Melbourne Kreuzfahrten

OVERVIEW

Depart your ship and travel to Sherbrooke Forest, home to some of the world’s tallest hardwood species. Here you will enter entering a fantastic rainforest of spectacular Mountain Ash, stringybark, lush tree ferns. Keep a keen eye for unique Australian wildlife such as lyrebirds who like to come out especially after a rainy day. Visit Olinda or another of the area’s charming townships. These small villages are renowned for excellent craft shops. Enjoy free time to browse the shops for the work of local artists that may include jewelry, glassware, pottery, leather goods, woodcarvings and even candy shops to remind you of yesteryear. Before returning to your ship, enjoy a brief city orientation and travel through suburban Melbourne.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach into the unspoiled Dandenong region for a walk in Sherbrooke Forest.
• Marvel at sky-high hardwoods.
• Visit Olinda or another of the local mountain towns renowned for their excellent craft shops.
• Enjoy a panoramic orientation spin through Melbourne on the return.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Kayak along the Yarra River as it winds through downtown Melbourne and discover how the city protects its fragile environment and local birdlife. The river is considered the social heart of Melbourne because so many attractions and popular parks line its banks. As your guide will explain, the Yarra’s water quality and ecology have improved significantly since the 1970s, when the river contained high levels of industrial waste. As you paddle along at a comfortable pace, you will pass under the Princes Bridge—a landmark on the Victorian Heritage Register—and skirt by the Flinders Street Railway Station, both extraordinary examples of 19th-century architecture. Melbourne also values its greenspaces, including verdant Alexandra Gardens and lush Batman Park, which you will find on opposite sides of the Yarra. Oases such as these attract a vast array of birds, so be sure to look for parrots, grey fantails and white-plumed honeyeaters, which thrive even in dense urban habitats.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a kayak along the Yarra River as it meanders through downtown Melbourne .
• Hear how Melbourne has protected its environment despite increased urban sprawl .
• Look for birds that thrive in dense urban settings.
• Pass some of Melbourne’s iconic architecture, some of it dating to the 19th century.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sit back and enjoy this panoramic orientation drive through Australia’s ‘most livable city.’ It’s vibrant, multi-cultural, sporting, fashionable, food-and-culture-loving and the capital of Victoria – and all that’s just for starters. You’ll visit the bayside suburb of St. Kilda, with its lovely beaches, Esplanade and hopping café scene. See the F1 Grand Prix circuit wrapping around Albert Park Lake, and stop for photos at the landmark Shrine of Remembrance War memorial, maybe strolling across to the Royal Botanic Gardens’ gift shop. Drive past the Rod Laver Tennis Center, where the Australian Open is played each January, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground made famous as the venue for the 1956 Olympic Games, now home to thundering Aussie Rules Football and stadium concert crowds. In the heart of the city’s historic and governmental quarter, see The Treasury, Parliament House, the Windsor Hotel, Princess Theatre and the impressive Gothic buildings that line Collins Street. And travel through the Carlton district, where the rococo Royal Exhibition Building stands alongside the ultramodern Melbourne Museum. Throughout the drive, your professional guide’s commentary will bring the city’s history and backstories to life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic introduction to Melbourne, seeing the top sights and learning about their history.
• See everything from the beachside Esplanade in St. Kilda to the ornate Princess Theater built in 1854.
• Pass sporting icons like the Rod Laver Tennis Center, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the lakeside Formula One race circuit in Albert Park.
• Visit the colonnaded Shrine of Remembrance, War memorial.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

This excursion combines panoramic sightseeing, a historic garden walk, and sky-high Melbourne views from a 92-story skyscraper. The half-day begins with a drive to Fitzroy Gardens in the city center, its earliest plantings dating from 1860. Appreciate the showy Conservatory and an external visit of a charming two-story brick cottage hidden among the trees – the family home of famed explorer Captain James Cook, transplanted to this garden from Yorkshire. Rejoining your coach, settle in for a spin past landmark buildings including The Treasury, Parliament House, the Windsor Hotel, Princess Theatre and the marvelous Gothic lineup along Collins Street. A stop at the iconic Shrine of Remembrance, commemorating Australians who fought in wars and peacekeeping operations, allows time for photos and a climb up for balcony views if you’re feeling energetic. But the Melbourne views coming next will trump any others today as you visit Eureka Skydeck 88 atop one of the world’s tallest residential buildings. Lightning-fast elevators whisk you from the ground to the Skydeck in a mere 40 seconds, and from the floor-to-ceiling windows up here you’ll have thrilling 360-degree views of the entire city, Port Phillip Bay, and the mountains of the Dandenong Range.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a narrated highlights drive through Melbourne City, passing many of its landmark sights.
• Stop at the colonnaded Shrine of Remembrance, commemorating those who served in wars and peacekeeping operations.
• Take a guided walk-through Fitzroy Gardens, including the flower-filled Conservatory and an external visit of the Captain Cook’s Cottage. Zip to the top of the Eureka Tower in 40 seconds and gasp at the city-wide views from Skydeck 88.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Browse museum exhibits that reveal how the lives of the local indigenous people changed dramatically after Europeans arrived and view downtown Melbourne from a unique perspective while cruising the Yarra River. As you meander through the Bunjilaka Cultural Center within the Melbourne Museum, you will gain an understanding of the Aboriginal people that first settled in what became the state of Victoria. You may hear moving stories of resilience handed down from generation to generation, see artifacts that chronicle the ancient history of the area and view portrayals of early encounters between whalers and the Aboriginal people. A virtual guide will add even more insight. Later, you will cruise the lower reaches of the Yarra River, which cuts through the heart of Melbourne. Sights along the way include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the city’s modern sports and entertainment district, and Herring Island, a former basalt quarry that was filled with silt dredged from the river.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Become immersed in Aboriginal life while browsing the Melbourne Museum.
• Understand the dramatic impact that early Europeans had on the Aboriginal people.
• • See some of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions while cruising the Yarra River.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of the many landmarks Melbourne has accumulated, from its 1835 founding to the 21st century. Renowned as Australia’s ‘most livable city,’ Melbourne is a place of Old World charm and magnificent parks and gardens. It’s also a cosmopolitan, constantly-emerging hotbed of progressive cultural trends, artisan food, and passionate, world-class sporting events. There’s no way to see it all, though one stop on this tour comes close as you travel by lightning-fast elevator to the Eureka Skydeck 88. Clad in floor-to-ceiling windows atop one of the world’s tallest residential buildings, you can catch amazing 360-degree views of the entire city from here along with shimmering Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong mountains in the distance. Less lofty but very moving, you’ll visit the city’s iconic Shrine of Remembrance, honoring those who served in wars and peacekeeping operations. Climb to the balcony if you like, or take a stroll toward the adjoining Royal Botanic Gardens. Additional sights seen include the modern Crown Casino complex and Convention Center along the Yarra River and several tony residential suburbs. Later, enjoy free time to explore the natural history collections of Melbourne Museum on your own, returning to the coach at a preset time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See and visit highlights from Melbourne’s elegant past and vibrant present on this coach-driven tour.
• Zip to the top of the Eureka Tower in 40 seconds and gasp at the city-wide views from Skydeck 88.
• Stop at the iconic Shrine of Remembrance, a moving memorial to those who served in wars and peacekeeping operations.
• Travel past convention and casino complexes, though leafy riverside suburbs and along shopping boulevards. Enjoy free time to exploring the Melbourne Museum’s collections independently.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Explore Melbourne with a local that will show you places off the beaten path that will leave you with a true understanding of the city. To reach downtown, you will ride the tram with plenty of Melbournites who will be engaged in conversation. You might just listen in or the guide may introduce you and see if the other commuters would like to offer their opinions of living in Melbourne. Then, depending on your interests, the guide will lead you to areas that most tourists never see. You might head to laneways adorned with stencil art and murals, peruse small boutiques with one-of-a-kind merchandise and pass through residential neighborhoods that are up-and-coming or immensely affluent. If you’re sports-minded, you may like to take the tram to a cricket grounds or where the locals play Aussie-rules football. The guide will also take you to a favorite café, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and discuss your impressions of Melbourne.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the tram into Melbourne with a local guide and other Melbournites.
• See many of the hidden, out-of-the-way places that are characteristic of Melbourne.
• Choose an interest such as shopping or art and see the best places to enjoy them.
• Discuss your impressions of Melbourne over coffee with locals and your guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Savor lunch and a tasting at an esteemed winery in Yarra Valley. While touring the Rochford Winery, you will learn a bit about its winemaking techniques and sample several wines that perfectly reflect the terroir. The selections may include a vegan Pinot Noir varietal and perhaps a Prosecco with hints of honeydew. An equally delightful two-course meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients will follow. While pausing at the Healesville Sanctuary, you will see many of the indigenous animals that live in the surrounding bush such as kangaroos, koalas and emus.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at the Rochford Winery in the beautiful Yarra Valley.
• Observe a collection of iconic Australian animals at the Healesville Sanctuary.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Take a full-immersion trip back to Gold Rush days in a town that never left them, and tour a wildlife park where the fauna roams free. This adventurous day begins with a 90-minute drive to the town of Sovereign Hill, a true living museum where the shops, miners’ huts, cottages, hotels and other buildings all carefully replicate the style of the 1850s, when gold dust and nuggets were how you paid your bar bill. Informative displays document daily life in the era and the craft and jewelry shops offer similar goods to those sold during the Rush. Lunch will be served at a popular local eatery before moving on to historic Ballarat – it’s a larger city, full of showy architecture built with the considerable wealth hauled out of the ground after the first strike was discovered nearby in 1851. On a drive through the charming city center, your driver will point out Ballarat’s most notable highlights, including impressive botanical gardens planted along the shore on Lake Wendouree at the peak of the era. Later, on a visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park, you’ll encounter free-roaming kangaroos, koalas, emus, Tasmanian devils, wombats and other iconic Aussie animals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach across scenic Victoria terrain to the area where the Gold Rush of the 1850s began.
• Step into a living time capsule in Sovereign Hill, a perfectly recreated gold mining town – right down to the stagecoaches and spittoons.
• Wander period streets, browse period shops, and enjoy lunch served with modern utensils at a popular restaurant.
• Enjoy a guided drive through the historic center of Ballarat, the actual town where the Rush began.
• Visit Ballarat Wildlife Park and stroll among kangaroos, koalas, wombats and other native Aussie fauna.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy two vastly different guided tours through Werribee Zoo – one featuring indigenous Australian animals, the other focused on animals that roam the African savannah. The zoo provides an open-range environment that emulates a variety of habitats that allow the animals to live freely as if they were in the wild. As you follow the trail through the outback, you may spot iconic Australian creatures such as kangaroos, koalas, Tammar wallabies and emus, flightless birds that can run up to 30 miles per hour. After a cup of tea and fresh-baked scones in the zoo’s historical bluestone shearing shed, you will board an open-sided safari train and ride through the savannah. Elands, nyalas waterbucks and other antelopes are plentiful, but you can also expect to see rarer animals that are extinct in the wild. They include scimitar-horned oryxes and stocky Przewalski’s horses, a naturally skittish equine species that humans have never tamed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn how Werribee Zoo fights wildlife extinction through its captive breeding program.
• Observe indigenous Australian animals while following a trail through the outback area.
• Ride a safari train through a savannah where African animals roam freely.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Melbourne's architectural treasures and cultural heritage on-foot during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Beacon Cove, Tram-Ride & Melbourne City on Foot

