Join us as we unearth all aspects of Victoria as we rove the highways and byways of this diverse state. Delve into bustling metropolitan Melbourne, travel along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over the 12 Apostles. Traverse The Grampians to Ballarat and experience history at Sovereign Hill. Dig up our gold mining history in Bendigo and board a paddle steamer in Echuca before discovering the beauty of the High Country.
11 November 2024 - Diamond Class
27 Meals Included 1 Eco Experiences 6 Cultural & Heritage Experiences
DEPOSIT
$1000pp required within 14 days of making booking to secure your reservation.
N.B. Full payment is required 60 days prior to departure.
This package is subject to an additional levy for coach/air/rail component that may be imposed and is out of Fun Over Fifty’s control. Flights are arranged to suit the tour as a group in advance, therefore we cannot book individual preferences or guarantee direct flights.
Fly Carbon Neutral to Melbourne Airport where we board our opulent 'Diamond Class' coach and travel responsibly, knowing all coach emissions are 100% offset. Our journey takes us via the picturesque Dandenong Ranges to Gippsland where we check-in at our resort.
Today we journey to Wilsons Promontory, which marks the southernmost point of mainland Australia, boasting breathtaking coastal landscapes and untouched wilderness. Our adventure begins with a cruise from Tidal River into Bass Strait, where Victoria’s first marine national park thrives. Encounter Australian fur seals, diverse birdlife, and coastal dolphins and whales. We pause for afternoon tea at Fish Creek before returning to our resort. As day transitions to evening, we head to Phillip Island Nature Park for the renowned Penguin Parade. Watch from premium underground viewing as hundreds of enchanting little penguins, also known as fairy penguins, emerge from the ocean, waddle across the sand, and return to their burrows.
We begin our day with morning tea and a guided tour of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale. Spend some time exploring the sanctuary and enjoy interactive wildlife experiences. We continue our journey to the coastal town of Mornington for a delightful lunch. After lunch, we head to Sorrento to catch the ferry to Queenscliiff, enjoying scenic view of Port Phillip Bay.
This morning we take to the Great Ocean Road, beginning with a thrilling helicopter scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, the sandstone cliffs and Bay of Islands. Back on the ground, we take our time to meander along the Great Ocean Road, with plenty of stops and photo opportunities, before breaking for lunch at Port Campbell, then arriving in Warrnambool. Tonight, we take a short walk to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Enjoy the theatrical sound and light experience ‘Shipwrecked’ depicting the many tales that inspired fear and trepidation among mariners in this region.
This morning we return to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to discover Australia’s richest collection of shipwreck artefacts from some of the 200 ships known to have been wrecked along this coast. Next we get to meet the Maremma dogs that reside on Middle Island protecting the local penguin colony, a successful world-first initiative. After lunch we travel to the historic city of Ballarat.
Today we explore Sovereign Hill, where history comes to life as you pan for gold, meet characters in period costume and ride an old-fashioned stagecoach. Wander through the dusty streets past Victorian homes and stop in at old-fashioned shops like the apothecary, sweet shop or candle works and purchase unique souvenirs.**Lunch is at own expense today.
We venture on to Bendigo taking time at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Don a hard hat and descend beneath the surface of Bendigo and walk the steps of past miners. Next, we step aboard the Vintage Talking Tram for a tour of the city’s key landmarks and monuments whilst hearing about the history of the region. This afternoon we arrive in the Port of Echuca.
This morning a local guide takes us back in time and explains the history of Echuca when hundreds of steamers raced along the Murray, opening up large areas in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. We then board the PS Canberra, a lovingly maintained paddleboat that will take us meandering between the red gum lined banks of the mighty Murray. This afternoon, we travel to Albury on the New South Wales border.
Today we discover the High Country. We climb the mountain range onto the High Plains. Here we visit the historic Wallace’s Hut. Built by the Wallace Brothers in 1889 from slabs of Snow Gum, the National Trust-listed Wallace’s Hut is the oldest Cattleman’s hut remaining in the Alpine National Park. Take in sweeping views from the Great Alpine Road as we make our way through the Alpine National Park to Falls Creek for lunch. This afternoon, we take the scenic route back to Albury, stopping at Mt Beauty and Sullivans Lookout.
Leaving Albury behind today, we travel to Glenrowan. Here we take time to discover the Glenrowan Tourist Centre, the original Ned Kelly Museum established in 1965. Housed here are many of the original Kelly and Victorian Police artefacts. Through the brilliance of live special effects and animatronic figures, you are transported to a live re-enactment of the most famous gunfight which depicts Ned Kelly’s final moments. We stay in Glenrowan for lunch before making our way to Melbourne via a short stop at Seymour.
Enjoy a free morning in Melbourne to shop to your hearts content. Carbon Neutral flights will be arranged for your journey home mid-afternoon.
Fun Over 50 is proud to announce that we’ve been named as a Best Of Queensland Experience. This means that we come highly recommended by travellers, and provide exemplary tourism experiences through:
Get in touch with us to join the waitlist for this tour. Our team will get in touch with you soon to confirm your details and reserve your place.
Get in touch with us to request a booking for this tour. Our team will get in touch with you soon to confirm your details and reserve your place.
Our Gold Class coach tours let you experience the beauty of the Australian landscape in comfort and style. From the coach itself to the accommodation and meals, every detail is considered.
See Gold Class coachesFor the next level in luxury, our Diamond Class coach tours give you the business class experience every step of the way. We only book the very best options available
The Bright Autumn Festival is a celebration of the wonderful autumn colours and autumn produce of the valleys of Victoria’s Alpine High Country.
Take the inland route from Brisbane to Melbourne, discover quirky characters and hidden treasures along the way. Try your luck for opals in Lightning Ridge, enjoy a wildlife Zoofari at Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo, and visit Miners Heritage Park in Cobar. See the 'Living Desert Sculptures' in Broken Hill and the Old Wentworth Gaol before enjoying a paddleboat cruise on the Murray and a finale night in Melbourne.
Jump onboard our coach to experience an overnight Zoofari experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo), where we witness unforgettable wildlife, immersing yourself in the wonders of the animal kingdom. Choose between an animal view or bushland view room and listen to the sounds of the wild. As the sun rises we join a guided Zoofari tour enjoying a delicious breakfast before heading to Griffith. We explore the Hermits Caves, visit Yangas Homestead in Mildura, view the heritage land mark Willandra Lakes whilst winding through the Grampians region. Take in the intriguing Silo Art Trail along the way before overnighting in Halls Gap as we make our way towards Melbourne.
To book this tour, all you need to do is get in touch with us. We will take your details and reserve your place over the phone. We can also answer any questions you may have and give you all the information you need.
Our coach tours have a baggage restriction of 17kg per person (regardless of flight and rail allowances) due to our Occupational Health & Safety standards. You can also bring one small, soft carry-on bag not exceeding 30cm wide, 30cm high, and 15cm thick that may be stowed in the overhead compartment.
Each of our tours has a fitness rating which describes the level of physical activity involved with the tour. These ratings are very important when choosing your tour to ensure it's right for you. Our fitness ratings are:
Our Gold Class coaches have a seat capacity of between 44 and 46, but we cap Gold Class tours at 40 guests per tour. Our Diamond Class tours have a capacity of just 26 guests. Other tour types may have different capacities depending on the transport and destination. Please get in touch with our team if you have any questions about a specific tour.
In most cases, yes we can. We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking, and we can confirm with our suppliers and restaurants.