“The world renowned Melbourne International Flower and Garden show is regarded as the largest and most successful horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. There are many highlights! The Royal Exhibition Building turns into the Great Hall of Flowers during the event and becomes a glorious and vibrant exhibition from Victoria’s leading florists and floral designers. On Growers Avenue there are exhibits from the best of our floriculture industry and at the Retail Flower Market people can buy blooms direct from the Growers. I hope you can join Lin and I on this wonderful 3 day tour”…Alan Moss.
DAY 1 (LD) ARRIVE MELBOURNE: Wednesday 26 March 2026
Welcome to our Melbourne Flower Show tour. We head towards Melbourne this morning with a stop for lunch at the quaint village of Wickliffe, where we are greeted at Narrapumelap Historic House This remarkable French Gothic Mansion was once owned by pastoralist and philanthropist John Dixon Wyselaskie (1818-1883). We’ll embark on a guided tour of the garden and homestead, immersing ourselves in the world of timeless charm and tranquility before sitting down for a pleasant lunch. This afternoon we continue east, bypass Ballarat and arrive into Central Melbourne mid afternoon – and our base at the Batman’s Hill Hotel for the next 4 nights. (Included: Lunch & dinner at hotel)
DAY 2 (BLD) THE DANDENONG RANGES: Thursday 27 March 2026
We travel to Belgrave to join the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train on a ride through to Lakeside. Journey through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, with lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead onboard the open sided carriages. On our arrival at the new Lakeside Visitor Centre. If time permits, we can take a wander through Lakeside Hall – a glimpse into days gone by with rarely seen images and historic steam artifacts. Lunch is at Fortnums Restaurant, which has the bright airy look and feel of an English conservatory with a charming atmosphere and delicious food.
We travel to Sky High on the uppermost reach of the Dandenong Ranges, to look at the big picture, from the Mornington Peninsula across the majestic sweep of Port Phillip Bay, surrounded by Melbourne’s growing urban fringes, to the You Yangs on the southern horizons. We return back to our hotel to refresh before our tour aboard Tramboat Cruises. Enjoy a leisurely cruise and commentary through the Port to collect our hot gourmet Fish’N’Chips. As the sun goes down it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the Yarra and majestic Melbourne as she comes to life at night! (Included: Breakfast , Lunch at Fortnums Restaurant & dinner on cruise)
DAY 3 (BD) THE YARRA VALLEY: Friday 27 March 2026
The Yarra Valley is a stunning area to visit at this time of year. Our journey takes us through Coldstream where we visit Coombe Yarra Valley – it is one of the largest and oldest family estates in the Yarra Valley. Established in the late 1800’s and once the home of famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, it is still owned and operated by her descendants, the Vestey family. The history, elegance, beauty and romance of Coombe – The Melba Estate makes it a unique place to visit. The Coombe Cottage property includes seven acres of historic, landscaped gardens and today we take a tour of the gardens and enjoy a lovely devonshire morning tea. We have a short drive into The Yarra Valley and in Yarra Glen where we stop for lunch and visit to Alowyn Gardens. The gardens have been developed into six distinct areas all leading from one. To complete our touring this afternoon we visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. We are welcomed with free chocolate tastings, displays of thousands of premium chocolates and European chocolatiers at work handcrafting our creations. Included: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel)
DAY 4 (BD) MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW: Saturday 28 March 2026
After a relaxed breakfast we head to the Melbourne International Flower Show. Featuring the best landscape and floral talent that Australia has to offer along side an extensive array of garden retail products, the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is a celebration of Australian lifestyle and our great outdoors. Staged within the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens, this prestigious show is well established in the psyche of Australians as a "must see" event. Mid-afternoon we return to the hotel for some free time before dinner.
(Included: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel)
DAY 5 (B) HEADING HOME: Sunday 29 March 2026
Sad to say, it’s time to leave as we check out of our hotel and travel home. From Melbourne we head to Ballarat and spend the morning at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Theres plenty to see here and its worth taking a look inside the Robert Clarke Conservatory. Rejoining the coach we travel home arriving mid afternoon to complete a sensational 5 day tour.
Tour Cost
$2,580.00 pp
$540.00 single supplement
$500 deposit is required to secure your booking
Tour Inclusions
4 nights at the Batman’s Hill Hotel Melbourne
• 4 breakfasts
• 4 dinners
• Lunch and tour of Narrapumelap House
• Entry to the 2026 Melbourne International Flower Show
• Puffing Billy Steam Train Ride
• Lunch at Fortnums Restaurant
• Fish & Chips Tramboat Cruise
• Tour & Devonshire Tea at Coombe Yarra Valley
• Visit to Alowyn Gardens
Deposit of $500.00 payable on booking to reserve your place.
Balance due 30 days prior to departure.
PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO
“NARACOORTE CHARTERS”
Cancellation insurance is not included but strongly recommended.
Cancellation Policy: More than 30 days, loss of deposit, 29-14 days, 50% of payment, less than 14 days, 100% of payment.
All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Naracoorte Charters reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. The Company will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. Naracoorte Charters arrange tours on the condition that they are not liable for injury, damage or loss which may occur due to accident, delay, irregularity or defect of any vehicle or accommodation. Naracoorte Charters reserves the right to cancel tours due to lack of numbers.
TESTIMONY
Alan and Lin Moss of Naracoorte Charters have 28 years of experience with Coach Tours. Having travelled all over Australia we cater all of our tours to include the most that Australia has to offer. All of our tours make travelling the most enjoyable for all with senior groups a speciality. We can custom make tours for large or small groups. Ask us today what we can do for you .
