3. Melbourne awaits you!
Australia’s second city, if you go on size alone, Melbourne sits on the south-east coast of the continent at the
northern end of Port Philip bay. People will often tell you that Melbourne is more European than the AngloAmerican fusion that characterizes most Australian cities, and in truth it's an accurate description. The entire city
has an effortless style that you find in continental European cities such as Milan or Paris - from its trams to the
haute couture trappings of its citizens Melbourne exudes an air of intelligence and sophistication. But you'd be
wrong to think that the pace of life in Melbourne is in any way slow or relaxed. Its nightlife equals that of
anywhere else in the country, it is the Australian capital of performing arts and the sheer range of entertainment
on offer will keep you coming back for more. Melbourne is also more than a match for anywhere with its
surroundings. Victoria hides some of Australia's most beautiful scenery, drive the Great Ocean Road and you'll
find some of the best limestone coastal scenery you'll see anywhere, or head for the serene natural beauty of the
Yarra Valley and its vineyards. The city of some 3.7 million inhabitants is simply swallowed up in the surroundings
and an hour's drive transports you a thousand miles away from urbanity.
4. FACTS AND FIGURES
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world - more or less the same size as
USA. However it also has the lowest population density in the world, with only two
people per square kilometer.
Australia is politically divided into six states and two territories, each one offering a
different experience for the traveller. Gold Coast falls in the state of Queensland.
Time: Australia is divided into three time zones. Eastern is GMT +10, Central is
GMT +9.5, and Western is GMT +8.
Other than the Northern Territory and Western Australia, all states observe daylight
saving time in summer.
Electricity: Electrical current is 240/250 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are used
but are different to those in most other countries.
Currency : Australian $ (AUD). 1 AUD = 35 INR / 1 USD = 1.30 AUD
5. These items are prohibited and will be seized and destroyed by AQIS, or one can drop them in the quarantine bins at the airport. Its recommended to declare
all the items that the pax are carrying along with them to avoid fines.
EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS: All whole, dried and powdered egg, and egg products that contain more than 10% egg as an ingredient, such as mayonnaise.
DAIRY PRODUCTS: All dairy products (unless from a country listed as foot and mouth free). Whole and dried products that contain more than 10% dairy
product as an ingredient. Infant formula accompanying a child and New Zealand dairy products are allowed.
UNCANNED MEAT PRODUCTS: All animal species - fresh, dried, frozen, cooked, smoked, salted or preserved meat, including salami and sausages.
LIVE ANIMALS: All mammals, birds, birds’ eggs, and nests, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects
LIVE PLANTS: All potted/bare rooted plants, cuttings, roots, bulbs, corms, rhizomes, stems and other viable plant
material
SEEDS AND NUTS: Cereal grains, popping corn, raw nuts, chestnuts, pine cones, birdseed, unidentified seeds,
and some commercially packaged seeds and seed ornaments
FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES : All fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables
PLEASE CHECK ON –www.aqis.gov.au FOR FURTHER DETAILS
6. MELBOURNE
ITINERARIES
03 HOTEL NIGHTS AT HOTEL MERCURE AND 01 HOTEL NIGHTS AT MANSTRA
03 HOTEL NIGHTS AT HOTEL CROWNE PLAZA PROMENADE AND
01 HOTEL NIGHTS AT MANSTRA
7. 03 HOTEL NIGHTS AT HOTEL MERCURE AND 01 HOTEL NIGHTS AT MANSTRA
DAY 1
INDIA – MELBOURNE
Welcome to Melbourne! Arrive here and check into
the hotel. Enjoy Indian Dinner. Overnight in
Melbourne at Hotel Mercure.
DAY 2
MELBOURNE
After breakfast at the hotel go for your city tour includes tour of MCG. Lunch at the Indian
restaurant. Enjoy dinner. Overnight in Melbourne at
Hotel Mercure.
DAY 3
MELBOURNE - OCEAN ROAD TOUR
- MANSTRA
After breakfast you will check out and take the
great Ocean Road tour. Today you will experience
one of the most cherished drives of your life time.
