| 5-Day Grampians Tour 2005 |
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5-Day Grampians Tour 2005 25th – 29th September 2005 Sunday 25th September: Departing Adelaide at 8.00am, and travelling on to Tailem Bend for a much needed morning tea after an early morning, and proceeding along the Dukes Highway to Bordertown and Kaniva, lunch on the way, then across the farmlands of the Wimmera country to Horsham. A short stop here before we make our way down to Halls Gap, past the Big Koala at Dadswell Bridge, and through into the beautiful Grampians National Park. Our dinner tonight and stay for the next three nights is in the heart of Halls Gap at the four-star Colonial Motor Inn, with heated pool for swimming enthusiasts. (Phone 03 5356 4344) Monday 26th September: This morning, visit the Information Centre for your Grampians information and maps, and then we board the coach for our scenic tour through to Zumstein for a morning tea in the park here, among the friendly kangaroos. Along the way some brief stops at some of the lookouts and water falls for some breathtaking views. The diverse variety of wildflowers should be in evidence throughout the park at this time of the year to add some spectacular colour. Some free time for lunch in Halls Gap today, with many eating places to choose from, as well as some time to peruse the shops. Later this afternoon, board the coach for a tour to the picturesque village of Pomonal, in the shadow of Mt. Cassel. Visit some of the many plant nurseries, antiques & collectables shops & stores filled with local crafts, produce, and second hand items. Time to freshen up at the motel before dinner tonight. Tuesday 27th September: Exploring further afield today to the township of Stawell, founded during the gold rush period, and now famous for the richest foot race in the world, the Easter Stawell Gift. We join our guide on the coach for a most informative tour to learn more about the history and culture of Stawell. There may be time for a stop in the mall area before we continue our journey to Ararat, past the landmark Sister Rocks, and call into Bests Winery at Great Western, one of Australia’s renowned wine growing regions, for a taste of the vine and maybe bring a few choice bottles home with us. Lunch in Ararat’s main shopping area in Barkly Street, filled with a variety of shops and eateries. We meet afterwards to visit the newest Chinese Heritage Centre of Gum San, bringing to life the amazing history of Ararat’s Chinese immigrants during the early gold rush days. Our journey homewards takes us through the little town of Moyston, birthplace of Aussie Rules football, and alongside the rugged Mt. William ranges to Halls Gap. Dinner at the motel and then pack your bags tonight for departure in the morning. Wednesday 28th September: Departing Halls Gap, we take the valley road between the ranges, following the Wannon River to Dunkeld for a morning tea stop, and a brief visit to an open garden in the delightful town of Cavendish. We tour then to the lovely township of Hamilton, business and cultural centre of a vast pastoral region of Western Victoria, and aptly named the Wool Capital. Lunch in town and a little time to spend here, then a visit to the Big Wool Bales for a shearing demonstration, and a look around the centre. A stopover at the majestic Wannon falls before we call into the Chocolate Factory at Coleraine. Crossing the Glenelg River at Casterton, we continue over the border to Mount Gambier, where we can visit Percy Possums Hideaway and the beautiful Umpherston Cave Gardens, and then settle into our room in the Quality Inn Presidential Motel, before dinner here tonight. (Phone 08 8724 9966) Thursday 29th September: Before departing Mount Gambier, a tour around the town and a look at the famous Blue Lake, and then calling into the Tantanoola Caves, with easy access, a series of limestone caves creating a wonder world under the earth. We tour through the pine forests of Millicent on to the coast road, and call into the fishing town of Beachport, taking a brief stop to wonder at the marvel of the Woakwine Cutting, an engineering feat completed by two men in the 1950’s, to drain their dairy property. We continue on to the lovely seaside fishing town of Robe, where we have lunch at the Robe Hotel. Our tour homewards takes us along the Princes Highway bordering the Coorong National Park, through the town of Meningie on Lake Albert, and a short stop at Tailem Bend before we take the freeway to home. Approximate time of arrival in Adelaide 5.30 pm. Tour Cost $555.00 per person twin share Single Supplementary Extra $138.00 Tour Includes: 3 night’s accommodation at Colonial Motor Inn, Halls Gap 1 night’s accommodation at Quality Inn Presidential, Mt Gambier All full breakfasts and 3 course dinners, 3 lunches. All itinerary entrance fees & guided tour Deposit of $50.00 per person payable when booking confirmed, Balance payable by 2nd September 2005. Travel Insurance is highly recommended as late cancellation fees do apply Please notify us of any travel or dietary requirements when booking this tour. Passengers will change seats daily Tour prices and itinerary may be subject to alteration due to circumstances beyond our control. Tour Report and photos |
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