Historic Melbourne City Tour

The Founding of Melbourne:

On the 6th. June 1835, John Batman made a ‘deal’ with the local inhabitants of the Melbourne area for about 600,000 acres surrounding Port Phillip Bay. He made the ‘purchase’ on behalf of the Port Phillip association for the princely sum of 20 pairs of blankets, 30 tomahawks, 100 knives, 50 pairs of scissors, 30 looking glasses, 200 handkerchiefs, 100 pounds of flour and 6 shirts.

 

TOUR ITINERY

8.45 am.

Depart from your Hotel/Motel driving along tree-lined Collins Street to Spring Street and the Houses of Parliament, the Old Gold Treasury, the Historic Windsor Hotel and the Princess Theatre, passing by St Patricks Cathederal on the way to the Fitzroy Gardens and Captain Cook’s Cottage.

Parliament House:                       

The first building on the current site was begun in 1856. In fact it was two buildings one for the legislative assembly and one for the legislaitve council. Later the two were joined with the building of the member’s library and later still the great hall was added. A number of additions including the columns and steps have been made but in fact the building has never ever been completed to its original design. However, it still remains one of the most impressive sandstone buildings to be found in Victoria.

St. Patrick’s Cathederal:            

The largest ‘bluestone’ church in the city, St Patricks was under construction for 40 years before it was consecrated in 1897.

 

9.05 am.

Arrive at the Fitzroy Gardens for a short walk to Captain Cooks Cottage and a short photo opportunity.

Captain Cook’s Cottage:           

The cottage was built at Great Ayton, Yorkshire in 1775 by his parents. It was then removed to its present site as a gift to the people of Melbourne by Mr Russell Grimwade in 1934. As James Cook left England on what was to be his ‘final’ voyage in 1776, it is unlikely that he spent much, if any, time at the cottage, meeting his untimely death at the hands of the Hawaiians on February 14th. 1779. Still, the cottage stands as a tribute to arguably Britain’s greatest mariner and remains one of Melbourne’s most prized historical assets.

 

9.35 am.

Drive along Alexandra Ave. and the banks of the Yarra River to Como House taking in the views of the City skyline along the way.

 

9.50 am.

Arrived for a tour of the historic Como House.

Como House:                               

‘Como’ was built by Edward Williams between 1846 and 1874. It is a mixture of Australian Regency and Italianade styles with its gardens designed by William Sangster. For 95 years it was the home of the Armytage Family – prominent citizens and members of Melbourne Society.

 

11.10 am.

Depart for ‘Ripponlea’

 

11.30 am.

Morning Tea at Ripponlea Gatehouse followed by a tour of the great house, gardens and fernery.

Ripponlea:                                     

The great house was built between 1868 and 1881 with the original section being designed by ‘Reed and Barnes’ in the romanesque style in 1868. Originally only 15 rooms; it had expanded by the turn of the century, to 33 rooms on 17 ½ hectares of magnificent garden. Only four owners are recorded with the last, Louisa Jones willing the property to the National Trust at her death in 1972.

 

12.50 pm.

Depart for the City driving down St.Kilda Road (one of the world’s great boulevards) passing The Shrine of Remembrance, The National Gallery, The State Theatre, The Melbourne Concert Hall, Flinders St. Station, St.Paul’s Cathederal, The State Library and Old Museum Buildings etc.

 

 

1.15 pm.

Lunch at one of Carlton’s fabulous restaurants

 

2.30 pm.

A pleasant drive through the terrace lined streets of Carlton and Parkville to the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens.                                            Terrace Houses:                              

Melbourne is not only known for being one of the world’s most livable cities but also for being one of the world’s best preserved ‘Victorian’ cities. The terrace houses of the inner suburbs are truly a treasure that must be preserved at all costs.

 

5.30 pm.

Arrive back at your city hotel/motel in our very special vintage limousine or vintage bus.

Costs:

Travelling in our vintage limousines

The cost per person for the all day tour which includes all admission charges, the cost of morning tea and luncheon is $169 per head.

A minimum of 4 passengers per car is required.

(NB: The tour cost does not include alcohol.)

Travelling in our vintage bus

The cost per person for the all day tour which includes all admission charges, the cost of morning tea and luncheon is $129 per head.

A minimum of 10 passengers per bus is required.

(NB: The tour cost does not include alcohol.)