Entrance
Welcome to our 8 day tour to the Mornington Peninsula. This morning we make our way south via Cooma and Bombala to our lunch stop at Cann River. This afternoon we continue through to our destination of Lakes Entrance. Upon arrival we check into our motel for our overnight stay and settle in before dinner.
The Esplanade Motel, Lakes Entrance | 03 5155 1933
Day 2: Lakes Entrance to Mornington Peninsula
After breakfast we re-board the coach and continue through to Bairnsdale, an idyllic garden town with reminders of the booming gold rush days. Some of Bairnsdale’s architecture is also of interest. The most striking building in the town is the Court House in Nicholson St which opened in 1894. It is recognised as one of Victoria’s finest examples of late 19th century architecture and is considered significant to the development of the Australian style. From here we travel on to Morwell for lunch before continuing through to our destination of the Mornington Peninsula. We’ll be following Western Port Bay as we drive down the coast before arriving in the township of Flinders. This charming village on the east coast is where we will stay for 2 nights at the Flinders Hotel. It’s a contemporary architecturally designed hotel that blends into the coastal landscape. On arrival we will be met and assisted with our check in before a welcome dinner.
Flinders Hotel, Mornington Peninsula | 03 5989 0201
Day 3: Mornington Peninsula
Today’s sightseeing takes us first to Cape Schanck then onto Portsea where we’ll stop for a photo opportunity. Nearby is the Point Nepean National Park – the most westerly point of the peninsula. Closed to the public for over 100 years, Point Nepean National Park is now a popular tourist destination and home to the historic Quarantine Station established in 1852 followed by Fort Nepean in 1882. We enjoy morning tea then ride ‘The Transporter’ for a drive out to Point Nepean. We’ll see spectacular ocean scenery and have bay views across the ‘rip’ to Point Lonsdale. We’ll have time to inspect the old gun placements before returning to the coach. Following our picnic lunches we depart the area and tour past Sorrento and Dromana and on via Arthurs Seat. Shortly we arrive at Red Hill Estate, a multi-award winning winery, situated in the internationally recognised cool-climate region. This stunning property also boasts a superb panoramic view of Western Port Bay. We enjoy a wine tasting here then return to Flinders and our hotel.
Flinders Hotel, Mornington Peninsula | 03 5989 0201
Day 4: Flinders to Port Phillip Bay to Geelong
This morning we head out to visit Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens. Ashcombe is home to Australia’s oldest and most famous hedge maze, a beautiful circular rose maze, and the year round flowering Lavender Labyrinth, all set among 25 acres of world-acclaimed gardens. The traditional hedge maze is planted with more than 1000 cypress trees and thousands of metres of pathways. Now more than three metres high and two metres thick, the maze keeper clips the hedges three times a year to keep it sculpted into a curvaceous challenge! We enjoy the gardens then head to the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery in Langwarrin. Established in 1971 McClelland has a collection of over 100 outdoor major sculptures of national and international significance, displayed in a distinctive bushland setting. We have a lovely wander through the sculptures and inside the gallery before enjoying a light lunch. This afternoon we travel to Sorrento to catch the Searoad Ferry across “the Heads” to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula. This enchanting historic town was established in 1838 as a pilot station to guide ships through the ‘rip’ and it is imbued with olde worlde character, historic hotels and homes, stores, rugged beaches and even a bona fide fort, built to defend Port Phillip Bay from foreign navies, privateers and other undesirables. We continue on to Geelong – a city which for most of its history has been one of the great wool cities of Australia. There are nearly 200 buildings in the area, classified by the National Trust, to keep residents and visitors mindful of the city’s heritage.
Rydges, Geelong | 03 5223 6200
Day 5: Great Ocean Road
Joining the Great Ocean Road at Torquay we take a breathtaking drive along one of Australia’s most spectacular coastlines. The approach to Lorne is remarkable as the township is built amongst forest with native trees, stretching right down to the water. At Apollo Bay the road leaves the coast, winding its way up the slopes of the Otway Ranges where we can experience the spectacular Otway Fly, the longest and highest canopy walk of its kind in the world. There is a 300m flat walk from the carpark to the Visitors Centre so wear some comfortable shoes. The natural beauty of the area continues as we drive the full length of the Port Campbell National Park. The dramatic coastal scenery on either side of town of Port Campbell will be a highlight of our journey. Tick off the must-see landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and the beautiful Bay of Islands before arriving at the seaside town of Warrnambool.
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs, Warrnambool | 03 5559 2000
Day 6: Flagstaff Hill and Portland
We explore Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village this morning where the focus is on the maritime history of the region. Supported by the local community this delightful complex authentically recreates the appearance, atmosphere and activities apparent in a small coastal port during the 50 years prior to 1900. Scattered throughout the village are a range of trades that supported the maritime heritage of the late 1800s. We’re off to Portland next, to uncover the only deep sea port between Adelaide and Port Phillip. The coastal route to Portland takes us through Port Fairy, before arriving at the Cable Tram Depot. Following a light lunch it’s all aboard the tram to follow the scenic track running along Henty Beach with wonderful views of the deep-water harbour. We’ll pass alongside the historically significant ‘ploughed’ field on the way to the World War II Memorial lookout tower. While cable trams were originally propelled by gripping underground cables, these trams are driven by a concealed diesel engine in an original and otherwise authentic cable tram. Later, having returned to Warrnambool, we take in the sound and laser show at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Shipwrecked re-creates the tragic story of the Loch Ard shipwreck that took place in local waters more than 120 years ago.
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs, Warrnambool | 03 5559 2000
Day 7: Warrnambool to Bendigo
Making our way inland to the Goldfields region of central Victoria, we arrive at the grand, 19th century Shamrock Hotel. The hotel is of historic and architectural significance to Victoria and is part of the interesting streetscape and collection of late Victorian buildings of a similar style. It is fitting then that we drop in for lunch .Our afternoon’s visit is an intriguing one! With the name Confectionery Capers, we’d be forgiven for thinking we were off to a sweet shop. We’ll see confectionery displayed in ways never seen before and fascinating machines that wobble, jiggle, shake, jump and whir in a sea of madness and mayhem! After checking in for our final night on tour we freshen up for dinner.
Quality Inn Colonial, Bendigo | 03 5447 0122
Day 8: Bendigo to Canberra
With our bags packed full of wonderful memories, we begin our return to Canberra. Making a lunch stop in Albury, we arrive home later this afternoon completing our tour.
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