Tours
Link Tours Pty Ltd has been appointed to manage the tours program for the 20th International Visual Field and Imaging Symposium in Melbourne. They are a Melbourne based company who have been established for more than 25 years. Tours are not included in the registration fee and are to be paid for separately.
Additionally, Link Tours can also advise you on special tailored packages to suit your specific needs.
Bookings
To book a tour, please download the booking form here:
Pre-conference Tour – Sydney
Wednesday January 18th
Arrive Sydney and transfer to Oaks Hyde Park Plaza Hotel. Day at leisure.
Thursday January 19th (B, L)
Enjoy a morning city sights tour of Sydney, taking in the historic Rocks area, the exclusive inner suburbs of Paddington and Double Bay, noted for their quaintly preserved terrace houses, famous Bondi Beach and the red light district of Kings Cross. A highlight of the day will be the harbour lunch cruise where you'll be introduced to its intriguing history, character and points of interest.
Friday January 20th (B, L)
Another full day tour to the west of Sydney that encompasses the unsurpassed wilderness, beauty and remote bushland of the Blue Mountains plus panoramic views of rugged cliffs and deep forested valleys. There’s also a visit included to the Featherdale Wildlife Park plus private time to walk through pristine bushland, lush ferns and temperate forests.
Saturday January 21st (B)
Morning at leisure to explore some more of Sydney. A suggested activity is The Bridge Climb, a 3 1/2 hour adventure and a never to be forgotten experience on one of the world’s most prominent attractions. The climb begins with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration that prepares you for the Climb of your Life ! The exhilaration and sense of satisfaction achieved by reaching the top is rewarded with breathtaking views. One of the safety requirements is that each walker is breathalysed and carry items such as cameras are not permitted. The cost of the ticket includes a photograph. Afternoon/evening flight to Melbourne.
- Cost:
- $1100 pp, (twin or double share) or $1350 pp, (single supplement).
- Includes:
- Three nights accommodation, city sights and harbour cruise, Blue Mountains tour, entry to Featherdale Wildlife Park, meals as indicated, transfers, gst.
- Options:
- Bridge Climb, approx $200.
The cost does not include air-fare from Sydney to Melbourne. Recommended flight will be provided at time of booking. Time of Bridge Climb to be confirmed at time of booking.
Post-conference Tour – Great Ocean Road/Grampians/Ballarat
Thursday January 26th (L)
Depart Melbourne at 8am and travel to the west through Geelong, the state's second largest city. Not long past Geelong the ocean comes into view and at Anglesea a stop would be made to view the kangaroos that frequent the golf course. Continue onto Lorne where the dual mix of the ocean and the Otway Ranges is breathtaking. Lunch would be taken at Lavers Hill and before the drive through to the rainforest at Melba Gully then to the Shipwreck Coast. The afternoon would feature the coastal rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles and The Arch before arriving in Port Campbell.
Friday January 27th (B, L)
After breakfast travel across to Tower Hill, an extinct volcano and now a State Park. A walk through the park reveals koalas in generous numbers in the gum trees. Late morning continue through to Dunkeld where lunch will be enjoyed at the stylish Royal Mail Hotel. After lunch, a visit would be made to Crombie Homestead where our hosts, Rex & Gay Beveridge will provide an insight into life on the land. A sheep dog roundup would precede a garden walk and afternoon tea. Late afternoon transfer through to Halls Gap, the major town at the heart of the breathtaking Grampians mountain range.
Saturday January 28th (B, L, D)
Depart Halls Gap and travel through the Grampians taking in some of the most spectacular scenery the state has to offer. Included in these are The Balconies, Mt Difficult Lookout and The Jaws of Death before transferring through to Ballarat and Sovereign Hill. Sovereign Hill is a recreation of Ballarat's first ten years following the discovery of gold there in 1851. Adjourn to the Charlie Napier Hotel for dinner before experiencing the sound and light show, 'Blood on the Southern Cross'. The show brilliantly recreates the events that lead to Australia's only civil war, the Eureka Stockade on Sunday December 3rd 1854.
- Cost:
- $925 pp, based on a minimum of 10 people (twin/double share).
$1090 pp, based on a minimum of 10 people (single share). - Includes:
- Deluxe mini-bus transport, two nights accommodation, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), shearing demonstration and farm visit at Crombie Homestead, tour of Melba Gully, Port Campbell National Park, Tower Hill, Grampians and Sovereign Hill, entry fees to Sovereign Hill and Blood on the Southern Cross, dinner on the final night at Sovereign Hill, guide, gst.
Partner Tours (Available Daily)
Wildlife & Wine
Take the scenic route out to the beautiful Yarra Valley. With its rolling hills and ever increasing fields of vines, the region has re-established itself as one of the country's premium producers of cool climate wines. The first stop would be made at the Healesville Sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of native animals in a natural bush setting. A guided tour of this first class facility would be provided. Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at Yering Station Winery before the drive through to the De Bortoli Winery at Dixons Creek. Enjoy a tasting of their wide selection of wines together with some outstanding cheeses.
- Cost:
- $185 pp.
- Includes:
- Deluxe transport, entry to and guided tour of the Healesville Sanctuary, wine tasting, main course lunch, glass of wine & coffee at Yering Station Winery, wine tasting with cheese at De Bortoli, bottled water, guide, gst.
- Times:
- 9.00am to 6.30pm.
Great Ocean Road
Imagine a road that hugs the side of sheer cliffs, where the native bushland meets the blue waters of the Southern Ocean. Experience the temperate rainforest at Maits Rest that features fern gullies and giant myrtle trees. There’s also the koalas at Kennett River and the spectacular coastline that’s home to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Razorback.
- Cost:
- $130 pp.
- Includes:
- Deluxe coach transport, lunch, entry to the Port Campbell National Park, guide, gst.
- Times:
- 7.45am to 7.30pm
Penguins
Enjoy the antics of the world's smallest penguins at fascinating Phillip Island. The sight of Australia's largest fairy penguin colony emerging from the surf and waddling up the beach with food for their young brings howls of delight from an enthralled crowd.
- Cost:
- $135 pp.
- Includes:
- Deluxe coach transport, entry to Penguin Parade with Penguin Plus, guide, gst.
- Times:
- 4.45pm to 10.30pm.