POST-CONFERENCE TRIPS

N.B. Unfortunately the scheduled Post-Conference trips have been CANCELLED. Sight-seeing Tours are still available, see below for details.

SIGHT-SEEING TOURS

The following tours are operated by an external tour company. They run every day, departing at the time specified. They can be booked by using the Tour Booking Form.

Penguins, Kangaroos & Koalas (K10)

Departs Daily @ 1:30pm

• Travel around Westernport Bay. Arrive at Warrook Cattle Farm. See sheep, cattle, kangaroos and Australian birds.
• Enjoy Devonshire tea, hot scones with tea/coffee
• Cross over to Philip Island by road bridge.
• Visit koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre.
• Travel to the town of Cowes (dinner stop own expense).
• See the Nobbies rock formations overlooking one of the most treacherous oceans in the world, Bass Strait.
• Arrive at the famous Penguin Parade and watch the nightly ritual at Summerland Beach, as the little penguins march up the sand to their nesting places.
• Visit Education Centre, tourist shops, amazing displays and cafe.
* Note this tour has video entertainment on board.

Great Ocean Road Deluxe and Bells Beach (K4)

Departs Daily @ 8:15am

• Enjoy panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne city skyline.
• Arrive in the town of Torquay (for morning tea, own expense).
• See one of the world's famous surf beaches, Bells Beach.
• Travel along Victoria's famous Great Ocean Road.
• Discover golden sandy beaches, sheer cliff faces, rugged surf beaches.
• Drive through the beautiful coastal towns of Anglesea, Lorne and Wye River.
• See amazing rock formations weathered over thousands of years.
• Arrive at the beautiful white sandy beaches of Apollo Bay, a scenic coastal town (lunch own expense).
• Bring your swimwear for a chance to have a dip.
• Discover the magic of the Otway National Park, lush tree-fern gullies and towering mountain ash forests.
• See the stone monoliths of the Twelve Apostles.
• Enjoy the amazing shipwreck story of survival of the Loch Ard and visit its famous Gorge and Razorback Lookout.
• Visit the rock known as London Bridge

plus numerous opportunities to take photographs along the way.

Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary (K15)

Departs Daily @ 8:35am

Ride onboard the famous Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest steam train, as it winds its way through the lovely forests and fern-filled glens of the Dandenong Ranges. Visit Healesville for a close-up experience with native animals and birds. Personalised tour and delicious lunch. Enjoy the beautiful forests of the Dandenong Ranges on your steam train ride. Then visit Healesville Sanctuary to see Australian native animals.

• Travel to the Dandenong Ranges and through the magnificent rainforest.
• Take the opportunity to hand feed gorgeous Rosella birds.
• Free tea/coffee at Sherbrooke forest.
• Travel aboard Australia's oldest operating steam train, Puffing Billy.
• At Healesville Sanctuary enjoy a two-course lunch with complimentary wine and tea/coffee. Exclusive!
• Enjoy a guided tour of one of Australia's most famous wildlife parks, home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles in a natural bushland setting.
• Witness the Birds of Prey demonstration.
• See dingoes and Tasmanian devils as well as echidnas and goannas.

Sovereign Hill & Goldfields (K13)

Departs Daily @ 8:40am

Experience Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum, or historical park, situated in an early gold diggings area, and learn about the history of the gold rush and life in the 1850's.

• Pan for gold and go down into the underground mine for a guided tour.
• Enjoy unique period style shopping along with real life characters and entertainment.
• A host of activities available including stage coach rides and costume photos.
• See traditional blacksmiths and craftsmen shilling their trades.

Ballarat Wildlife Park & Sovereign Hill (K3)

Departs Daily @ 8:40am

• Enjoy a guided tour of the Ballarat Wildlife Park, located in a native bushland setting.
• Hand feed kangaroos.
• See Tasmanian devils and the free roaming emus.
• Have the opportunity to touch and photograph a cuddly koala.
• See the Australian crocodile and a huge display of reptiles and snakes.
• Be greeted by 'Patrick the Wombat' upon arrival.
• See goannas and other giant lizards.
• Then to Sovereign Hill for an exciting 'goldrush' experience (see K13 above).
• Pan for gold or go down the mine.
• Visit the Chinese Village which highlights the contribution of Chinese people who worked in the goldfields.
• Visit the Gold Museum.
• See a re-creation of the Eureka Stockade.
• Stroll along historic 'Main Street' with its shops, artisans and traditional craftsmen.

Yarra Valley Wineries & Puffing Billy (K35)

Departs Daily @ 8:35am

• Travel into the Dandenong Ranges.
• Drive through lovely Ferntree Gully.
• Enjoy free tea/coffee at your stop with Crimson Rosella birds in the forest.
• Travel on Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest operating steam train.
• Ride through spectacular forests of tall mountain ash, eucalyptus and fern gullies.
• Pass through quaint villages.
• Enjoy a delicious spit roast lunch along with wine tasting and tea/coffee at Fergussons Winery.
• Visit 3 of Victoria's premier wineries of the Yarra Valley – Fergussons Winery, Domaine Chandon and De Bortoli.
• Enjoy personalised wine tastings, along with wine appreciation and a guided tour. There is also the chance to purchase your favourites.
• Tastings and cheese platter at Domaine Chandon.
• Return to Melbourne via Yarra Glen and Templestowe.

Morning City Tour (K1)

Departs Daily @ 8:40am

A delightful tour around the city of Melbourne. See our landmarks, gardens, buildings and shopping spots. Includes exclusive entry to Captain Cook's Cottage.

• Experience the beautiful sights of Melbourne, enjoy the shopping, sports complex and universities.
• Visit the Fitzroy Gardens. Exclusive visit and entry to Captain Cook's Cottage. Captain Cook discovered the East Coast of Australia. His parents cottage was sent here and reassembled in these gardens.
• See Parliament House, Windsor Hotel, Queen Victoria Market, 'MCG', Rod Laver Arena, Flinders Street Station, Young and Jackson's Hotel, St. Patrick's Cathedral.
• Stop for morning tea in the Botanical Garden Cafe (own expense) and see the famous Shrine of Remembrance. Amazing War Memorial.
• Travel past Grand Prix race track over Westgate Bridge for panoramic view of Melbourne.
• See Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra River and the Arts Centre.

City Highlights, Rivercruise & Dandenongs (K2)

Departs Daily @ 12pm

Enjoy the river, city and forest. Cruise on the Yarra, see the city highlights, drive up into the lovely Dandenong Ranges with its towering rainforest trees and lush forests.

• Enjoy a beautiful 1 hour river cruise of the Yarra River to see the city skyline. Complete with commentary on a luxury air-conditioned cruiser.
• Melbourne City Tour featuring famous landmarks.
• See The Shrine of Remembrance. Victoria's War Memorial.
• See the impressive Arts Centre.
• Kings Domain Gardens.
• St Pauls Cathedral and Flinders Street Station.
• Drive past the Law Courts and Flagstaff Gardens.
• Visit the Dandenongs to enjoy rainforest atmosphere with towering Hardwood trees and green ferns in a lush forest.
• Stop at Grants Reserve and enjoy delightful Afternoon Tea.
• Hand feed Crimson Rosella birds and walk the forest tracks.

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