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Step back in time on this fascinating journey through the heart of Victoria's historic goldfields. Explore the grand heritage cities of Bendigo and Ballarat, uncover stories of the gold rush era, and travel aboard the beautifully restored Victorian Goldfields Railway. Highlights include the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Ravenswood Homestead, the charming village of Maldon, picturesque Lavandula Lavender Farm, Ballarat Botanical Gardens, indulgent High Tea at the iconic Craig’s Royal Hotel, and a memorable visit to Sovereign Hill. Along the way, enjoy stunning murals, historic architecture, beautiful gardens, local history, and regional hospitality as you discover the rich heritage and colourful characters that helped shape Australia's gold rush legacy.
Stay: Lakeside Hotel, Bendigo- 2 nights* Departing from Victor Harbor, sit down and enjoy the views and travel towards Bendigo. Stopping along the way at St Arnaud, a former gold mining town not only with a painted silo, but home to stunning murals within the town painted by Kyle Torney, a local resident who is dedicated to the promotion of his town. Following the short visit, arrive at Bendigo. A city founded on Australia’s richest goldfields. (D)
Day 2: Thursday 23 March 2028 Today discover the rich history and heritage of Bendigo on a guided city tour with a local expert from the Bendigo Historical Society. Visit landmark attractions including the historic Specimen Cottage, believed to be the oldest residence in Bendigo, and admire the impressive architecture of the Beehive Building and the magnificent Sacred Heart Cathedral. After board the famous Talking Tram, and travel through the city's grand streets while learning about Bendigo's fascinating gold rush past and view iconic landmarks such as the historic Shamrock Hotel.
Later, visit the renowned Central Deborah Gold Mine for a guided surface tour of this authentic former working gold mine located in the heart of the city. Enjoy lunch at the Gold Mine Café before heading to the elegant Ravenswood Homestead for a guided tour of this significant historic property. It was here that gold was first discovered in the region, helping transform Bendigo into one of the richest goldfields in the world. Rich in history and heritage, Ravenswood offers a fascinating insight into the people and events that shaped the area's remarkable past. Following the visit, return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
(B,L,D)
Day 3: Friday 24 March 2028
Stay: Sovereign Park Motor Inn, Ballarat- 2 nights* This morning, travel to Castlemaine and step back in time and board the historic Victorian Goldfields Railway. Relax in beautifully restored timber carriages and enjoy a scenic journey through the countryside to the charming township of Maldon, renowned for its remarkably preserved streetscape and proudly recognised by the National Trust as Australia's First Notable Town.
This afternoon, discover the treasures of the Amazing Mill Markets, home to a fascinating collection of antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, jewellery, books, records and unique memorabilia. After continue to Ballarat, where there will be time to explore some of the city's popular op shops before travelling to Ballarat for a relaxing two-night stay.
(B,D)
Day 4: Saturday 25 March 2028 Today enjoy time to explore the magnificent Ballarat Botanical Gardens, established in 1858 and regarded as one of Australia's finest examples of a Victorian-era public garden. Wander among beautifully maintained floral displays, historic monuments and elegant garden features, including the renowned Prime Ministers Avenue. For lunch, indulge in a memorable High Tea at the iconic Craig's Royal Hotel, a grand gold rush-era establishment that has welcomed poets, princes and prime ministers since 1853. Savour an elegant selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and exquisite, sweet treats in this historic setting. This afternoon, step back in time at the award-winning Sovereign Hill, Australia's premier living museum of the gold rush. Explore the bustling streets of a recreated 1850s township, watch traditional tradespeople at work, see costumed characters bring history to life, try panning for gold and experience the sights and sounds of Ballarat's golden past. After a fascinating afternoon immersed in history, return to hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Sunday 26 March 2028
Stay: William MacIntosh Motor Lodge- 1 night
Start the day with a visit to the J Ward Museum. J Ward started its life as a goldfields prison in 1859. When the gold ran out in the mid 1880s the prison buildings were acquired by the Lunacy Department as a temporary housing for the Criminally Insane. Hear stories of its time as a gaol with murderers and thieves and later as the home for Victoria's criminally insane. After enjoy lunch at the Ararat Golf Club. This afternoon stop in the small town of Harrow for a visit to the Harrow Discovery Centre. Harrow is renowned for being the birthplace of the 1868 1st Australian touring cricket team player, Johnny Mullagh. He was one of the eleven Indigenous players from the team, and the museum has a large collection to look through. After travel to Naracoorte for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Monday 27 March 2028 After breakfast board the coach to begin the journey back to Victor Harbor. (B)
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Booking terms and conditions apply.
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Group tour booking conditions
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; items of a personal nature eg 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 15 December 2027. 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.
Minimum Numbers
Group fares quoted for this tour are subject to a minimum of 15 paying and maximum 30 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
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 the 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
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 utilised or required during this tour. No refund is available for cancellations after the tour has commenced.
Cancellations
Cancellations of firm bookings will be subject to $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. Travellers must meet Phil Hoffmann Travel ’Statement of Fitness’ standards to participate.
Insurance
Insurance is compulsory for 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 behaviors 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.
