2 DAY BALLARAT BEGONIA TOUR – $99 P.P. Tw. Sh..  ex. Ballarat Rail Station

A two day accommodated tour taking in much of the classic character of this Victorian City including the display of Begonia for which Ballarat is famous. (The tours are conducted throughout the year but particularly during the Begonia display which is currently held over March.    Prices can also be supplied for groups wanting to include Coach Transport from their home town. )                             DAY 1   Travel to Ballarat at own cost and be met by our Courtesy Bus at the Ballarat Rail Station.   We will be given a guided tour of Ballarat taking in the city's Goldfields history, architecture, old homes and the gardens for which the area is famous.  We pause for lunch ( own cost) before taking a guided tour of the Botanic Gardens including their history, Lake Wendouree, Prime Minister's Walk, the new National POW Memorial with its 35,000 names, the Statuary Pavilion, Adam Lindsay Gordon's Cottage and of course the Robert Clark Conservatory with its spectacular display of Begonia.  Plenty of time will be allowed for strolling through the display, afternoon tea (Included) or taking photographs.   We then cross to our accommodation at Comfort Inn Cardigan Lodge where we are welcomed by our hosts before settling into our rooms while our cases are delivered.  We then take a 2 course dinner in the Motel restaurant and for those who wish, there will be a Courtesy Bus to take you into the city if you want.   Overnight Accommodation – Cardigan Lodge.   DAY 2   Today we travel to the far end of the Avenue of Honour to see the Memorial Cairn, the touching poem and other items of interest before crossing to the old gold town of Clunes – "Victoria's First Gold Town".  We tour the town hearing of its history both old and recent before pausing for morning tea (Included).  We continue on to Creswick to again investigate its unique history both good and bad as well as looking at what keeps this town alive in the current time.   We cross back to Ballarat where we pause for lunch (own cost) before being taken on a guided tour of the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery.  This magnificent Gallery with its recent $5.5 million extension is one of Australia's top 5 Galleries and you will witness a grand collection of Art as well as hearing of the interesting history and development of Art from the Colonial days to the present.  The Gallery also houses the remnants of the original Eureka Flag.   We then cross back to the nearby Rail Station where we board our transport home (own cost) and return to family with stories of colour, beauty, history, old friendships renewed and new friends made.

 

	2 DAY BALLARAT P.O.W. MEMORIAL TOURS – $99 P.P. Tw. Sh..  ex. Ballarat Rail Station
A two day accommodated tour taking in much of the classic character, history and Gardens of this classic Victorian City but also with an emphasis on the National P.O.W. Memorial constructed in the Botanic Gardens in February 2004.  (The tours are conducted throughout the year but particularly during Spring, Summer and Autumn.    Prices can also be supplied for groups wanting to include Coach Transport from their home town. )                             DAY 1   Travel to Ballarat at own cost and be met by our Courtesy Bus at the Ballarat Rail Station.   We will be given a guided tour of Ballarat taking in the city's Goldfields history, architecture, old homes and the gardens for which the area is famous.  We pause for lunch ( own cost) before we spend contemplation time at the magnificent Australian National POW Memorial now standing at one end of the Botanic Gardens.  This magnificent 130 metre long structure contains the names of 34,700 Australian ex POW's and is used by thousands to reflect on those friends, relatives and loved ones who sacrificed their youth and often their lives as POW,s in conflicts from the Boer War to the Korean War.   There is also a special memorial to those who perished when the ship Montevideo Maru was torpedoed while transporting 1000 POW's and civilians to Japan.   We also are taken on a guided tour of the Botanic Gardens including their history, Lake Wendouree, Prime Minister's Walk, the Statuary Pavilion, Adam Lindsay Gordon's Cottage and of course the Robert Clark Conservatory with its spectacular display of Begonia ( Autumn Begonia season or other displays in other seasons.)    Plenty of time will be allowed for strolling or taking photographs at both the Conservatory and the P.O.W. Memorial.   We then cross to our accommodation at Comfort Inn Cardigan Lodge where we are welcomed by our hosts before settling into our rooms while our cases are delivered.  We then take a 2 course dinner in the Motel restaurant and for those who wish, there will be a Courtesy Bus to take you into the city if you want.   Overnight Accommodation – Comfort Inn Cardigan Lodge.   DAY 2   Today we travel to the far end of the Avenue of Honour to see the Memorial Cairn, the touching poem and other items of interest before crossing to the old gold town of Clunes – "Victoria's First Gold Town".  We tour the town hearing of its history both old and recent before pausing for morning tea (Included).  We continue on to Creswick to again investigate its unique history both good and bad as well as looking at what keeps this town alive in the current time.   We cross back to Ballarat where we pause for lunch (own cost) before being taken on a guided tour of the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery where you will witness a grand collection of Art from the Colonial days to the present and also see on display the remnants of the original Eureka Flag.   OR   Visit the Ballarat RSL Rooms to see the magnificent display of Military memorabilia and recall past events, past acquaintances and remember challenging if not difficult times.   (There may be times when we can arrange access tothe Ballarat Aviation Museum or the Avro Anson restoration project forthose interested as an alternative.)   We then cross to the nearby Rail Station where we board our transport home (own cost) and return to family with stories and memories of colour, beauty, history, some old friendships remembered, some  renewed and new friendships made.

CENTRAL VICTORIA FOR SMALL GROUPS ex MELBOURNE

(A tour based in Ballarat and taking in a selection of both sections of  the Great Ocean Road, the new Otway Fly,  the Grampians National Park, Ballarat's Gardens & history, Sovereign Hill by Day and Night and including daily tour guides, evening Courtesy Bus to city venues, supper on return after evening activities.  Select the days you want to make up your  own tour itinerary with as many days as you want. Tours can commence with a pickup at Spencer Street Station or Ballarat Station. )   DAY 1  BALLARAT ARRIVAL DAY   We leave Spencer Street Station at approx. 10.00 a.m. and travel via Gisbourne to Macedon and pass the impressive gardens and mansions of Mount Macedon as we drive to the top of the mount for a [pleasant stroll to the Memorial Cross fromwhere one can see the Melbourne CBD on a clear day.   We pause for lunch in the Mountain Top restaurant (own cost) before descending to view Hanging Rock.  We continue on via the old gold-town of Kyneton and on to Daylesford.  Here we drive through the old Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and then visit the impressive Convent Gallery where we take time to stroll and marvel at the wide range of art, jewellery, pottery and gifts.  If time permits we cross to the nearby Hepburn Springs where we taste the famous  Mineral water.  We then continue to Ballarat and Comfort Inn Cardigan Lodge.  Here you will be met by Bev & Jim Hocking - your hosts for the next few days .  There will be time for a cuppa and restup while your luggage is delivered to your room before dinner in the motel Restaurant. (DBB included – light breakfast and 2 course dinner.) Overnight Ballarat.     DAY 2: BALLARAT – SOVEREIGN HILL & EUREKA   Today we travel down the famous "Avenue of Honour" and will be taken on a guided tour of Ballarat by " Lord Cardigan" who will show us some of the architecture, history, homes & private  gardens for which Ballarat is famous.    We visit the Botanic Gardens where we will be taken on a guided stroll through the magnificent garden beds and old trees and take in Lake Wendouree, the Statuary Pavilion, Fernery, Prime Minister's Walk, Adam Lindsay Gordon's Cottage.  Colourful Floral displays are held in all four seasons at the Clark Conservatory.   After morning tea we continue our guided tour of some of the older streets of Ballarat on our way to the award winning Sovereign Hill.  Here  we explore the township, stroll through the "Voyage to Discovery" Orientation centre, pan for gold, browse the 1850's style shops, watch the gold pour,  take a tour of the mine including the new experiences at the "Red Hill Mine".  Lunch can be taken (own cost) at any of the established eateries inside the township.   Mid afternoon we cross  back for some freetime in the Ballarat CBD to have a closer look at the old buildings pointed out on the guided tour earlier or do some shopping before returning to the Motel.   Crossing to Sovereign Hill after dinner we witness the spectacular nightime show " Blood on the Southern Cross" - recently revamped with new sets and dramas, this is an absolutely brilliant depiction of the Eureka Story - one you will remember always.  Supper at Cardigan Lodge on return before retiring.     DAY 3: GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK   This morning we head off with our guide to Halls Gap right in the heart of the Grampians -  an impressive rock outcrop marking the beginning of the Great Dividing range.    You will be taken to places to get magnificent views from Boroka Lookout,  Reid's Lookout, see strange rock formations, McKenzie's Waterfalls, varied wildlife and wildflowers for most of the year.   After lunch (own cost), plenty of time for photographs and viewing the informative Hall's Gap Visitor Centre, we head  via Stawell (home of the famous Stawell Gift Foot Race)  to Ararat and maybe a quick wine tasting on the return to Cardigan Lodge.    DAY 4:  SHIPWRECK COAST – 12 APOSTLES   Today we travel south with our guide to  the  Great Ocean Road / Shipwreck Coast pausing for morning tea (included) on the way.    Here you will see some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery including the Twelve Apostles ,  Mutton Bird  Island, the Blow Hole and Loch Ard Gorge.  Stops  will be made along the way for photos and there is the possibility of a Helicopter ride (own cost)  for those who wish to get an even more spectacular view over this magnificent  coastline.    After  lunch (own cost)  and a look around Port Campbell we continue along the Great Ocean Road to the Arch and "London Bridge"  before reaching Peterborough and the Bay of Islands.    If time permits we then visit Warrnambool, the Fletcher Jones Gardens and in the appropriate season we go to Logan's Beach to view pods of Whales which use the beach as a refuge when giving birth to their young.  We take a guided tour around the town before our return to Cardigan Lodge & dinner.   DAY 5 – BONE CHINA & OLD GOLD TOWNS.    This morning we travel with our guide to a Bone China Factory.  Here, while sipping on a morning tea cuppa, you will see demonstrated all the steps involved in the production of these fragile works of Art.  You will see the making of the patterns, the molds, the pouring, firing, glazing and finally the intricate hand painting – and all, most uniquely, are carried out on the one premises.   We then travel through Talbot en-route at Maryborough's impressive Railway Station which so impressed Mark Twain by its size that he referred to Maryborough as "the Railway Station with a town attached.!"    We then travel to Maldon – a town classified by the National Trust – where we stroll through main street with its quaint old shops and take time for lunch (own cost).  We then cross to Castlemaine where we tour the city with its majestic buildings as contrasting as the massive old Gaol and the original small Courthouse.    Continuing on we return to Ballarat and Cardigan Lodge for Dinner.           DAY 6:  THE OTWAY TREE-TOP FLY - THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD & HOME.   This morning we pack our bags and head south to the very new and impressive Otway Fly where we pause for morning tea and experience the Treetop Walk.   We then continue on through the  Otway ranges to the Apollo Bay and the start of the Great Ocean Road.    We pause for lunch (own cost) before driving along this impressive old road which has become a playground for many Australians and overseas visitors.  We take in the coastal views through Lorne, Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and Torquay.   We continue on through Geelong and via freeway to Melbourne and our dropoff point at Spencer Street Station.

3 Day to 5 Day GREAT OCEAN ROAD & CRÈAM OF VICTORIA

(A tour based in Ballarat and taking in the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians National Park, Ballarat's Gardens & history, Sovereign Hill by Day and Night and including daily tour guides, evening Courtesy Bus to city venues, supper on return after evening activities and so on.)   DAY 1  BALLARAT ARRIVAL DAY   We travel via ……….. , ……………….,  ……………, to Ballarat and Comfort Inn Cardigan Lodge.  Here you will be met by Bev & Jim Hocking - your hosts for the next few days .  There will be time for a cuppa and restup while your luggage is delivered to your room before dinner in the motel Restaurant.  Overnight Ballarat.     DAY 2: BALLARAT – SOVEREIGN HILL & EUREKA   Today we travel down the famous "Avenue of Honour" and will be taken on a guided tour of Ballarat by " Lord Cardigan" who will show us some of the architecture, history, homes & private  gardens for which Ballarat is famous.    We visit the Botanic Gardens where we will be taken on a guided stroll through the magnificent garden beds and old trees and take in Lake Wendouree, the Statuary Pavilion, Fernery, Prime Minister's Walk, Adam Lindsay Gordon's Cottage.  Colourful Floral displays are held in all four seasons at the Clark Conservatory.   After morning tea we continue our guided tour of some of the older streets of Ballarat on our way to the award winning Sovereign Hill.  Here  we explore the township, stroll through the "Voyage to Discovery" Orientation centre, pan for gold, browse the 1850's style shops, watch the gold pour,  take a tour of the mine including the new experiences at the "Red Hill Mine".  Lunch can be taken (own cost) at any of the established eateries inside the township.   Mid afternoon we cross  back for some freetime in the Ballarat CBD to have a closer look at the old buildings pointed out on the guided tour earlier or do some shopping before returning to the Motel.   Crossing to Sovereign Hill after dinner we witness the spectacular nightime show " Blood on the Southern Cross" - recently revamped with new sets and dramas, this is an absolutely brilliant depiction of the Eureka Story - one you will remember always.  Supper at Cardigan Lodge on return before retiring.     DAY 3: GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK   This morning we head off with our guide to Halls Gap right in the heart of the Grampians -  an impressive rock outcrop marking the beginning of the Great Dividing range.    You will be taken to places to get magnificent views from Boroka Lookout,  Reid's Lookout, see strange rock formations, McKenzie's Waterfalls, varied wildlife and wildflowers for most of the year.   After lunch (own cost), plenty of time for photographs and viewing the informative Hall's Gap Visitor Centre, we head  via Stawell (home of the famous Stawell Gift Foot Race)  to Ararat and maybe a quick wine tasting on the return to Cardigan Lodge.    DAY 4:  SHIPWRECK COAST – 12 APOSTLES   Today we travel south with our guide to  the  Great Ocean Road / Shipwreck Coast pausing for morning tea (included) on the way.    Here you will see some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery including the Twelve Apostles ,  Mutton Bird  Island, the Blow Hole and Loch Ard Gorge.  Stops  will be made along the way for photos and there is the possibility of a Helicopter ride (own cost)  for those who wish to get an even more spectacular view over this magnificent  coastline.    After  lunch (own cost)  and a look around Port Campbell we continue along the Great Ocean Road to the Arch and "London Bridge"  before reaching Peterborough and the Bay of Islands.    If time permits we then visit Warrnambool, the Fletcher Jones Gardens and in the appropriate season we go to Logan's Beach to view pods of Whales which use the beach as a refuge when giving birth to their young.  We take a guided tour around the town before our return to Cardigan Lodge & dinner.    DAY 5: BALLARAT – HOME   Today we  bid farewell to our guests as we depart Cardigan  - homeward-bound stopping en-route for lunch (own cost) before arriving home with stories of spectacular scenery, brilliant colour, interesting experiences, excitement and new friendships made .

3 Day to 5 Day EXPERIENCE VICTORIA TOUR

( A tour based in Ballarat taking in many of the quality attractions for which time is not always available on other tours. )   DAY 1 :  BALLARAT ARRIVAL DAY   We travel via …………..,  …………….. , ……………. to Ballarat and Comfort Inn Cardigan Lodge.  Here you will be met by Bev & Jim Hocking - your hosts for the next few days .  There will be time for a cuppa and restup while your luggage is delivered to your room before dinner in the motel Restaurant.     DAY 2: BALLARAT – BIRDWORLD - & EUREKA   Today we travel down the famous "Avenue of Honour" and will be taken on a guided tour of Ballarat by "Sir James of Cardigan".    We visit the famous Botanic Gardens where we will be taken on a guided stroll through these magnificent Gardens  including Lake Wendouree, the Statuary Pavilion, Fernery, Prime Minister's Walk, Adam Lindsay Gordon's Cottage.  Colourful Floral displays are held in all four seasons at the Clark Conservatory.   After morning tea we continue our guided tour of some of the older streets of Ballarat  taking in its bloody Eureka History, colourful gardens and impressive old homes and buildings.  We include a visit to the magnificent Ballarat Birdworld on our way to the nearby township of Buninyong – Victoria's largest inland town when gold was first discovered.  We take lunch (own cost)  in the Ballarat CBD with freetime to closer investigate some of the old buildings with their immaculate Victorian architecture, high ceilings magnificent staircases etc.   After lunch we travel out of Ballarat, passing the rarely visited "far end" of the famous Avenue of Honour and Lake Learmonth on our way to visit the Bone China Factory.  Here, while we sip on afternoon tea, we will see demonstrated the making of the moulds, the pouring, firing, glazing and finally the detailed handpainting of the final articles.  A interesting experience where all these stages are rarely seen at one place in Australia.   We return to Cardigan Lodge and after dinner cross back to Sovereign Hill for a highlight of the tour - their spectacular Sound & Light show - "Blood on the Southern Cross" - a brilliant depiction of the dramatic "Eureka" story. Using multidimensional sound and state-of-the-art lighting technology, this innovative and exciting night time spectacle will be locked in your memory for ever. Supper at Cardigan Lodge followed by bed.   DAY 3: VICTORIAN GOLDFIELDS TOWNS   Today we explore, with our guide for the day,  some of the historic  Victorian goldfields towns, such as Clunes, Talbot, Maryborough, Carisbrook,  Castlemaine, Hepburn Springs and Daylesford.    We start with a visit to Clunes where we tour the fascinating old buildings left from the 1850's and contrast them with the modern Wesley College development before travelling to Talbot, another mining town from the same era.  We take a brief tour of the town, hear how its history differs from that of its neighbours and marvel at the industry of the goldfield pioneers. We then continue on to Maryborough, passing through the city centre to view the impressive railway station and inspect the range of Antiques. Then via Carisbrook  to Castlemaine and take time for lunch (own cost). After lunch we tour with our guide taking in the old buildings, Churches, the Goal with its often inglorious history, the local Industry and old Botanic Gardens .  We continue on to Hepburn Springs, where we sample the local mineral water and Daylesford's impressive Wombat Hill Gardens.  From there we cross to Tuki Trout Farm to test our piscatorial skills before partaking of fresh Trout &/or homegrown Tukidale lamb.  After a full but interesting day, we return to Cardigan Lodge for supper before retiring.   DAY 4:  WINDFARMS, CHINESE SETTLERS AND BONE CHINA FACTORY.    Today with our guide, we travel west to inspect on a drive-past, the technically interesting and environmentally contentious new Wind-farm which, from its 35 towers, generates sufficient power to run a city of about 70,000 people.   We continue on to Ararat where we take morning tea and tour the town before visiting the interesting Gum San Chinese Centre and hear of the significant contribution of the Chinese miners to this region during the Goldrush period.   We follow this with free-time  and lunch (own cost) in the CBD.     After lunch we travel to the Crystal Gallery to see demonstrated the way in which glass artefacts are made or spun or blown in this interesting art-form.  We continue on for a tour of the old goldmining town of Avoca and return to the Motel.     DAY 5: BALLARAT - HOME   Today we  bid farewell to our hosts as we depart Cardigan  - homeward-bound via Horsham,  Bendigo or Hanging Rock / Macedon or Geelong depending on the location of our hometown.  We stop enroute for lunch before arriving home with stories of spectacular scenery, brilliant colour, interesting experiences, excitement, old friendships renewed and new friendships made.