Melbourne Stayput Featuring Tesselaar Tulip Festival

We are collected from our home addresses anywhere within the greater Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch areas and transferred to the airport, where we meet our Tour Escort and fellow travellers. Soon we board our short, comfortable flight across the Tasman to the vibrant and ever‑welcoming city of Melbourne.

Upon arrival, our private coach transfers us to the Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer, a stylish and contemporary 5‑star property perfectly positioned on the corner of Bourke and Spencer Streets. This superb location places us right in the heart of the city, just moments from theatres, cafés, shopping, and the lively Southbank precinct.

The Mövenpick Hotel offers elegant, beautifully appointed rooms, warm Swiss-inspired hospitality, and thoughtful touches that make settling in effortless. Guests particularly enjoy the hotel’s signature Chocolate Hour, the heated indoor pool, and the calm, modern design that provides a relaxing retreat after a day of travel.

We check in, unwind, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before beginning our Melbourne adventure.

After a lovely breakfast, we board our coach and travel into the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, a region known for its rolling hills, tall forests, and charming villages. Our destination is the famous Tesselaar Tulip Farm, home to one of Australia’s most beloved floral festivals.

The Tesselaar story is a remarkable one. It began in the Netherlands in June 1939, when young Cees Tesselaar read an article praising the opportunities awaiting new settlers in Australia. With Europe on the brink of war, Cees and his bride Johanna left Holland on their wedding day, eventually purchasing their Silvan property in 1945. Their colourful tulip fields soon caught the attention of curious Melbourne day‑trippers, who would stop and peer over — or even jump — the fence for a closer look. As crowds grew, the family opened their gates to the public in 1954, planting the seeds of what is now one of Australia’s greatest and longest‑running Tulip Festivals. Today, the third generation proudly continues the tradition.

Our Festival Entry includes a scenic tractor ride around the tulip fields, offering wonderful views and photo opportunities. We also visit the largest wooden clog in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoy charming displays with windmills and staff in traditional costume, and have plenty of time to wander among the blooms at our own pace.

A highlight of the visit is a serving of freshly baked scones with tea and coffee, enjoyed in the beautiful garden surroundings. For lunch, there is a wide selection of food vendors in the marquee (own expense), allowing everyone to choose what suits them best.

Later in the afternoon, we return to our hotel to relax before dinner.
This evening, join your Tour Manager for a delicious meal and a chance to share stories from our colourful day among the tulips.

This morning we enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before meeting our coach for a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Melbourne. Our journey takes us through the city’s grand boulevards, leafy parks, and historic precincts as we explore many of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks.

We visit the tranquil Fitzroy Gardens and view Captain Cook’s Cottage, then continue past Parliament House, the bustling Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne’s famous sporting district — home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Rod Laver Arena. We see Flinders Street Station, Young & Jackson’s Hotel, and the striking St Patrick’s Cathedral, one of Australia’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture.

A stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens allows us to enjoy the fresh colours of spring before continuing past the Grand Prix Circuit, over the Westgate Bridge, and across the Bolte Bridge, offering sweeping views of Melbourne’s skyline. We also pass Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra River, the Victorian Arts Centre, and the Melbourne Aquarium.

Our tour concludes at the historic Hotel Windsor, where stepping through the brass doors feels like entering another era. This grand 1883 landmark is renowned for its chandeliers, sweeping staircase, and timeless Victorian charm.

Here we savour their celebrated High Tea, a beautifully presented experience featuring delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and freshly baked scones. Naturally, a glass of bubbles is included, along with a selection of fine teas. It’s a delightful escape into old‑world elegance.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to stroll back to the hotel through Melbourne’s wonderful shops or simply hop on one of the city’s easy-to-use trams.

This evening is “dinner own choice”, and your Tour Manager will be happy to offer suggestions for nearby restaurants to suit all tastes.

OPTIONAL: Ticket to “ A Beautiful Noise”
From AUD$210 per person. (Subject to availability of tickets 10th October at 7.30pm or 11th October at 1.00p.m. matinee) Tickets are instant purchase and non refundable.

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart busting, show-stopping American rock icon.
With more than 130 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway, where the biggest stars tell their story. Playing at the historic Princess Theatre.

Today has been left entirely free for you to enjoy Melbourne at your own pace. The city offers an endless variety of things to see and do — from browsing the many boutiques and department stores to exploring the lively markets and laneways. You may like to visit Docklands, home to excellent factory outlet shopping, or simply wander through the arcades and cafés that make Melbourne such a pleasure to explore.

If you’re interested in additional sightseeing, your Tour Manager will be happy to assist with suggestions and bookings, ensuring you make the most of your free time.

This evening, we come together for a memorable finale to our Melbourne stay. We board the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise, where we enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by a drink as we glide along the Yarra River. The city lights shimmer on the water, offering stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline and landmarks — a truly beautiful and relaxing way to end our visit.

A perfect conclusion to our lovely break in this vibrant city.

Today marks our final morning in Melbourne. After enjoying breakfast, the day is yours to relax until it is time for your transfer. As our flights are scheduled at different times throughout the day, each traveller will be taken to the airport in plenty of time for check‑in and a comfortable journey home.

Upon arrival back at our home ports, we are met and transferred to our home addresses within the greater Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch areas — a thoughtful service that ensures a smooth and stress‑free end to our holiday.

A wonderful break filled with colour, culture, and good company — we trust you return home with happy memories of your Melbourne escape.