Melbourne Cup and Spring Racing

Day 1

Home - Living Legends - Melbourne
Your tour begins with a flight to Melbourne, where our crew will be waiting to greet you. Enjoy lunch before a visit to Living Legends and Woodlands Homestead where we'll take a guided tour, having the opportunity to mingle with retired champion racehorses in the paddocks and to hear the stories of their careers. There will also be time to browse the extensive art collection, artifacts and horse racing memorabilia on display in the homestead. This afternoon, settle into our accommodation for the next four nights.

Day 2

MCG Tour - Queen Victoria Markets - Free time
An interesting day is in store, starting with a visit to Brighton Beach to view the bathing huts painted in their striking colour schemes. Next, we join a guided tour of the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) where many a sporting record has been made. Known as the super stage for Australian sport, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is also home to the National Sports Museum. Wander through Australia's finest collection of sporting heritage, and take time to discover the extensive interactive displays and sporting artefacts. From here we head to the Queen Victoria Markets, where time will be allowed to browse the many stalls and to purchase your own lunch. This afternoon, take a guided tour of the Old Melbourne Gaol Precinct; home to Melbourne's oldest prison, historic Magistrate's Court and former Police City Watch House. This evening, relax onboard a Melbourne River cruise, enjoying dinner and incredible views of the city.

Day 3

Werribee Park Zoo and Werribee Mansion
Today we visit Werribee Open Range Zoo to embark on a guided safari through their unique savannah. Marvel at elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and lions; observe playful monkeys and explore one of the world's largest gorilla exhibits. Following lunch, we then make our way to Werribee Park to view the superbly manicured formal gardens before a guided tour of Werribee Mansion. Return to your motel with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 4

Melbourne Cup Day
The day has come for us to dress up and join in with all the thrill and glamour at Australia's most iconic racing event - The Melbourne Cup. Travel to Flemington Racecourse and feel the excitement in the air of this 'race that stops a nation'. Your Reserved Seating in the Lawn Stand is situated opposite the winning post and there will be plenty of food outlets to purchase your own lunch today. There will also be opportunity to view the horses in the stables, see the Fashions on the Field, have a flutter and perhaps catch sight of a celebrity or two.

Day 5

Melbourne - Kyneton Race Day - Bendigo
Today it's time to farewell our hosts, before making our way to Kyneton. Nestled in the heart of Victoria's Macedon Ranges, we'll visit the Kyneton Mineral Springs where you can sample the spring water and fill your water bottle directly from hand pumps scattered throughout the reserve. We then make our way to The Kyneton Racecourse for the Kyneton Cup Day. More than just a horse race, it's a vibrant celebration of country charm, racing tradition, and springtime racing festivities. (Please note there is no formal dress code for today, however, you are encouraged to dress for a smart occasion.) Late afternoon, we will continue on to Bendigo, settling in for our overnight stay.

Day 6

Bendigo - Yass
Departing Bendigo, the landscape features rolling farmland and native bushland as we make our way to Benalla. Stop for a cuppa and stroll through the Benalla Botanic Gardens before continuing on into New South Wales, to the unique town of Holbrook - affectionately known as "the Submarine Town". Visit the Holbrook Submarine Museum, a quirky and fascinating museum where you can see the HMAS Otway, a decommissioned Royal Australian Navy Sub. This afternoon, travel via Gundagai to see a true Aussie icon - the Dog on the Tuckerbox, before arriving in Yass for our overnight stay.

Day 7

Yass - Home
After breakfast, our journey takes us through rolling rural landscapes, to Goulburn, Australia's first inland city. Visit Riversdale Homestead, a beautifully preserved 19th-century colonial residence with elegant gardens. Enjoy a guided tour of the house, where you'll step back in time as volunteers share stories of the property's early settlers, its architecture, and life in colonial New South Wales. We then make our way through the scenic Southern Highlands, before arriving at Sydney Airport where our Queensland passengers will board their flight to Brisbane and our Hunter passengers will continue home via coach.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner