Pre-Symposium Tour

16–18 January 2025

Participants attending the Irrigation Symposium are invited to join an optional pre-symposium tour, offering a valuable opportunity to explore key horticultural regions of Victoria. This curated three-day itinerary provides insight into regional production systems, irrigation practices, and water management, complemented by visits to notable cultural and environmental attractions. The pre-symposium tour is organised by FruitHelp.

Tour Overview

Dates: 16–18 January 2025
Tour Fee: AUD $1,950
Group Size: Minimum 5, Maximum 20 participants
Registration Deadline: 1 November 2025

Please note that booking for the pre-symposium tour is separate from the main conference registration process. For bookings, contact: nic@fruit.help

Inclusions

  • Group transport from Melbourne to Shepparton

  • Two nights’ accommodation: 16 and 17 January

  • Entry to scheduled attractions and orchard visits

  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

  • Guided tours and site visits with a focus on fruit production and water sourcing

Exclusions

  • Return travel from Shepparton to Melbourne (a regional train service and local shuttle provider are available)

  • Travel and flights outside of the scheduled tour period

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

  • Optional activities or excursions

  • Personal expenses and travel insurance (strongly recommended)

Important Information

  • Participants must be capable of walking moderate distances to fully engage in the program.

  • Closed-in walking shoes are required for orchard and field visits.

  • A credit card imprint may be required at hotel check-in to cover incidental expenses.

  • The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday, 16 January 2025

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

  • 10:00 AM: Depart from a central Melbourne city location

  • Visit to commercial apple orchards in the Yarra Valley, with discussion on production techniques and water sourcing

  • Wine tasting at a regional winery

  • Group dinner and overnight stay at Yarra Valley Lodge (or similar option, subject to availability)

Day 2 – Saturday, 17 January 2025

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Depart for Healesville Sanctuary to observe native Australian wildlife

  • Scenic drive through the Black Spur rainforest en route to Eildon Dam, a major component of the Goulburn-Murray irrigation system

  • Visit to a commercial cherry orchard

  • Arrival in Mansfield with free time for local exploration or recreational use of accommodation facilities

  • Overnight stay at Arlzberg Resort Mansfield (or similar option, subject to availability)

Day 3 – Sunday, 18 January 2025

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

  • Breakfast at a local café

  • Visits to a series of orchards in the Goulburn Valley region (apples, pears, cherries, stone fruit)

  • Afternoon drop-off in Shepparton in time for the official symposium welcome function