Tour Details - 7 Day Victorian Homesteads, Mansions & Gardens 11/12

Day 1 Mon. Yuulong Lavender Farm, Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Depart 180 St Kilda Road at 8.15 a.m. outside the NGV International. Interstate visitors are met at Melbourne Airport at 9.00 a.m. Travel to Yuulong Lavender Farm, where the Yuulong lavender was first found. Initially starting with 1,000 lavender plants, today Yuulong features eight varieties of lavender which encompass the surrounding hills. Stroll around the magnificent Ballarat botanical gardens which cover an area of 40 hectares, divided into three distinct zones. Located on the western shore of picturesque Lake Wendouree, the gardens are also home to the famous Begonia Festival. Next, enjoy an exclusive visit to Narrapumelup private homestead and garden. Travel to Hamilton.

Day 2 Tue. Coonawarra, Penola
Visit Wannon Falls and historic Penola.?Explore the Points Arboretum, Eucalyptus Discovery Centre and Yallum Park Homestead with its collection of William Morris wallpapers. Then visit the Mary MacKillop Centre and a winery.

Day 3 Wed. Grampians
Visit private country gardens including Toora West and Wiltshire. Meet the private garden owners, including Botanica founder Judy Vanrenen, and hear how they created their gardens from bare paddock. View the Grampians mountain range with more than 1,000 species of wildflowers, one of nature’s amazing creations (in season). Native wildflowers include heath, banksia, tiny orchids, ferns and blackboys. Enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 4 Thu. Port Fairy
Visit the private garden of Audley before continuing to Treloar Roses, Portland and the quaint seaside resort of Port Fairy, with its historic whaler’s cottages.

Day 5 Fri. Great Ocean Road
View magnificent Great Ocean Road coastal scenery, including the Twelve Apostles, as you pass through Lorne and Geelong. Visit Geelong’s 21st century $2 million ‘low water’ botanic garden overlooking Corio Bay. The gardens date back to 1851, and are the fourth oldest in Australia. After time to explore the gardens continue to Melbourne.

Day 6 Sat. Melbourne
Your first visit this morning is to Rippon Lea Estate. Built in 1868, this Romanesque-style mansion was one of the last of Australia’s great privately owned 19th century estates, with the gardens of international and heritage significance. Continue to historic Como Mansion. Built in 1847, Como House is an intriguing mix of Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture, where you’ll glimpse the lifestyle of the families who once gave the home its life. The National Trust has also worked hard to restore the gardens to their original glory, including eplicating the vegetable gardens once used by the household. Then visit the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens which extend over 40 hectares, and enjoy the tranquillity of this garden oasis with views over the city. In the afternoon visit Werribee Park Mansion and the Victorian State Rose garden which has 5000 beautiful roses displayed within four uniquely shaped designs.

Day 7 Sun. Fly Home
Enjoy a free morning in Melbourne – perhaps explore the city’s many boutiques and cafés. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.