Melbourne & Gardens

OVERVIEW

This excursion combines panoramic sightseeing, a historic garden walk, and sky-high Melbourne views from a 92-story skyscraper. The half-day begins with a drive to Fitzroy Gardens in the city center, its earliest plantings dating from 1860. Appreciate the showy Conservatory and an external visit of a charming two-story brick cottage hidden among the trees – the family home of famed explorer Captain James Cook, transplanted to this garden from Yorkshire. Rejoining your coach, settle in for a spin past landmark buildings including The Treasury, Parliament House, the Windsor Hotel, Princess Theatre and the marvelous Gothic lineup along Collins Street. A stop at the iconic Shrine of Remembrance, commemorating Australians who fought in wars and peacekeeping operations, allows time for photos and a climb up for balcony views if you’re feeling energetic. But the Melbourne views coming next will trump any others today as you visit Eureka Skydeck 88 atop one of the world’s tallest residential buildings. Lightning-fast elevators whisk you from the ground to the Skydeck in a mere 40 seconds, and from the floor-to-ceiling windows up here you’ll have thrilling 360-degree views of the entire city, Port Phillip Bay, and the mountains of the Dandenong Range.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a narrated highlights drive through Melbourne City, passing many of its landmark sights.
• Stop at the colonnaded Shrine of Remembrance, commemorating those who served in wars and peacekeeping operations.
• Take a guided walk-through Fitzroy Gardens, including the flower-filled Conservatory and an external visit of the Captain Cook’s Cottage. Zip to the top of the Eureka Tower in 40 seconds and gasp at the city-wide views from Skydeck 88.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.