Have You Heard Y.E.T? – October 2024
We launch into Spring with the October edition of ‘Have You Heard Y.E.T?!’
Welcome to this month’s edition of Have You Heard Yet?!? This month features highlights from our last two months (yes, we did miss the September edition!) and we announce the official launch of an exciting new product. Our experience of the month is Phillip Island, and we explore Sarah Higgins’ bucket list.
What’s happening at Your Exclusive Tours?
We released the last issue of Have Your Heard Y.ET?! on Wednesday 28/08/2024 which only feels like yesterday. Where has the past two months gone?! This month’s newsletter covers off August and September.
Your Exclusive Tours has sprung out of Winter and into Spring full of excitement and enthusiasm with Wedding Season commencing and solid conversion of bookings for private tours. In the last edition, I described our bookings as either feast or famine, with our tours having a lead time of 4 hours to 90 days. This trend has continued over the past 2 months, with some interesting reasoning from our guests ranging from impulsive decisions to guest due diligence, economic influence and factors, and changes in work / family circumstances.
I now just describe our booking cycle like Melbourne’s weather – 4 seasons in one day. As a small family owned and run business, it is challenging, the need to robust and resilient, and relationship driven with our stakeholders.
I would like to acknowledge and say thank you to the people who reach out to us with their positive responses, ask questions about our product, or compare our observations with their thoughts; it always makes for a great discussion.
Some of our highlights included:
The creation of a private touring experience to Echuca & Bendigo.
Being a part of an amazing collaboration in the Yarra Valley with our supplier partners being RotorOne and Mckenzies Coaches. And of course this had to be overseen via our Director of Operations – Tyson Rees.
On Wednesday 25/09/2024, I received this lovely meme from a longtime colleague and good friend with this amazing news, it is exactly 3 months until Christmas!
I responded with this lovely YouTube link – https://youtu.be/yXQViqx6GMY?si=aDY_G75KxtQzkg8J saying brace yourself!!!
Announcing our newest product launch – Puffing Billy & the Dandenong Ranges
After a soft launch, we’re proud to announce that our newest product – Puffing Billy & The Dandenong Ranges, is officially live on the Your Exclusive Tours website!
The Dandenong Ranges is not only the home of Victoria’s beloved Puffing Billy steam engines, it also boasts the Olinda Tea House, Cloud Hill Gardens & Nursery, Sassafras & Olinda townships and Rayner’s Orchard. Guests of all ages will enjoy our Dandenong Ranges private tour experiences and can be combined with our Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island experiences
You can check out our newest edition to the YET collection here at https://yourexclusivetours.com.au/puffing-billy-dandenong-ranges-tours/
Review of the Month
This edition’s first feature review is from Julie who booked a Phillip Island experience. Julie and her family had a wonderful day, not only enjoying the island itself, but also the entertainment provided by Chauffeur Guide Peter. We’d like to thank Julie for leaving her review for us.
Our second review comes from Peter and Hayley’s wedding, with transport provided by Chauffeur guides Jenny, Kylie and Andrew.
Destination of the Month – Phillip Island
Phillip Island, surrounded by beautiful beaches, stunning coastline & vistas, flora & fauna, and boasting a wide variety of wildlife, is truly a unique Australian experience.
A Phillip Island experience with Your Exclusive Tours includes exploring some of Australia’s most iconic native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, seals, and of course, the ever-popular penguin parade.
Your Exclusive Tours has some amazing itineraries to explore and experience Phillip Island. From a half day to a full day or to “The Wildlife Adventure to Phillip Island” part of The YET Signature Collection. We have an itinerary to suit one or all, or we can create that itinerary for you to explore and experience Phillip Island.
Enroute to Phillip Island, there is an opportunity to meet some of Australia’s most iconic native wildlife up close and personal, including encounters with
- Koalas
- Dingoes
- Kookaburras
- Snakes
- Owls
…and feeding our beloved Kangaroos.
Once on Phillip Island, every experience is different. Phillip Island’s coastal walks are unique, from the sheltered beaches of Western Port Bay to the rugged surf beaches and coastline of Bass Strait, Cape Woolamai and The Nobbies – all offer unique vantage points.
Those looking for a more family friendly activity would enjoy visiting Churchill Island where there is a working farm, with demonstrations of sheep shearing, working dogs, and whip cracking.
And finally, as the day draws to close and the sun sets over the Island, there is only one place to be, and that’s the Penguin Parade. Whether out on the boardwalks, in the grandstands, or range lead tour, a night at the Penguin Parade is not to be missed.
You can find out more about our range of Phillip Island experiences here.
Bucket List Destinations
Last month we launched our new ‘getting to know you’ segment with Bucket List Destinations, starting with Rob Rees. This month we’re looking into Kylie’s bucket list – where would she go if money, time and logistics were no barrier?
- What is your YET bucket list destination / experience and why?
My Favorite YET bucket list destination is the amazing Yarra Valley. With all the amazing food and outdoor activities, there is something special about this destination. You can start with a fantastic hot air balloon ride, taste some fabulous food and wine, go for a beautiful walk in the forest and end your day with chocolate. What more can anyone want???
- What is your personal bucket list destination / experience?
As someone who as always loved horses and currently owns a Thoroughbred, I could think of anything more fun than doing a cattle drive in Montana (US). Beautiful views and area…. what more could a girl like?
Stay tuned for more news in our next edition of ‘Have you heard Y.E.T?!’ where we feature Chauffeur Guide Jenny, and in the meantime, if you haven’t yet subscribed, you can do so here: