Christmas On The Great Ocean Road

Day 1

" Brisbane - Armidale
Your tour begins as we journey through the Granite Belt, crossing the border into Tenterfield. This well-renowned country town has many historic buildings dating back to the mid-19th century. After lunch, continue via Glen Innes, Ben Lomond and Guyra before arriving for our overnight stay in Armidale.

Day 2

Armidale - Mudgee
Following breakfast, travel through Uralla and Moonbi before stopping in Tamworth for a visit to the Golden Guitar Tourist Complex. Continue on to Scone for lunch, and this afternoon, we'll make our way to the historic town of Mudgee, renowned for its heritage streetscapes and charming old public buildings and grand old homes, for our overnight stay.

Day 3

Mudgee - Wagga Wagga
Today our journey takes us through the Ilford district, to Bathurst, Australia's oldest inland town. Continue on via Young before stopping in the rural village of Wombat for a shed tour and lunch at Allambie Orchard. Set on 63 acres and specialising in "pick your own cherries", you are sure to enjoy a sweet treat whilst here. This afternoon, arrive in Wagga Wagga for our overnight stay.

Day 4

Wagga Wagga - Geelong
After breakfast we'll make our way south, crossing into Victoria via the border towns of Albury and Wodonga. Follow the Hume Highway to Seymour, located on the banks of the Goulburn River, for lunch before making our way to Geelong. Admire the waterfront and some of the 100 bollards created out of huge wooden pylons and hand painted to depict the history of Geelong.

Day 5

Geelong - Warrnambool
What better way to spend Christmas Eve than to travel the magnificent Great Ocean Road? This area is rich in dairy and agriculture but is more famous for the rugged and beautiful cliffs that make up this famous coastline. This afternoon, before arriving in Warrnambool, stop at Allansford Cheese World. This evening after an early dinner at our motel, visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum to see the state of the art sound and laser show, "Shipwrecked!".

Optional tours available (additional cost): › Scenic helicopter flight
(We recommend that all options are booked and paid as soon as possible, as they will be subject to availability and minimum numbers being met.)

Day 6

This morning is at your leisure. You may choose to relax at the motel or for those wishing to attend a morning church service, your crew will assist with transfers. Afterwards, enjoy Christmas lunch followed by a leisurely drive. Stop at the viewing platform for the Southern Right Whale Nursery at Logan's Beach and visit the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens and the Fletcher Jones Gardens before returning to our motel. Enjoy a light dinner to complete our Christmas Day.

Day 7

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Portland
Today we learn more about Victoria's Shipwreck Coast - the final resting place of over 190 wrecks, making for a rich maritime history. Begin with a visit to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, both a museum and an 1870s village situated on state heritage listed land overlooking Lady Bay. Later, travel on to Portland, the site of Victoria's first permanent settlement back in 1834, for a visit to the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre. This afternoon, make our way back to Warrnambool for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 8

Warrnambool - Halls Gap
Our journey today takes us north to Dunkeld, where we enter the southern end of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Make sure you have your walking shoes on today as we enjoy magnificent views from Reid's Lookout, see strange rock formations and view McKenzie's Waterfall. You will have time to purchase your own lunch and enjoy some free time in the park before continuing on to Halls Gap for your overnight stay.

Day 9

Halls Gap - Albury
Today offers scenic touring through country Victoria. Travel through small country towns and some larger regional cities, taking in the diverse landscape. Stop in Shepparton for lunch before continuing on to Rutherglen for an afternoon visit to the information centre. Stop at the Big Wine Bottle before we continue along the Murray Valley Highway, arriving in Albury for our overnight stay.

Day 10

Albury - Goulburn
After breakfast, travel to the Gundagai Tourist Information Centre for a self-guided tour and to discover Gundagai's best kept secret - Rusconi's Marble Masterpiece. We will also see the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox after lunch. This afternoon, journey on to Goulburn where we will visit the Big Merino, before settling in to our accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 11

Goulburn Touring - Garroorigang
Begin with a guided tour of Goulburn and learn more about Australia's first inland city from a local guide. After morning tea, visit St Saviours Cathedral, a heritage-listed cathedral church with a stunning bell tower, soaring windows and beautiful stonework. Next visit Goulburn's Historic Waterworks Museum before lunch at a local club. This afternoon visit Garroorigang Historical Homestead, filled with original furnishings and family memorabilia reflecting 150 years of living Australian history.

Day 12

Goulburn - Forresters Beach
Travel to Penrith for a visit to the Museum of Fire where most of the guides are serving or retired firefighters. Next enjoy lunch before continuing on to Forresters Beach where we will settle in for the next two nights. The remainder of the afternoon will be free to relax in preparation for the evening's festivities. Enjoy dinner at the motel before travelling to Gosford's Memorial Park for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Day 13

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park - The Entrance
This morning we travel to Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, taking in the magnificent views from West Head Lookout. After lunch, visit the Norah Head Lighthouse before continuing on to The Entrance. Here we'll see the pelican feeding and wander through the visitors centre before returning to our accommodation.

Day 14

Forresters Beach - Coffs Harbour
Follow the Pacific Highway north amongst some of Australia's most beautiful scenery - rainforests and woodlands to the west and ocean glimpses to the east. Stop in the pretty seaside town of Port Macquarie for lunch before heading to Kempsey for a visit to the Slim Dusty Centre. Late afternoon, arrive in Coffs Harbour for our overnight stay.

Day 15

Coffs Harbour - Brisbane
Our journey takes us through the subtropical landscape of northern New South Wales to the coastal community of Chinderah. After lunch, we will cross the border to arrive back into Brisbane where your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner