Featuring the Opera Scholars Australia at Naracoorte Caves

Opera Scholars Australia assists in the development of young singers by providing scholarships, training and opportunities to perform in a variety of locations.

For the second time they will perform in the outstanding acoustic conditions in Blanche Cave at Naracoorte, where their voices need no amplification, to an audience of around 200 persons.

This concert is organised by Young at Heart Holidays, Australian Air Holidays and Seniors Coach Tours for their passengers.  The Opera Scholars program will include items from well known musicals and operas.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME, ARARAT, HALLS GAP

Following Melbourne metropolitan home, hotel or airport pick up (passengers from other states arrive day prior) we travel along the Western Highway, with morning cuppa at Lake Wendouree.  Lunch in Ararat, then a short journey to the magnificent Grampians.  Enjoy stunning views from Baroka and Reed Lookout (subject to road conditions), visit the Brambuk Cultural Centre.  Home tonight, Country Plaza, Halls Gap.

Day 2 (B,L,D) HALLS GAP, NARACOORTE

We journey through Horsham and Edenhope to Naracoorte, lunch today in the Naracoorte Caves Cafe.  Time to enjoy the stunning floodlit cave formations in an Alexandra or Fossil Cave inspection.  Later we transfer to our home for four nights, the Chardonnay Lodge, Coonawarra.  Time to unpack, settle in and relax prior to dinner.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BEACHPORT, ROBE, KINGSTON

Today we explore South Australia’s beautiful Limestone Coast, visiting the seaside town of Beachport and the fishing port of Robe. A highlight today is a crayfish lunch (non seafood eaters catered for) in the home of crayfish fishing.  Enjoy the view from Beacon Hill Lookout before returning to Coonawarra via Kingston.

Day 4 (B,L,D) MILLICENT, MAYURA STATION

This morning we visit the award-winning Millicent Museum.  A highlight of our holiday, we visit Mayura Station, experience Wagyu beef during lunch today.   During the afternoon visit Yallum Park, one of the best preserved Victorian houses in Australia.

Day 5 (B,L,D)MARY MACKILLOP, PENOLA, OPERA IN THE CAVES

A relaxing day today as we explore Penola, visit the Mary MacKillop Centre, the Schoolhouse and Petticoat Lane.  Enjoy wine tasting and lunch at one of the local wineries.  Time to relax at Chardonnay Lodge prior to departing for the highlight of our trip, “Opera in the Caves” featuring Opera Scholars of Australia.  An exciting event organised by the Young at Heart group.  A glass of champagne prior to enjoying this first class entertainment.  Dinner follows the concert.

Day 6 (B,L,D) MT GAMBIER, NELSON, PORTLAND, WARRNAMBOOL

We travel to Mt Gambier, City of the Blue Lake, a short tour of the city then to the coastal village of Nelson.  Following lunch we continue to Portland, Port Fairy and Warrnambool.  Home tonight, the luxurious Sebel Deep Blue, Warrnambool.

Day 7 (B,L) WARRNAMBOOL, GEELONG, HOME

We travel along the Princes Highway.  Lunch in Geelong, arriving in Melbourne at approximately 4:00 p.m. Home, hotel or airport transfers complete a most enjoyable holiday to the “Opera in the Caves.”

Please note:  The cave in which the Opera Scholars perform is accessible only by an open staircase (20 -30 steps).  Unfortunately it is not suitable for passengers using walkers or for those who cannot climb stairs.