You will be spellbound with the sheer beauty of this
Great Ocean Road which hugs tightly to the coast
and stretches along the South Eastern coast of
Australia between Geelong & Warrnambool. The
road offers outstanding views of Bass Strait and the
Southern Ocean and covers some of the most
photogenic coastline in the world. See some
striking and dramatic natural rock formations which
include Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, and London
Bridge which is renamed to London Arch after the
‘bridge’ partially collapsed.
Enjoy unparalleled viewing and fantastic
photographic opportunities as you drive
through the Ship-wreck Coast and the Port
Campbell National Park. See the worldfamed The Twelve Apostles. Have lunch en
route at a local restaurant. Countinue tour
and arrive into Manstra
Indian dinner at the resort. Overnight at
Manstra Eriskine.
DAY 4
MELBOURNE
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and travel
to Melbourne. Day free at leisure or for
conferencing. (Refer to conferencing
package). Enjoy lunch and dinner at an
Indian restaurant close by. Overnight in
Melbourne at Hotel Mercure.
DAY 5
MELBOURNE - INDIA
After breakfast we check out of the hotel to
board a flight back to India, with vivid
memories of a great tour with SOTC.
8. 03 HOTEL NIGHTS AT HOTEL CROWNE PLAZA PROMENADE AND
01 HOTEL NIGHTS AT MANSTRA
DAY 1
INDIA – MELBOURNE
Welcome to Melbourne! Arrive here and check into
the hotel. Enjoy Indian Dinner. Overnight in
Melbourne at Hotel Crowne Plaza Promenade.
DAY 2
MELBOURNE
After breakfast at the hotel go for your city tour includes tour of MCG. Lunch at the Indian
restaurant.
Enjoy dinner. Overnight in Melbourne at Hotel
Crowne Plaza Promenade.
DAY 3
MELBOURNE - OCEAN ROAD
TOUR – MANSTRA
After breakfast you will check out and take the
great Ocean Road tour. Today you will experience
one of the most cherished drives of your life time.
You will be spellbound with the sheer beauty of
this Great Ocean Road which hugs tightly to the
coast and stretches along the South Eastern coast
of Australia between Geelong & Warrnambool.
The road offers outstanding views of Bass Strait
and the Southern Ocean and covers some of the
most photogenic coastline in the world. See some
striking and dramatic natural rock formations
which include Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, and
London Bridge which is renamed to London Arch
after the ‘bridge’ partially collapsed.
Enjoy unparalleled viewing and fantastic
photographic opportunities as you drive through the
Ship-wreck Coast and the Port Campbell National
Park. See the world-famed The Twelve Apostles.
Its origins is about 10-20 million years ago when
billions of tiny skeletal fragments created limestone
formations beneath the sea. They were later
exposed to violent seas and winds that carved out
these remarkable features.
Have lunch en route at a local restaurant.
Countinue tour and arrive into Manstra
Indian dinner at the resort.
Overnight at Manstra Eriskine.
DAY 4
MELBOURNE
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out and travel to Melbourne.
Day free at leisure or for conferencing. (Refer to
conferencing package)
Enjoy lunch and dinner at an Indian restaurant
close by.
Overnight in Melbourne at Hotel Mercure.
DAY 5
MELBOURNE - INDIA
After breakfast we check out of the hotel to board a
flight back to India, with vivid memories of a great
tour with SOTC.
10. Discover Melbourne on it’s CITY TOUR. It has compelling appeal in its gardens, its history, its character and its charm. Inhabited by
cultures from across the globe. Some of the highlights include - Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, development, St Paul's
Cathedral, Melbourne Town Hall, Law Courts & Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne University, Royal Exhibition
Buildings, Chinatown, Parliament House and Princess Theatre, St Patrick's Cathedral, Visit Fitzroy Gardens and see Captain Cook's
Cottage (opportunity to inspect), Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park - National Tennis Centre, Flinders Street Station,
Ornate Victorian terraced homes, Revitalised South Melbourne, West Gate Bridge - spectacular city overview, Telstra Dome at
Docklands, World Trade Centre/Crown Casino, The Shrine of Remembrance.
