I don't really know where to start! We had an amazing time, thanks to Ruth. Our accommodation was always in the best locations for activities and tours that had been booked for us. It was always interesting and elegant with wonderful staff. We were treated like royalty everywhere we stayed.
We thought that we had the perfect balance between activity and leisure. The tours were fun and only as active as you wanted to make them,the tour guides were passionate about their work and were keen on sharing their environments.
We honestly couldn't choose a highlight of the trip but visiting Bonorong wildlife sanctuary and holding a baby wombat would definitely have to be one of them.
Hotel Reviews
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Melbourne
Wow! Elegant and stylish, absolutely beautiful!
Authenticity & Character
This place is stunning,the interior looks as though it belongs in a much more refined time. Definitely not a place for children
Location
Great location for the railway and free trams. Easy walking to the riverfront and ferries
Staff
The staff are definitely some of the friendliest and such an asset to this hotel. From the housemaid to the receptionists to the bar staff in the lounge, everyone was just wonderful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The huge comfortable bed, the spacious room and gorgeous bathroom. And the housemaid do a wonderful job of keeping the whole place spotless.
Laneways by Ovolo
Melbourne
A quirky and fun style hotel
Authenticity & Character
Quirky with fun art and interesting light filled bedrooms
Location
A great location for around the lanes of upper Little Bourke Street
Staff
Always friendly and helpful with local recommendations for dining
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless and very comfortable rooms
Authenticity & Character
Loved everything in this hotel. Would absolutely recommend it
Location
Easy walking around the waterfront and into town
Staff
Always friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless and so very comfortable
Brickendon Estate
Longford
A very interesting place to stay. Although the cottage felt old and very in keeping with the estate it was only 26 years old.
Authenticity & Character
I loved that the accommodation was inkeeping with the rest of the estate. Internally and not just the exterior was lovingly created
Location
Loved that it's set in the country with beautiful views but still only a few minutes drive to the nearest village for dining or supplies
Staff
We meet Louise, who with her family owns the estate, took some time to chat to us about the place. We found her very down to earth and just lovely. And the dogs are so very friendly!
Cleanliness & Comfort
I cannot think of a single thing that I would change or add.
What a stunning place to stay! I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to stay here
Authenticity & Character
the elegance and style, can't think of anything that I would change
Location
Loved the views and it's only a short drive to the closest village if you need supplies
Staff
Jane and Tim are wonderful hosts, they make everyone feel as though they are really special
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable bed, amazing bathroom and absolutely spotless
Activity Reviews
Morning Cafe Culture Walk
Melbourne
Lynn was a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. A great way to get to know some of the lanes and area around the top end of Bourke street. The finish of lunch in the little Italian Cafe was a really nice end to a fun morning.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Great Ocean Road Day Tour (Shared Tour)
Melbourne
A long day but worthwhile doing. Stopped at lots of interesting beaches and historic little towns.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kevin was a knowledgeable and humorous driver and guide. He had stories and information about the places we stopped in. He picked us up on time and even at the end of a very long day he was still helpful
Transport
The bus clean and comfortable
Full Day Bruny Island Traveller Tour (Shared Tour)
Hobart
Thoroughly enjoyed this trip and can recommend it if you are interested in seeing bruny Island and sampling some of the islands treats.
Quality of Experience
Lots of little extras like oysters, honey, fudge and spiced apple mead samples to take home. Could be quite active if you want to walk a bit but if you don't you can take it easy.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alan would have to be one of the best guides we met on our holiday. He was informative and funny, included everyone effortlessly and was an all round good guy.
Transport
Bus was a good size, clean and comfortable
Evening Old Hobart Pub Tour
Hobart
We really enjoyed this tour of old Hobart. Tales of convicts and dirty deeds, settlers and soldiers all told with passion by our guide. A fun way to spend an early evening before dinner.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Farm Tour and Lunch at Curringa Farm
Hamilton
Jane and Tim are delightful, down to earth hosts of this farm. The food is BBQ and salad and plenty of it. The tour lasts about an hour or so and is really informative and interesting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Night Tour of the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary & Tasmanian Devils
Hobart
A wonderful opportunity to visit this sanctuary and I'm glad that we did. We arrived too early but we were allowed to roam the park by ourselves until everyone else had turned up. It was really good being the only people there so that you could see the animals in their enclosures without a lot of people around. Our guide Nikki was bubbly and very passionate about the sanctuary and the role it plays in saving wildlife.
One of the highlights was being able to cuddle a baby wombat and feed the Tasmanian devils, albeit with a grasping aid and not fingers, we still wanted those!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Depart Australia
Australia
Departing from Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne is easy. It seems well laid out, so it's easy to navigate your way around. Staff are helpful and courteous.
We spent most of our time in the Air New Zealand lounge and enjoyed the facilities there.
Local specialist: Ruth Grau
