Day 1 (L,D) HOME PORTS, SOUTHBANK, WERRIBEE PARK, STATE ROSE GARDEN

Passengers flying into Victoria arrive at Melbourne Airport during the morning, then travel into the heart of Melbourne and enjoy lunch in the Botanic Gardens. This afternoon we visit Werribee Park. View the open parklands and gardens that complement the magnificent Werribee Mansion. Time to view the State Rose Garden, adjacent to the Mansion, before travelling to our home for four nights, the Vibe Hotel, Carlton.

Day 2 (B,L,D) EUREKA TOWER, DANDENONG RANGES, PUFFING BILLY
This morning enjoy a short “City Sights” tour before visiting the Eureka Tower Observation Deck. The Skydeck is the largest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. The views of the city, bay and suburbs are simply stunning. On a clear day you can easily view our next destination, the Dandenong Ranges. We travel by coach to Grants Picnic Ground where we enjoy lunch amongst the tall gums and colourful native birds. During the afternoon we enjoy a steam train ride on Melbourne’s famous narrow gauge railway, Puffing Billy, from Belgrave to Lakeside.

Day 3 (B,D) MORNINGTON PENINSULA
We journey outside Melbourne today as we board our coach to visit the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. Enjoy a visit to Heronswood, a breathtaking historic property set on two hectares of formal gardens and home to the Diggers Club, Australia’s largest garden club. We continue along the Peninsula to the seaside resort town of Sorrento. Time to browse the many eclectic shops, enjoy lunch (own expense) and view some of the numerous historic buildings such as the Sorrento and Continental Hotels. Travel to the “ocean side” of the peninsula where the surf beaches provide a stark contrast to the calmer bayside waters. Explore the Ashcombe Maze, Australia’s oldest traditional hedge maze and gardens, before returning to Melbourne.

Day 4 (B,D) MELBOURNE FLOWER SHOW
Today we visit the highlight of our tour, the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, set within the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens. Spend a wonderful day exploring the many exhibitions and displays that highlight Australia’s best landscape and floral talent. Features include the Great Hall of Flowers, Landscape Show Gardens and the Garden Sculpture Exhibition. Roving entertainment, informative and entertaining presentations and competitions combine to provide a memorable experience. Later this afternoon we return to our hotel, where our final dinner together concludes an enjoyable day.

Day 5 (B,L) MELBOURNE, HOME
Enjoy a visit to Queen Victoria Market this morning, with time to browse. Lunch together along the iconic Lygon Street before continuing to Melbourne Airport for our return flight home, thus completing a most enjoyable holiday in Melbourne at Garden Show time.