Tours/Travel
Optional Tours
ICMS Travel is an inbound tour operator specialising in a comprehensive range of Australian day tours and short holidays, especially suited to the international and inter-state visitor.
ICMS Travel has strong associations with leading tourism suppliers nationally, ensuring products are current, professional and sold to you at the recommended retail price. More information regarding additional tours and how to book will be added to the Congress website.
Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience, especially aboard the fleet of historical trams that have become The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining. As they cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, diners can enjoy our fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines or make a selection from our fully stocked bar at a fully inclusive price. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.
Melbourne Sights
It's cosmopolitan and stylish - and this tour will show you why. Melbourne is a blend of heritage architecture, modern skyscrapers and contemporary designs. Add to this vibrant and some times chic cafes, cosmopolitan restaurants, colourful (sometimes brilliantly colourful) parklands and picturesque waterways. You will travel by touring coach with expert Aussie driver/guide. Some of the highlights will include the ultimate shopping strip of Collins Street, Federation Square (and you will want to come back here in your own time) - and the impressive Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens.
Healesville & Puffing Billy
Beyond the city marvel at spectacular views of lush rainforest settings in the Sherbrooke Forest and spot Australian animals and birdlife in the Dandenong Ranges. Take the opportunity to hand feed gorgeous crimson Rosella birds while enjoying tea or coffee at Sherbrook Forest. Still in the mountains - seek out the ?“Puffing Billy?”, an old steam train, and go for a ride through the towering mountain ash and lush fern gullies - excitement all the way.
The Dandenongs with afternoon tea
Dominating Melbourne's eastern horizon, the blue hue of the Dandenong Ranges promises visitors picturesque mountainside forests, cool fern gullies, charming villages and stunning views. There is also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and amongst the birdlife of Sherbrooke Forest. Stop at Grant's Reserve and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea.
Ballarat Wildlife Park with Sovereign Hill
Encounter the charms of Ballarat and the gold rush area. From Melbourne the day unfolds with the Ballarat Wildlife Park (usually the first stop) and a guided tour. Handfeed kangaroos, see the Tasmanian Devil and the free roaming emus. There is even an opportunity to touch and photograph a cuddly koala.
Yarra Valley Wineries & Puffing Billy with Lunch
The wine country of the Yarra Valley combines Australian bush and mountain scenery. Enjoy some wine tastings and gourmet food at the cellar door of some of the premium wineries in Victoria. The Yarra Valley also has spectacular views, lush rainforests and native Australian animals and bird life. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea while feeding the Crimson Rosella birds in the Dandenong Ranges. Take a hike through beautiful fern gullies or go for a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train through the towering mountain ash forests. There is something for everyone in the Yarra Valley.
Great Ocean Road & Bells Beach
Discover the wonders of the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Enjoy one of the world's great coastal drives with its dramatic scenery of striking contrasts. The region boasts powerful seas, golden beaches, peaceful townships, giant cliffs and lush forests. Travel will be aboard a touring coach with expert Aussie driver/guide.
The Melbourne Dreaming
A walking tour exploring the Aboriginal Heritage of the City of Melbourne. Be guided to the sites of the first settlement near the Birrarung (Yarra) River where the Kulin Nation convened annually, carried out ceremonies, hunted, gathered and interacted with the early settlers. Your guide, resurrected specially for the occasion, is city founder John Batman who signed Batman's treaty in 1835.
Penguin Parade
The spectacle of hundreds of penguins emerging from the ocean at dusk has to be seen to be believed. This afternoon/evening tour has non-stop activity as you travel by comfortable touring coach along the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay with the first stop at a working cattle farm (ranch). The farm provides the first opportunity to pat and feed kangaroos and wallabies and various other farm animals.
Melbourne City Sights and Eureka Tower
Experience the beautiful sights of Melbourne; enjoy the shopping, sports complexes and universities. Visit Fitzroy Gardens and see Captain Cook?’s Cottage. See Parliament House, Windsor Hotel, Queen Victoria Market, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena, Flinders Street Station, and St. Patricks Cathedral. Stop for morning tea in the Botanic Gardens Café and see the famous Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria?’s war memorial. Travel past the Grand Prix race track, the Westgate Bridge and over the Bolte Bridge for great views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Finish with lunch at our tallest building, Eureka Tower.