Avalon 2027
8 days escorted coach tour departing Weds 24th February
Avalon 2027 is an eight‑day Melbourne based aviation tour showcasing some of Victoria’s most significant museums, collections and airshow experiences, including curated visits to the B‑24 Liberator Restoration Museum, the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, two full days at the Australian International Airshow with Gold Pass access, the Fox Classic Car Collection, Shrine of Remembrance, Moorabbin Air Museum and the Old Aeroplane Company. With quality accommodation, breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinners, private coach transport and escorts from New Zealand, the tour blends aviation history and classic cars into a unique, leisurely paced itinerary. Let us take you ……………………..
Tour Itinerary –
Day 1 – Weds 24th February Flight to Melbourne (Meal in flight, D)
We depart today at 3.50pm flying Air NZ “The Works” with meal included, arriving in Melbourne at 6pm. We transfer to the Holiday Inn Werribee and settle into our rooms for our 3-night stay. This evening we have our welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight - Holiday Inn, Werribee
Day 2 – Thurs 25th February RAAF Museum & B24 Liberator Museum (B)
Our first visit today is the B24 Liberator Restoration Museum in Werribee where see the intricate restoration work proceeding in one of the impressive World War II hangars on the old Werribee airfield. This is the only remaining Liberator in the Southern Hemisphere and is one of only eight still in existence. Melbourne Water is undertaking a project to dismantle the larger World War II hangar at the far end of the Werribee airfield (Hangar 1), relocate it adjacent to the current hangar (Hangar 2) and refurbish Hangar 1 to contemporary building standards. It is likely that the refurbished hangar will be handed over in late 2026 or early 2027, the B-24 Liberator will be relocated to Hangar 1, where it will be showcased with much more space. Work on other aircraft - currently the Airspeed Oxford and Avro Anson - will continue in Hangar 2. Our visit will include an engine run of the P&W 1830 radial engine and a sausage sizzle lunch.
In the afternoon we take a short drive to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force. The museum tells one of Australia's most important aviation stories through five hangars. Training hangar: Focuses on the history of flight training at Point Cook, which has operated since 1914.Technology Hangar: Explores the evolution of aircraft technology from early prop engines to jet propulsion. 'Made in Australia' / Display Hangar: Features locally produced aircraft, drones, and supersonic jets. Strike / Recce Hangar: Houses larger strike and reconnaissance aircraft, including a Canberra Bomber, an F-111C, and an F/A-18 Classic Hornet. Restoration Hangar: Used for maintaining and restoring historical aircraft collections. This evening dinner is at your leisure either at the hotel or one of the many local restaurants. Overnight - Holiday Inn, Werribee
Day 3 – Fri 26th February Avalon Airshow (B)
Where the sky meets the future! The Australian International Airshow has a strong focus on military aviation and organisers confirm that 2027 will include full military jet displays, precision aerobatics, historic aircraft, and major flying programs in line with its reputation of being the largest air show in the southern hemisphere. It is part adrenalin rush, part tech showcase and part family day out.
Today we take advantage of our Gold Pass early access to the showgrounds and explore while it is quiet, general admission starts at midday. On the ground, the Innovation Base will be buzzing with world-first technologies, ideas that could redefine aviation, space exploration, and air mobility. We enjoy the first day of flying from the comfort of our Gold Pass grandstand. The evening show finishes with a fantastic firework spectacular.
Overnight - Holiday Inn, Werribee
Day 4 – Sat 27th February The Fox Classic Car Collection (B)
Immersed within the historic walls of the Queen's Warehouse in Melbourne’s Docklands in what once was a royal mint, the Fox Classic Car Collection is our opportunity to explore a sparkling array of the world’s rarest and most prestigious vehicles. Over the span of fifty years, Lindsay Fox, the visionary founder of Linfox, has curated this awe-inspiring collection of automotive excellence.
Opened in 1997, the collection showcases almost a century in automotive technology and design with models from Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley, Volkswagen, Ford, Lexus, Nissan and
MG made between 1923 and 2024 found at the museum. Notable previous owners of some vehicles include Ringo Star, Bing Crosby and Bob Jane to name a few. Many of the vehicles on display have been provided by Lindsay Fox and the Fox family to assist various charities to raise funds, while allowing visitors to enjoy and appreciate the vehicles. The afternoon is free to rest or explore Melbourne CBD.
