The Australian Sewing Guild
Fabric, Fashion and Fun Tour to Melbourne - July 2009
Following on from the overwhelmingly successful ASG international tours to China and Vietnam the Australian Sewing Guild is now launching the first of its ‘Discovery Tours of Australia’ in July 2009, with an 8 day / 7 night visit to the fabric and fashion capitol, Melbourne.
Join members of the ASG on a tour of discovery as we explore our favorite fabric and haby haunts, investigate designer stores, shop crafty markets and explore fabulous Melbourne and the beautiful Dandenongs – ALL while wining and dining with like-minded new friends.
We’ve specifically picked July so that you can ‘Frock Up’ and strut all your beautiful creations with a group that truly appreciates a fine piece of cloth; a beautiful cut and stitch and a clever embellishment or accessory. So go the whole way and pull out your best, then run away with the ASG.
Date: Sunday, July 12th to Sunday, July 19th 2009
Day 1 - Sunday
Make your own way to Melbourne to meet up with the group by 12 noon on the 12th July. Pick up a great air deal, use your frequent flyer points, drive or bus it. That way you pick the deal, the mode and the timing that suits you best.
Settle into the CBD located Apartments. Choose a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartment and meet up with new roommates or old friends. All apartments have kitchens, washer and dryers, TV and DVD players and secure undercover parking.
Optional afternoon activities could include:
St Kilda Boulevard market is held every Sunday from 10 - 5 and can be reached by Tram and the South Bank Markets and riverside activities are an easy walk from your accommodation.
This evening the welcome dinner will be at one of Melbourne’s famous South Bank Restaurants.
Day 2 – Monday
HUGE fabric shopping extravaganza! Tour by air-conditioned coach to six very different fabric shops and the famous ‘Jimmy's Buttons’. Wovens, knits, silks, laces, patchwork cottons, remnants and designer remnants await you. Bring a BIG bag!
Free night to explore the town or dine in your apartment.
Day 3 – Tuesday
Discover Melbourne today utilizing the tourist Hop-on/Hop-off shuttle bus that departs every 15-20 minutes from 9.30 to 4.30 daily. The tour group will divide into smaller, special interest groups. Each group, led by a local member of the ASG, can then choose to visit as many or as few of the following tourist destinations and stay as long as necessary.
The shuttle service runs a continuous loop from the Arts Centre, to Federation Square, Captain Cooks cottage, Melbourne Museum and Old Gaol, University of Melbourne, William St, Aquarium, Southbank, Eureka Skydeck, Rod Laver Arena and Royal Botanic Gardens.
This evening re-group, dine together and enjoy a fashion parade of high season knits from the Australian Country Spinners ranges featuring Panda, Patons, Cleakheaton and Sheppard Yarns.
Day 4 – Wednesday
Join the Melbourne members of the ASG for one of their popular ‘Industry Days’. Guest speakers and topics will include the latest news on Haberdashery, Interfacings and Interlinings, Val Gibson from ‘The Fabric Collection’ and Personal Image.
Free night to explore the town or dine in your apartment.
Day 5 – Thursday
On the way to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges we will stop at a unique designer fabric shop, Frou Frou. This store will inspire you with fabrics, trims, colour and design and show you a collection of easy-sew styles in fabulous fabrics. This is definitely a place to pick up something special and is a real find for lovers of knit fabrics, patterns and trimmings.
Explore the beautiful country side, crafty hamlets and boutique shops before heading back to town to a lively Italian restaurant in Lygon Street. Finish off the adventure by catching a famous Melbourne tram home.
Day 6 – Friday
In the morning we will be catching the Yarra River Ferry to Williamstown to see a little of Melbourne’s past. Enjoy lunch in Williamstown at one of the many great cafes.
After lunch return to Southbank, by Ferry and catch the Tram to the popular shopping strip on Bridge Road to explore at will. Bridge Road is reknowned for fashion designer outlets and is a bargain shoppers Mecca.
Friday is ‘late night shopping’ in the Melbourne CBD and in this fast-paced city there is a lot to see and do. Catch the City Circle Tourist Tram and listen to the excellent commentary to orientate yourself and then you are free to explore, shop and dine at will.
Day 7 – Saturday
Up early to catch the Victoria Markets. Crafts, fashion, food and fancies in one of Australia’s liveliest market places; famous since opening in 1878.
Then coach from the biggest market to the largest shopping centre in Australia; Chadstone, and cruise the designer shops for more inspiration.
Melbourne is also famous for its China Town area and great theatres. Tonight we will start our farewell evening with a gala banquet in China Town followed by a night at the theatre.
Day 8 – Sunday
Spend your final morning exploring the South Bank Markets and enjoying all the riverside activities, or simply relaxing, before hugging new friends, exchanging contacts and taking your late check-out departure for HOME.
This tour includes:
- Full accommodation in CBD located apartments on a twin or triple share basis
- Transport in air-conditioned coach as per itinerary
- Two lunches as per itinerary – Industry Day and Williamstown
- Four Dinners as per itinerary – Welcome, farewell, Lygon Street & Parade night
- ACS Knitting Fashion Parade
- ASG Industry Day
- Williamstown Ferry
- Theatre ticket
- Sightseeing as outlined in itinerary
- ASG Tour Coordinator
NOT included
- Transport to and from Melbourne, Airfares and taxes
- Breakfast daily
- Travel insurance
- Single room supplement
- Tipping and all services not mentioned
For costs (per person share basis), further details or booking enquiries please contact:
ASG Travel Coordinator
Email: travel@aussew.org.au
Mail: PO Box 553, Civic Square, Civic ACT 2608
To find out about other great plans, groups or meetings look at the ASG website www.aussew.org.au
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