Gardens of Gippsland, Goldfields & the Great Alpine Road
Gardens of Gippsland, Goldfields & the Great Alpine Road
Gardens of Gippsland, Goldfields & the Great Alpine Road
Tour Overview
Discover private gardens of Victoria’s East and West Gippsland and the Goldfields region of the state’s north-east. Wander the spectacular gardens of Broughton Hall, as well as the grounds of charming Picardy Garden, and the natural bush setting of Tall Timbers. In Walhalla, step back in time as you take a journey on the Goldfields Railway. Further east, Lakes Entrance presents magnificent views over the Gippsland Lakes. Then follow the Great Alpine Road to Dinner Plain in search of wildflowers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Melbourne, Peppermint Ridge Farm And Warragul
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Warragul, Mercure Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch
Depart Melbourne and travel to Peppermint Ridge Farm, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the native food garden followed by a two-course lunch highlighting the flavours of Australian native foods. We then continue on to a beautiful private garden before arriving in Warragul.
Day 2 : Tall Timbers Private Garden, Broughton Hall And Private Garden
Location: Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we visit the private garden Tall Timbers in the pretty Piedmont region. Next visit Broughton Hall, one of Victoria's most spectacular gardens where we enjoy lunch. Afterwards we will visit another private garden.
Day 3 : Walhalla Goldfields Railway, Sale Botanic Gardens And Lakes Entrance
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Lakes Entrance, Esplanade Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we travel to Walhalla for a journey on the Goldfields Railway. Pass over six large trestle bridges, crisscrossing Stringers Creek. See ferns and wildflowers while learning about the gold mining history of the region. Next we stop in Sale to visit the 150-year-old botanic gardens that owe their heritage to Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller, the state’s first government botanist, and William Guilfoyle, then director of the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens.
Day 4 : The Victorian Lakes And Nyerimilang Homestead
Location: Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, take a leisurely coastal walk with your Botanical Guide or enjoy free time to explore the streets of Lakes Entrance. We then take a cruise to Metung to have lunch in the Metung Pub and see the Gippsland Lakes. This afternoon we visit the historic Nyerimilang Homestead, surrounded by beautiful gardens and magnificent views over the Gippsland Lakes.
Day 5 : The Great Alpine Road To Milawa And Shady Brook Cottage Garden
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Milawa, Lindenwarrah Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we depart Lakes Entrance to travel the Great Alpine Road over to Dinner Plain. We take in the rugged alpine landscapes of the region and learn about the history of the high-country cattlemen. This afternoon we visit Shady Brook Cottage in Harrietville, a magnificent cool-climate landscape garden which was featured on Gardening Australia.
Day 6 : Beechworth, Private Garden And Mount Buffalo
Location: Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we explore the goldmining town of Beechworth, before visiting the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet gardens. Explore the Mount Buffalo region before returning to Milawa.
Day 7 : Milawa, King Valley, High Country Gardens And Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We depart Milawa this morning and travel through the King Valley before visiting High Country Gardens. Arrive back in Melbourne at approximately 4:00pm.
What's Included
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Travel with a small group of 15-25 guests, escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
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Includes six nights’ accommodation in four-star hotels, return private airport-to-hotel transfers, plus 14 meals and select beverages
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Relax aboard a spacious coach with an experienced and informative Coach Captain
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All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
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Visit the private gardens of Broughton Hall and Tall Timbers in East Gippsland
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Travel on the historic Walhalla Goldfields Railway and visit goldfield towns
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Stay in Lakes Entrance and explore the Victorian Lakes
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View wildflowers along the Great Alpine Road
Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness Rating: Medium
Group size: 15-25 guests
Prices are for land only, flights not included
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
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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.
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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.
Book with Confidence
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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.
Enquire for huge savings
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