Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush
Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush
$2130
Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush
5 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Melbourne, Australia
Visiting: Canberra, Melbourne
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ESBM26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush" tour, a captivating journey through Australia's vibrant cities and serene countryside. Begin in Sydney, exploring the picturesque Southern Highlands before heading to Canberra for a behind-the-scenes look at Parliament House. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on a 400-hectare sheep farm, hosted by local Craig Starr. Travel through Victoria's High Country to the historic gold rush town of Beechworth, and continue to Wangaratta. Discover the cultural and culinary delights of Melbourne, with optional experiences like the Melbourne Skydeck or a penguin parade on Phillip Island. Stay in centrally located hotels, with private airport transfers and a specialist team of a Travel Director and Driver Guide ensuring a seamless experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of city excitement and rural charm, with opportunities to engage in cultural activities and conservation efforts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney - Canberra
Location: Canberra
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Canberra
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
It’s hard to believe that just 1.5 hours from Sydney lies a patch of countryside that could have been transplanted straight from the English Cotswolds. Think atmospheric villages amid rolling hills of grape vines – the Southern Highlands is the closest wine region to Australia’s largest city, after all. And then there are the grand gardens and emerald farms, one of which you’ll visit to meet Craig Starr and his family. Gold Creek Station farm is your backdrop for a Be My Guest BBQ lunch and tales about life on the land. This is your entrée to the country’s cool little capital of Canberra, home to Parliament House, where you’ll go behind the political scenes. Tonight, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Canberra - Wangaratta
Location: Canberra
Accommodation Name: Quality Hotel Wangaratta
Thanks to architect Walter Burley Griffin, Canberra is an urban planner’s delight – the city is that well laid out, as you’ll discover when you head to the summit of Mt. Ainslie for panoramic views. You won’t yet be able to see the mighty Murray River, but you’ll soon cross it en route to Beechworth. From Australia's longest river, travel through Victoria's High Country to the well-preserved gold rush town of Beechworth. Beechworth saw an influx of fortune-seekers from all over the world during the 1850s. Get the lowdown on Beechworth over a chat with the publican of the historic local pub and enjoy afternoon tea in the oldest hotel in town. Then you'll be set on your way to explore honey and gold shops, galleries and museums at your leisure, before Wangaratta beckons.
Day 3: Wangaratta - Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Meandering south toward historic Glenrowan, you’re well and truly in Ned Kelly country – this is where the infamous bushranger and his gang were finally captured in 1880. The story is remembered on pretty much every city corner, whether in enormous statues or at the museum. We’ll tell you all the tales – some of them true, many of them hearsay. All of them entertaining. Then we’ll tell you a bit more about Melbourne, like how it’s the home of Aussie rules football, covets some of the country’s best arts institutions, and has a swag of stellar restaurants, cafés and bars. Small wonder it’s known as Australia’s cultural, culinary and sporting capital. After a city tour, immerse yourself in a guided galleries tour of our First Peoples arts and cultural centre, Koorie Heritage Trust, then head off to explore. Forget your map – one of the joys of being in Melbourne is getting lost. Discovering a hidden jazz bar. Stumbling upon a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or another gallery that catches your eye. Enjoy.
Day 4: Melbourne Free Time
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
You could spend weeks exploring Melbourne and its surrounds and not tire of the attractions. But you just have today, so make the most of it. We wouldn’t hold it against you if all you want to do is jump on a tram and ride the rails to the city’s character-filled neighbourhoods. But if you want to explore further afield, we’ve got you covered on an optional experience. For a bird’s-eye view of the bay, sign up to scale the Melbourne Skydeck, offering dizzying vistas in every direction. Or, perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. Animal lover? Venture to Phillip Island to see hundreds of little penguins pad along the sand en route to their burrows (all own expense). The choice is yours.
Day 5: Farewell From Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Wait, how did you just pack so much action into such a short amount of time? Cities, countryside, farms … This Sydney to Melbourne trip has been quite the adventure.
What's Included
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Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Enjoy the expertise of a specialist team consisting of a highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide throughout your journey.
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Centrally located hotels
Stay in centrally located hotels including Crowne Plaza Canberra, Quality Hotel Wangaratta, and Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
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Arrival and departure private airport transfers
Private airport transfers are included upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth start and end to your holiday.
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Guided tour through Koorie Heritage Trust
Walk with a guide through the galleries of Koorie Heritage Trust, a First Peoples arts and cultural centre at Federation Square.
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Be My Guest BBQ lunch at Gold Creek Station farm
Enjoy a Be My Guest BBQ lunch at Gold Creek Station farm, hosted by Craig Starr and his family.
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from the start/end of the trip
Flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Optional experiences
Optional experiences such as the Melbourne Skydeck, History and Donuts Walking Tour, and Phillip Island penguin viewing are not included and are at your own expense.
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Personal items and expenses
Items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, warm layers in cooler months, camera, and comfortable walking shoes are not included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy private airport transfers upon arrival and departure, and travel comfortably between destinations with a specialist team of a Travel Director and Driver Guide.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located hotels including Crowne Plaza Canberra, Quality Hotel Wangaratta, and Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of experiences can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect a mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences. You'll visit Canberra's Parliament House, enjoy a BBQ on a sheep farm, explore the historic gold rush town of Beechworth, and take a guided tour of the Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne. Optional experiences include the Melbourne Skydeck, a History and Donuts Walking Tour, and a visit to Phillip Island to see penguins.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, private airport transfers upon arrival and departure are included in the tour package.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in centrally located hotels such as Crowne Plaza Canberra, Quality Hotel Wangaratta, and Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
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Is there a specific level of fitness required for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour, making it accessible to most travelers.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the tour price.
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What is the role of the Travel Director and Driver Guide during the tour?
The specialist team of a Travel Director and Driver Guide will ensure a smooth and informative journey, providing insights and assistance throughout the tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.