Bright Autumn Tints and Alpine High Country

Flying in to Melbourne we join either our luxury ‘Gold Class’ or opulent ‘Diamond Class’ coach to make our way to the Euroa Golf Club to break for lunch. Our afternoon takes us via the Ned Kelly town of Glenrowan for a short break, before we arrive in Beechworth at the unique historic setting that is Mayday Hills. Set on 27 hectares with many leisure activities on offer, our accommodation delivers a modern relaxing stay within the intrigue of a bygone era.

**All accommodation is located within the historic Mayday Hills property, meals are served in the hotel.

Today we head toward the HighCountry travelling through breath-taking Mount Beauty and ascending the mountain through Bogong and on to the High Plains at Falls Creek. Here we visit historic Wallace’s Hut - the oldest hut still standing in the Bogong High Plains. We descend the mountain making our way to the Red Stag Deer Farm where we enjoy a gourmet lunch before feeding, touching and learning about these majestic animals.

Enjoy a guided tour of the historical town of Beechworth, then take in morning tea at the famous Beechworth Bakery. We then head to Bright’s Gala Day at the Autumn Festival. The festival is a ten day celebration of the wonderful autumn colours and autumn produce of the valleys of Victoria’s Alpine High Country and  Bright . After dinner this evening and as darkness falls, we set out on a ghost tour of the buildings of the former Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum. You’ll be intrigued as our guide depicts the facility history, memories, local tales, urban myths, and stories of the supernatural.

This morning we head off through the township of Holbrook, often referred to as the ‘Submarine Town’ as it is the resting place of the HMAS Otway. Passing through Gundagai we break at the ‘Dog on the Tucker Box’ before venturing on to Goulburn. After lunch we take a guided tour of the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum, set on the banks of the picturesque Wollondilly River at Marsden Weir. Built in the 1880’s the pump house is the only complete, steam powered municipal water supply left in its original location in the Southern Hemisphere. We finish our day venturing up into the Southern Highlands.

Travelling on Australia’s most scenic country backroads we descend from the Highlands through the rolling hills and pretty pastures of farming country. We stop to take a boardwalk to Fitzroy Falls before continuing on and absorbing striking views and deep valleys as we make our way to Berry. Enjoy some free time in this quaint town before taking our taste buds to Far Meadow Table for a relaxed long lunch in the country. This gourmet oasis boasts its own kitchen garden, outdoor wood fire oven and Argentinian Grill. Here we dine on delicious produce sourced from local farmers, gardeners, fishermen and artisans; unique seasonal dishes that celebrate the beautiful South Coast. Our afternoon takes us to Bowral where we visit Dirty Janes emporium and antique market, offering the best in vintage incorporating antique furniture, lighting, architectural elements,beautiful quality preloved home furnishings, and the fabulous Recycled Rags clothing salon - it is the one stop shop for style on a budget.

Leaving the highlands we pass through the western suburbs of Sydney to arrive in Brooklyn where we join the Riverboat Postman, established in 1910, as it delivers mail and other essentials to the river-access-only settlements on the Lower Hawkesbury River. All the skippers are locals who have lived in the area their whole lives. Enjoy lunch on board and be entertained by the stories of the river whilst cruising in comfort up this spectacular waterway. Back ashore we continue on to the Central Coast and our destination for the day, Newcastle where there’s time to visit the city’s Memorial Walk. This 450 metre long walkway winds around the cliff edge offering magnificent views of the coastline, city and Hunter Valley, whilst commemorating local service men and women.

After a relaxed start to the day we board the famous tram, a replica of those in service in the 1920’s. Our 1 hour tram tour takes in the city, beaches and historical sites of Newcastle, with the driver detailing Newcastle’s life both past and present whilst we enjoy this nostalgic form of travel. The rest of the day is a free day to spend as you please. Perhaps visit Fort Scratchley, a former coastal defence installation which is now a museum, take in a long harbourside lunch, or wander the shops of downtown Newcastle.

*Lunch is at own expense today.

Heading north today we break for morning tea then it’s back on the road as we make tracks for the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey. Paying homage to one of the greats of Australian music, the centre houses an extensive archive that follows Slim’s life journey and showcases an iconic Australian lifestyle. Later we continue on through Coffs Harbour to Grafton on the banks of the Clarence River, our home for the night.

Travelling further north this morning we arrive at Tropical Fruit World. Set amongst rainforest, water catchments and the rolling volcanic mineral soil from nearby Mount Warning, this working fruit farm is perfectly situated to grow exotic fruits from across the globe. We tour the plantation by tractor train, winding through the orchards where more than 500 varieties of tropical and exotic fruit are grown. After lunch there’s time to sample a little of what’s in season before our afternoon takes us into Queensland to arrive at Roma Street, Brisbane.