from $1,104* per person | 6 Days | Year-round |
Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
Operator: First Light Travel Australia | 12 people max |
Capital & Country Touring Route leaves Melbourne and makes its way through inland Victoria, pauses in Canberra and then heads east to the harbour city, Sydney.
he Capital & Country Touring Route takes you to historic towns built on the riches of 19th-century gold rushes, ports where paddle steamers dock and Australia's capital city, the place where it all started.
Take the inland route between Sydney and Melbourne and discover the Australian spirit through the stories of settlers, gold, river trade and the making of a nation. Meander through historic streets to see impressive buildings and monuments of the mid to late 19th century gold rush. The treasures are the arts and crafts, museums, galleries and historical sites along the way.
Holiday on the water to embrace the beauty of the Murray River with its charming paddle steamers and stunning river beaches. Enjoy water activities and play at championship golf courses along Australia's greatest river icon.
Visit national institutions and reflect on our history, country, people and culture in Canberra, established in 1911 as the capital of Australia. European settlement of Australia began in Sydney with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and see the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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Australia
Our Austalia and New Zealand trip arranged by First Light Travel was fantastic - could not have been better. Our consultant, Chrissy, was prompt and thorough during the design of the trip. Our itinerary was very helpful. The lodging and transport arrangements made by First Light were all seamless - we had no problems of any significance and were pleased with all accommodations.
I found First Light Travel in a National Geographic magazine in my dentist's office and thought I'd try. I was impressed with the service the first time I contacted the travel agency. The knowledge, experience and professionalism of our travel agent, Verity Paterson, helped make our trip to Australia everything we hoped it would be. I completed all of our arrangements via the internet including several last minute changes and I always felt like my agent was doing everything she could to make sure our accomodations, travel and activities were totally taken care of. I would recommend the service to anyone and if/when we're considering another trip "down under", I wouldn't hesitate contacting First Light Travel again.
Shelley, our consultant was very conscientious offering detailed, informed travel suggestions along with specific details of what we could expect. Once we arrived in Australia we found that everything went smoothly according to our plans. We had great fun without the complications and hassles from being in another country.
Explore bushland surrounding Bendigo via cycle and hiking tracks that weave through the forests and pass historic mining sites. Go underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine, ride a horse through native bushlands or start your day with a hot air balloon ride. The Bendigo district is home to five golf courses. Belvoir Park Golf Club set within bushland and granite hills. Bendigo Golf Club is a challenging 18 hole course with resident kangaroos. Eaglehawk Golf Club has 18 holes with grass greens and Heathcote Golf Club weaves around native gum trees. Neangar Park Golf Club is an undulating course dotted with mature eucalypts.
Head north from Bendigo along the Midland Highway towards Echuca. Take to the waters of the Murray River or the nearby Barmah Lakes in a canoe or a small motor boat. Explore the bushland along the river banks on horseback, bike or stroll along at your own pace. If more adventurous, try water-skiing, paint-balling or book a seat in a scenic flight. The Murray River region is a golf enthusiast’s ßplayground, with challenging courses and quality greens and facilities. Pick up a ‘Magnificent Seven’ brochure to plan a golfing holiday. Rich River Golf Club Resort has two award-winning well-planned 18-hole champion courses. The Echuca Back 9 Course has been designed to challenge the seasoned golfer. Overnight: Hobart
The journey to Yarrawonga-Mulwala weaves you back along the Murray River through a rich farming district. You can take in the serene bushland, while enjoying water activities on Lake Mulwala and the Murray River. Swim or find a picnic spot at one of the many idyllic beaches that can be found at every turn along the river. Or visit a working farm with Australian fauna at Linley Park Animal Farm. If golf is your passion, Yarrawonga and Border Golf Club is Australia's largest public access golfing complex with 45 holes. In nearby Cobram Barooga there are another 36 holes of championship golf.
It is a short journey to Albury Wodonga. Beautifully set amid rolling valleys, these two towns truly capture the life of the Murray River. Fishing can be enjoyed at the Murray and Mitta Mitta rivers and at Lake Hume. There is no shortage of golfing around Albury Wodonga. Each course offers a unique golf experience, stunning scenery and world-class facilities. Commercial Albury Golf Club has a quality 18-hole course and Featherstone Golf Course is an 18-hole course set against the backdrop of Nail Can Hill. Thurgoona Country Club Resort is an 18-hole gem and the Wodonga Country Club offers a challenging championship course.
Take the Hume Highway north to the national capital, Canberra. Admire colourful wildflowers and enjoy surrounding forests that are home to native plant and animal species. Mountain bike riding and horse riding are permitted in areas along the formed fire trails. At Namadgi National Park, Indigenous rock art and Aboriginal shelters are easily accessible. Tee off on one of the quality golf courses, or take off at dawn to float over the city in a hot air balloon with one of the operators - Balloon Aloft or Dawn Drifters. Hire a bike, paddleboat, surf ski, canoe or wind surfer to explore Lake Burley Griffin and its surrounds, or scale Black Mountain Tower for spectacular 360-degree views of Canberra and the region.
Before leaving the Canberra region consider visiting a few vineyards. There are 140 with more than 30 cellar doors in the rural countryside around Canberra and most are within 30 minutes of the city centre. From here, follow the Federal Highway to Highland Way and then onto the Western Freeway through Liverpool and into Sydney.
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