• 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.

Explore the enchanting Lakes Entrance, gateway to Australia’s largest inland waterway. Discover its beauty as we visit historic homesteads, enjoy scenic cruises and savor local wines and produce. Experience genuine hospitality and a vibrant local culture. Our journey also takes us along the Great Alpine Road through majestic mountains and charming country towns, enriching our adventure with each picturesque setting. Join us for a captivating exploration of this diverse region.

Day One – SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2025

Today, we are picked-up from home by a chauffeur car, ready to embark on our journey to Lakes Entrance.

Our first stop is at Tailem Bend, where we pause for morning tea, offering a moment to stretch our legs and soak in the scenic surroundings.

Our journey continues through Tintinara and Keith, leading us to the welcoming Kaniva Club Hotel for a delightful lunch.

In the afternoon, we proceed through Horsham and Ararat, making our way to the historic town of Ballarat. Flourishing during the gold rush era, Ballarat invites us to delve into its rich past and discover its heritage.

We check into the Sovereign Park Motor Inn (Ph: 03 5331 3955), where we spend the night. Here, we conclude our day with a relaxing dinner, setting the perfect tone for the exciting adventures that await us.

Day Two – SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2025

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we depart Ballarat and make our way towards Lakes Entrance.

Our journey begins with a stop in Berwick for morning tea, where we visit Wilson Botanic Park. Once an operational quarry until the late 1970s, the park now offers a peaceful retreat with its lush gardens and hidden treasures, which we have the opportunity to explore on a self-guided tour.

Continuing east, we arrive in Morwell, stopping to enjoy lunch at the Morwell RSL.

Back on the road, our route takes us through Sale, where we stop to visit the Sale Botanic Gardens. This beautifully curated garden offers a peaceful retreat with its diverse collection of native and exotic plants. You can stroll through well-maintained paths or relax by serene water features. The gardens not only showcases botanical beauty but also serves as a green sanctuary for the local wildlife.

In the late afternoon we arrive in Lakes Entrance, affectionately known by locals as “Lakes”. Our accommodation for the next three nights is at the Bellevue on the Lakes (Ph: 03 5155 3055), providing a comfortable base to explore the surrounding area.

After unpacking and settling in, we have time to freshen up before enjoying a relaxing dinner together.

Day Three – MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2025

After breakfast, we venture into town to meet our local guide for an informative tour of Lakes Entrance. Known as the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, this charming town connects ocean-going vessels from Bass Strait and the Tasman Sea to the inland waterways. During our exploration, we will have the chance to admire the WW1 Memorial Sculptures that line the Esplanade, each telling a story of heroism and history.

Later in the morning, we make our way to Wyanga Park Winery, the oldest vineyard in East Gippsland. Perched beautifully overlooking the North Arm, this winery offers a scenic setting for our lunch. Here, we will sample some of the excellent wines produced in this mild, maritime climate and enjoy the captivating exhibition of native art adorning the winery walls.

In the afternoon, we shift our exploration to the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum, a unique venue that showcases an extensive collection of marine shells and marine life, offering a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world. Following the museum visit, we stop at the Chocky Sweet Box, a delightful local shop where you can indulge in a variety of chocolates and sweets, perfect for picking up gifts or a treat for yourself.

We then return to our accommodation, leaving the remainder of the afternoon free for you to enjoy the town or engage in personal sightseeing, allowing you to soak in the tranquil atmosphere at your own pace.

Day Four – TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2025

This morning, after a fulfilling breakfast at the motel, we commence our day with a visit to Nyerimilang Park (Friends of Nyerimilang), known for its breathtaking views and historic homestead. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a self-guided tour, exploring the lush gardens and learning about the local history and ecology.

Following our visit, we return to Lakes Entrance, stopping at the local jetty to board Stormbird for a scenic 30km cruise through the Gippsland Lakes. The region is celebrated for its vast network of rivers, marshes, lakes, canals, and lagoons, covering over 400 square kilometers. These beautiful waterways and surrounding national parks are rich with diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, providing a perfect backdrop for our cruise. We sail into Lake King, circling the charming shores of Metung, a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

After docking in Metung, we enjoy a leisurely lunch at the local hotel and spend some time exploring the town’s charming shops and attractions. Later, we reboard the vessel for our return journey, cruising around Rigby Island and Chinaman’s Creek.

Mid-afternoon we arrive at Lakes Entrance Jetty and after disembarking, there is time to further explore the local villages.

We conclude the day with a delightful dinner, capping off another enriching day of natural beauty and exploration.

Day Five – WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2025

After breakfast, we bid farewell to our hosts in Lakes Entrance and set off northward through Bruthen, joining the Great Alpine Road.

This iconic 308-kilometre route, stretching from Bairnsdale to Wangaratta, is renowned as Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road, providing spectacular views of lofty mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, vineyards, and farms.

Alongside the Tambo River, our ascent into the Great Dividing Range begins, leading us to the pioneering mountain town of Omeo, rich with a history of gold mining and high country cattle grazing. We explore the town, enjoy lunch at a local bakery, and, if time permits, visit the charming German Cuckoo Shop.

Continuing our journey through Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham, we enjoy the architecture reflective of the early pioneer spirit and panoramic views from Australia’s highest Alpine village. We then travel through the vibrant town of Bright and proceed to Myrtleford, celebrated for its array of homegrown produce.

Our journey today concludes in Beechworth, where we check into the Grand Oaks Resort Beechworth (03) 5728 2618 for the night, providing a restful setting to relax and dine with our fellow travellers.

Please note: The Great Alpine Road traverses high mountainous areas and is subject to weather conditions. In the unlikely event that the road is not suitable for travel due to snow, ice, or other reasons, we will divert around the mountains via Healesville to Myrtleford. Ensuring your safety is our utmost priority!

Day Six – THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2025

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, setting the perfect tone for the adventures ahead.

After breakfast, we depart from our accommodation, embarking on a scenic drive to Shepparton, which is famous for its Moooving Art exhibition, an inventive display celebrating the local dairy industry, a significant contributor to Australia’s dairy exports. This public art installation features life-sized cow sculptures used as canvases and scattered throughout the city, showcasing ever-changing designs and locations. As we drive through, keep an eye out for these creatively painted cows. This vibrant town offers a welcoming morning tea break and a chance to stretch before we continue on our journey.

Next, we arrive at Buda Historic Home and Garden, a significant heritage site that offers a glimpse into the opulent era of Australia’s gold rush with its preserved Victorian-era decor and lush gardens. Here we will enjoy a tour of the gardens, followed by a delicious lunch.

Following our time at Buda House, we make a brief comfort stop in Maryborough, a charming town known for its splendid Victorian architecture and heritage, before continuing our travels.

Our day concludes as we arrive at Magdala Motor Lodge (03) 5358 3877, a comfortable retreat nestled on the outskirts of Stawell. Here, you have ample time to settle into your accommodation and unwind amidst the peaceful surroundings before we gather for our final dinner in the evening.

Day Seven – FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2025

Our morning begins with a hearty breakfast, setting us up for the day’s travels.

Farewelling our hosts, we make our way to Natimuk, a quaint and charming town where we stop for morning tea.

Next, we take a scenic drive past Mount Arapiles, a stunning natural formation that rises dramatically from the Wimmera plains. This majestic landmark is a favorite spot for climbers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Continuing our journey, we arrive at the Keith Hotel, where we relish a delicious two-course lunch.

Travelling towards home, our next comfort stop is at Tailem Bend, an ideal spot to stretch our legs and enjoy the picturesque views along the river. As we arrive back in Adelaide, our trusted chauffeur cars are ready to assist us with our set-downs, ensuring a smooth end to our journey.

Reflecting on our Lakes Entrance tour, we carry with us the vibrant spirit of this coastal town, and the memories made with our fellow travellers.