Silversea Luxury Cruises To GEELONG (Victoria)

Discover the historic side of nearby Queenscliff and visit two local wineries in the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula for samplings of their award-winning Australian wines on this half-day excursion.

Queenscliff

Board your coach at the pier for a short drive east to Queenscliff. The maritime and military origins of Queenscliff are evident in its skyline, which features the pier, fortress with black lighthouse and the roofs of glorious, Victorian-era buildings peeping over lofty pines along the shore. A popular getaway for the Melbourne elite in the 1800s, Queenscliff is dotted with gracious, stately buildings, grand hotels, old churches and splendid, 19th-century architecture.

Scotchmans Hill Winery, Oakdene Vineyards, Wine Tasting

Bellarine Peninsula is home to approximately 20 wineries, and you will visit two of the finest. One of the best known on international markets is Scotchmans Hill Winery, which was established in 1982 and is located in the heart of the region. A producer of premium cool maritime climate wines, this winery has been a leading local winery for over thirty years and is rated among James Halliday's Top 100 Australian Wineries. You will also visit a boutique, family owned Oakdene Vineyard. Learn how the wines are produced to take full advantage of Bellarine Peninsula's maritime microclimate and taste some of their signature wines. During your tasting, you will also be treated to some gourmet platters of antipasto and cheese.

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

Never before has Australia seen a heritage rail line used for showcasing local produce. Enjoy a gastronomical journey unlike anything else you have experienced on this half-day relaxing panoramic excursion.

Transfer to Drysdale Railway Station

This regional relaxing seaside experience starts when you board your coach for a drive past some on The Bellarine's best Producers, Wineries, and attractions all pointed out by your local guide. After a 30-minute journey you will arrive at the historic Drysdale Railway Station for your Q Train experience - A award winning restaurant train specializing in a degustation menu made from local produce for you to enjoy.

The Q Train Rail & Dine Experience

As the train whistle sounds your journey begins, travelling along the beautiful Bellarine Railway, offering views of the rolling hills of The Bellarine. The train will take a different route than your coach and travel through bushland, farmland and along the iconic Swan Bay, a world recognized wetlands site home to many migratory birds from around the world.

Short Photo Stops

The train will make a short stop at Suma Park Historic Homestead, then run alongside beautiful Swan Bay, with another stop to enjoy views while you dine and then continue on its journey.

After your delicious and scenic experience, it is time to board your coach for the return drive back to Geelong and the ship.

Discover the splendid highlights and history of Geelong during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Panoramic Drive of Geelong

Board your coach at the pier and begin with a panoramic drive through Geelong where you will receive a wonderful overview of the downtown area. The second largest city in the state of Victoria, Geelong was named in 1837 after an Aboriginal word that means "cliffs," a distinct feature of the surrounding area. During your panoramic drive, you'll pass many of the city's most important landmarks, including the lively waterfront and serene Botanic Gardens, before arriving at the National Wool Museum for a visit.

National Wool Museum

Next, proceed for a visit to the National Wool Museum, a must-see for visitors to Geelong. The museum showcases the people, geography, machinery, skills, textiles, and history associated with the boom years of the wool industry. After meandering through the museum galleries, you'll watch a sheep-shearing demonstration by a local farmer who will be happy to share his knowledge about the wool industry, which has dominated the country's economy.

Old Geelong Gaol

Continuing, you will make your way to the Old Geelong Gaol. Built during the mid-1840s, the former Victorian-era maximum-security prison closed in 1991. However, the interior remains much as it was. During your visit, you'll see the mural a prisoner painted in Cell 47 called the "Window to Freedom," the former gallows, several solitary confinement cells, and the exercise yard. It's a sobering look into prison life, and afterwards you'll be glad to walk outside again.

Following your visit, you will re-board your coach and return 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.

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

Depart the pier for the short drive to Barwon Heads 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 50-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, 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, Wine Tasting & Three-Course Lunch

Upon arrival at the Jack Rabbit Winery, proceed for a wine tasting followed by a three-course lunch accompanied by complementary wines. After lunch, re-board your helicopter for the short flight back to Geelong.

Experience a rare and unique opportunity to observe koalas, kangaroos and other wildlife in the wild during this unforgettable, half-day excursion to You Yangs National Park and Serendip Sanctuary.

