Essence of Victoria

On arrival at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, meet your drive and transfer to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to rest, relax or beging your explorartion of the Victorian capital at your own pace.

Welcome to Melbourne, a city of contrasts, world famous sporting arenas and historic gardens. Be dazzled by the wondrous sights of Australia's most vibrant city and learn about Melbourne's fascinating history with your expert guide.

Join a small group tour with Oceania to make the most of your stay as you zoom in and around the city, visiting such wonders as Federation Square, the MCG and our world-famous sports precinct, St Patrick's Cathedral, Albert Park Lake (Formula 1) and over to St Kilda Beach. You can even take a stroll in the gardens and visit St Patrick's Cathedral when permitted.

Visit world famous Albert Park, home of the Formula One, Australian Grand Prix as well as our inner-city sports precinct, home to the famous MCG and Melbourne Park where the Australian Tennis Open takes place.

There will be a maximum of 11 people in your group, so you will have plenty of opportunities to ask your guide questions and get to know your fellow travellers.

Repeatedly voted the world's most liveable city, Melbourne prides itself on its style and multifaceted urban culture. With a well-ordered downtown on the Yarra River, surrounded by parks and gardens, the capital of Victoria offers world-class art and live entertainment, a serious devotion to good coffee, gorgeous architecture, rich Aboriginal history, and top-notch dining. It's bound to be an urban highlight of any Australia vacation.

Depart Melbourne for the Yarra Valley, a journey of approx one hour.

We arrive at a premium cellar door to enjoy the first tasting. Guests will learn how to swirl, sniff, slurp and then enjoy an extensive cellar door tasting at an iconic Yarra Valley cellar door. The next destination is Balgownie Estate, with spectacular views and a great display on the history of winemaking. The cellar door staff will share some of their great wines with guests before moving onto a delicious 1 course lunch to include a glass of wine and tea or coffee. Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa your overnight destination After lunch clients say goodbye to the group and make your way to reception to check in for a relaxing overnight stay. Accommodation is a 1-bedroom Spa Suite. There are activities to enjoy in the afternoon to include access to the Health Club (experience pool, steam room and gym equipment). Leisure facilities include tennis court, volleyball net, giant chess set and 1.6km walking trail. Balgownie Resort Optional Inclusions 1309 Restaurant: for evening dinning please book with 1309 Restaurant staff at check in - own expense.

Enjoy a delicious Buffet Breakfast at Rae's Restaurant and spend the rest of the morning at leisure. At 1:00pm (after you have checked out of your hotel) please make your way into the cellar door to meet your driver guide.

Today you take in the sights of the rustic Yering Farm cellar door which is a converted old hay shed is situated at the top of the hill, overlooking stunning views. Your last stop for today is the home of French Champagne company Moet and Chandon's Australian production house Domain Chandon. Enjoy a guided tour through the winery that shows how the wine is made followed by a relaxing glass of Australia's best bubbly with tasty light nibbles and a view that will leave you in awe.

Tour return time will be between 4.30pm and 5.00pm depending on traffic conditions and drop off location will be as per your pickup location.

Experience this majestic coastal drive in style with your small group and enjoy time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous touring route. Stay on the lookout for some very special animals including whales, dolphins, echidnas and bandicoots. Your camera will get a good workout along this exciting journey where we will stop for plenty of photo opportunities. To begin, your expert Oceania Guide will collect you from your Melbourne hotel to commence your exciting road trip. Your next stop will be at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town which is most noteworthy for its setting among the soft rolling hills. It offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some lunch (not included). Following this, we will enjoy a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges. A truly unique day out, capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Finally, your Oceania guide will transfer you back to the comfort of your hotel in Melbourne.

We plant a native tree for every passenger on our Great Ocean Road Tour.

Today you will be transfered to the airport in time for your onward flight.