If needed you can include a a scenic cruise on the Yarra River with the city tour or even a a visit to the Melbourne observation desk.
11. The YARRA VALLEY lies just an hour away from Melbourne city
but seems a thousand miles away from the urban landscape. A lush,
fertile region in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range of mountains
the Yarra is covered in vineyards, with rows upon rows of vines lining
the slopes and flat valley floor. It's worth coming here for the
breathtaking scenery but it would be a mistake to visit and not try at
least one of the various tours and tastings offered by the various
vineyards. Famous names around here include Five Oaks, Ainsworth
and Eyton. The latter includes an excellent restaurant and offers
some tremendous special events where you can enjoy the wine
while listening to classical music. Various companies offer tours to
the area where you'll get to sample some of the local produce and
learn a little about the production and growing methods that make
Yarra Valley wines one of Australia's most famous exports.
12. The GREAT OCEAN ROAD starts at Torquay, 100km west of Melbourne. From
there it winds its 180km way around the Southwest coast of Victoria, passing some
of the best coastal scenery in Australasia. The coastline is spectacularly rocky, a
large stretch of it is known as Shipwreck Coast due to the number of vessels that
have met their end on the spurs and cliffs here. Experienced divers or snorkellers
can visit some of these including the ill-fated Loch Ard. Plaques positioned along
the route tell you the sorry tales of how many vessels met their end. Other sights of
interest along the road include the Angahook-Lorne Forest Park which contains the
spectacular Erskine Falls and an abundance of wildlife. You'll also find some
spectacular naturally formed rock structures, including the series of rock pillars
known as the Twelve Apostles (there are now only ten of them) and the structure
known as London Bridge.
13. If you want to escape from the city to nature, 35km east of Melbourne is the spectacular DANDENONGS
MOUNTAIN RANGE. Mount Dandenong is the highest point and the effort of climbing up is rewarded with far
reaching views across a vast swathe of Victoria. The Ferntree Gully National Park is well known for its massive
mountain ash trees and the Sherbrooke Forest is a great place to tackle some of the walking trails. They aren't
too arduous, usually only taking about two hours to complete, and they offer the chance of seeing some of the
wildlife, which includes possums and rosellas. Olinda, nestled in the ranges, is a quaint little town with some nice
cafés and craft galleries.
14. The award winning SOVEREIGN HILL site faithfully recreates the mania of Australia's great Gold Rush of the
19th century. The town is an authentic recreation of a goldtown from the 1850s when Victoria was filled with
prospectors working the mines of the region. The town itself comprises over 60 buildings, ranging from the
general store to the saloon bar, and is peopled with characters wearing traditional 19th-century garb. You can
also visit the Chinese Village, a recreation of the Chinese settlements that the prospectors from China
established in the region, and the Diggings, the site of a genuine gold mine where you can pan for gold yourself.
The Orientation Centre and the museum provide the facts behind the village and the Gold Rush that brought
such prosperity to the region. You can even see gold being smelted. 110km west of Melbourne. Description :
Enjoy all the features of our Sovereign Hill Tour 380 as well as visiting the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The Ballarat
Wildlife Park is a high standard, well planned fauna reserve affording excellent opportunities to 'mix' with native
Australian animals.
15. Too good to miss out of your Melbourne holiday, PHILLIP ISLAND has many top attractions including gorgeous
beaches, especially Cape Woolamai. Seal Rocks at the Southwest Tip of the island is home to a large colony of
seals while the Koala Conservation Centre gives you a chance to get up close to the sleepy marsupials by way of
a raised boardwalk. The major attraction is the nightly Penguin Parade but The Phillip Island Wildlife Park is
absolutely brilliant, the only place where you can edge so close to many Australian native animals. The
kangaroos and wallabies roam freely throughout the park. You get a bag of feed included in the admission price
when you enter which makes you a prime target for the greedy emus and deer. Open: daily 10h00-17h00. Phillip
Island is 140km from Melbourne.
