Discover the best of coastal and historic Australia! Start with the scenic Great Ocean Road, visiting landmarks like the 12 Apostles. Explore Warrnambool’s maritime history and Ballarat’s Gold Rush heritage before cruising the Murray River on the 5 Star PS Australian Star, complete with sunset dinners, wildlife spotting, and winery visits. Finish with three nights in Melbourne, including a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train and a vineyard lunch. Perfect for travellers seeking a mix of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and relaxed river cruising.
Home pick up and return within the Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
Return economy class airfares Auckland to Melbourne.
Quality hotel accommodation including buffet breakfast daily.
Apollo Bay Brewhouse lunch. See the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Seppelt Winery lunch. “Tales of the Shipwreck Coast” Sound & Light Show.
3 night River Cruise aboard the new 5 Star Ship - PS Australian Star Quality twin-bedded, air-conditioned outside Category C staterooms with private facilities, all meals, a range of on-shore excursions and activities included. Quality accommodation in twin-bedded cabins with private facilities, all meals, shore excursions and activities included. Note: River Cruise Staterooms are cosy at around 10-12 m2. (We recommend 1 suitcase between two for the cruise, or arrange a smaller bag each for the cruise. Free Hotel luggage storage is available.
Melbourne. Puffing Billy train ride
All airport, hotel and railway station transfers throughout.
Travelwise Holidays documentation and travel bag.
SUN 05 OCT- AUCKLAND/MELBOURNE/TORQUAY
Depart Auckland on Air NZ121 at 8.50am and arrive Melbourne 10.50am Stay nights. On arrival into Torquay, we have the rest of your day free. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel tonight. Wyndham Resort. Stay Torquay 1 night. Included: D
MON 06 OCT – TORQUAY/WARRNAMBOOL
We head for the iconic Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most iconic and picturesque ocean lined roads. Lunch is waiting for us in the seaside town of Apollo Bay at one of the local legendary microbrewer’s, the Brewhouse. With our stomachs full we continue west. Get your camera’s ready next on the list is the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge and the picturesque seaside city of Warrnambool. Hotel Best Western Olde Maritime. Stay Warrnambool 2 nights. Included: B, L, D
TUE 07 OCT – WARRNAMBOOL
This morning we tour Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Holder of Victoria's largest maritime and shipwreck collection. Flagstaff Hill is a state heritage listed site overlooking the beautiful Lady Bay. Free afternoon then at dusk walk over to enjoy - “Tales of the Shipwreck Coast” Sound & Light Show. Dinner tonight at the hotel. Included: B, D
WED 08 OCT - WARRNAMBOOL /BALLARAT
Leaving Warrnambool early we head for the Grampians town of Dunkeld. Enjoy morning tea at the Dunkeld Bakery (own cost). Stop for a break at Hall’s Gap before heading to one of Victoria’s most photographed waterfall – Mackenzie Falls.We then head to Seppelt Winery for lunch before making our way to the historic town of Ballarat. Craigs Royal Hotel. Stay Ballarat 1 night. Included: B, L
THU 09 OCT – BALLARAT/PORT ECHUCA
This morning we visit Sovereign Hill gold mine to experience the magic and adventure of the Gold Rush era. Later we head to Echuca on the banks of the Murray River. By the 1870s, Echuca had risen to prominence as Australia's largest inland port. Being the point of shortest distance from the river to Melbourne. Mercure Hotel. Stay Port of Echuca 1 night. Included: B, D
FRI 10 OCT – ECHUCA/MURRAY RIVER CRUISE
Board PS Australian Star for your 3 night cruise. Murray River Cruises states “The PS Australian Star will not only be the largest paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere but also the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddle steamer in the world. Its unique combination of heritage charm and modern luxury sets it apart from any other cruise vessel.” As sun sets, Happy Hour starts. Arrive at Layfield Lane for a grand dinner on the riverbank. A signature Australian BBQ, lit by candles and stars, with live entertainment around the campfire. Included: B, D
SAT 11 OCT - CRUISE, DEEP CREEK MARINA
A captivating half-day land and river tour beginning with a visit to the fascinating Heritage Farm Museum. Next, join the Murray Explorer, a magnificent vessel that will take you on an Expedition cruise along the upper Murray River. Keep your eyes peeled for White Faced Herons and King Fishers. Visit St Anne’s Winery for a tasting then continue downr-iver towards Deep Creek Marina. In the evening, you can unwind with a fascinating documentary featuring archival footage of the paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River.
Included: B, L, D
SUN 12 OCT – CRUISE, PERRICOOTA STATION & TORRUMBARRY WEIR
Visit Perricoota Station - join the skipper for an immersive walking tour of the rich historical tapestry of Perricoota Station. At Torrumbarry Weir take a guided walk traversing the Weir and delving into it’s history and significance. Explore the Interpretive Centre, a treasure trove of knowledge of the Murray Darling Basin and the ingenious weir and lock system, which traces its origins back to 1923. Indulge in a delectable final dinner hosted by your Skipper and Engineer - tantalising pre-dinner canapés and refreshing drinks against the backdrop of the setting sun. Included: B, L, D
MON 13 OCT - PORT ECHUCA/MELBOURNE
Disembark the ship at Echuca - early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast. You will reluctantly say farewell to your unforgettable river journey on the PS Australian Star. Train back to Melbourne on the V/line. Novotel Melbourne or similar. Stay Melbourne. 3 nightsIncluded: B, D
TUE 14 OCT - MELBOURNE, PUFFING BILLY TRAIN
Ride a century old steam train & savour a vineyard lunch. Included: B, L
WED 15 OCT - MELBOURNE FREE DAY
A free day to explore Melbourne. Farewell dinner tonight. Included: B, D
THU 16 OCT - MELBOURNE/AUCKLAND
Depart Melbourne at 12.05pm. Arrive Auckland 5.40pm. Included: B
