Orange Hues

Day 1

Home - Blackheath
Our Hunter passengers will begin with transfers to meet our friendly crew before travelling to Sydney Airport where our Queensland passengers will be waiting. Travel into the Blue Mountains, where the leaves will be starting to turn orange and yellow. After lunch, explore Leura with its glorious gardens and beautiful tree-lined main street before viewing the majestic Three Sisters from Echo Point. Late afternoon, settle into our Blackheath accommodation offering more breathtaking views.

Day 2

Blackheath - Bathurst - Orange
After breakfast, travel to Mount Wilson, a heritage garden village well known for its magnificent cool climate exotic private gardens. This morning we will visit some of these gardens before enjoying a picnic lunch. Our journey then takes us via Lithgow and on to Bathurst for a guided tour including a lap around the Mount Panorama Circuit (at a respectable pace of course). Continue on to Orange where we will settle in for the next two nights.

Day 3

Orange
Orange is known as Australia's "Colour City", and a guided tour this morning will allow us to see the kaleidoscope of gold, red and orange lining the streets and throughout the city's parks and gardens. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Botanic Gardens, before stopping at Cargo Road Wines for a wine tasting and time to browse the gallery showcasing sculptors, painters and potters from the region. Return to our motel to freshen up before dinner.

Day 4

Orange - Wagga Wagga
Today we travel via Millthorpe, Blaney and Carcoar to Canowindra, once commandeered by Bushranger Ben Hall and his gang. Whilst here, visit the only fish fossil museum in the southern hemisphere, discovered in 1956. Continue through rich agricultural countryside through Young where we see the autumn colours deepen; especially amongst the orchards. Stop at Jubilee Park in Cootamundra for a stroll along "Captain's Walk", featuring bronze busts of most Australian cricket captains. This afternoon we will arrive in Wagga Wagga for our overnight stay.

Day 5

Tumut
Our journey today takes us to Tumut, situated on the banks of the Tumut River in the western foothills of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. Enjoy morning tea at Blowering Dam, one of the largest dams in New South Wales which stores water released upstream for hydro electric generation in the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Tumut offers one of the most spectacular displays of seasonal colours and a local guide will provide an insight into the town. Visit Tumut Valley Violets with over 500 different named varieties of African Violets all grown by the wick watering method. Next we will take a tour of Adelong, situated on the Adelong Creek, where a local guide will share the history of this gold town and its historic ruins. Return to our accommodation for dinner.

Day 6

Wagga Wagga - Beechworth
Happy Easter! For those who would like to attend church this morning, your crew will assist with your transfers. Alternatively, there will be opportunity to visit to the Wagga Wagga Botanic gardens where you can take your time to explore the Tree Chapel, Chinese Pavilion and the various areas showcasing camellias, proteas, Australian Natives and roses. There is also a mini zoo and a free-flight aviary for you to discover. Enjoy a catered morning tea before departing Wagga Wagga, travelling through the rural communities of Henty and Culcairn. Visit Hume Dam before continuing on to Beechworth, nestled in the foothills of the Australian Alps. After a guided tour, enjoy free time to discover the many attractions (own expense) with packaged tickets available from the Information Centre. Later we will settle in to our accommodation for the next two nights before dining out.

Day 7

Beechworth - Bright
This morning we will travel via the Kiewa Valley Highway to the little townships of Kiewa and Mt Beauty. Enjoy a cuppa and treats from the famous Beechworth Bakery en route. It is impossible to put into words the majestic countryside you will be surrounded by all day. Spend some free time in Bright where you can purchase your own lunch while discovering some of the unique products on offer. Travel on to Myrtleford to see the Phoenix Tree, before returning to our motel with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 8

Beechworth - Benalla - Home
Today our journey takes us through fertile agricultural areas producing wool, wheat, kiwi fruit, walnuts, chestnuts, hops and wine grapes, offering more autumn colours as we make our way to Melbourne. Enjoy lunch before arriving at Melbourne Airport for your flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner