Melbourne

Leaving Port Melbourne, you will drive down the Esplanade past the Melbourne bayside beaches of St Kilda and Elwood. As you head towards the heart of the city, you will see Albert Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens. A photograph stop will be made at the Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria’s largest and most visited war memorial, before continuing your drive past the sporting precinct, the historical city centre, Melbourne University and the Carlton District renowned, for its many fascinating terrace homes.

Melbourne holds many surprises, it has the most elaborate Victorian architecture of all Australian cities. Along with the old, you will view the modern face of Melbourne, with its Crown Casino complex and Convention Centre.

Travel to the Dandenong Ranges through a variety of garden suburbs as you climb the surrounding hills. This range provides views of some of the most picturesque countryside in Australia.

On arrival at Belgrave Station, you will board the ‘Puffing Billy’, a century-old narrow-gauge steam train that still runs on its original mountain track. Enjoy this short classic train journey as it transverses past the lush forest surroundings to Menzies Creek on the outskirts of Sherbrooke Forest.

Re-join your coach for a drive into Sherbrooke Forest, where some of the world’s tallest hardwood species are found. Australian fauna is in abundance with bird life such as Kookaburra’s, Bellbirds and Lyrebirds. The Crimson Rosella and King Parrot are 2 of the most impressive and colourful of the birds. A stop will be made during the forest drive for photographs, bird seed will be provided for those who wish to hand fed these friendly birds.

Travel into the heart of Melbourne city to the Fitzroy Gardens. Planted in 1860 these magnificent gardens are laid out in the shape of the Union Jack. There will be a guided tour of the gardens and Cook’s Cottage which is hidden away amongst the trees. Cook’s Cottage is the family home of Captain James Cook, the English navigator who explored the southern hemisphere and first ‘discovered’ the east coast of Australia. The two-storey brick cottage and its adjoining stable were shipped over piece by piece from its original location in the north of England.

Continuing to the city centre, you will pass many magnificent buildings, including The Treasury, Parliament House, the Windsor Hotel, the Princess Theatre and the marvellous Gothic buildings on Collins Street. There will be a photograph stop at the Shrine of Remembrance, one of the most stunning and recognisable landmarks of Melbourne.

See the city from another level at Melbourne’s tallest attraction, Eureka Skydeck 88. This magnificent 92-storey tower is currently the tallest apartment building in the world. The fastest lifts in the southern hemisphere will take you from the ground to Level 88 in a mere 40 seconds. From the Skydeck you will have unparalleled 360 degree views of the city through floor to ceiling glass windows.

Explore Melbourne like a true local as your knowledgeable guide brings the city to life. A short walk will bring you to Beacon Cove, where you’ll take a tram to Federation Square, located in the heart of the city. During your informative walking tour, you’ll discover how the gold rush of the 1850’s really kick-started the prodigious growth of one of the greatest cities of the Victorian era.

As you explore the fascinating alleyways and glorious arcades of downtown Melbourne, you’ll hear stories and discover the history of the local area. Hidden architectural gems will be revealed and some truly great sights including the stunning Gothic Bank and the gloriously ornate Old Melbourne Stock Exchange. Admire the magnificent redevelopment of the historic General Post Office and be charmed by the city’s oldest arcade, the Royal Arcade.

Sit back and absorb the local atmosphere as you enjoy refreshments of tea, coffee and cake in a local café. After your refreshments, your walk will continue past the delightful Town Hall and City Square precinct to see the beautiful lime and sandstone building of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, before taking the tram back to the pier.

Departing the ship you will travel by coach to Sherbrooke Forest, home to some of the world’s tallest hardwood species of trees. The forest is also home to many of Australia’s unique birdlife, such as Rosellas, Kookaburras, Bellbirds and Lyrebirds. Two of the forest’s most impressive and colourful bird species are the Crimson Rosella and the King Parrot. To add to this delightful experience, seeds are provided for you to hand-feed these playful and inquisitive birds.

Leaving the forest, you will drive to Mount Dandenong Observatory. At 1,800 feet above sea level, the Observatory affords extensive and breathtaking views of the lush forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, giving you an excellent opportunity to take some memorable photos.

Finally, you will visit one of the area’s charming little villages. These small villages are renowned for their excellent craft shops which feature the work of local artists and include jewellery, glassware, pottery, leather goods and woodcarvings. Enjoy some free time to stroll along the quaint streets or shop for souvenirs. There are even candy shops reminiscent of yesteryear where you can purchase a sweet confection.

Returning to the city, you will be given a brief overview of Melbourne’s highlights before arriving back at the pier.

Travel into the heart of Melbourne to Russell Street, home to the city’s oldest prison, historic Magistrates’ Court and former Police City Watch House. Russell Street has been at the heart of law and order since the 1840’s. Most of Australia’s most infamous characters, including iconic bushranger Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct.

At the City Watch House, a Charge Sergeant will take you through a re-enactment of what it would have been like to be arrested, charged and locked up at this gaol. Nothing has changed in this minimalist site since the police and inmates left in the 1990’s. Afterwards, you will have time to explore the Watch House, taking in educational and informative sound points and multi-media imagery.

Located next door is the Old Melbourne Gaol, where you’ll have around 45 minutes to explore the prison at your own pace. Walk through Victoria’s oldest prison where 135 people were hanged. The prison was also a focus during some of Australia’s most significant historical moments, including the Gold Rush and World War II. Experience the harsh realities of a 19th century prison and learn about the lives and crimes, trials and treatment of the men, women and children who were kept here.

Following your visit, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Melbourne’s highlights as your informative guide brings the city’s colourful history to life. There will be a stop at the magnificent Shrine of Remembrance to take photos before returning to the port.