Again in 2012 Queen Victoria Market is transformed from a busy market with hundreds of individual stallholders to an auditorium complete with stage and lighting suited to an evening of operatic favourites, a treat of world class performers and a first class performance. Opera in the Market features special guest James Morrison, soprano Elena Xanthoudakis, tenor Roy Best and Opera Scholars Australia under the baton of Guy Noble.
Day 1 (L,D) HOME, MELBOURNE
Following home pick up and the arrival of interstate passengers, we make our way into marvellous Melbourne. This morning we visit the Eureka Tower Observation Deck with stunning 360 degree views of the city, bay and mountains. We continue to Australia’s oldest public gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria for a guided walking overview of the Gallery. Enjoy lunch on the Colonial Tram Car, wine and dine as we travel around Melbourne and inner suburbs by tram. Later we take a short drive to quaint Williamstown before making our way to the Hotel Charsfield, our home for two nights. Time to relax prior to dinner together.
Day 2 (B,L,D)MACEDON RANGES, OPERA IN THE MARKET
A leisurely scenic drive to the Macedon Ranges located at the tail end of the Great Dividing Ranges. Enjoy lunch and panoramic views of Macedon at the Top of the Range Tea Rooms. Time to visit the Memorial Cross, before returning to Melbourne. Free time this afternoon at the Hotel Charsfield prior to an early dinner and then the highlight of our holiday, Opera in the Market. Following the performance, a light supper together will be provided at our hotel.
Day 3 (B,L) MELBOURNE, HOME
This morning we visit another Melbourne icon, the “Johnston Collection”, an outstanding collection of Georgian, Regency and Louis XV fine and decorative arts arranged within a domestic setting at “Fairhall”, home of the late William Johnston. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Hilton on the Park, after which our short holiday concludes as we return to our homes or, for interstate passengers, Melbourne Airport. Memories will long remain of three delightful days in marvellous Melbourne.
The 4 star Hotel Charsfield, a fine example of early St Kilda Road Victorian architecture, dates back to 1888 when a “handsome new residence” was designed by Charles Webb, who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne Grammar, Wesley College, Royal Arcade and the Windsor Hotel. It became a guest house in 1931 and was purchased by the Army in 1956 as accommodation for WRAAC and RAANC staff. Purchased by the current owner in 1988, the entire building was completely refurbished and restored and is now a St Kilda Road Melbourne icon, a perfect Young at Heart boutique hotel.
