Mornington Peninsula - Christmas in July - Q Train

DAY 1

ALBURY - GEELONG WEDNESDAY 21ST JULY, 2027
Welcome to our Christmas in July Tour on the Q Train & Mornington Peninsula.
Depart Lavington Shopping Centre Griffith Road 7.00am, Albury Railway Station 7.15am, Wodonga Plaza Smythe Street 7.30am and Wangaratta Coles Perry St Bus Stop 8.25am stopping at Euroa for morning tea.
We continue on to the Werribee Open Range Zoo where the magnificent wildlife, including rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes will seem almost touchable. Upon arrival we enjoy lunch here before boarding our special safari coach to take a drive through the Zoo. We will be completely immersed in the sights and sounds of the savannah as we travel across the open plains.
Later this afternoon we depart for Geelong arriving in time to settle in before dinner.
Accommodation: Rydges (2 nights), Geelong Ph: (03) 5223 6500

DAY 2

CHRISTMAS IN JULY ON THE Q TRAIN THURSDAY 22ND JULY
After a leisurely morning, we head to Drysdale Railway Station and board The Q Train for our special Christmas in July themed rail journey. As the train whistle sounds our journey begins travelling along the beautiful Bellarine Railway, offering views of the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula. Between the set courses of our exceptional degustation menu of fresh local produce, all cooked and prepared onboard the well-appointed kitchen car, you may like to chat to the staff about the history of the train. The Q Train will pause for a period of time at Suma Park Historic Homestead, then runs alongside beautiful Swan Bay, with another stop to enjoy views while you dine and then continue on to Queenscliff. Your final dessert course is served on our return trip from Queenscliff to Drysdale, and as The Q Train closes its return journey into Drysdale Railway Station, enjoy a final cup of tea or coffee.
Our coach will be waiting for us, and we return to our hotel to complete a memorable day.

DAY 3

GEELONG - CARRUM DOWNS FRIDAY 23RD JULY
This morning, we make our way to Queenscliff to board the Searoad Ferry service across to Sorrento and then head to Cruden Farm - located at the top end of the Mornington Peninsula, inland from Frankston. More than eighty years in the making and the heart of a working farm, the garden at Cruden Farm is a small piece of country set amid dense suburbia. After lunch here the head gardener will take us on a guided tour, before a short drive to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne - a division of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. This uniquely Australian garden is a place where we can immerse ourselves in Australian flora, landscapes, art and architecture. We experience arid inland landscapes usually found in central Australia, be amazed by the massive Escarpment Wall sculpture and admire the beauty of the 100,000 plants on display. Afterwards we head to our overnight accommodation in Carrum Downs. On arrival we check into our rooms and meet again over dinner at the onsite restaurant.
Accommodation: The Sands Hotel by Nightcap Plus (2 nights)
Carrum Downs Ph: (03) 9788 9900

DAY 4

MORNINGTON PENINSULA SATURDAY 24TH JULY
This morning discover some of the produce this region has to offer. Visiting Pure Peninsula Honey, we can hear about and taste a vast range of pure honeys, with delicious varieties like Orange Blossom, Iron Bark and Clover just to name a few! There is time to explore the farm shop before travelling to Cape Schanck - one of the most picturesque locations on the Mornington Peninsula. The Lighthouse and Keepers Cottages are part of a historical site that has remained unchanged and undisturbed for more than 140 years. We take a guided tour of the Light Keepers Cottage and look through the museum.
Afterwards we spend time at Mornington Peninsula's most charming village, Flinders. With a historic streetscape lined with eateries, gourmet produce stores, boutique shops, galleries, and antique outlets, it will be the perfect place to have lunch (own expense) and explore at your own pace.
Next, we are off to Arthurs Seat - the highest point of the Mornington Peninsula. At 300 meters it provides spectacular panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay. On a clear day the view extends as far as the city skyline, the You Yang Mountain Ranges and Mount Macedon. We board the state-of-the-art gondolas at the top and take the 14-minute journey as we travel over state forest making our way to the bottom.
We are met by our coach captain for our final visit this afternoon to the T'Gallant Vineyard. Inspired by Italy and firmly rooted in the Mornington Peninsula, we enjoy a wine tasting here surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. Afterwards we head to our hotel to relax before dinner.

DAY 5

CARRUM DOWNS - ALBURY SUNDAY 25TH JULY
With our bags packed we begin our final day on tour. Our drive today takes us to Nagambie where we board the Goulburn Explorer for a lunch cruise along the picturesque Goulburn River. Nagambie is also the home to legendary racehorse Black Caviar, the champion racehorse that was born here in 2006 and finished her career unbeaten, winning all 25 of her races. This afternoon we return home via Locksley and the Hume Freeway after a fantastic tour arriving approximately 5.30 / 6.00pm

TOUR COST

$2725.00 Twin / Double
$3072.00 Single Supplement

INCLUDES

· Air-conditioned coach travel
· Accommodation on basis as booked
· Meals as indicated on itinerary
· Entrances to attractions and cruise
· Goods & Services Tax

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner