Murray River and Silo Art

The rich soil and hot, dry climate of the Riverland region makes it ideal for growing a wide variety of roses. Today, visit Ruston’s Rose Garden, which dates back to 1919. Originally a fruit orchard, it was converted to a rose garden by the son of the original owner and went on to house some 50,000 species of roses. Our next visit brings us to a private garden featuring wisteria and annuals, as well as several structures built from recycled materials which complement the cottage garden. At the National Trust’s Olivewood Historic Homestead, we find the 1880s log cabin accompanied by several antique printing machines, photographic equipment and a 1926 Garford fire engine. On our way across the border to Mildura, we stop at the Banrock Station conservation project and meet with a ranger for a walk along the wetlands.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Stay: Quality Hotel Mildura Grand or similar – 3 nights

This morning’s visit includes a guided tour of a citrus orchard and nursery. We then board a traditional paddle steamer for a two-hour cruise, which includes a stop at the historic Gol Gol Hotel where lunch can be purchased (own expense). This afternoon we visit the southern hemisphere’s first semi-arid botanical gardens at the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. The gardens here include a mallee tree, estimated to be 2,500 years old, as well as a nature trail dedicated to many native shrubs, bushes and trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, a visit to Mildura’s renowned Arts Centre and Sculpture Park provides ample inspiration for a sketching session with your Botanical/Art guide. Then, with some free time to relax, you may like to explore Mildura on your own. Afterwards, we visit a garden which has evolved over 45 years and is an annual feature of the Open Gardens Australia program. We follow this with an informative tour of the Agricultural Research Centre, which outlines the latest in the region’s farming innovations and practices. Tonight, meet for a special dinner at your hotel’s famous restaurant, Stefano’s.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, set off along the Silo Art Trail. Stretching over 200 kilometres, Australia’s largest outdoor gallery consists of a collection of historic wheat silos that have been transformed by a team of modern artists. Visit five of the famous silos, depicting colourful, oversized murals, featuring local Wimmera Mallee characters. Perhaps take some time out to sketch these iconic artworks in situ against the contrasting landscape.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Horsham, The International or similar – 3 nights

This morning, visit the historic Murtoa Stick Shed, a heritage-listed former wheat storing facility rustically crafted from 560 mountain ash poles, sourced straight from the bush. It’s the only surviving building of its type in the world and is often referred to as the ‘Cathedral of the Wimmera’. Before returning to Melbourne, stop at the Mount Mitchell National Trust property and visit the 1861 bluestone homestead, with its 10 acres of manicured heritage gardens and parkland, all in spring bloom. Your tour concludes in Melbourne this afternoon around 4.30pm at the Marriott Hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch