Have You Heard Y.E.T? – February 2025
We say goodbye to our Aussie summer in the February edition of Have You Heard Yet?!?
This month’s newsletter features highlights from our February tours, we discuss some recent industry events, recap a wedding, and the destination of the month is Phillip Island.
What’s happening at Your Exclusive Tours?
The momentum has continued into February 2025 as we have explored Melbourne and our favourite regional destinations. This month has seen the Yarra Valley lead the way as the destination to visit whilst enjoying a glass of wine or two.
What is more exciting is that wedding season in back in full swing and we have been a part of some fantastic weddings at some stunning venues. To the wonderful couples that have engaged in our services, thank you for choosing and letting us be part of your special day.
It is set to be a busy 2025 with the number of industry trade events, seminars, workshops, and networking functions at a regional, state, national, and international level. These trade events provide many opportunities for Your Exclusive Tours to grow and develop our trade distribution network and partnerships. I am very thankful and delighted with the opportunities to meet with new agents and build on our existing connections and relationships. More importantly, we have met some colleagues who have become great personal friends.
When establishing Your Exclusive Tours, I was informed, told, and advised by industry peers and mentors to brace yourself for several years of hard work before you see any tangible results. How true these words spoken and encouragement given.
In February, there has been one industry workshop and one trade event we have attended being:
An invitation to attend Carnival Australia’s workshop a board the Royal Princess whilst here in the port of Melbourne on Monday 17/2/2025. The cruise segment plays an important part in our tourism calendar from October to April.
ATEC Explore Victoria was held on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February in Geelong. What an amazing job Geelong & Bellarine Tourism in collaboration with ATEC and Visit Victoria did on holding this event. We participated in over 30 meetings with industry buyers and caught up with many sellers that we work with. The fun part now begins with the follow up.
Some of the highlights from this month’s tours include:
Wine tasting along with a grazing board and pizza at Boat O’Craigo on our Yarra Valley Private Experience.
The wedding of Rhys & Lauren, involving a Bridal Party Transfer, Grooms Transfers, Newly Weds Getaway and the movement of approximately 100 guests to and from the wedding in and around the Yarra Valley.
Our guests requested a unique dining experience on their Phillip Island tour. Challenge accepted, they enjoyed a pizza and drink overlooking Sunset Point.
Review of the Month
This month’s feature review is from one of our Melbourne Sights & Surrounds experiences as a Shore Excursion. The tour was led by Chauffeur Guide Kylie, assisted by Sarah and we’d like to thank Tracie for her kind feedback.
Destination of the Month – Phillip Island
Did you know that Phillip Island’s famous Penguin Parade over 100 years old? The first Penguin parade outings started in the 1921 – in fact, the Penguin Parade is even older than the first bridge connecting Phillip Island to the mainland, which wasn’t opened until 1940.
Phillip Island is a bona fide wonderland of Australian native wildlife with over 40 different species making their home here, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, Australia’s largest colony of fur seals, and an incredible array of birdlife including the world-famous Little Penguins.
Phillip Island’s main feature is, of course, its famous fairy penguins. Every night groups of these little marvels waddle their way out of the surf, across the beach and to their nesting boxes, under the delighted gaze of thousands of visitors per year.
The Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Farm provide endless opportunities for animal lovers to get up close and personal with some of our most iconic wildlife, as well as experiencing a working 19th century farmstead.
For those of you who prefer your entertainment a little more-high octane, the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit is a must visit. The history of motorsport museum highlights the island’s racing heritage from 1928 through to the present day with a dazzling array of motorcycles and memorabilia.
From Western Port Bay to the rugged coastline of Bass Strait, the scenery, vistas, and environment is constantly changing. Whether it is the calm water inside Western Port Bay which is a fisherman’s playground, or the spectacular surf along Bass Coast side of the island. There is something for everyone marvel in.
Our Phillip Island Experience is a great day out for guests of all ages and it’s a constant favourite with couples and family groups alike. You can find out more about our Island experiences here.
Stay tuned for more news in our next edition of ‘Have you heard Y.E.T?!’ and in the meantime, if you haven’t yet subscribed, you can do so here: