Victorian Homesteads & Private Gardens Along the Great Southern Touring Route
Victorian Homesteads & Private Gardens Along the Great Southern Touring Route
From:
$3633 (USD)NB: Prices correct on 04-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Six days with a Botanical Guide in a small group. Explore Victorian homesteads, beautiful private gardens and stately mansions. Discover the flora of the Grampians and journey along the Great Ocean Road. Stay in the famous Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld and enjoy dining at its renowned restaurant.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Melbourne To The Grampians
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Dunkeld, The Royal Mail Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Depart from the Marriott Hotel at 9am. Arrive at David Glenn’s Lambley Nursery for a tour of its renowned dry garden. Continue on to the historic town of Beaufort to enjoy lunch in a private homestead garden. Arrive later in the majestic Grampians National Park, home to over a third of Victoria’s flora. From here, we explore Halls Gap, situated in the heart of the park. Sit down to a Welcome Dinner this evening at the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel, where you will stay for two nights.
Day 2 : Narrapumelap And Wiltshire Gardens
Location: Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, explore a couple of private gardens in the Western District, starting with Narrapumelap mansion. Constructed in 1873, this is an expansive French mansion with an intricate Gothic style. We then visit the private garden of Wiltshire owned by Botanica Founder Judy Vanrenen OAM, to hear how she created her garden from bare paddocks.
Day 3 : Hamilton Garden And Port Fairy
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Port Fairy, Seacombe Motor Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, tour the Royal Mail Hotel’s kitchen garden, regarded as the largest of its kind in Australia. We then take the short journey to Hamilton to explore another private garden. Enjoy some free time in Hamilton before travelling to the seaside town of Port Fairy, known for its heritage architecture and love of the arts.
Day 4 : Camperdown And Darlington Private Gardens
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Port Campbell, Southern Ocean Motor Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we explore the Camperdown Botanic Gardens. Designed by William Guilfoyle, architect of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, these gardens feature views over the twin volcanic lakes of Bullen Merri and Gnotuk. Afterwards, visit two more private gardens, and meet their owners, in the surrounding area, before continuing on to Port Campbell.
Day 5 : Great Ocean Road And Geelong
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Geelong, Novotel Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we journey along the Great Ocean Road, which is not only a spectacular coastal drive, but also serves as the world’s longest war memorial, having been built by the country’s returning World War I veterans. Stop at the iconic limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, which cut a dramatic figure along Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. We then travel through the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park on our way to Lorne. Enjoy time to explore the shops or stroll along Lorne’s famous beaches before visiting the spectacular private garden Sunnymeade.
Day 6 : Geelong, The Heights, Victoria State Rose Garden And Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit a private garden just outside Geelong before heading to The Heights Heritage House and Garden. After lunch, we travel to the Victoria State Rose Garden in Werribee, to admire its massed blooms, before arriving back in Melbourne at approximately 4:00pm at the post-tour hotel.
What's Included
-
Six days in a small group with a Botanical Guide and an experienced Coach Captain
-
Five nights’ accommodation, including Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel, plus 12 meals
-
Learn about the history of the homesteads you visit, including Narrapumelap Homestead
-
Tour David Glenn’s Lambley Nursery, as well as the Royal Mail Hotel’s kitchen garden
-
Visit a number of unique private gardens and meet their owners, including Botanica Founder Judy Vanrenen
-
Be captivated by the stunning landscape of the Grampians National Park
-
Drive along the Great Ocean Road, see the Twelve Apostles and stay overnight in Port Campbell
-
Explore the Victorian State Rose Garden in full bloom
Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness Rating: Low
Group size: 15-20 guests
Prices are for land only, flights not included
Check out our Q&As
-
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please ensure you advise APT during your booking process if you or any of your travelling companions have special dietary needs or requests. We aim to cater for all requests which are advised at the time of making your booking.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel Documents are sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Certain information may be required to help finalise your booking.
-
What are Freedom of Choice Touring options?
For APT tour programs, you may have the opportunity to select a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. These options are at no additional cost, and confirmed whilst on tour. The Tour Directors will guide you through all of the available options, and assist with booking these for those who are interested. Your brochure or our website will feature Freedom of Choice options for some tours - where applicable. Should time permit, passengers may be given the opportunity to experience a second option by purchasing that option.
-
Where do I join the tour?
Most of our itineraries commence with a transfer from the airport, or a meet and greet on Day 1. There may be times recommended for you to fly, which your Sales consultant will provide you. If you choose to fly in a few days prior to your tour commencing and explore independently you will be advised of a time and location to meet the tour group. If booking pre tour accommodation with APT on an exclusive APT tour itinerary, you will receive both a transfer from the airport and on Day 1 of the tour to join your fellow guests. For Europe River cruises, the vessels are available for early boarding upon your arrival. Luggage can be stored at reception, and passengers have access to the main lounge. Cabin check in is available from 3pm.
-
How do I advise of Health/Mobility Requirements?
Your Sales consultant will ask you for any requirements pertaining to your Health & Fitness during your booking process. A questionnaire may be required to be completed, which you will be advised.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
-
What are the luggage requirements?
Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm - length/height/width (63 inches), weight limit 20kgs (44 pounds). Additional fees may apply for additional luggage, and must be requested by time of final payment. Some safari / adventure tours may have further luggage restrictions where passengers need to pack down to a small soft duffle 10-15kg bag due to the smaller vehicles that are used whilst on tour, this includes Kimberley Wilderness Adventure, Outback Wilderness Adventures, Africa. Your Sales consultant can provide you with specific regulations.
-
Is tipping included on my APT tour?
Tipping is included for all APT operated tours. There are a few activities whereby tipping is not included such as Tailor Made Holidays, Africa & South America's City Stays & Extensions, and the Northern Lights Adventure in North America.
Dates & Availability
Wednesday - Monday
Nov 13, 2024 - Nov 18, 2024Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
APT requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 100 days before departure.