Botanica
Victorian Homesteads & Private Gardens Along the Great Southern Touring Route
Melbourne Return
Trip Highlights
The Grampians
Explore Halls Gap, with its pristine waterfalls and stunning lookouts, then stay overnight at the edge of the Grampians.
Drive the Great Ocean Road
Take in dramatic ocean views while journeying along one of Australia’s most renowned coastal roads.
Stately Homes & Gardens
Take a tour of the French Gothic mansion Narrapumelap, just one of the many private homes and gardens on your journey.
Trip Inclusions
- Six days in a small group with a Botanical Guide and an experienced Coach Captain
- Five nights’ accommodation, including Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel, plus 12 meals
- Learn about the history of the homesteads you visit, including Narrapumelap Homestead
- Tour David Glenn’s Lambley Nursery, as well as the Royal Mail Hotel’s kitchen garden
- Visit a number of unique private gardens and meet their owners, including Botanica Founder Judy Vanrenen
- Be captivated by the stunning landscape of the Grampians National Park
- Drive along the Great Ocean Road, see the Twelve Apostles and stay overnight in Port Campbell
- Explore the Victorian State Rose Garden in full bloom
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Fitness Rating: Low
- Group size: 15-20 guests
- Prices are for land only, flights not included
Melbourne to the Grampians
Depart from the Marriott Hotel at 9am. Arrive at David Glenn’s Lambley Nursery for a tour of its renowned dry garden. Continue on to the historic town of Beaufort to enjoy lunch in a private homestead garden. Arrive later in the majestic Grampians National Park, home to over a third of Victoria’s flora. From here, we explore Halls Gap, situated in the heart of the park. Sit down to a Welcome Dinner this evening at the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel, where you will stay for two nights.
Stay: Two Nights, Dunkeld, The Royal Mail Hotel or similar
Daily :Narrapumelap and Wiltshire Gardens
Today, explore a couple of private gardens in the Western District, starting with Narrapumelap mansion. Constructed in 1873, this is an expansive French mansion with an intricate Gothic style. We then visit the private garden of Wiltshire owned by Botanica Founder Judy Vanrenen OAM, to hear how she created her garden from bare paddocks.
Daily :Hamilton Garden and Port Fairy
This morning, tour the Royal Mail Hotel’s kitchen garden, regarded as the largest of its kind in Australia. We then take the short journey to Hamilton to explore another private garden. Enjoy some free time in Hamilton before travelling to the seaside town of Port Fairy, known for its heritage architecture and love of the arts.
Stay: Port Fairy, Seacombe Motor Inn or similar
Daily :Camperdown and Darlington Private Gardens
Today we explore the Camperdown Botanic Gardens. Designed by William Guilfoyle, architect of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, these gardens feature views over the twin volcanic lakes of Bullen Merri and Gnotuk. Afterwards, visit two more private gardens, and meet their owners, in the surrounding area, before continuing on to Port Campbell.
Stay: Port Campbell, Southern Ocean Motor Inn or similar
Daily :Great Ocean Road and Geelong
Today, we journey along the Great Ocean Road, which is not only a spectacular coastal drive, but also serves as the world’s longest war memorial, having been built by the country’s returning World War I veterans. Stop at the iconic limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, which cut a dramatic figure along Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. We then travel through the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park on our way to Lorne. Enjoy time to explore the shops or stroll along Lorne’s famous beaches before visiting the spectacular private garden Sunnymeade.
Stay: Geelong, Novotel Hotel or similar
Daily :Geelong, The Heights, Victoria State Rose Garden and Melbourne
Visit a private garden just outside Geelong before heading to The Heights Heritage House and Garden. After lunch, we travel to the Victoria State Rose Garden in Werribee, to admire its massed blooms, before arriving back in Melbourne at approximately 4:00pm at the post-tour hotel.
Daily :Price & Availability
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November 2024 - November 2024
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Deck Plan
In all we had a fantastic holiday. We would recommend Botanica to all who'll ask.
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