Tour Description
Christmas in the Dandenongs
(Combined Departure)
Six Days: 22nd – 27th December 2024
Twin Share: $2949 per person. Sole Use: $3329 per person.
- Home pick-ups & set downs (most metro areas – please contact us for details)
- Picnic-style morning teas & all meals
- All accommodation & admissions to all attractions
- Experienced & informative tour driver/guide.
Celebrate the festive season with a journey through Victoria, from the historic Overland Train ride to the serene Grampians and lively Dandenong Ranges. This Christmas tour combines luxury travel, historical exploration and scenic beauty, featuring highlights such as a visit to the charming Buda Historic Home and a ride on the iconic Puffing Billy. Delight in seasonal festivities with a special Christmas lunch and tranquil views in Dandenong, and wrap up the experience with a scenic exploration of Cranbourne’s Botanic Gardens and historic Ballarat. Stay in premium accommodation and join us for a festive adventure that showcases the rich heritage and picturesque landscapes of Victoria.
Day One – SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER 2024
Your festive journey begins from the comfort of your home, where you will be collected by a chauffeur-driven car, marking the start of our leisurely adventure.
From here, we proceed to Keswick to embark on a scenic ride aboard the iconic Overland Train. This historic train, known for its luxurious and comfortable carriages, offers a unique travel experience as it traverses the beautiful landscapes between South Australia and Victoria. Enjoy the rolling vistas and the gentle rhythm of the rails as we make our way to Stawell, a town rich in gold rush heritage.
Upon arrival in Stawell, we journey to Halls Gap where our overnight accommodation is at The Grampians Motel (Ph: 03 4320 0957). Positioned amidst the natural splendor of the Grampians National Park, the motel provides a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the rugged mountain ranges. The evening culminates with a delicious dinner at the restaurant, providing an opportunity to relax and connect with fellow travellers.
Day Two – MONDAY 23 DECEMBER 2024
We begin our day with a delightful breakfast at the Grampians Motel, fuelling up for the adventures ahead.
From here we set off towards Maryborough, where we’ll pause for a refreshing morning tea. This charming town, known for its grand historical buildings and vibrant local culture, offers a peaceful backdrop to our morning.
Next, we journey to Castlemaine to visit the Buda Historic Home and Garden. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent property, showcasing its exquisite collection of 19th-century arts and crafts, as well as its beautifully preserved gardens. Lunch is served in the elegant surroundings of Buda House.
Our exploration continues as we drive to Mount Macedon. Renowned for its stunning panoramic views and lush, expansive gardens, Mount Macedon offers a serene environment to immerse in nature’s beauty.
The day concludes with a scenic drive to Dandenong, where we check into the contemporary Atura Hotel Dandenong (Ph: 03 9771 6000) for the next three nights. After settling in, we gather for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day Three – TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2024
Today our adventure begins in Belgrave, where we’ll board the Puffing Billy, one of Australia’s oldest and most famous steam trains. As it chugs through the verdant Dandenong Ranges, you’ll be transported back in time, experiencing the romance and charm of early 20th-century rail travel. The open-sided carriages offer unobstructed views of the stunning landscapes, making this a
photographer’s delight.
After a scenic ride, we disembark at Lakeside, a picturesque stop within the Emerald Lake Park. Here, we can visit the Lakeside Visitor Information Centre to delve into the area’s history and explore the surrounding natural beauty.
We continue our festive journey with a visit to Rayners Orchard. This family-run farm allows you to tour the orchards and sample a variety of fresh fruits, providing a hands-on experience with the region’s agricultural heritage. We will also enjoy our lunch here at the Peach Cafe.
In the afternoon, take some leisure time to explore Sassafras, a charming village known for its craft boutiques and antique shops. This quaint town offers a perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Our day wraps up with a return to our accommodation, where we will enjoy our dinner together, excited for Christmas tomorrow.
Day Four – WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2024
Merry Christmas! Today unfolds gently with breakfast, where you can enjoy a leisurely start to this special day. For those who wish, there is the option to attend local church services in the morning, providing a moment of reflection and community spirit. There is also some free time to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll or simply unwinding at the hotel.
The highlight of the day is a sumptuous Christmas Lunch at the Atura Hotel Dandenong, complete with all the trimmings. Indulge in a feast that celebrates the flavors and joy of the season, surrounded by festive decorations and the camaraderie of fellow guests.
In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive, venturing to Mount Dandenong to take in the panoramic views. The vista from the lookout offers a breathtaking perspective of the region, adding a touch of natural splendor to our Christmas celebrations.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and soak in the holiday atmosphere. We gather again in the evening for a festive light dinner at the hotel. This delightful meal provides another opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, share stories of past Christmas celebrations and make new holiday memories together in the heart of Dandenong.
Day Five – THURSDAY 26 DECEMBER 2024
After our breakfast, we check out of our accommodation, bidding farewell to Dandenong as we set out for a day filled with nature and scenic travel.
Our first destination is the renowned Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. Here, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems that showcase the beauty and variety of Australian flora. This peaceful retreat is an opportunity to enjoy beautifully curated plant collections and thematic garden displays, and while here, we will take the opportunity to enjoy our morning tea refreshments.
Following our exploration, we travel through Melbourne to Melton where we stop for our relaxing lunch break at a local hotel.
This afternoon, we embark on a scenic drive towards Ballarat. This part of our journey offers picturesque views of Victoria’s countryside, providing a serene backdrop as we transition from the urban landscapes to the historic richness of Ballarat.
On arrival, we check into the Sovereign Park Motor Inn (Ph: 03 5331 3955), our comfortable accommodations for the night. There is time to settle in and relax before gathering for dinner at the Inn’s restaurant, where a delightful meal awaits. This cozy setting offers a perfect conclusion to our day of botanical beauty and scenic exploration, setting the stage for our final day on tour.
Day Six – FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024
Our final day begins with a hearty breakfast at the Sovereign Park Motor Inn, providing the ideal start to our journey home. After breakfast, we check out and depart Ballarat, carrying with us memories of the historic charm and scenic beauty we’ve explored.
Our first pause is in Horsham, where we enjoy a morning tea. This brief stop offers a moment to stretch and refresh as we continue our travels through Victoria’s picturesque landscapes.
Next, we make a comfort stop in Kaniva, a quaint town known for its welcoming community and vibrant local art. Here, we will have the opportunity to stretch our legs and view their stunning silo artwork before we hit the road again.
Lunch is served at the Keith Hotel, where we’ll indulge in a delicious two-course meal. This stop not only offers a chance to enjoy good food but also to reflect on the journey and the connections we’ve made along the way.
This afternoon, we make another quick stop at Tailem Bend, an ideal opportunity to take in the last scenic views of our trip and prepare for the final leg of our journey. We then return to Adelaide, where chauffeur-driven cars await to take us back to our homes where we can reminisce on our wonderful Christmas tour away with friends.