16. Set between Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay, the
MORNINGTON PENINSULA is Melbourne's holiday
playground. With stunning views from Arthurs Seat summit over
the bay with its long white sand beaches, the splendour of
vineyards, farms, holiday homes and a quiet country lifestyle,
the Mornington Peninsula is a true delight.
17. RIVERBOAT CRUISE - Australia's "Old Man
River" - the paddlesteamer highway of the
wool bales and the wheat bags. Relive this
fantastic Riverboat era of sweat and tears as
you ride the Riverboat down the Murray River
shadowed by majestic river gums, dappled
sunlight and screeching cockatoos flying
overhead. Capture the riotous and wicked
past of the river town of Echuca.
18. MT BULLER - an exhilarating winter experience. This alpine wonderland
is nestled high on the ski fields with quaint lodges, luxury hotels, cosy
restaurants and cafes. Snowshoe walking, boardriding, skiing,
tobogganing or simply enjoy the village atmosphere. Highlights Include
the Picturesque Yarra Valley, Country townships of Yea and Bonnie
Doon, Mansfield - gateway of the Alpine region, Victoria's high country,
spectacular mountain scenery, Explore Mt. Buller Alpine Village, expert
advice on snow activities, hours of snow fun Ski lift & lesson tickets
available, full range of ski equipment and clothing is available for hire (can
be pre - booked), On board videos. Please bring warm clothing. Hats,
gloves and sturdy shoes required. We recommend that you hire snow
jacket and boots.
19. PENGUIN PARADE AND MORE AT PHILIP
ISLAND - So completely Australian - unique in
the world. Every evening at dusk the Little
Penguins come home from the sea at Phillip
Island. From the waves - across the beach - to
the sand dunes - the Little Penguins can almost
be touched as they waddle to their burrows.
Sunset at Summerland Beach has drawn
millions of visitors to Phillip Island. It is the
nightly ritual of these little flightless birds which
will enthrall you as you observe from the beach
and the elevated boardwalk. Koalas - totally
Australian - peering down from the gum trees
where they live. Fat and furry, wet noses and a
gentle smile of contented living on Phillip Island.
Seals near the sea, basking in the late sunlight
on halftide rocks compliment this island, rich in
wildlife which makes Phillip Island a very special
place.
20. PUFFING BILLY, WARROCK FARM WITH PHILIP ISLAND. Ride on Australia's most
notable narrow gauge railway through the spectacular Blue Dandenong Ranges with
bellbirds and kookaburras echoing the steam train's whistle. Tour through the richness of
the Yarra Valley - a pastoral experience of farms and vineyards, haystacks and wine
grapes. Healesville Sanctuary - a truly Australian experience - cradled in the forested
foothills of the Great Divide where you can surround yourself with Australian wildlife.
HIGHLIGHTS: Visit Sherbrooke Forest - heart of the Dandenongs; tall eucalypts,
kookaburras and bellbirds, Share Bush Billy tea with the locals...colourful crimson rosellas
and king parrots! (opportunity to hand feed with seed provided), Ride through the forest
from Belgrave on Puffing Billy steam train - an original steam locomotive, Sherbrooke
Forest - noted for its lyrebirds, tall mountain ash eucalypts and fern gullies, Pass through
quaint villages noted for their restaurants, craft shops and beautiful gardens, Panoramic
views from Grantulla Road, Opportunity to taste Australian wines at Fergusson's Winery,
a noted Yarra Valley wine producer, Tour through the Yarra Valley, Pass through the
township of Healesville - set amidst mountain bushland ,Visit Healesville Sanctuary home for over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles in a natural
bushland setting , Stroll through paddocks of kangaroos and wallabies, Walk through
large aviaries and pond areas that bring birds of the wild so close to hand - the elusive
lyrebirds, eagles, ibis & spoonbills ,Witness the "Eagles Fly" demonstration ,Observe the
underwater life of the platypus, Come face to face with a koala! ,Meet a hairy nose
wombat! ,See dingoes, Tasmanian Devils, echidnas, snakes and goannas.
