With a rich history stretching back to the first settlers, the Yarra Valley is not only one of Australia's oldest wine producing regions, but also one of the most diverse, containing large commercial enterprises and small boutique producers. Less than an hour's drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to over 40 wineries and is best known for its success with pinot noir, fine chardonnays and also cabernet sauvignon and shiraz varietals.

The Yarra Valley offers a unique food and wine experience, with many wineries specializing in the foods of the region at the cellar door and adjacent restaurants. Visit De Bortoli Winery, Australia's largest third generation family owned winery. Taste at the cellar door of TarraWarra Estate and visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art, comprised of Australian works of art primarily from the early 1950's to the present day and highlighting artists who have shaped the development of modern art in Australia.

Visit Yering Station Winery, the site of the first winery in Victoria and the Yering Station Produce Store showcasing an array of local produce. Conclude your gastronomic journey with fine dining at the award-winning Eleonore's Restaurant at Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel (a member of Relais and Chateaux).

Visit:

• De Bortoli Winery
• TarraWarra Estate and TarraWarra Museum of Art
• Yering Station Winery
• Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel

Sovereign Hill and Historic Ballarat (Tour M3)
Travel to Ballarat and visit Sovereign Hill, a perfectly re-created 1850s goldmining settlement. Explore the shops and wander the main street to visit goldsmiths and craftsmen at work. Journey through the town and see the Victorian architecture of a prosperous era. Cross the original route of the early horse drawn stage coaches. Try your luck panning for gold, visit the museum or ride a stage coach (own expense). Tour an underground gold mine or catch a ride in a traditional horse drawn carriage (own expense). Discover the turbulent story behind one of Australia's most notorious incidents at the Eureka Stockade Centre in Ballarat. View Ballarats historic sites and beautiful Victorian architecture, a thriving monument to the towns golden era of prosperity. Visit the Gold Museum. Enjoy browsing the unique period style stores along with real life characters and story re-enactments.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat & Wildlife Park (Tour M3 + W)
Absorb the history of the gold rush era at Sovereign hill. Visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park and discover the unique creatures of the Australian bush. Share the Parkers families passion, the family has been involved in caring for Australian wildlife for over four decades. Get as close as you dare to a crocodile at a feeding session, see Tasmanian devils, wallabies, giant turtles, emus and poisonous snakes. Also touch a cuddly koala, encounter kangaroos and meet Patrick, the wombat. Explore Ballarat and discover the turbulent story behind one of Australia's most notorious incidents, the Eureka Rebellion, at the fascinating Eureka Stockade Centre. Pan for gold, tour underground mines, ride a stage coach or travel in a horse drawn carriage (own expense) at the restored gold mining settlement of Sovereign Hill. Also visit goldsmiths, craftsman and local traders.

Green Island is a beautiful coral cay which enjoys world acclaim as a tropical paradise on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The island is a protected Marine National Park, readily identified by its emerald rainforest surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs. The marine life includes endless varieties of colorful fish, turtles, giant clams, shells, starfish, sea anemones and much more.

'Reef Rocket' is a brand new state-of-the-art high speed catamaran, 24 meters in length with a capacity for 120 passengers. Traveling in air-conditioned comfort, it takes only 45 minutes to travel to Green Island which is 15 nautical miles (27 kilometers) from Cairns. This half day reef cruises allows over 2 hours on Green Island.

On boarding the 'Reef Rocket' at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns, snorkeling gear is given to those participating in this activity and enroute to Green Island, there is a snorkeling demonstration showing how to use the equipment. On the journey to Green Island passengers are given times and details about meeting their various activities, such as glass bottom boat tours, semi-submarine coral viewing tours, scuba diving and supervised snorkeling trips.

Passengers may visit Green Island Resort where you can browse through the shops and make use of the facilities including fresh water showers, change rooms and restrooms. The island also has short walking tracks through the National Park and the resorts Beach Hire offers the hire of canoes, surf skis, sailboards, shade umbrellas, beach lounge chairs and more.