Melbourne → Swan Hill: Goldfields & River Heritage Explorer
Day 1 – Melbourne → Castlemaine → Maldon → Bendigo (Art & Gold-Rush Heritage)
Your journey begins as you depart Melbourne, travelling north-west through the rolling farmland and eucalypt groves of central Victoria. The scenery gradually reveals the character of the historic goldfields — open plains, forested rises and small towns shaped by the hopes of prospectors who once crossed this landscape in search of fortune.
Arrive in Castlemaine, a town rich with gold-rush heritage and a flourishing creative spirit. Enjoy morning tea in the tranquil Botanic Gardens, beneath the shade of century-old trees before continuing on to Maldon, officially recognised as Australia’s first “notable town” for its beautifully preserved Victorian streetscape. Stroll past ornate shopfronts, vintage stores and weathered bluestone buildings that speak to the energy of the gold-rush era, before pausing for lunch in this charming township — perhaps in one of its character-filled cafés or at the historic Maldon Bakery, said to be the oldest continually operating bakery in the country. With verandas, cosy interiors and the scent of fresh baking drifting onto the street, it’s an inviting place to relax and soak up the unique atmosphere of this remarkable little town.
Arrive in Bendigo mid-afternoon — once one of the world’s richest goldfields, now a vibrant regional city where grand architecture, art and country warmth come together. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be Quality Hotel Lakeside, a welcoming 4★ property set opposite the tranquil waters of Lake Weeroona, offering comfort and a relaxing base for your stay.
Take a little time to unwind before dinner, which will be enjoyed at the hotel’s Lakeside Restaurant, where regional produce and contemporary Australian flavours are served in a relaxed and inviting setting, reflecting the city’s lively food culture.
As evening settles across the once-prosperous goldfields, Bendigo’s wide avenues and heritage buildings create an inviting atmosphere — a memorable start to your boutique exploration of inland Victoria.
(B/MT/D)
Day 2 – Bendigo (Culture, Colour & Gold-Rush Grandeur)
After breakfast, set out to explore Bendigo’s rich blend of golden heritage and contemporary cultural flair. Begin your morning at Bendigo Pottery, Australia’s oldest working pottery, where more than 160 years of craftsmanship and creative tradition are brought to life. Wander through heritage kilns, observe artisans at work and explore the galleries and studios that showcase the colour and character of this celebrated gold-rush era institution — a fitting introduction to Bendigo’s cultural identity.
Continue your discovery as you descend beneath the city on a guided tour of the Central Deborah Gold Mine, tracing the footsteps of miners who once toiled deep underground in search of fortune. The tunnels, stories and echoes of the past offer a vivid window into the grit and ambition that shaped the goldfields.
Return above ground and enjoy some time out for lunch. Bendigo offers an enticing array of cafés and eateries — from laneway spaces serving Mediterranean-inspired plates to contemporary venues offering refined country fare, excellent coffee and warm regional hospitality.
This afternoon, step aboard Bendigo’s Vintage Talking Tram, an iconic moving museum that glides through grand boulevards, stately architecture and elegant streetscapes while sharing captivating tales of the city’s past. Afterwards, visit the Golden Dragon Museum, a vibrant celebration of Bendigo’s Chinese heritage and the profound contribution this community has made to the city’s prosperity and cultural identity.
Return to your accommodation for a little time to relax before dinner, which will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, where regional produce and thoughtful flavours reflect the character of this creative and welcoming city.
As evening settles, take a moment to absorb the atmosphere of Bendigo — a city where art, history and the legacy of the gold rush still shine brightly.
(B/D)
Day 3 – Bendigo → Boort → Swan Hill (Sculptures & Country Roads)
After breakfast, depart Bendigo and journey north through open farmland and small country towns, where golden plains stretch beneath wide skies and the landscape carries the quiet rhythm of rural Victoria.
Your morning stop is in Boort, home to the remarkable Spanner Man Sculpture Garden. Wander among life-sized human and animal figures, each one handcrafted entirely from reclaimed spanners by the late John Piccoli. Pause here for morning tea surrounded by birdsong, native plantings and the gentle bush serenity that frames this unique outdoor gallery.
Continue north toward the Murray River, pausing in Kerang for lunch. Take some time to relax in this welcoming regional town, where cafés overlooking Lake Charm and quiet main-street eateries offer light seasonal dishes, fresh bakes and friendly country hospitality — a pleasant midday pause before the journey continues.
A short drive further on brings you to the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, set beside the still waters of Lake Boga. This evocative site reveals the history of the former World War II flying boat repair depot, with a restored Catalina aircraft and interpretive displays offering insight into the region’s wartime story. It’s a quietly engaging stop that adds depth and character to the journey north.
Arrive in Swan Hill mid-afternoon, a river town shaped by the enduring spirit of the Murray River and its rich pioneer history. Your accommodation for the night will be a thoughtfully selected 4★ property (or best available in the region), to be confirmed prior to departure. Expect comfort, warm service and easy access to the river precinct.
Enjoy a little time to unwind — perhaps a gentle stroll along the riverbank or a moment to rest before the evening unfolds.
Dinner tonight will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, where regional flavours and relaxed country hospitality offer a welcoming close to the day.
As night settles over Swan Hill, the calm of the river and the soft country quiet bring a reflective and peaceful end to your travels through Victoria’s inland heart.
(B/MT/D)
Day 4 – Swan Hill (Pioneer Heritage & River Reflections)
Begin the day with breakfast before stepping back in time at the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement. Wander through recreated streets, meet costumed guides, and watch traditional trades such as the blacksmith’s forge and printing press — immersive displays that bring the 19th-century Murray River frontier vividly to life.
Late morning, board the historic PS Pyap for a leisurely cruise along the Murray River. As the paddles turn and the riverbank drifts by, enjoy commentary about river life, pioneering history and the importance of the Murray as an inland waterway. The gentle pace and broad vistas make this a memorable way to pause and take in the region’s character from the water.
After returning to shore, the afternoon is yours to relax — browse local shops, visit the Regional Art Gallery, or find a quiet place by the river to watch the soft rhythm of river life unfold.
As evening approaches, gather for a special farewell dinner at a local venue, where regional flavours, warm service and shared conversation create a fitting finale to your journey.
(B/L/D)
Day 5 – Swan Hill → Bridgewater/Serpentine → Heathcote → Melbourne (Return Journey)
After breakfast, farewell Swan Hill and begin your journey south, travelling through open plains and vineyard country shaped by the fertile reaches of the Murray–Darling basin. The wide landscapes here carry the gentle rhythm of rural Victoria, offering a calm and reflective start to the day.
Mid-morning, pause near Bridgewater-on-Loddon or Serpentine for morning tea — a peaceful break in a quiet country setting, offering time to stretch your legs and enjoy the stillness of the Loddon Valley before continuing your journey.
Continue on to Heathcote, a character-filled wine town renowned for its celebrated shiraz and artisan produce. Take some time out for lunch — the township’s bakery and cafés offer fresh pastries, handmade pies and simple seasonal dishes, each served with the warm hospitality that defines this welcoming region.
As the scenery shifts from countryside to the familiar skyline of Melbourne, reflect on days shaped by art, heritage, river landscapes and shared moments. Journeys like this linger long after the last kilometres are travelled — woven with new friendships, unexpected discoveries and the quiet pleasure of exploring inland Victoria together.
(B/MT)
Contact Traipse Coach Tours
All tours operated by Traipse Coach Tours.
Proudly Australian Owned and Operated.
Prices and inclusions correct at time of printing.
Accommodation subject to availability (4★ standard or best available in each location).