To answer your first question. Take something fairly strong for your on the bus bag, as they do get thrown about a bit by the driver and porters inevitably. On the bus, for carryon, a small backpack is definitely a good idea. I don't know the name of the paddleboat company, but our one was the Rothbury,l so you could try googling that. I think you could just turn up at the Mildura Wharf (end of Madden St, west of the train station according to my info) and get on one, but they only run at certain times of the day.

We stayed in Central Melbourne at the Mercure Welcome. It was really covenient for day trips and things, right across the road from the departure spot for the buses. We paid $759 for two for 5 nights. That's a three star, but there is a five star hotel in the same building and most facilities are shared, so it's great! Hope some of this is of some help. Have a wonderful Christmas, Dianne.

quote:

Originally posted by Liz:
Hi Hamdianne,

Do you think i should take a back pack or a luggage bag? I was also thinking about getting some accommodation after the tour, where did you saty when you went? I want something thats not too dense on our budget but also somewhere close to the city... (the tour ends in Melbourne). We have the afternoon free in Mildura on the second last day, do yu know if the paddle boat rides are with a particular company so i can look them up?

PS, appologies for taking so long to get back to you, been a little busy preparing for Christmas!

Hope to hear from you soon, if not, have a great Christmas and a happy New Year!!
Liz

Does this tour go thru the Barossa Valley from Sydney to Melbourne? It's obviously a differnet tour from the one we wnet on.

Hi Hamdianne,

The tour is the 13 day Grand Southern Discovery with AAT Kings. It starts in Sydney then does a big loop, ending back in Sydney.
Thanks for the advice, its helped more then you know! I'm so excited, really looking forward to it! We're leaving in March.
The Mercure Hotel Welcome, i saw that on the back of the AAT Kings brochure, but i never really considered it, its really different when you can ask some one thats actually been there! Everything's electronic now days!
Well thanks again for the advice, ill be sure to come to you if we have any more questions, you've really been a great help!
Liz

I know the tour you mean, it si the same one we joined in Melbourne. That's why I am a little confused, as that tour normally does the Barossa valley after Melbourne and Adelaide? Glad to have been of help, by the way.

Oh and I meant to ask, when are you going?