2023/24 - 4 Days: Yarrawonga, the Murray & Northern Victoria

Our 4 Day Tour is based on the shores of Lake Mulwala in Northern Victoria. The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods, is the perfect destination to explore North Eastern Victoria – and the exquisitely designed Studio rooms and Apartments, with stunning views of Lake Mulwala, make for a memorable stay.

Day 1 (LD): Heading North

Welcome aboard our delux touring coach as we prepare for a fantastic 4 day tour into North Eastern Victoria. Our delightful accommodation overlooks one of the largest lakes on the Murray River – Lake Mulwala. Sit back and relax as we head onto the Hume Freeway and make our way to Benalla for lunch at the local Golf Club.

Afterwards a local guide will join us on the coach for a guided tour of Benalla, pointing out the many new murals that have recently been painted. Benalla is home to the Wall to Wall Festival that is held in March each year. The event has become one of the most significant celebrations of street art in the country, bringing a breath of fresh air and a coat of new paint to an already colourful town! We then continue north with a couple of stops to view some Silo Art - first at Goorambat and then Devenish.

The Goorambat Silos were painted by famed iconic Melbourne Street artist Dvate, known for his striking renditions of endangered animals from across Australia. Dvate has created another monumental artwork depicting an endangered bird of prey from the area. Whilst in Goorambat we will also see the impressive “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church, painted by the Melbourne-based artist Matt Adnate. The Devenish Silos artwork was unveiled on Anzac Day Eve 2018 and coincides with the 100 year centenary of the end of the First World War. The artwork is of both a First World War nurse, a modern day combat medic and also a tribute to the Light Horse – a mounted trooper and his steed. Fifty young men and women from the Devenish community enlisted in military service for the First World War.

Late afternoon we arrive at Yarrawonga and check into our hotel – our base for the next three nights. (Meal Inclusions: Club lunch/Welcome Dinner)

Sebel Yarrawonga Silerwoods Tel 03 57459100 – 3 nights

Day 2 (BLD): Discovering the Murray

It’s by far the largest river in Australia. It begins as a small stream in the Australian Alps and 2520 river kilometres later it empties into the Southern Ocean near Goolwa in South Australia. Along the way it meanders through contrasting Australian landscapes and river towns that record the history of what used to be the most important trade route in Australia.

The Murray has also allowed the development of Australia’s most important irrigated region and is widely known as the food bowl of the nation. We begin the day’s touring with a short cruise aboard the MV Paradise Queen. The lake is dominated by a vast number of trees standing in the water and the lovely homes along the foreshore. We will cruise past these towering River Red Gums and dozens of sandy beaches whilst enjoying morning tea.

Our lunch venue, named Bonnie was inspired by the Scottish heritage of the All Saints Estate. Presented with a beautiful platter of local produce sit and enjoy this gorgeous setting. Take a stroll around the duck pond and uncover more of the grand surroundings of the original castle and grounds on our garden history tour. After lunch, we head back to Yarrawonga to visit Rich Glen Olives. This business is one of the largest family owned and operated olive groves in Australia. We listen to a family member give us a talk about the operation, sample some of their wonderful products and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. It will complete a sensational day (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel/Light lunch at All Saints Estate)

Day 3 (BLD): Local Produce

Our day has us exploring the local sights starting with the Big Strawberry. We take a tour through the facility highlighting the production area and their recent expansion into avocadoes. Following a morning tea we continue to nearby Aintree Farm Organics. Mariea and Trinity established their ‘Farmacy’ in the 1980s and together they produce and offer an extensive range of all Australian honey varieties including almond honey, hemp oil, almond products and much more.

Our lunch venue is the charming Byramine Homestead. Built by the famous explorer Hamilton Hume for his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hume, the homestead was classified by the National Trust due to its unique design, featuring octagonal rooms. The central room, known as the fortress room allowed a clear view from all angles in case of attack from bushrangers. Take a stroll around the well-established garden and view the Elm trees, the oldest in Victoria and sample one of the beers produced at the on-site brewery. Certainly a day of local produce. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel / Lunch Byramine Homestead)

Day 4 (BL): Heading Home

Its our last day on tour but we still have some adventures ahead of us! First stop is in Shepparton, at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE). Here we can trace the history of motoring with examples of classic, heritage and muscle cars, including motorcycles and vintage bicycles. The museum also boasts a wide range of petrol memorabilia, a costume collection and the Clayton gramophone, telephone and radio collection. Then we continue south to Nagambie, home to legendary race horse Black Caviar, the mare that was born here in 2006.

At the end of her career she was unbeaten, winning all 25 of her races and claiming almost $8 million in prize money. We’ll see the full statue of the racehorse, unveiled in 2013. After lunch in Seymour, we’ll take a little time to view the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk, built to commemorate the service of all who played their part in what turned out to be a tumultuous part of Australia’s history. The centre piece of this Walk is the wall, made up of panels of Digi Glass with the name of every Serviceman and Woman who served, in their various capacities in that conflict. We then head back into Melbourne to complete our tour (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the hotel/Club lunch)

Tour Price

$1,691 per person twin/double share (minimum 35 people)

$1,773 (minimum 30)

$1,885 (minimum 25)

$2,085 (minimum 20)

Add $420 for a guaranteed single room (on application)

Next Steps

To arrange a tour for your club simply contact Alex Corones from Australian Road Journeys on 0488 117 682 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed, ARJ will provide printed itineraries for distribution to interested club members.

Read some testimonials from past groups here.

Tour Conditions

A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is fully refundable until 60 days prior to the day of departure. Final payment is required 45 days prior to the day of departure. Bookings cancelled within 14 days prior to the day of departure are non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees apply.

Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

The Itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Australian Road Journey’s reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Australian Road Journey’s will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc.