Join CFT as we explore Victoria’s historic Goldfields region in early Autumn; enjoy the beauty of the introduced deciduous trees as they bring colour to the streets of the grand old towns such as Ballarat, Bendigo and Castlemaine. Our home for the next 6 nights is the luxurious Goldfields Resort in Creswick. From Melbourne’s airport we take the scenic route across the Mount Macedon ranges and through the pretty spa town of Daylesford to Creswick. Tonight, we will enjoy a welcome
dinner where we can get to know the other members of our group.

Accommodation: RACV Goldfields Resort Creswick

A relaxed morning before we travel to Castlemaine. Step back in time when we join the Goldfields Railway traveling as “gentry” in the First-Class carriages – why not treat yourself to a drink as you watch the countryside roll by. Upon arrival in the historic township of Maldon we will be met by our coach for the short transfer into town to enjoy lunch. In 1966 the National Trust designated Maldon as Australia’s first “Notable Town” due to its intact 19th Century streetscapes. Take some time to wander through this original goldfield’s village centre before we return to Creswick.

Accommodation: RACV Goldfields Resort Creswick

The Great Ocean Road is not only one of Australia’s most beautiful driving routes but also the world’s largest war memorial; the 243km road winds its way from Torquay to Allansord, built by WWI returned soldiers it is dedicated to their fallen comrades. We travel today through rural Victoria to reach the rugged southern coastline and this iconic road that hugs the cliffs between Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. We will stop at scenic features including the view of the Twelve Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge. It is a long day’s drive but hey, you don’t have to drive! We return overland through Cobden and Derrinallum to our home base in
Creswick.

Accommodation: RACV Goldfields Resort Creswick

Enjoy a morning at leisure before we travel the short distance into Ballarat. This grand regional city reflects the wealth and grandeur conferred by the gold rush but the early days on the goldfields were a lot less comfortable. Today we visit Sovereign Hill, a recreated gold mining village depicting the way of life of the 1860s; tour the rough mining village, gold panning, a mine tour, see a gold pour, take a Cobb & Co
ride or shop in the many old fashioned stores. We’ll enjoy dinner in the village followed by the wonderful new Aura Sound and Light show – an immersive multi-sensory experience; set across 64 acres and involves hundreds of projections it tells the story of gold and includes the dramatic recreation Goldfields life and the Eureka Rebellion.
(Production – weather permitting)

Accommodation: RACV Goldfields Resort Creswick

Today we visit Bendigo, another famous “gold town”, to take the “Talking Tram” tour through the city. Chinese miners greatly influenced the culture of Bendigo and the Golden Dragon Museum is a living history of the local Chinese people from the Goldrush era to the present day. After lunch take some time to look around the art gallery in the centre of town before we enjoy the afternoon drive back to Creswick through the undulating countryside.

Accommodation: RACV Goldfields Resort Creswick

This morning we travel into Ballarat for worship at a local church and to join in fellowship with the community (and maybe even catch up with some past CFT passengers). A wonderful start to a Sunday followed by lunch on the shores of Lake Wendouree. Ballarat is famous for its Begonia Festival so be prepared for a feast of colour as we take the short drive to the Botanic Gardens where the Begonia Hothouse will leave you breathless with its beautiful array of colourful Begonia. Take you time to view the Statuary, an amazing imported collection of marble statues.

We return to Creswick early in the afternoon so you can relax and enjoy some time together before our final dinner.

Accommodation: RACV Goldfields Resort Creswick

We return home today after a great holiday, our memories full of wonderful experiences and our hearts full with the many like-minded people we have shared this time with.