21. The KOALA CONSERVATION CENTRE is located on Phillip
Island, Victoria, Australia, only 140 kilometres south-east of
Melbourne. It is part of Phillip Island Nature Park. The Centre
provides visitors with the opportunity to get up very close to
wild koalas, plus provides walking tracks through native bush
specifically put aside for the conservation of koalas.
22. ONE WAY PUFFING BILLY STEAM TRAIN RIDE
(BELGRAVE – MENZIE CREEK) Journey into the
prosperous heart of picturesque wine country to the Yarra
Valley. En route, ride aboard Australia’s oldest steam
train, the Puffing Billy. Meander through the scenic
mountains and valleys, arriving at Fergusson's Winery.
23. WARROOK CATTLE FARM - Renowned as a premier
working farm to which visits can be made. Located an
easy one hours drive Melbourne, on the way to Phillip
Island, Warrook is also accessible to the wine regions of
the Mornington Peninsular and the Yarra Valley. Warrook
Cattle Farm combines our unique farm experience with
our award winning pies and delicious country cooking.
Apart from the sheep and beef cattle operation, guests
can also explore our historic homestead, fauna park, gift
shop and immaculate gardens.
24. ASHCOMBE MAZE - Australia 's oldest and most famous traditional Hedge Maze. 25 acres of
internationally acclaimed garden settings with over 10 garden displays with individual themes that
change with every season of the year. A Circular Rose Maze the first of its kind planted anywhere in
the world! With over 1200 rose bushes of 200 fragrant varieties chosen for colour and perfume.
Enjoy the serenity of abundant water features and diverse birdlife, as you admire nature at its best.
Spacious licensed café with high vaulted ceilings & towering windows overlooking Maze & water
gardens.
26. LOCATION - 2
kms to the
nearest airport
(tullamarine).
CATEGORY – 4
Star
On the banks of the Yarra River, Crowne Plaza
Melbourne is a relaxed walk from the City Centre,
the Southbank Entertainment Complex, Melbourne
Aquarium, Telstra Dome and city shopping.
www.ichotelsgroup.com
ROOMS – 465 Rooms, Internet via television,
connection for laptop, Air conditioning
Television, Satellite television, In-house movie,
Radio, Mini bar, Hairdryer, Room Service from
17:00, 1 indoor pool (heated), Gymnasium, Sauna,
shop, Boutique, Beauty parlour.
27. Mantra Erskine Beach Resort is located on absolute beachfront,
in the historic seaside town of Lorne along Victoria's famous
Great Ocean Road. Under two hours' drive from Melbourne, the
resort is nestled between the crystal clear water of Louttit Bay
and the Otway Hinterland. Mantra Erskine Beach Resort is the
largest regional conference and accommodation venue in the
region, offering a 500 seat convention centre and 276
apartments. Boasting a $20 million refurbishment, new resort
features include a new restaurant, café, cocktail bar, indoor lap
pool, gymnasium, 24 hour reception, steam room and day spa.
Take advantage of the resort's incredible array of outdoor
activities, including lawn bowls, croquet, tennis and a putting
green or stroll along the beach and walk to Lorne Pier. This
magnificent 4.5 star property offers a range of accommodation
from modern hotel suites to spacious two bedroom apartments,
providing the highest standard of facilities and many apartments
feature filtered ocean views.
28.
29. LOCATION - 25 kms to the nearest airport (Tullamarine).
The best location in town! Located in the very heart of the
city of Melbourne next to all the shopping, nightclubs,
restaurants, theatres and Chinatown. Day tour coaches
depart from across the road. Direct access to David
Jones.
CATEGORY – 3 star
www.mercurewelcome.com.au
ROOMS – 328. Room Facilities - Connection for laptop,
Air conditioning, Television, In-house movie, Radio,
Hairdryer,
