MELBOURNE → HIGH COUNTRY: HERITAGE & WINERIES
Day 1 – Melbourne → Euroa → Glenrowan → Wangaratta → Albury (Bushranger Country & River Heritage)
Depart Melbourne this morning aboard your luxury coach, travelling north through the scenic valleys and rolling farmland of central Victoria. As the landscape opens, the rhythm of the road sets a gentle beginning to your journey.
Pause in Euroa for morning tea beneath the shady river gums — a peaceful interlude and an opportunity to settle into the company of your fellow travellers before continuing north.
Continue to Glenrowan, where the story of Ned Kelly and his final stand still resonates through the township. Visit the Ned Kelly Museum and Homestead, exploring artefacts, recollections and moments from the dramatic siege that shaped one of Australia’s most enduring legends.
Travel onward to Wangaratta for lunch at a charming heritage venue, where modern country fare, fresh regional produce and a warm, relaxed atmosphere provide a welcoming midday break.
In the afternoon, continue north to Albury, a lively regional city set along the banks of the Murray River. Your accommodation for the night will be a thoughtfully selected 4★ property (or best available in the region), to be confirmed prior to departure, offering comfort, a pleasant outlook and convenient access to the town centre and Botanic Gardens.
Take time to unwind — perhaps a short stroll through the city’s heritage precinct, or a quiet moment to refresh before the evening unfolds.
Dinner tonight will be enjoyed at one of Albury’s local restaurants, where regional flavours and thoughtful seasonal dishes reflect the character of the border region.
As night settles over the river country, let the calm of Albury mark an inviting start to your journey — a day shaped by history, landscapes and the first threads of new companionship.
(D)
Day 2 – Albury → Ettamogah Pub → Rutherglen (Wine & History) → Corowa → Yarrawonga (Whisky, Chocolat
After breakfast, depart Albury for a short drive north to the quirky Ettamogah Pub, an iconic slice of Australiana — celebrated for its cartoon-inspired architecture and unmistakable character. A relaxed morning stop offers a chance to stretch your legs and settle into the day before travelling onward.
Journey into the heart of north-east Victoria and arrive at Rutherglen, a region where vineyards, historic cellars and sunburnt vines tell tales of generations of winemaking. At De Bortoli Wines, head to the stylish cellar door and take part in a Premium Group Tasting, sampling a thoughtfully selected range of estate wines. Lunch follows in the elegant Tuileries Restaurant, where seasonal dishes crafted from local produce are served in a setting that blends rustic charm and vineyard heritage — an experience that honours both table and terroir.
In the afternoon, continue to Corowa, where the vintage Corowa Distilling Co (Whisky & Chocolate) awaits. Housed in the old 1920s flour mill by the Murray River, the distillery and chocolate workshop breathe new life into heritage walls. Here you’ll enjoy a tasting of locally crafted whisky, wander through the chocolate store offering handcrafted sweets and savour a uniquely regional blend of craft, history and flavour.
By late afternoon, arrive in Yarrawonga, beside the gentle waters of Lake Mulwala. Your home for the night will be a carefully chosen 4★ property (or best available in the region) — to be confirmed before departure — offering comfort, lakeside ambience and easy access to the water’s edge.
As evening draws in, settle by the lake and let the soft light reflect on the water. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, where regional ingredients and relaxed hospitality bring you a welcoming end to the day.
As darkness falls over Lake Mulwala, the quiet lapping of water and the calm of the border country invite reflection — a gentle close to a day woven from wines, stories, flavours and new experiences.
(B/L/D)
Day 3 – Yarrawonga → Koonoomoo → Echuca / Moama (Riverland Flavours & Paddle-Steamer Heritage)
After breakfast, depart Yarrawonga and travel north-west through farmland and river country toward Koonoomoo for a visit to The Big Strawberry — a cheerful, family-run farm-gate known for its warm hospitality and locally crafted strawberry treats. Join a guided tour to learn about the region’s berry-growing traditions, the craft behind their preserves and seasonal creations, and the strong community ties that have shaped the business over generations.
Lunch will be enjoyed here, with the café offering wholesome, country-style dishes, fresh regional produce and a selection of sweet favourites celebrating the humble strawberry in all its forms.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to the historic twin towns of Echuca / Moama, where the river’s paddle-steamer era still lives on in restored wharves, wide river bends and the unmistakable silhouette of red-gum boats moored along the banks. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation — a thoughtfully selected 4★ property (or best available in the region), to be confirmed prior to departure. Expect comfort, convenience and an ideal location close to the port precinct.
Later this evening, step aboard the historic PS Emmylou for a memorable dinner cruise along the Murray River. One of the last operating wood-fired paddle steamers in the world, Emmylou offers an atmospheric journey through river history. As the paddlewheels turn and the soft glow of dusk settles across the water, enjoy a meal prepared with fresh regional ingredients, accompanied by stories of the river’s past, its pioneering characters and the vital trade routes that once shaped life along its banks.
After the cruise, return to your accommodation for a relaxed evening in the heart of Echuca/Moama.
As night gathers along the river, the quiet hum of the paddle-steamer fades into memory — a gentle close to a day steeped in flavour, heritage and the easy pace of Murray River life.
(B/L/D)
Day 4 – Echuca → Heathcote → Melbourne (The Mighty Murray Homeward Journey)
Enjoy breakfast before spending a relaxed morning in Echuca, with time to explore at your own pace. You may wish to wander the historic Port of Echuca precinct, browse local galleries and specialty stores, or take a quiet stroll along the banks of the Murray River, where the region’s paddle-steamer heritage and towering red gums create a timeless sense of place.
As the morning unfolds, savour the opportunity to linger — perhaps over a coffee beneath the old verandas or a final wander through the township’s heritage-lined streets.
Late morning, depart Echuca and travel south toward Heathcote, a small but character-filled country town framed by rolling vineyards and granite-studded landscapes. Take time out for lunch here, with cafés and eateries offering fresh regional produce, simple seasonal dishes and warm hospitality — a pleasant midday pause before continuing your journey.
After lunch, settle aboard the coach for the final stretch toward Melbourne, where familiar roads gradually signal the close of your travels.
Arrive by late afternoon, bringing your Murray River adventure to a warm and satisfying conclusion — shaped by new places, shared stories and the easy company of fellow travellers.
(B)
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).