Today we fly from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, known for its laneways, gardens, and grand heritage architecture. After meeting our coach and driver, we enjoy a relaxed lunch in Docklands, a lively area filled with harbour views and city energy. This afternoon we begin a Melbourne city highlights tour, taking in the stately Parliament House precinct, the peaceful beauty of Fitzroy Gardens, and the soaring Gothic design of St Patrick’s Cathedral. We finish at iconic Federation Square, the heart of Melbourne’s arts and events scene. Later, we settle into our hotel and gather for an in-house dinner together.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel, Carlton Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we travel into the lush Dandenong Ranges, a beloved mountain escape just outside Melbourne, famous for towering forests and charming villages. Here we experience the historic Puffing Billy steam train, Australia’s most famous preserved railway, where we ride through fern gullies and scenic countryside in beautifully restored open-sided carriages. This timeless journey is a true step back into the past and one of Victoria’s most treasured experiences. Along the way, we enjoy a delicious included two-course lunch before returning to Melbourne in the late afternoon. This evening, we relax back at our hotel and share dinner together.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel, Carlton Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we visit the iconic Queen Victoria Market, a much-loved Melbourne institution. We have time to browse at our own pace, enjoy a coffee, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this historic marketplace. Lunch is at leisure, and you may choose to purchase something delicious at the Market or nearby in the city.

Early afternoon we continue to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for a guided tour (approx. 45 minutes), followed by time to explore the Australian Sports Museum. We return to the hotel mid-afternoon to rest and prepare for this evening’s performance.

Early evening we enjoy dinner in-house, before transferring by coach to the historic Princess Theatre for A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, this uplifting stage production tells the true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With over 140 million albums sold, classics like Sweet Caroline, Forever in Blue Jeans and America, and honours including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into both the Songwriters and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, Neil Diamond’s journey is a triumphant celebration of song and spirit. Our group has easy-access seating close to the entry doors for comfort. After the performance, we return directly to our hotel, still humming the night’s unforgettable music.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel, Carlton Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we enjoy breakfast before departing Melbourne for the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. We pause for morning tea among the fragrant Rose Gardens, where colourful blooms and peaceful surrounds create a lovely start to the day. From here we continue to the port and board the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff, enjoying a scenic one-hour crossing across the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay. After arriving on the Bellarine Peninsula, we travel onward to Geelong and enjoy a relaxed lunch by the waterfront, soaking up the coastal atmosphere. This afternoon we visit the magnificent Werribee Park Mansion, exploring its grand interiors and rich history before returning to Melbourne for dinner in-house.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel, Carlton Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we enjoy breakfast and check out before visiting the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the finest gardens in the world and a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city. Here we also share morning tea as we take in the lakes, towering trees, and beautifully curated landscapes. Next, we experience Melbourne from a new perspective on a scenic Yarra River cruise, drifting past city landmarks and riverside precincts. We then enjoy a final lunch together along Southbank, Melbourne’s vibrant dining and arts promenade. In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight home to Sydney, bringing our Melbourne journey to a warm and memorable close. Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch