Featuring cultural gems, scenic adventures and the Puffing Billy
5 Days
29 December 2025 to 2 January 2026
Moderate
$4,790pptw
96 villabucks
Featuring cultural gems, scenic adventures and the Puffing Billy
Experience the best of Melbourne on this enriching five-day escape. From the National Gallery of Victoria and the historic charm of Flagstaff Gardens to iconic landmarks like Melbourne Town Hall and a scenic Yarra River cruise, the itinerary blends culture, history, and natural beauty. Enjoy lunch at Queen Victoria Market, explore stories of migration, and ring in the New Year with a special celebration. A highlight of the trip is a nostalgic journey aboard the beloved Puffing Billy steam train through the lush Dandenong Ranges.
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Melbourne (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to the coach for your journey to the airport. On arrival in Melbourne, you will be welcomed by your local coach captain and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing evening meal with your fellow travellers as you prepare for the week ahead in this vibrant city.
Overnight each night: Crowne Plaza Melbourne
Day 2. Melbourne’s Art, Culture and Stories (BD)
Today begins with a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, where you will explore a stunning collection of classic and contemporary works from Australia and beyond. Lunch at your leisure in the iconic Queen Victoria Market, known for its lively atmosphere and global flavours. In the afternoon, delve into personal and national journeys at the Immigration Museum, where stories of those who shaped modern Australia come to life. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 3. New Year’s Eve Celebrations (BD)
This morning, we take a guided tour of Melbourne's historic Melbourne Town Hall, one of the city's most iconic buildings and the site of many of Melbourne's proudest moments. Later we meander down the Yarra River on a cruise through the heart of Melbourne. Look out for some of the city’s biggest landmarks on your way. This afternoon, the peaceful surrounds of the Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens await you. Immerse yourself in the array of stunning flowers, quaint gardens and history and stretch your legs. Tonight, we celebrate the New Year with a delicious dinner and festive cheer including early fireworks.
Day 4. Puffing Billy Steam Train (BLD)
Embark on a charming day trip to experience one of Victoria’s most beloved attractions – the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. Travel through the scenic Dandenong Ranges aboard this historic railway, soaking in the lush forest landscapes and picturesque views. We stop mid-way to enjoy a delicious lunch, offering a perfect way to relax and savour the region’s hospitality. Return to the city in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 5. Melbourne to Perth (B)
Bid farewell to Melbourne and commence the journey home to Perth. Upon arrival we will see you safely home.
Itinerary subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 1800 066 272 for details.
Guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
Credit: Visit Victoria
Dates & Pricing
$4,790pptw
$1,045 single option
Highlights
• Explore world-class art at the National Gallery of Victoria
• Guided tour of the vibrant and iconic Queen Victoria Markets
• Learn personal and national stories at the Migration Museum of Victoria
• Step inside history on a guided tour of Melbourne’s Historic Town Hall
• Relax on a scenic Melbourne River Cruise along the Yarra
• Discover the beauty of the Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve and enjoy the spectacular city fireworks
• Puffing Billy Train Experience through the scenic Dandenong Ranges
Inclusions
• Pre/post transfers (ex Perth, WA)
• Airfares and taxes (ex Perth, WA)
• 9 meals – 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
• 4 nights’ accommodation
• Tours and attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
Download the New
2025 January Magazine Now!
Dates & Pricing
Duration: 5 Days
Dates: 29 December 2025 to 2 January 2026
Activity Level: Moderate
$4,790pptw
$1,045 single option
Earn: 96 villabucks
Highlights
• Explore world-class art at the National Gallery of Victoria
• Guided tour of the vibrant and iconic Queen Victoria Markets
• Learn personal and national stories at the Migration Museum of Victoria
• Step inside history on a guided tour of Melbourne’s Historic Town Hall
• Relax on a scenic Melbourne River Cruise along the Yarra
• Discover the beauty of the Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve and enjoy the spectacular city fireworks
• Puffing Billy Train Experience through the scenic Dandenong Ranges
Inclusions
• Pre/post transfers (ex Perth, WA)
• Airfares and taxes (ex Perth, WA)
• 9 meals – 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
• 4 nights’ accommodation
• Tours and attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Melbourne (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to the coach for your journey to the airport. On arrival in Melbourne, you will be welcomed by your local coach captain and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing evening meal with your fellow travellers as you prepare for the week ahead in this vibrant city.
Overnight each night: Crowne Plaza Melbourne
Day 2. Melbourne’s Art, Culture and Stories (BD)
Today begins with a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, where you will explore a stunning collection of classic and contemporary works from Australia and beyond. Lunch at your leisure in the iconic Queen Victoria Market, known for its lively atmosphere and global flavours. In the afternoon, delve into personal and national journeys at the Immigration Museum, where stories of those who shaped modern Australia come to life. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 3. New Year’s Eve Celebrations (BD)
This morning, we take a guided tour of Melbourne's historic Melbourne Town Hall, one of the city's most iconic buildings and the site of many of Melbourne's proudest moments. Later we meander down the Yarra River on a cruise through the heart of Melbourne. Look out for some of the city’s biggest landmarks on your way. This afternoon, the peaceful surrounds of the Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens await you. Immerse yourself in the array of stunning flowers, quaint gardens and history and stretch your legs. Tonight, we celebrate the New Year with a delicious dinner and festive cheer including early fireworks.
Day 4. Puffing Billy Steam Train (BLD)
Embark on a charming day trip to experience one of Victoria’s most beloved attractions – the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. Travel through the scenic Dandenong Ranges aboard this historic railway, soaking in the lush forest landscapes and picturesque views. We stop mid-way to enjoy a delicious lunch, offering a perfect way to relax and savour the region’s hospitality. Return to the city in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 5. Melbourne to Perth (B)
Bid farewell to Melbourne and commence the journey home to Perth. Upon arrival we will see you safely home.
Itinerary subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 1800 066 272 for details.
Credit: Visit VictoriaNew Paragraph
Guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
Submit Tour Enquiry
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Tour Activity Levels
With such a diverse collection of travel options, we want to ensure you choose the right holiday for you.
Our tour activity levels are a guide to the required fitness level for each of our holidays.
Look out for the feet when reading about a tour!
-
Relaxed
Suitable for travellers with lower mobility.
You will be required to embark/disembark coaches, trains and other transport via steps unaided. You must be able to carry your own luggage and walk short distances. Stairs may need to be negotiated at times. Travellers with walking aids (sticks and walkers) are welcome and those requiring accompanying assistance and/or carer may consider these holidays.
-
Moderate
Required to walk confidently and unaided.
Expect guided walking tours of attractions with occasional inclines and stair climbs, some long days and multiple hotel changes during the holiday. Your accommodation may require access via stairs, a short walk to reach hotel facilities and have showers over baths. Travellers with walking sticks are welcome unless there is overnight rail or overnight cruising - please check with staff.
-
Active
Requires some fitness. Involves longer days filled with activities, excursions requiring standing and walking for extended periods of time and nature-based activities. You will be required to walk confidently over uneven ground and surfactant at a timely pace.
-
Highly Active
Requires good general fitness. Excursions will be over more difficult terrain and require a certain level of agility. You will be required to walk confidently for up to 3 hours over uneven surfaces including soft sand, rocky surfaces and creek crossing. Some itineraries will explore remote locations. No walkers allowed.
-
Challenging
A high level of fitness is required. Tours have an emphasis on active pursuits and often explore remote locations which are challenging to access. You will be required to walk confidently for up to 6 or more hours per day and have experience in outdoor pursuits. No walkers allowed.
Your health, wellbeing and enjoyment of the holiday is very important to us. In order to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and suppliers, electric scooters and buggies are not permitted on Villa tours.
Anyone providing care or assistance to others must be fit and able to provide the required support and care.