We have wide range of Connecting Cultural experiences In Australia, a land of vast and beautiful wide landscapes, internationally listed natural heritage sites and rich ancient indigenous cultural history.
check out the new Eco Retreats for Women to be held in the first week and last week of October ...book now!
Our favorite tours in Australia are based in the Southern state of Victoria where you can choose so many tour options to immerse yourself in the true Aussie outdoors of sun surf and country! Connecting Cultures tour Director Jenny Hogan was born and is based in Central Victoria and is passionate about providing visitors to Victoria with the best quality tour options. You will love the choices of places to see and things to do in Victoria.
Some of our tours start in the capital city of Victoria, Melbourne, which after 7 years is still rated by The Economist as one of the most livable cities in the world. We have put together some tour options that take in the city lights, visits to arts and cultural centres and enjoy the array of shopping and eating options Melbourne has to offer.
The one hour drive from the city through to the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges is pleasant with many small village centres to stop at along the way to take a lunch break at or to view some of the many internationally acclaimed art galleries and creative studios that are dotted throughout the ranges.
In early 2010 Connecting Cultures will be launching a range of nature and culture small groups guided tours based both in the Dandenong Ranges and Central Victoria. You may want to participate in one of our hands on cultural arts workshops or enjoy a taste of local bush foods tucker in one of the peaceful and nuturing natural bush settings that we venture into. You will have a chance to experience the Australia bush first hand, sit around a camp fire and experience the natural environment in all its beauty and wonder.
Yarra Valley Tours
We have a number of tour options located within the Yarra Valley, only one hours drive to central Melbourne. The valley and surrounding towns have so much to offer you. The Yarra Valley has a unique culture and history, and is Victoria’s first wine growing district with 160 yrs of rich wine making history and offers International award winning wines, sensational unique cellar doors and gourmet foods.
Yarra Valley Wine, Food, Cultural One day tour - come closer to the spirit of place and people within the Yarra Valley and experience award winning wineries and gourmet foods.
Yarra Valley 1-7 nights Accommodation Tour Packages
There are so many delights nestled in the Valley’s hills and countryside, native wildlife, bushwalks and many other things. You cannot rush the Yarra Valley. Take time to experience it in full. . Enjoy some of the finest and restaurants that Victoria, if not Australia have to offer serving up fresh local produce, and visit internationally acclaimed art galleries, cultural arts centres in the valley.
Our locally owned and run accommodation options include a large rural property that has a number of lovely recently built boutique cottages and villas each individually set into a backdrop on the Yarra River. The family who own the property have set aside a native reserve where guests can wonder through to the river gorge and observe the hundreds of native birds and animals you may glimpse in this protected wildlife haven. Their commitment to preserving the environment runs through to the way they have gone about designing and building each of the cottages and villas and used sustainable building materials and techniques.
Imagine sitting relaxed in a deck chair on the balcony of your private boutique cottage, sipping a glass of wine from one of the local vineyards your have just visited. Soak up the panoramic views of the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges, while you watch native kangaroos grazing in the nearby paddocks.
Click Here to download attached pdf file Yara Valley Tour...
City Coast and Spa 11 day tour
This 11 day tour starts off in Melbourne, the home to world-class arts and cultural heritage institutions such as the Victorian Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria's which house international collections. Walk along the Yarra River the Southbank promenade, watch street performers and passing pedestrians while you dine alfresco at one of the many outdoor terraces and balcony restaurants and cafes.
Melbourne has a rich cultural heritage and Chinatown lays testimony to that. Grand red arches herald your arrival at either end of this fascinating street, lined with nineteenth century buildings housing renowned Chinese and Asian restaurants, windows ablaze with lanterns, wind chimes and neon lights. This stretch of acclaimed eating is especially colorful and enchanting, with all its spicy and aromatic scents and the sound of rattling woks.
A few hours from Melbourne is the Great Ocean Road with amazing views of the Twelve Apostles, giant rock stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, a central feature of the rugged Port Campbell National Park. This area also features some of Australia’s best rainforest scenery, situated in the Otway Ranges behind Lorne and Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean Road. Walk among tall trees and giant tree ferns at Mates Rest, see ancient and intricate plant life, lush ferns and mosses at Melba Gully. Discover the high number of waterfalls in the narrow valleys of the Otway Ranges, from the impressive sheer drop of Erskine Falls to rushing cascades and secluded falls over fern-fringed pools.
Then head inland to the Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region, known as the spa capital of Victoria. Relax and bathe in warmed mineral water sourced from natural springs, and enjoy pure healthy indulgence in the famous Hepburn Bathhouse in Hepburn Springs. Enjoy a complimentary tour package body, foot or facial massage, where our therapist comes to you at your boutique accommodation.
Visit surrounding villages and visit Lavandula, which is an historic Swiss-Italian farm, growing lavender, olives and grapes. A pretty drive 10 minutes north from Daylesford, it's a place to relax, walk in a garden that is beautiful and productive, find a secret place, picnic by the creek. Discover regional 1860s Italian architecture, and meet farm animals, and explore the Barn Shop full of potions good for body and soul.
The final leg of the tour ends back where it started, in Melbourne in time for some great shopping, dining out and celebrations before your homeward journey begins.
