Heritage & Harvest Meander

Departing Moorabbin at 8.00 am, head north to Central West NSW and into the beautiful Mudgee region, renowned for its gold rush heritage, pastoral history and winemaking.

The first stop is the Robert Stein Winery, established in 1976. Founder Robert Stein was an avid motorcyclist, and his collection of motorcycles, rare motorcycle collectables and photographs has found a home in a dedicated museum. Enjoy a wine tasting, a wander through the museum, and a delicious lunch.

Later, a local expert will take you on a gentle walking tour of the town. You will learn a bit about the area's history and stroll around the Lawson Park Sculpture Walk on the banks of the Cudgegong River.

Stay at the historic Perry Street Hotel, built within the 1862 Mechanics Institute.

2 nights: Perry Street Hotel, Studio Suite

Head out to the colonial gold-mining town of Gulgong. Visit the Henry Lawson Centre, a museum dedicated to the life and literary works of Henry Lawson – one of Australia's best-known and loved writers.

Stop at the Gulgong Pioneers Museum, which has a collection of memorabilia from Gulgong's heyday during the turbulent gold rush days of the 1870s.

Visit the Prince of Wales Opera House – the oldest still-operating Opera House in the Southern Hemisphere, built-in 1871.

Lunch at a local pub before travelling back to Mudgee, stopping at some points of interest along the way.

In the morning, you can explore Mudgee at your leisure. After lunch, hop back into the plane for the short flight to Orange.

This afternoon a local expert will take you on an easy walking tour of the area, explaining the history of Orange. Afternoon tea will help you keep your energy up.

Take a couple of hours to relax in the de Russie Boutique Hotel or wander the local shops before dinner at the picturesque Borrodell Vineyard, just outside of town. The restaurant offers local produce with a phenomenal view over the valley.

2 nights: de Russie Boutique Hotel, Studio Suite

First up this morning is a Bush Tucka Experience—be educated by a passionate Indigenous man, Gerald Power, about the amazing foods that grow naturally in the region's Wiradjuri nation.

Then visit Lucknow for gold mining history and Millthorpe, a beautiful heritage-listed village. Stroll through the village's history and boutique shops.

Lunch is at Tamburlaine Organic Wines' Millthorpe cellar door, where you can have a wine tasting and charcuterie.

Drive to the top of Mount Canobolas, an ancient volcano, the highest peak between the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean.

Back down to the mountain's foot, Lake Canobolas is a tranquil lake for a stroll and afternoon tea. A tour and tasting at Orange Mountain Wines will show you how their hand-crafted wines are produced.

Departing Orange this morning, the first stop is Duntryleague House, a wonderful historic home now transformed into a guest house and event venue. Explore some beautifully restored rooms and stained-glass windows on a walking tour.

Collect your pilot from Parkes airport, where they've moved the aircraft, before heading into Parkes, the home of the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, held every year in early January. Visit the Elvis Museum, The King's Castle, which features memorabilia owned by former Wiggle Greg Page.

Lunch at a local country pub, then to Parkes' most famous landmark, CSIRO's Parkes Telescope. Take a 3D virtual tour of Murriyang, a 64-metre radio telescope. An icon of Australian science, The Parkes telescope, also known as The Dish, has operated since 1961. Astronomers from across Australia and worldwide still use Murriyang to undertake world-class astronomical science.

Mid-afternoon, rejoin your aircraft for the flight back to Melbourne.