Cooma Motor Lodge Motel

2007/08 Tour ex Melbourne - 6 days and 5 nights

Day 1 - COOMA BOUND

We join our luxury coach at the pick-up point for the journey North. You will be impressed at the exceptional comfort of your modern and beautifully maintained road liner! Travelling east on the Princess Highway we pass through the Gippsland region stopping at Bairnsdale for a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy our lunch today.

Next we will pass through Orbost where the Snowy River meets the sea. After turning inland at Cann River we begin ascending the Snowy Mountains from the southern side before arriving at Bombala for a comfort stop.

Then pass through Nimmitabel, before arriving in Cooma and a warm welcome at the Cooma Motor Lodge. Then time to rest before we meet our hosts and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner in the Lodge Restaurant.

PS. Drinks at reduced prices for our tour groups!

DAY 2 - COOMA TOWN

This morning we begin our Snowy Mountains tour program by visiting the Snowy Hydro-Electric Information Centre in Cooma for an overview of this Australian landmark infrastructure project. This Centre focuses on the Scheme's power stations, dams, water resources and energy market but it also includes displays on key topics such as environment, engineering, history and irrigation. There are interactive exhibits including pedal-power bikes, an interactive energy market display and hands-on models. After lunch we explore Cooma with our local guide before visiting Mt Gladstone lookout where, at an elevation of nearly 1300 metres, there is an uninterrupted view of the main range. Our next destination is the charming Past Times Country Crafts Centre and Historic Travellers Rest Inn. The tiny chapel with its heavenly ceiling of suspended wildflowers is gorgeous. The wood cobbled paving is a delight. And the weavers and knitters will think they have found paradise.

Cooma's sights

DAY 3 - Explore Canberra

This morning we begin our journey northward, following the Murrumbidgee Valley passing through Bredbo then on to Canberra. After morning tea your guide will introduce you to the National Capital with a sightseeing tour of some of Canberra's favourite sights!

Some places you will visit today are the Embassies, Regatta Point overlooking the water jet! & Mt Ainslie lookout from where you can look down along Anzac Parade to the new and old Parliament House.

A highlight this afternoon will be exploring Lake Burley Griffin on a cruise boat, MV Southern Cross, where your captain will give a commentary of Canberra from the water.

DAY 4 - THE SNOW COUNTRY

Today the adventure of the snowfields. We travel via the attractive sub-alpine villages of Berridale and Jindabyne up the Apline Way through the Kosciuszko National park to the enchanting alpine village of Thredbo. We will take time to soak up the atmosphere of this world famous resort, pausing for morning tea. If you wish to pay the modest charge for a chair-lift ride to the Eagles Nest restaurant high above the village. It's a real buzz! On our return journey from Thredbo we pause for lunch.

Then its on to Charlottes Pass Village and the "Roof of Australia'', the nation's highest roadway and the closest you can get the summit of Mt Kosciuszko without donning your hiking boots. On our return down the mountain we pause to view Perisher Blue which is Australia's largest ski resort. Next stop Smiggins Holes, another famous winter playground. Our snowfields tour programme will include a visit to the National Park Headquarters at Jindabyne for an overview of this wonderful area. This will be a good opportunity to pick up souvenirs and gifts. Arrive back at your motel with plenty of time to get ready for our PARTY NIGHT! Yes, tonight at the Lodge restaurant it's music, merriment and laughter as we celebrate the friendships we have made and the fun we have enjoyed during the Snowy Mountains stay.

DAY 5 - MONARO COUNTRY

A leisurely start to a wonderful day. First spectacular views of the Snowy Mountains as we travel across the rich Monaro to the eastern edge of Eucumbene Dam, a favourite spot for trout fishermen, then travel through farming properties before arriving at the huge rock and earth wall of the Eucumbene Dam. At the time of its construction it was the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a delightful spot to enjoy morning tea. We then pass under and over the great wall before travelling south following the main range to the beautiful little village of Kalkite which is situated on the very eastern side of lake Jindabyne and features spectacular views across to the Jindabyne pumping station.

After lunch at the Snowy River Winery it will be a relaxed journey back to the Motor Lodge via the tiny village of Dalgety. Nearly a hundred years ago it was one of the leading contenders as a site for the National Capital! Look out for the historic Buckleys Crossing Hotel, located across the road the famous Snowy River, that’s now flowing again.

DAY 6 - HOMEWARD BOUND

An early start today, first a light breakfast and then we say farewell to our hosts and staff and the warmth of the Snowy Country as we begin a relaxed journey home. A comfort stop and cuppa near Talbingo and the Tumut 3 Power Station. Then off the highway to your lunch spot for the day near Holbrook. Then we rejoin our coach for the final leg of a memorable holiday that has allowed us to truly experience and enjoy one of Australia’s most fascinating and beautiful regions.

Note: The exact route traveled to and from Melbourne is subject to change depending on road & weather conditions crossing the Alps.

If you have broadband see our tour HERE

From Sydney

October date 2008 TBA

23rd November 2008 & 1st March 2009

From Melbourne

12th October 2008 & 3rd May 2009

Please call us to check for other dates in 2008/09 as they become available.

Public Coach Pickup from Melbourne - (Southern Cross Station depart before 8am) . Cooked Breaky, 2 Course Dinner, Tour Guide 4 Days, M/Teas. Attractions as per itinerary, Party Night. ALL Lunches are included!

Please call for more info on 1800 688 299

Group tours can be arranged from almost anywhere. Group leaders please call for more Info.

Disclaimer: The information on this website was correct when it was uploaded. Every effort is made to keep it up to date so please inform us if something is no longer correct.