Depart the pier on-foot with your guide for the short walk to Beacon Cove, then board a tram for the short ride into the city. Upon arrival, begin your guided walking tour through the city's fascinating labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways. Discover lanes filled with trendy cafes and eclectic boutiques, along with graffiti street art and a host of landmark buildings that arose from the city's Gold Rush boom during the 1850s.

Historical Landmarks

Highlights include the Block Arcade with its dazzlingly high Victorian-style interior décor, as well as grand, 19th-century commercial buildings. Renowned architectural gems include the stunning Gothic Bank, ornate Old Melbourne Stock Exchange, restored General Post Office and the city's oldest arcade, the Royal Arcade. Your walk continues past the delightful Town Hall, City Square precinct, and beautiful lime-and-sandstone building of St Paul's Anglican Cathedral.

Refreshments

Next, sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere of your surrounds during a refreshment stop at a local café. Afterward, resume your walking tour through tiny laneways. At the conclusion of your walking tour of Melbourne City, you can take the historic public tram back to the pier for a local taste of life with your guide or opt to remain in the city for independent exploration and return to the ship on your own.

Explore one of Australia's premiere wildlife reserves and view a wide array of iconic Australian animals. Discover the splendid beauty, flavours and wine estates of the fertile Yarra Valley during this scenic, full-day excursion with lunch ending at the airport.

Healesville Sanctuary, Australian Wildlife, Feedings, Wildlife Health Centre

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1 hour and 45 minute drive to the Healesville Sanctuary, a must-see for animal lovers. Regarded as one of Australia's leading parks, Healesville features over 200 species of native wildlife in a natural bush setting. Here, you can get acquainted with the kangaroos, koalas, lyrebirds, platypus, emus, and other uniquely Australian animals that inhabit the bush-like surroundings. Explore the park and wander along the tranquil tracks at your leisure.

Yarra Valley

From your Sanctuary visit, re-board your coach for a short ride into the farmlands of the Yarra Valley, famous for its exquisite beauty and award-winning wines. From architectural statements to rustic tin sheds hidden among the vines, the Yarra Valley has a wonderful range of cellar doors, all reflecting the diversity of styles and approaches in this beautiful, cool-climate region.

Rochford Winery, Wine Tastings & Two-Course Lunch

Your first stop in the Yarra Valley is at the family owned Rochford Winery. Rochford uses traditional winemaking practices to create intense characters that express the vineyard's unique terroir and its two great passions are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Upon arrival, proceed for a private wine tasting followed by a two-course lunch.

Huberts Estate & Wine Tasting  

Among the charming valleys of Coldstream in the Yarra Valley lies Hubert Estate, established in 1966.  From our humble beginnings in winemaking, we’ve now broadened our table, bringing together culture in all its forms under one roof.  Enjoy a wine tasting at this fantastic estate.

Your tour concludes with a transfer to the Melbourne Airport for your flight home.

Explore one of Australia's premiere wildlife reserves and view a wide array of iconic Australian animals during this self-guided, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Healesville Sanctuary

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1 hour and 45 minute drive to the Healesville Sanctuary, a must-see for animal lovers. En route, pass through the Yarra Valley foothills, a beautiful wine region of Victoria. Upon arrival at the Healesville Sanctuary, begin your self-guided walking tour.

Australian Wildlife, Feedings, Wildlife Health Centre

Explore the park and wander along the tranquil tracks at your leisure. Along the way, get up-close and personal with a variety of Australia's most beloved wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and dingoes all within their natural surrounds. Enjoy several demonstrations and feedings, including the majestic 'Spirits of the Sky' and popular 'World of the Platypus' exhibits. You can even visit the Wildlife Health Centre to chat with the vets or nurses as they treat sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in-need of care. During your visit, refreshments and/or meals are available for purchase at kiosks or cafés located throughout the sanctuary.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach for your return drive back to the pier.

Explore the Great Ocean Road and stunning Twelve Apostles in an exciting new way during this panoramic flight-seeing excursion with lunch.

Melbourne, Helipad, Helicopter Flight-Seeing Tour, Great Ocean Road, Coastline

Depart the pier for the short drive to Melbourne helipad. Upon arrival, board your helicopter, and receive your safety and flight instructions, then begin your helicopter flight-seeing tour. After lift-off, begin your breath-taking, approximately 90-minute helicopter flight-seeing tour along the Great Ocean Road as it winds along the picturesque coastline.

Twelve Apostles, Visitor's Centre, Bellarine Peninsula

Next, fly over the Twelve Apostles, the remnants of an ancient volcano plain and one of Victoria's most stunning landmarks, before landing at the Visitor's Centre for free time to explore the lookouts. Leaving the Twelve Apostles, fly to the Jack Rabbit Winery, one of the Bellarine Peninsula's famous wineries.

Jack Rabbit Winery, Three-Course Lunch with Wine

Upon arrival at the Jack Rabbit Winery, proceed for a three-course lunch accompanied by complementary wines. After lunch, re-board your helicopter for the short flight back to the helipad, then re-board your luxury car and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore Melbourne at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Melbourne at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Melbourne at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Melbourne at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Play a relaxing round of golf on a championship course in the famed 'Sandbelt' region of Melbourne during this spectacular, half-day golfing excursion.

Woodlands Golf Club or Yarra Yarra Golf Club

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive via luxury coach to either the Woodlands Golf Club or Yarra Yarra Golf Club, depending upon the availability of tee times at the time of guest booking. Both clubs are situated in the renowned Melbourne Sandbelt, and are renowned by golf purists for their championship layout, immaculate course presentation and a spectacular golfing experience. Depending upon available of tee times at the time of guest booking, guests will play at the Woodlands Golf Club or Yarra Yarra Golf Club.

Clothing Change, Club Selection, Pre-Game Warm-Up, Motorised Golf Cart, Personal Golf Pack

Upon arrival, change into your golf attire, select your premium clubs and receive driving range balls for your pre-game warm-up. Your shared, motorised golf cart with in-cart refreshments awaits your arrival, along with a personal golf pack containing a sleeve of three golf balls, custom golf towel, golf tees, divot tool, and scoring pencil to be taken home.

Eighteen-Hole Round of Golf, Narrow Fairways, Hazards, Small Greens, Challenging Layout

Next, begin your 18-hole round of golf. Grace the narrow fairways, cunningly-placed hazards and small greens that are the hallmarks of their challenging metropolitan layouts. During your visit, gifts, additional refreshments, and food are available at the Pro Shop or Clubhouse at your own expense.

At the conclusion of this unforgettable golf outing, re-board your luxury coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty and landmarks of Melbourne during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion ending at the airport.

Panoramic Drive & Shrine of Remembrance

Depart the pier and ride through the bay suburbs of Melbourne as you enter the city itself to see some of its most notable sights. Pass through the southern suburbs of Melbourne to the inspiring Shrine of Remembrance. The memorial is a permanent and lasting memory to the ANZAC spirit, the men and women of Victoria who served and those who died in the Great War.

Fitzroy Gardens

Afterward, re-board your coach and pass some of the city's most notable buildings, including Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Town Hall, Parliament and the ornate Princess Theatre.  Built in 1857, it's regarded as Melbourne's home for international musical productions. Melbourne is hailed as Australia's 'Garden City', famed for the parks and gardens surrounding it. Your next stop on your tour is the lush Fitzroy Gardens, a fine example of a grand city garden. Stroll within its 64 acres of huge formal garden beds, walking paths, a superb collection of trees and see the outside of Cook's Cottage brought to Melbourne in 1934.

Melbourne Sights

After your time in the gardens, re-board your coach once again and to continue with your sightseeing. Travel through Melbourne's Famed Sporting precinct to see Melbourne Park, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, site of the 1956 Olympics, the beautiful St Paul's Cathedral and the Old Customs House which is now the home of the Immigration Museum.

Your tour concludes with a transfer to the Melbourne Airport for your flight home.

Relax and take in the scenic sights of Melbourne, visiting the Eureka Skydeck and the Shrine of Remembrance. This half-day tour is a perfect way to discover Melbourne from the comfort of a coach. Take in notable sights, landmarks, buildings, and parks and learn about the city and its history and culture.

St. Kilda & Panoramic Drive

Depart the pier for the scenic drive into Melbourne, which is renowned for its grace, Old World charm, and the magnificent parks and gardens that surround the city. On the way the coach travels along the Esplanade, passing through St. Kilda, a trendy and well-known inner city suburb with an eclectic history.

Eureka Tower & Shrine of Remembrance

Stop at the Eureka Tower and venture high up to the 88th floor, you will get a bird's eye view of the CBD and of Melbourne's sprawling suburbs. After a short drive, visit the monumental Shrine of Remembrance located in the peaceful gardens, just minutes away from the bustling city centre.

Carlton District

Continue the journey through the city, where you can admire the historical architecture of the first churches of the area to the fascinating terrace homes in the Carlton District. Alongside these historical landmarks there are just as many modern structures, cultural landmarks and sporting venues to set your sights on until your return to the pier.

Learn about the traditional uses for food, tools and medicine on an Aboriginal Walking tour at the Botanic Gardens. This half-day excursion allows you to see some of Melbourne's highlights as well as learn about the Aboriginal history of the region.

Panoramic Drive

Depart the pier for a panoramic drive. Sit back, relax and enjoy an informative narrative as you travel past many magnificent buildings including The Treasury, Parliament House, the Windsor Hotel, the Princess Theatre and the marvellous Gothic buildings that are found along Collins Street.

Royal Botanic Gardens & Aboriginal Heritage Walk                  

Upon arrival at the Royal Botanic Gardens, participate in an Aboriginal Heritage Walk. The garden is an important cultural site for the local Koolin people. Journey into their ancestral lands to gain an understanding of their rich history and thriving culture, and discover their connection to plants in a 90 minute walking tour.

Lemon Myrtle Tea & Free Time

Conclude your walk with a refreshing cup of lemon myrtle tea while you share stories and reflect on the significance of Aboriginal culture in Australia. Followed by some free time in the gardens, continue the panoramic drive back to the pier.   

In an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity and representation, Nornie Bero's inviting smile combined with the comforting aroma of traditional food prepared with native ingredients, reminds us of the inherent power in embracing one's heritage. At her restaurant Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, join Nornie for deep dive into traditional Indigenous cooking and the use of local produce. Experience the unique interactive Damper masterclass run by Nornie before an incredible meal during this S.A.L.T. Program culinary experience.

Drive to Fed Square, Big Esso by Mabu Mabu

Board your coach and enjoy the short drive to Federation Square (Fed Square) on the land of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung peoples; known for arts, culture and public events on the edge of the Melbourne central business district.

At the heart of Melbourne in Fed Square is Chef Nornie Bero's restaurant, Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, which means “the biggest thank you” and “help yourself.” Mabu Mabu paints a picture of the islands: seafood that evoke the azure waters of the Torres Strait, spiced game meats that summon the wild essence of Australia's untamed landscapes, and the uniquely delicious, pickled watermelon made right in the restaurant.

Damper Masterclass and Chef Prepared Lunch

Upon arrival be greeted by Chef Nornie and take a deep dive into traditional Indigenous cooking and the use of local produce. Nornie will personally meet with guests and tell her story, where she is from and how Mabu Mabu began. From there, Nornie will invite everyone to their own kit to learn how to make Damper. Damper symbolizes cultural restoration for First Nations people and is a food tradition that's been shared among First Nations peoples for thousands of years. Beyond its crusty exterior and spongy interior, damper represents cultural identity through food.

After the fun Damper class, Nornie welcomes all for a 5-course lunch with drinks. The menu uses local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Drinks are completely Australian-owned, featuring Australian terroir and native botanicals.

Lunch concludes with a short walk back to board the bus to return to the ship.

Chef Nornie Bero

As the undisputed champion of Australian Indigenous cuisine, Chef Nornie Bero is an "island girl at heart." She embodies a heartwarming tale of creativity, identity, and passion with an unwavering connection to her roots. Bero from the Komet Tribe of the Meriam People on Mer Island in the Torres Strait, her journey in the culinary world is far more than a series of successful businesses. In an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity and representation, Bero's inviting smile combined with the comforting aroma of traditional food prepared with native ingredients, reminds us of the inherent power in embracing one's heritage.

Bero's pioneering spirit extends beyond the kitchen as she engages in community-building through food-centric events and initiatives, advocating for the sustainability and recognition of native ingredients.

Discover the coastal beauty and sights of Melbourne's bay side in an eco-friendly new way during this invigorating, sightseeing excursion via electric bike.

Guided Electric Bicycle Tour

Meet your guide at the pier, receive your safety and riding instructions, then don your helmet and practice using your easy-to-operate and environmentally-friendly electric-assisted bike, which features a comfortable gel seat. Afterward, depart the pier for your scenic, approximately two-hour guided bicycle tour.

Melbourne Bay, Local Piers and Landmarks, St. Kilda Pier Kiosk, Refreshment Stop

Begin with a scenic ride along Melbourne's bay-side bicycle path towards Brighton. Along the way, experience the exhilaration of effortless cruising, and take in the local piers, history, culture and landmarks. Next, a visit is made to the St. Kilda Pier, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following a refreshment stop at the St. Kilda Pier Kiosk restaurant, commence the return ride back to the pier.