This evening, dinner is at leisure, but for a fun experience we suggest dining at the Hofbrauhaus, an authentic Bavarian meal accompanied by live music. Overnight - The Victoria Hotel, Melbourne
Day 5 – Sun 28th February Avalon Airshow (B)
We return to Avalon with Gold Pass tickets for another day at the show and a chance to catch up on anything you may have missed. Overnight - The Victoria Hotel, Melbourne
Day 6 – Mon 1st March Shrine of Remembrance (B)
This morning we visit the stunning Shrine of Remembrance. Built in 1934, the Shrine is the Victorian state memorial to Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping operations. You may like to explore the Botanical Gardens nearby and the rest of the day is yours at leisure.
The Victoria Hotel, Melbourne
Day 7 – Tues 2nd March Moorabbin Air Museum & Old Aeroplane Co (B, D)
Today we head to Moorabbin Air Museum and spend the morning enjoying one of the most significant collections of aircraft and engines in Australia. The collection has some very rare and unique examples of Australian made aircraft, including the oldest surviving Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) aircraft - Wirraway A20-10; a Victa AirTourer and a DAP Mk21 Beaufighter, one of only two Australian made variants left in the country and the only Beaufighter left in the world capable of ground running. The Museum also owns the oldest surviving DAP / Bristol Beaufort which is now part of a massive restoration project. Our lunchtime experience will be at the Naked Racer Café (lunch is at your own cost), a museum in itself, full of antique motorcycles. Later we continue to the Old Aeroplane Company to visit the very impressive and immaculate private collection of Judy Pays.
This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner together at the hotel. Overnight - The Victoria Hotel, Melbourne
Day 8 – Weds 3rd March Flight to Auckland (B, L in flight)
This morning we will transfer to the airport for our 12.10pm Air NZ “The Works” flight home including lunch, arriving in Auckland at 5.45pm
TOUR COSTS - 8 Day Tour including Air NZ economy The Works return flights from Auckland
$ 4695 per person twin share
$ 890 single room supplement
$ 3795 land only joining at the hotel
A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required on booking, full balance due by 1st December
For bookings after 1st December, the full balance is payable within 7 days
Please ask if you would like any variations to the above arrangements. We are quite flexible! Costs subject to availability.
Maximum group size is 22 guests.
Inclusions
Economy return “The Works” airfares with Air NZ,
quality accommodation with private facilities, transfers, private coach transport, breakfasts, Welcome/Farewell Dinners, tour escorts from NZ
sightseeing as stated, Gold Passes for the Avalon Airshow 2 Days Fri/Sun.
Not Included
Upgrade to Premium Economy/Business Class
accommodation upgrades, insurance, shuttle or flights to Auckland, passport and visa charges,
items of a personal nature i.e. laundry, beverages, telephone calls etc, optional excursions
Avalon 2027 T & Cs
Flights – Group airfares require a minimum of 10 booked passengers. If we don’t reach 10 passengers booked with Air NZ on our group fare by the end of October, the tour will revert to Land Only and flights will be booked individually at current availability once the tour has reached a minimum of 14 passengers.
Fitness - A reasonable level of fitness is required to make the most of the museums and sightseeing. Due to the nature of some of our hotels you may be expected to manage a set of stairs; however, we will help manage your luggage on these occasions. Some hotels have showers over the bath.
Reservations and Payment - Your reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit of $200 (refundable if the tour does not meet the required numbers).
Final balance is due by 1st Dec or immediately, if booked after 1st Dec.
Changes to Tour Costs - Tour costs are based on exchange rates as of October 2026 and are subject to change.
Changes to Itinerary - If improvements can be made to the itinerary or circumstances beyond our control make it necessary to make changes, we reserve the right to do so.
Cancellation refunds and flight changes - Notice of cancellation must be in writing. Changes to flights once ticketed will incur charges. After the final balance has been paid, the following scale of charges will apply.
Cancellation period Fees as a percentage of tour price
Up to 1st Dec Loss of deposit
2nd Dec to departure 100%
Insurance - For cancellations, we regret that we cannot make refunds against any unused part of the tour. It is therefore essential that you have sufficient insurance to cover your loss. We strongly recommend a complete and comprehensive travel insurance policy. We accept no responsibility for any loss caused by insufficient or lack of insurance cover.
A quote will be provided on booking.
Optional Dates – You may adjust your dates and arrangements pre and post tour to extend your trip. Additional costs may apply.
Passports and Visas - A current passport with 6 months validity is required. NZ & Australian passport holders do not require visas. Other passport holders may require a Visitor Visa.