You Yangs National Park, Australian Bush, Koala-Spotting

Depart the pier in the late-afternoon for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to You Yangs National Park. Upon arrival, your informative introduction to the unique wildlife of Australia features a rare opportunity to see kangaroos and koalas in the wild. Led by an expert nature guide, begin your walking and coach tour in search of koalas. Along the way, learn about and observe these extraordinary and endangered, fluffy-eared creatures in their natural environment. They can often be observed sitting up in the fork of a tree in the beautiful Australian bush.

Wildlife-Spotting, Sundowners, Wine & Light Dinner in the Wild

Next, travel a short distance to Serendip Sanctuary to see free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos in a natural bush setting. In addition, see and learn about many other Australian animals and birds on the vast Western Plains near Melbourne. This unforgettable koala and kangaroo excursion ends with early-evening Sundowners out in the wild, along with wine and BBQ dinner.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Enjoy this small group experience at one of the region's premier wineries where you will learn about the wine making operation on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Scotchmans Hill Winery

Bellarine Peninsula is home to approximately 20 wineries, and you will visit two of the finest. Of these the best known on international markets is Scotchmans Hill Winery, which was established in 1982 and is located in the heart of the region. A producer of premium cool maritime climate wines, this winery has been a leading local winery for over thirty years and is rated among James Halliday's Top 100 Australian Wineries.

Private Tour of Winery, Private Wine Tasting, Lunch, Free Time

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and then led by an expert member of staff on a wander to see the original Pinot Noir vines and learn about the terrain and climate that results in the premium wines. Following the walking tour, make your way to the Cellar Door and a private tasting room which overlooks the vineyards, the bay and the skyline of Melbourne. Here, enjoy a private wine tasting including some exclusive vintages. During your tasting, you will also be treated to some Gourmet platters of antipasto and cheese. Following you tasting, a light lunch will be served. Scotchmans Hill partners with many local producers from the Bellarine area and will provide a menu which highlights regional and seasonal produce. After lunch, some free time is provided to roam the grounds and explore the offerings in the cellar door.

The tour concludes back in Geelong.

The area around the historic fishing ports of Queenscliff and Sorrento boasts some fascinating maritime and military history and is home to the highly diverse Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, world renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique marine life.

Queenscliff, Boat Cruise, Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park

Board your coach at the pier for a short drive east to Queenscliff. Here, board your boat and cruise to the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. Your adventure starts with a snorkel at Popes Eye. Its shallow and protected waters are teeming with colorful fish and marine life making it the ideal place to brush up on your snorkelling skills.

Swimming with Seals

With your new found skills and a heightened sense of adventure, it is time to head to Chinaman's Hat, a local haul-out site that is a temporary home to 30-40 young Australian Fur Seals waiting to share their water world with you.

Swimming with Dolphins

Just when you think Port Phillip Bay cannot get any better, set off on a search for the dolphins. Swimming with dolphins is controlled by strict legislation and your patient instructors will ensure that both snorkelers and dolphins benefit from the experience. While sharing these unforgettable experiences, you can listen to expert interpretation from the friendly crew as they describe the remarkable wildlife and special features along the way.

Afterwards, transfer back to the pier.

One of the world's most famous coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road is spectacular and breathtaking. The mighty Twelve Apostles are world-recognised icons of the Great Ocean Road, located southwest of Geelong in the Port Campbell National Park. Twenty million years ago, the forces of nature began weathering the soft limestone of the Port Campbell cliffs. The resulting rock islands of up to 144 feet (45 metres) high were left isolated from the shore, standing just off-shore 'as if a group of apostles waiting to be sent'. Join this full-day outing to one of Australia's most spectacular geological sights via coach.

Great Ocean Road, Panoramic Views, Apollo Bay, Free Time

Boarding your coach at the pier, you will begin driving in a southwesterly direction along the Great Ocean Road, which winds along Victoria's windswept shoreline, a rugged area known as the Shipwreck Coast because an estimated 700 ships have been lost here. A stop is made in the town of Apollo Bay which features an historic downtown and a serene beach. Enjoy approximately 1-hour of free time here, where you may take a refreshing walk, enjoy lunch on your own, and perhaps see seals frolicking just off shore.

Otway National Park, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge

Your journey continues as you travel through the Otway National Park containing lush green forests before reaching the magnificent Twelve Apostles. The winding road offers spectacular views of the Ocean with the Twelve Apostles and the site of a tragic, yet romantic shipwreck at Loch Ard Gorge. Extensive boardwalks and viewing platforms ensure you truly experience the sweeping, awe-inspiring vistas while marvelling at the rugged cliffs.

Your return route to Geelong has you passing through Victoria's rural farmlands before arriving back to the pier.