Melbourne Flower Show

Day 1 – Monday 24 March 2025 (LD)

We depart Sydney this morning and travel south along the Hume Hwy, stopping for lunch in Gundagai and an afternoon break in the ‘Submarine Town’ of Holbrook. We cross over the border into Victoria and arrive at our motel in Wangaratta where we enjoy a delicious dinner at the onsite restaurant.

Motel: Quality Hotel Gateway, Wangaratta VIC

 

Day 2 – Tuesday 25 March 2025 (BLD)

Today we travel through the glorious countryside of the Yarra Valley where we visit the beautiful township of Marysville. Most of the town was decimated by the devastating 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires, including the iconic Bruno’s Art & Sculpture Garden. The gardens were destroyed and most of the 300 sculptures were badly damaged in the bushfires however, owner and artist Bruno Torfs remained in Marysville and began the process of rebuilding. Witness this incredible rebirth as you wander through the magical gardens nestled amongst the luscious rainforest. After lunch we continue on through the Yarra Valley Ranges. This afternoon we stop at Yarra Valley Chocolatier & Ice Creamery before arriving at our accommodation, ideally located in East Melbourne where we spend the next 3 nights enjoying a delicious dinner onsite each night.

Motel: Canterbury International Hotel, Forest Hill (East Melbourne) VIC

 

Day 3 – Wednesday 26 March 2025 (BLD)

Today we explore the glorious Dandenong region. We travel to Belgrave to board the century-old Puffing Billy Steam Train, one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. Our memorable journey takes us through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges to Lakeside where we enjoy a tasty lunch. Admire the towering Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies as we ascend the mountain ranges towards Olinda. We pause at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens to see the new Chelsea Australian Garden which officially opened in 2023. Descending Mount Dandenong, we pass through the lovely little town of Sassafras before returning to our accommodation.

Motel: Canterbury International Hotel, Forest Hill (East Melbourne) VIC

 

Day 4 – Thursday 27 March 2025 (BD)

The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most loved horticultural event. This morning we travel into the heart of Melbourne to the exquisite heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens. Explore the extravaganza which will feature the best landscape and floral talent from Australia and around the world alongside an extensive array of garden retail products. You will also find a range of floral design workshops and award winning displays as well as an array of great food and entertainment offered throughout the day. To make the most of your time at the show, lunch today will be at your own expense. After a big day exploring, we return to our accommodation for a well earned dinner and rest.

Motel: Canterbury International Hotel, Forest Hill (East Melbourne) VIC

 

Day 5 – Friday 28 March 2025 (BLD)

Today we farewell East Melbourne and travel to Coldstream to explore Coombe Yarra Valley. Once the Australian home of world famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba and now that of award winning, estate grown Coombe Farm Wines. On arrival, we enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea followed by a guided tour. Learn about the history of this site and explore the gardens that were designed by landscape legend William Guilfoyle with highlights such as the big old oak, rose garden and herbaceous borders. See the Italian Garden which is full of fruit and citrus trees plus the Guilfoyle-designed Art Deco swimming pool, completed in 1913. Our next stop is Alowyn Gardens & Nursery where we are treated to an individual grazing boxed lunch along with time to explore the 7 acres of glorious gardens which are broken into different zones including the Parterre Gardens, Forest Garden, Perennial Border, Edible Gardens, French Style Garden and more. Our day concludes as we return to our Wangaratta accommodation where we settle in for our last night on the tour.

Motel: Quality Hotel Gateway, Wangaratta VIC

 

Day 6 – Saturday 29 March 2025 (BL)

Our journey home today takes us through Holbrook, with a lunch stop in Yass and an afternoon stop around Sutton Forest before arriving back in Sydney around 6:30pm depending on traffic.