- Complimentary city accommodation pick up and return
- Luxury small group transport with onboard fridge for any additional purchases
- Breakfast
- 2 x lunches with glass of wine or local beer
- Afternoon bakery treat in Bendigo (we know where gluten free delights are also available)
- Overnight accommodation
Lose yourself in another world. A simpler time rich in history that offers a truly authentic cultural experience capturing the essence of Australia – both past and present.
From the heart of the gold rush to the mighty Murray River and the incredible stores of its colonial pioneers, this is the place of inspiration for the poems and iconic bush paintings that defined the awakening of Australia.
Today, the regions food, wine and produce sophistication proudly embodies this history in a wonderful, generational heritage experience.
Magical Moments
- A wonderful journey into goldrush and pioneer Australia
- Enjoy a traditional pub feast and their local brews in a quintessential bluestone pub (day 1).
- Pumpkin bread to die for!
- Go off the beaten track to discover some fabulous silo art
- Experience the mighty Murray River as the pioneers did in an authentic era paddle steamer
- Enjoy a delightful 2 course lunch and wine tasting along the rivers banks (day 2)
Rich in hidden gems, our overnight escape embraces the fascinating contrasting landscape. Blending the stories and personalities of the descendants of those pioneers opens a window to an entirely different, almost forgotten world.
We start our adventure in Tooberac - a true ‘one horse town’ (population 300!) with a fabulous lunch in country Victoria’s oldest pub, overlooking the volcanic boulder strewn hills. Their accompanying local brews are a must try.
Once a rest stop for prospectors on the way to the gold fields, so too it is for us as the hub of the gold rush era then awaits.
Bendigo, once a sheep station, the discovery of gold in 1851 saw it become one of Australia’s largest colonial boomtowns and today recognised by the United Nations as an official ‘City of Gastronomy’.
As we wander its streets, revealing the rich history amongst its grand architecture, we’ll show you where the best coffee is and stop in on a quirky bakery we discovered to enjoy its absolutely must try pumpkin bread.
Taking a detour on our way to the river town of Echuca, we head off the beaten track to see a little known (we want to keep this a secret as long as possible) display of some uniquely Australian silo art.
The late afternoon is the perfect introduction to what was once one of Australia’s largest inland ports, where a thriving trade was plied along the Murray River on paddle steamers. Explore the main street of Echuca and its fabulous artisans, making your dinner choice from its array of excellent restaurants before settling in overnight. Maybe purchase some local produce and head to the river to enjoy a classic Australian sunset? Perhaps a local gin or Vodka experience pre-dinner?
A leisurely start is recommended as you awake. Find the perfect breakfast spot (we have plenty of suggestions) as you wander the beautiful port village – completely enveloping you in a bygone era before joining us port side for your ‘Wharf to Winery’ Paddlesteamer experience.
Sail the classic Murray to a beautiful riverside winery setting to enjoy a gorgeous lunch focussing on regional produce with accompanying tastings.
Returning to Echuca, there’s time to purchase some last minute local specialities you may have spotted in the morning to take a little bit of your time here with you…..
Other Experiences you may like
Mornington Peninsula
The locals playground…..
Art, produce, boutique winemakers, wildlife, world class hot springs and ever-changing landscapes from chic coastal towns to dramatic cliff walks. It really does have it all.
Daylesford Spa Country & Macedon Ranges
World class health and wellbeing.
Famed spa country and fabled landscapes. A complete retreat for all the senses.
Echuca and the Mighty Murray
Another time, another place…..
Gold rush towns, heartland country and hospitality – landscapes the inspiration of paintings and poems. Lose yourself in quintessential Australia – old and new.