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Australia’s grand festival of gardens, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is a showcase for garden design and horticulture. Wander among world-class floral displays and view the work of Australia’s leading floral designers and exquisite feature displays. Discover the must-see highlights of the beautiful Yarra Valley, enjoy a ride on the Puffing Billy Steam Train through the Dandenong Ranges and explore historic Ballarat. This immersive journey is the perfect mix of garden design, horticulture, fascinating history and is packed with unmissable sights, and experiences to enjoy
Inclusions
• Return domestic flights from Adelaide in economy class
• 5 nights’ superior accommodation in Melbourne
• 12 meals
• Sightseeing per itinerary with applicable fees
• Coach touring with commentary by driver throughout the tour
• Lunch with wine, soft drink or beer including tea/ coffee station at Fortnums Restaurant
• One way train ride on the Puffing Billy Railway
• Entry to the Melbourne International Flower Show
• Entry to Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
• 1 hour Garden Tour and Devonshire Tea at Coombe - The Melba Estate
• Talk and group chocolate tastings including one ice cream scoop per person at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
• Farewell Dinner at Berth Restaurant
• Pre departure function and tour documentation
• Escorted from Adelaide with Phil Hoffmann Travel escort, Kim Manning
Itinerary
DAY 1 | 25 MAR 2026, WEDNESDAY
Depart Adelaide Stay: Batman’s Hill on Collins- 5 nights*
On arrival into Melbourne, transfer to hotel. (D)
DAY 2 | 26 MAR 2026, THURSDAY
Dandenong Ranges
Today travel to Belgrave to ride on the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train 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 arrival at the new Lakeside Visitor Centre, 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. After, travel to Sky High on the uppermost reach of the Dandenong Ranges, for a spectacular view, over the Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip Bay, and Melbourne’s growing urban fringes. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 | 27 MAR 2026, FRIDAY
Melbourne International Flower Show
After breakfast, spend the day at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Set in the stunning Royal Exhibition Building and beautiful Carlton Gardens, the show is a feast for the senses with vibrant floral displays, stunning landscape designs, and innovative garden concepts. This show is a hallmark event in Victoria and the most prestigious of its kind in Australia. Over 300 exhibits are on show representing horticulture, nurseries, landscape gardening, floristry and cut flowers. (B,D)
DAY 4 | 28 MAR 2026, SATURDAY
Ballarat and Sovereign Hill
Today travel to Ballarat and embark on a tour with a local tour guide to learn more about this historic gold mining city, with its outstanding heritage, architecture and gardens. Travel along Ballarat’s Avenue of Honour, Australia's longest Avenue of Honour. It spans some 22 km with 3,771 trees; each planted with a plaque dedicated to the individual men and women from Ballarat who enlisted their services in World War 1. Next, visit the Botanical Gardens, which were established in 1858 and are considered one of Australia's best examples of the 19th Century gardenesque style landscape. The Prime Ministers Avenue displays bronze busts of each Australia's heads of state. The gardens also comprise the Australian Ex Prisoner of War Memorial, – the first Military Memorial of National Significance outside of Canberra. Next, visit the Eureka Centre, dedicated to the central theme of democracy, where young miners bravely stood up for their rights in 1854, and explore the events surrounding the Eureka Stockade and view exhibitions including the Eureka Flag. Lastly, visit Sovereign Hill, a world standard attraction, and step back in time to the golden past and the days of the goldrush. After an incredible day, return to the hotel for dinner. (B,D)
DAY 5 | 29 MAR 2026, SUNDAY
The Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is a stunning area to visit at this time of year. Journey through Coldstream and visit Coombe Yarra Valley – 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. Explore the Coombe Cottage property which includes seven acres of historic, landscaped gardens to explore, then stop to enjoy a lovely Devonshire morning tea. Afterwards, take a short drive to Yarra Glen and stop for lunch and visit Alowyn Gardens, which have been developed into six distinct areas. In the afternoon, visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, to enjoy free chocolate tastings, and view displays of thousands of premium chocolates and European chocolatiers at work handcrafting chocolate creations. Tonight, dine at Berth Restaurant, overlooking the Docklands for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 | 30 MAR 2026, MONDAY
Depart Melbourne – Arrive Adelaide
After breakfast transfer to Melbourne Airport for the flight to Adelaide. (B)
*or similar.
Dates/Pricing
Departs
Twin Share
Per Solo Traveller
25 March 2026
From $3,799
From $4,499
Advertised price is based on per person twin share. Departures from other capital cities available. Only One Exclusive Groups Booking Bonus is offered per booking. Subject to minimum numbers.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information. Tour Changes We endeavor to provide an accurate itinerary. However, local operators, hotels and airlines sometimes change arrangements, and our itinerary would then be adjusted to suit however, the same standard will always be used. Not Included on tour Travel insurance; tips / gratuities for tour guides and drivers and any independent touring and dining (they are included for hotels and included group meals); items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, phone calls, meals other than those indicated, additional sightseeing or optional tours; extensions/stopovers/amendments; additional flight cost from other cities if applicable, arrival and departure transfers at destination/s when not arriving/departing on group flights/dates. Reservations A deposit of $400 per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your booking. the final balance due no later than. If a booking is made after this date, the full tour price is due at the time of confirmation. Prices are subject to change at any time until full payment has been received for the entire group and tickets have been issued. Booking Forms and Booking Conditions You are required to complete some forms when booking which provide essential information we require to process your booking. Your consultant will provide you with all relevant forms. Passport & Visas It is necessary for all passengers to be in possession of a valid passport which has at least 6 months validity beyond your return into Australia. Visas are not required for Australian passport holders. Minimum Numbers Group fares quoted for this tour are subject to a minimum of 15 paying and maximum 24 passengers travelling together. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to increase the tour price or cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum. Tour Escort travels when minimum numbers of 15 are reached. Price Alterations Tour prices specified are based on airfares, taxes and land arrangement tariffs applicable at the time of printing, therefore they may be subject to alteration with or without prior notice until final payment date, as per brochure final payment date. Extensions/stopovers An amendment fee may apply for any changes to group flight arrangements. You may also need to pay any additional applicable taxes. Group Flights – Seat Selection For seat selection, please ensure that requests are submitted in advance to secure preferred seating arrangements. Availability is subject to the airline’s policies, and additional charges may apply for specific seat preferences. If you have any special seating requirements, such as extra legroom, aisle seats, or assistance-related seating, please notify us as soon as possible. We will coordinate with the airline to accommodate your request. Airlines do reserve the right to change a passenger's seat at any time, even if the seat has been paid for in advance due to various reasons. Special Assistance To ensure a smooth travel experience, all wheelchairs and walking aids must be provided to the Groups Department team for coordination with the airline. Kindly ensure the following details are submitted: • Brand of the wheelchair or walking aid • A clear photo of the item • Weight of the item • Dimensions (Height, Width, Depth) Amendments/changes There may be fees charged per amendment by third party suppliers for any reservation changes after your booking is confirmed. Twin share Room Match Policy In the event of a cancellation for a twin share room match, the travelling passenger may be required to pay for a single room supplement cost, which will not be covered under their travel insurance policy. Similarly, if a traveler decides whilst travelling that they do not want to share any longer, they will be required to pay the full costs for a single room. Refunds/Credits No refund is available in respect of any sightseeing tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized or required during this tour. No refund is available for cancellations after the tour has commenced. Cancellations of confirmed bookings will be subject to a $400 per person service fee plus any charges imposed by principals involved in operating the tour. Therefore, the cancellation fee may be up to the total cost for land and/or airfares. Cancelled bookings are non-transferable. Baggage Please refer to individual airline tickets for the baggage allowance for your flights. Airlines may charge you for baggage in excess of these allowances, which will be at passenger’s expense. Whilst on tour one main bag and 1 piece of hand luggage per person is allowed. Medical Advice It is wise to seek medical advice before travelling from a travel specialist doctor, or from your own GP. Travelers must meet Phil Hoffmann Travel ’Statement of Fitness’ standards to participate. Insurance is compulsory to cover against loss of deposit and loss of airfares, personal accident, medical cover etc. If you have an ongoing medical condition, you may be required to complete a pre-existing medical form. If you are over 70 years of age, you are required to complete a senior’s medical form. Your consultant will provide all the details. Children Participants must be over the age of 15. Responsibility Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change of reservation, features and/or means of conveyance without any notice and for any reason whatsoever. Phil Hoffmann Travel does not accept liability for failure on the part of transportation companies, hotel contractors and other principals whose responsibility is confined to their own operations. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter hotels used should the necessity arise. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury and by whom so ever caused and whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms. We reserve the right to take any reasonable action should your health, actions or behavior impinge on the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other passengers. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of the tour at any time. All ticket coupons and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided thereby are offered or supplied by the owners, operators, public carriers, management agents or agents. The Phil Hoffmann Schedule of Professionalism applies. E&OE.
