The Overland Escape

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art. As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars, and world-class restaurants are just the beginning!

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside baggage carousel and delivered to your Melbourne accommodation.

Melbourne is the cool, artsy capital of the state of Victoria. Renowned for its laneway art, cafes, bars, restaurants and museums, there is no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink. Grab a coffee in Degraves Street, see the murals on Hosier Lane or Blender Lane, pop over to St Kilda and stroll along the promenade or visit one of the many museums. For a spot of retail therapy, catch the 86 or 96 tram from the CBD to the bohemian Brunswick Street shopping district for an eclectic mix of second hand vintage and high-end boutique stores. On the opposite side of the city, the Docklands open-air entertainment precinct boasts a myriad of public artwork, family fun activities such as glow in the dark mini golf, and a variety of dining options lining the marina. Get there easily on the free City Circle tram, or wander over the Bourke Street footbridge. To make the most of your time in Melbourne, we recommend taking a city tour to get true local insight into this vibrant city.

At Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing attraction, the city of Melbourne comes alive in front of your eyes when you take it all in from nearly 300 metres high. It’s Melbourne on another level. The Skydeck experience features Bar 88, in association with Bollinger, operated by the Eureka 89 team. With 360° panoramic views all day and night, you can relax and enjoy all of Melbourne’s legendary views with a delicious snack and cool drink.

This full-day adventure whisks you away from Melbourne's heart, starting with a scenic drive to the Dandenong Ranges. Climb aboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train for a nostalgic journey through lush forests, offering a glimpse into Victoria's rich history. After soaking in the beauty of Emerald Lake (lunch stop!), continue your adventure along the coast. At The Nobbies lookout, witness the dramatic rock formations, Seal Rock, and the powerful Blowhole. Here, the information center will unveil the secrets of this fascinating area. Take a stroll along the scenic boardwalk, enjoying the ocean breeze and breathtaking views. As twilight falls, prepare to be captivated by the world-famous Penguin Parade. Watch in awe as these adorable creatures waddle ashore after a day at sea, a truly unforgettable experience.

Experience the best of Melbourne in just three hours. This “complete” experience is meant to tell the whole story of Melbourne in an economical time - from how we got to be known as the world’s coffee capital, to where the find the best street art.
Your guide will entertain you with stories of Melbourne’s humble beginnings to the Gold Rush era that changed everything. Explore Chinatown and discover Melbourne’s multicultural edge. Hear the guide brag about the Melbourne cafe scene and then deliver the goods, as they buy you a famous Melbourne coffee! Finish up like a “fair dinkum” Aussie – at a pub of course! Let your guide grab you a cold beer (or soda/cider) and take questions and give advice on other Melbourne highlights.

Enjoy a complete cruising experience and combine both our Port & Docklands and the River Gardens sightseeing tours. View the contrasting scenery of Melbourne that has made it one of the most “Liveable Cities in the World”.

The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Tourists, shoppers, office workers and families can use the City Circle Tram to travel to major attractions, shops and city events. An audio commentary provides details of city landmarks and major attractions such as the City Museum, Parliament House, Docklands, Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium and the Princess Theatre. You can spend all day, or stay one hour - this is a perfect free version of a hop on-hop off service so that you can enjoy each of Melbournes sites with the added bonus of traditional Melbourne transportation. 

You will be collected on arrival by a private driver and delivered to your Southern Cross Train Station.

The Overland was Australia's first inter-capital passenger train, and has been servicing guests for over 135 years. This relaxing, daylight train service travels between the vibrant cities of Melbourne and Adelaide. A comfortable journey with semi-reclining seats, generous legroom and an all-inclusive dining experience, there's no better way to make the day-long journey between cities more relaxing. Departing Melbourne's Southern Cross Station this morning, sit back and enjoy the seaside views as you approach Geelong. Diverting inland, watch as the diverse landscapes outside transition between rugged mallee scrub to fields of green and gold, passing by the lush Grampians National Park in the distance. Crossing the border, you will pass by farmlands, through the Murray Bridge riverland and on to your destination, the city of Adelaide.

The vibrant heart of the Festival State, Adelaide is a beautiful and easily accessible city fringed by lush parklands, and a short distance from sandy beaches, world-renowned wine regions, and unique riverland vistas. Explore the surrounding areas, or immerse yourself in the artistic laneways, hidden gems, and highly acclaimed museums and galleries of the inner city.

With a growing small-bar scene, world-class art and music, and a festival calendar to rival that of any other Australian city, Adelaide is a destination worth discovering. Take time to explore its vibrant laneways, visit the iconic Adelaide Central Market, and go shopping in Rundle Mall. Slow things down and relax at the Botanic Gardens, jump on the iconic Popeye Cruise along the River Torrens, or take the tram out to Glenelg to explore the popular metropolitan beach, dine in one of the many foreshore restaurants, or even enjoy the beach cabanas in summer months.
Adelaide is also lucky enough to be surrounded by some of Australia's most famous wine regions, and a stop into one of the wineries or the National Wine Centre is highly recommended. A 30-minute drive east into the hills will take you to Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia, home to incredible food, strawberry fields and streets lined with artisan stores. On the way to Hahndorf, stop in at the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens and the Mt Lofty Summit for a coffee with a view. You may wish to return via Belair and stop at the iconic Windy Point Lookout on your way for even more phenomenal views over the city and beyond, especially at sunset.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside the station and delivered to your Adelaide accommodation.

Uncork the historic Barossa, discovering boutique wineries that are big on character. With a flexible tour itinerary and a very small group of up to six guests, you'll avoid the crowds and taste the premium wines the region has become so well-known for. See, taste, smell and learn the difference between wine varieties like Shiraz and Grenache, or different styles of Riesling. Learn about the importance of winemaking techniques like oak aging or minimal intervention. Discover the history of the Barossa visiting world renowned wine destinations, and enjoy a stellar lunch at Harvest Kitchen, all part of one of the most sought after wine tours in Australia. No matter your level of expertise, your professionally trained wine guide will be sure to create a unique and intimate experience.

Enjoy a delightful sightseeing cruise down the River Torrens on a stunning heritage boat. Boarding at Elder Park, you will float down the beautiful river in best seat in the house. The Popeye cruises through the heart of the city and passes by famed attractions like the Festival Centre, the Entertainment Centre and the SAHMRI. Admire the ever-changing landscapes that line the waterways as you listen to live commentary by a local guide about the history of the area. Soak up the relaxing atmosphere of this picturesque city.

Take a guided tour of the National Wine Centre’s Wine Discovery Journey. Uncover the diversity of Australia’s 65 wine regions and meet some of the wonderful characters of the industry. Discover the key characteristics of wine varieties grown throughout the country before enjoying a guided tasting of three Australian wines from a range of producers. You will be taken on a sensory journey, learning the differences between aroma, texture and flavour, providing you with a greater appreciation and understanding of wine tasting.

The Adelaide Central Market, one of Australia's largest and most vibrant fresh produce markets, has been a cornerstone of Adelaide since 1869. Located in the heart of the city, it features over 70 traders offering a diverse range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, cheeses, and specialty foods, along with numerous cafes and eateries. Renowned for its high-quality produce and multicultural offerings, the market is a bustling hub of activity and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and cultural festivals, making it a vital part of Adelaide's social and cultural life.

You will be met outside your Adelaide accommodation and taken to Adelaide Airport.

Farewell Adelaide today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!