2023/24: A 4 Day Tour - Warrnambool, Portland and the Shipwreck Coast
On this 4 day tour we spend time exploring Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland – along the South Western Coast of Victoria. Warrnambool is the centre of a region known as the “Shipwreck Coast”. At least 28 wrecks are listed in the Warrnambool area and a further 29 at Port Fairy. The coastline, although extremely dangerous for the early sailors, is absolutely spectacular. After an overnight stay we continue to Portland - the oldest European settlement in Victoria. It is the only deep-water sea port between Adelaide and Melbourne, making it a major centre for sea transport of goods and produce from the surrounding area. It will be our base for 2 nights. So, with some great sightseeing, good accommodation and quality touring aboard our ARJ Coach this is sure to be a most enjoyable 4 day tour.
Day 1 (D): To the Shipwreck Coast
Welcome aboard our Australian Road Journey’s 5 star Touring Coach for our 4 day tour to the coastal region of South Western Victoria. Once everyone is on board we are ready to go. From Melbourne, cross the West Gate Bridge and take the Princess Highway to Winchelsea for a morning tea break at the historic Barwon Park Mansion. Winchelsea was first settled in 1837 and was named after one of the Cinque Ports in England. There are many historic buildings and an old bridge in the town. Barwon Park Mansion, with its 42 rooms, was built in 1869 for Thomas and Elizabeth Austin and was later bequeathed to the National Trust. It is noted for the fine cast iron balcony verandah, its bluestone construction and the ornate furnishings. We continue on to Colac situated on the southern shores of Lake Colac. The town is the main centre of a prosperous, closely settled agricultural district. On arrival we meet our local guide from the Visitor Information Centre for an introductory town tour, followed by some free time to purchase lunch. Our town tour will include a stop at the Botanic Gardens that were influenced by William Guilfoyle who remodelled them in 1910 - but they date back to the nineteenth century. Listed on the Australian heritage register, the gardens contain a number of significant specimens. From here we head to Warrnambool – recently voted as one of the best places in Australia to live! William Guilfoyle has had an influence here as well! The famous Fletcher Jones Factory Gardens were designed in 1948 by Darby Boucher, brother in law of the late Sir Fletcher Jones and now provide one of the finest industrial settings in Australia. The Botanic Gardens however, were also planned by William Guilfoyle who later became a director of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. (Meal Inclusions: Dinner in the motel)
The Mid City Motel, Warrnambool Tel 03 5562 3866 – 1 night
Day 2 (BD): The Shipwreck Coast
One of the best ways to discover the history and heritage of the area is via a visit to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Museum that recreates the appearance, atmosphere and activities apparent in a small coastal port during the 50 years prior to 1900.
We will spend the morning here before the short drive west to Port Fairy. Port Fairy’s rich maritime history and its colonial character have been faithfully preserved. Seaman’s blue-stone cottages rub shoulders with gracious commercial and administrative buildings. Its fine antique shops, pubs and restaurants are all housed in original Victorian buildings - The National Trust has classified 50 of them. We have a look at the town with the help of a local guide and have some free time to buy lunch. From here we follow the Princess Highway on our way to Portland. You will notice a lot of tall, wind powered, turbines along the way. We have been able to arrange a short guided tour of the Codrington Wind Farm. This wind farm was Pacific Hydro’s first wind development and Australia’s first commercial wind farm. The wind farm now generates enough electricity each year to supply the equivalent of 10,000 Victorian homes and each year avoids the emission of 49,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent to taking more than 17,000 cars off the roads!. Our accommodation in Portland overlooks Portland Bay. There is a lovely on-site restaurant here as well as a bistro and gaming room. We will be welcomed on arrival and assisted with our check in before dinner. (Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner in the motel)
Comfort Inn Richmond Henty Hotel/Motel, Portland Tel 03 55231032 – 2 nights
Day 3 (BLD): Exploring Portland
We wake to the fresh sea air and after breakfast explore this lovely port with our local guide. Just beyond the city limits there are three Capes – Cape Grant, Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgewater – all offering dramatic views into the Southern Ocean. We have decided to take a drive to Cape Bridgwater, just 25ks out of town. Right on the edge of the Cape there is a short walk to the Petrified Forest and a viewing platform for some blow holes. It’s a flat walk and well worth the effort! There is also a wind farm here. The road passes right next to several huge turbines. In all it’s a dramatic area. We then head back to Portland and our appointment at the Portland Tram Depot. We have time for a look at the depot museum with all the fabulous vintage cars and memorabilia and then a light lunch before joining the 12.30pm Tram Tour which takes one of the most scenic tram tracks in Australia. The track runs along Henty Beach, giving a close up view of a working, natural deep-water harbour, before climbing to the cliff top giving panoramic views of the harbour and Portland Bay. It then passes alongside the historically significant 'ploughed field' on the way to the World War II Memorial Lookout Tower. Our appointment this afternoon is at the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre. Here we can step inside the rib cage of a Sperm Whale skeleton and explore treasures from the Shipwreck Trail. It will be a fun day. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner in the motel/Light lunch at the Portland Tram Depot)
Day 4 (B): Heading Home
We have a wonderful experience in store this morning before we begin the trip home. The Bay of Whales Gallery, just out of Portland, showcases some of Australia’s best realist art, with panoramic views of the South West Coast. Brett Jarrett is passionate about sharing his life experiences as a naturalist – and as a skilled artist. Brett’s paintings have been selected four times for the prestigious Society of Animal Artists annual exhibition and national tour of the United States. There is also a coffee shop at the gallery. It will be a great finale to our four day visit to this beautiful coastal region of Victoria. From here we travel home with a stop along the way for lunch. (Meal Inclusions: Breakfast in the motel)
Tour Price
$965 per person (sharing a twin or double room)
The tour price is dependent on a minimum of 40 paying customers. Should the number of bookings not reach the minimum of 40 the following prices apply –
Min 35 - $990 per person
Min 30 - $1,020 per person
Min 25 - $1,070 per person
Min 20 - $1,140 per person
Add $270 for a guaranteed single room
Fares subject to change and availability of services. Includes most meals, local guides and entry fees.
Tour Inclusions
Tour Price includes accommodation as per the itinerary, meals as indicated (B= Cooked breakfast, L= Light or packed lunch, D = Buffet or limited choice dinner), deluxe touring coach with seatbelts, attractions/entries as noted.
Next Steps
To arrange a tour for your club simply contact Alex Corones from Australian Road Journeys on 0488 117 682 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed, ARJ will provide printed itineraries for distribution to interested club members.
Read some testimonials from past groups here.
Tour Conditions
A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is fully refundable until 60 days prior to the day of departure. Final payment is required 45 days prior to the day of departure. Bookings cancelled within 14 days prior to the day of departure are non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees apply.
Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
The Itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Australian Road Journey’s reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Australian Road Journey’s will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc.