Spectacular Victoria
Unveil the majesty of Victoria
A 9 day showcase of everything Victoria has to offer
It has finally arrived, and it’s going to be a beauty alright! After months of planning and sourcing the best on ground support crew, we have partnered up with some award winning friends to bring you one of our most anticipated tours to date.
With the Melbourne Flower Show we thought best we go and check it out! But of course while we are there it's important we take the opportunity to explore Victoria. So with that in mind we’ve crafted an unforgettable 8 night tour showcasing everything Victoria has to offer while still giving you opportunity to wander the shops and explore the city or simply relax at the stunning accommodation in the heart of the CBD - Walking distance from many local attractions please read on for all the info and join us on what will be a truly memorable tour.
Let's go to Melbourne and beyond!!
Is this tour for me?
Duration
Dates
Suitable for
Departing from*
What’s included?
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Melbourne
Home (25th March)
If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 8am departure and travel to Palmerston North Airport to catch our flight to Auckland at 10:25am.
Departing from another destination
For those departing from another destination we will arrange for you to meet the group in Auckland depending on your location.
Auckland
Transfer in Auckland.
Melbourne
All flights are with Air NZ and your international flight has ‘The Works’ package included which allows you access to all the inflight entertainment and meals.
We will arrive in Melbourne mid afternoon and get a transfer to our accommodation in the city centre. Dinner will be at a high-quality local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Melbourne
Melbourne Flower Show & Lygon Street
Melbourne Flower Show (March 26th)
On day 2 we will have an early breakfast at the Grand Chancellor hotel before taking a short stroll to the beautiful Carlton Gardens, home to the internationally renowned Melbourne Flower Show!
You can decide how long you want to stay at the flower show, with Carlton Gardens being only a 10 minute walk from our hotel and 10 minute walk to Lygon Street where we will have dinner.
Also close to the Flower Show is the Melbourne Museum, Gertrude Street and Brunswick Street.
In the evening we will be treated to a delicious Italian dinner on iconic Lygon street at the excellent Il Gambero Restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Melbourne
Melbourne - Port Campbell (2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour!)
Melbourne (March 27th)
After breakfast we drive one of the most popular tourist roads in Australia - The Great Ocean Road! Most tourists, and tour buses, do the Road in 1 day, but we will spend 2 days taking in the stunning coastal scenery, temperate rainforest and rolling hills of the South-West.
Surf Coast
Our day starts with a 8:15am hotel pickup so we can enjoy a full day taking in the sights of the “Surf Coast”. Our stops on the surf coast include the Great Ocean Road Arch and the scenic towns of Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Kennett River, and Apollo Bay. In Kennett River, stroll the beach, see Koalas alongside the road, and some iconic Australian birds. We will stop for lunch (at your own expense) and some free-time in Apollo Bay; bring your swimmers and have a dip! Leaving behind the surf coast, we head inland through the beautiful Otway Ranges with a stop at Melba Gully to breathe in the temperate rainforest air.
Port Campbell
After the Otway Ranges, the Great Ocean Road heads down to the appropriately named Shipwreck Coast. We will stop at some lookouts to take in the wild Southern Ocean coastline, before arriving at Port Campbell in the afternoon; a unique Coastal town tucked away in the towering cliffs of the Port Campbell national park. After checking into our accommodation, enjoy some free-time before dinner at an excellent restaurant, a short walk from our accommodation.
Accommodation: Loch Ard Motor Inn
Port Campbell - Melbourne via the 12 Apostles Coast
Port Campbell (March 28th)
The best thing about doing a 2 day tour of the Great Ocean Road, is visiting the 12 Apostles in the morning with beautiful light, and less tourists!!
Our day begins with a cooked breakfast at a local cafe. After checking out we proceed to the famous 12 Apostles. There is an optional helicopter ride (not included in tour) over the 12 Apostles coast for those interested. Otherwise walk the boardwalks and lookouts taking in one of the most interesting coastlines in the world!
Lord Ard Gorge
After the 12 Apostles we will also stop in at Loch Ard Gorge, where you will hear about the two brave young survivors of the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. It’s a stunning spot and well worth the short stroll to the lookouts and the beach access.
Melbourne
From the coast we will get on the “Gourmet Harvest Trail”, visiting GORGE Chocolates and Apostle Whey Cheeses for tastings and lunch. Before leaving the region, we will stop in Timboon. There will be a chance to do an optional whiskey tasting at Timboon Distillery ($10pp or free if you buy a bottle), or get yourself an Ice-Cream at Timboon Fine Cream.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Melbourne
NGV and St Kilda
National Gallery of Victoria (March 29th)
For those who wish to enjoy another day at the Flower Show that is an option, otherwise come along and enjoy some of the premier spots in Melbourne! Sport and Art, So Melbourne!
After breakfast in our hotel, we will be picked up at 9.30am, do some sight-seeing through East Melbourne, the “Sports District”, and will stop in at the War Memorial. Your guides will then drop you off for most of the day at the world-class National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Around the NGV is Southbank, a short stroll to Federation Square, and even access to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The tour bus will pick-up those who choose to have another day at the Flower
Brighton
From there we will head down to the “bayside” suburb of Brighton for a little beach walk, eye off some impressive mansions, and have a look at the iconic colourful bathing boxes.
St Kilda
After our stop in at Brighton we will drive around Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne’s original playground, St Kilda. We have an amazing location for dinner lined up at Republica Restaurant, right on the St Kilda waterfront.
After dinner, you will then be dropped off back at your accommodation in the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Melbourne
Melbourne - Bright
Melbourne (March 30th)
Today after breakfast we will start at 8:30 AM after checking out of our city accommodation and head north towards the beautiful town of Bright; famous for its deciduous trees in Autumn.
Glenrowan (Ned Kelly) & Beechworth
On route, we will stop into Glenrowan to visit the Ned Kelly museum (included in the tour), and learn about Ned Kelly’s life, The Kelly Gang and his “last stand”.
Next stop, we will visit Beechworth, a charming, historic, gold rush town (where a mayoral candidate once rode into town with gold horse-shoes, such was the level of wealth and one-upmanship of the Gold rush era).
Enjoy a stroll through town and lunch (at your own expense). We can offer a variety of lunch suggestions such as Beechworth Bakery, some excellent cafes, and fantastic pub meals.
Bright
We get into Bright mid-afternoon and check in to our hotel on the banks of the Ovens River.
For those feeling energetic Cherry Walk and Bright Canyon offer a range of walks on well made trails alongside the Ovens River. Others may want to enjoy Bright’s unique shops with local products, ice-cream shops, cafes and the vibrant Bright Brewery, only 500m from the accommodation.
Tonight we will enjoy a unique Gyros style Spit Roast dinner with salads alongside the river (included).
Accommodation: Riverbank Park Motel, Bright
Bright - Melbourne (via Mt Buffalo)
Bright (March 31st)
Our morning will start at 8.45am after a cooked breakfast at our hotel in Bright.
From there we will head up to Mount Buffalo National Park and see the unique geology, stunning snow gums and awesome lookouts. The old Mount Buffalo Chalet is quite a sight, sadly abandoned currently, maybe to be rejuvenated in the future. It is still worth a look and a wander around the gardens. Those interested can come for a guided walk to Crystal Brook Falls lookout.
King Valley
We then descend (slowly) down the mountain and head through the King Valley Wine region and stop in for a memorable lunch at Sam Miranda Vineyard. Sam Miranda has stunning grounds, and we can enjoy a relaxing lunch (included in the tour) with their delicious tasting plates, including dessert treats and a glass of wine.
From there we will head back to Melbourne, no doubt with a bathroom stop.
Melbourne
Tonight we will enjoy a high quality dinner close to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Melbourne
Puffing Billy, Dandenongs and Yarra Valley
Puffing Billy (April 1st)
One of the great things about Melbourne is having a lot to do just 1 hour out of such a large city! This day highlights that aspect of Victoria.
We will depart Melbourne at 9.30 after breakfast at our hotel. You probably have time to hit up a local coffee shop before departure!
We then head east into the Dandenong ranges. It is remarkable to find Temperate Rainforest so close to Melbourne and a great way to see it is on Puffing Billy Historic Railway. Enjoy a 1 hour ride on Puffing Billy through the Dandenong ranges from Belgrave to Lakeside.
We will then head up to Sky High Mount Dandenong for some time in the botanic gardens, amazing views to the city, and for a light lunch at Sky High Bistro.
Yarra Valley Wine Region
While we are close by, it is well worth a short drive to the southern Yarra Valley Wine Region at the excellent Whispering Hills Winery for some wine tasting and local cheese platters. On the way through we may be able to stop in at a berry farm to sample some produce.
Melbourne
Tonight we will enjoy a final Melbourne dinner at a high quality Vietnamese restaurant. Vietnamese is probably Melbourne’s most popular cuisine!
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Melbourne
Melbourne - Home
Melbourne - Home (April 2nd)
After breakfast in our hotel it is time to check out and head to the airport to catch our flight scheduled to leave for Auckland at 12:10pm. We arrive and transfer over to the domestic terminal ready to fly into Palmerston North.
Home
The bus will be there waiting to take us home ready for a good night's rest dreaming of all the wonderful memories from your time in Melbourne!
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
What types of transport do we use?
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Still have questions?
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What our customers say
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