Southern Capitals City Meets Bush

Journey through Australia's Southern Highlands bound for Canberra, purpose-built with the goal of creating the finest capital in the world. Stop at historic Berrima, famous for its gaol and early colonial architecture, then 'Connect With Locals' at Gold Creek Station, where you'll meet sheep farmer, Craig Starr, a 'Local Specialist'. Gain a deeper understanding of life on the farm before joining the Starr family for a Welcome Reception and 'Be My Guest' Aussie barbecue lunch. On arrival in Australia's modern capital, you'll embark on a tour through Parliament House with a 'Local Specialist'. Later, 'Dive Into Culture' and visit the Australian War Memorial to pay tribute to the brave Australian servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the past century in armed conflicts. Stay to hear an evocative lament, then join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.

Admire a city designed for a young nation as you ascend to the summit of Mt. Ainslie for panoramic views of Canberra with its man-made Lake Burley Griffin, named in honour of the Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect from Chicago who designed Canberra. Cross the mighty Murray into Victoria and visit its best-preserved gold rush town, historic Beechworth. Delve into the history of Australia's heady gold rush days after a brief orientation, with free time thereafter to explore its antique shops, galleries, the museum and the legendary Beechworth Bakery, self-proclaimed as 'Australia's Greatest Bakery'. You'll overnight in the nearby cathedral town of Wangaratta.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast then journey through Glenrowan and Ned Kelly country to cosmopolitan Melbourne for a city sightseeing tour, where you'll discover why Melbourne is frequently touted as one of the world's most liveable cities. Spend the evening at leisure immersing yourself in this capital of cool, reflected in its elegant arcades, grand civic buildings and stylish shopping and dining options lining the banks of the Yarra.

Enjoy a full day to connect with Melbourne's sophisticated cityscape. Wander the narrow lanes in search of edgy street art or consider an Optional Experience touring the Great Ocean Road past lush forests and golden beaches to see such highlights as the Bay of Islands, London Bridge and of course the Twelve Apostles, which rise from the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean. Or you could visit Summerland Beach on Phillip Island to experience the famous Penguin Parade. As the sun sets, watch as they emerge from the sea and waddle across the sand to their dune burrows. On your last evening in Melbourne, embrace your inner gourmand and seek out one of Melbourne's laneway restaurants to sample the cuisine for which the city is so famous.

Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).