Join us for an unforgettable painting and sketching journey through two of regional Victoria's most character-filled destinations. From the timeless beauty of the Murray River and its historic paddle steamers to the grand architecture and heritage of Bendigo's gold-rush era, this workshop offers an inspiring combination of painting, sketching, exploration, history and friendship. Our journey takes us through some of Victoria's most evocative landscapes and historic towns. We will paint beside the Murray River, explore the atmospheric streets of historic Echuca, discover the vineyards and countryside surrounding the region, and immerse ourselves in the grand architecture and gardens of Bendigo and the gold-rush township of Maldon. With beautiful landscapes, historic streetscapes and fascinating subjects around every corner, each day presents a new opportunity to paint, sketch, learn and experience the distinctive character of regional Victoria.
ACCOMMODATION
DINING
TRANSPORT AND SIGHTSEEING


Distinguished Australian artist David Taylor has exhibited with major watercolour societies around the world and has gained international acclaim, receiving numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. David was named the Victorian Artists Society "Artist of the Year" in 1976, 1980 and 1989. In the early 1980s, he received one of the highest honours available to an Australian watercolourist when he was elected to the prestigious Australian Watercolour Institute. Highly respected internationally for both his painting and his teaching, David brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to every workshop. His approach combines professional expertise with a generous and encouraging teaching style, helping participants develop their own understanding and enjoyment of watercolour. David's warmth, enthusiasm and approachable nature have made his workshops highly sought after. His reputation as both an accomplished artist and an inspiring tutor means that places on his workshops are often in high demand.

DAY 1 Monday 8 November 2027 Melbourne to Echuca
Our journey begins at midday, when we depart Melbourne Tullamarine Airport by private coach and travel north to the historic river port of Echuca. Situated on the banks of the mighty Murray River, Echuca flourished during the golden age of river trade and was once Australia's busiest inland port. Today, Echuca's beautifully restored wharf and historic streetscape capture the atmosphere of this remarkable period. The river, historic buildings, paddle steamers and magnificent river red gums provide a wealth of inspiration for artists. This evening, we gather for welcome drinks before enjoying our first included dinner together.
DAY 2 Tuesday 9 November 2027 Painting in Historic Echuca
A short walk takes us to the historic Port of Echuca, where timber buildings, weathered wharves, paddle steamers and the ever-changing light on the Murray provide an extraordinary range of subjects. David will introduce you to some of the most inspiring locations and subjects, providing guidance and encouragement throughout the day.
DAY 3 Wednesday 10 November 2027 The Mighty Murray River
This morning we step aboard a historic paddle steamer for a leisurely cruise along the magnificent Murray River. As we glide through the peaceful river landscape, there will be ample opportunity to photograph the scenery and observe the distinctive forms of the magnificent river red gums, reflections and ever-changing light. In the afternoon, we return to the riverbanks with our paints. David will select some beautiful locations along the Murray where we can capture the atmosphere and character of this quintessential Australian landscape.
DAY 4 Thursday 11 November 2027 Vineyards & River Country
Today we leave the town behind and venture into the surrounding countryside for a special day of painting at a local winery. Surrounded by vineyards and beautiful rural scenery, we will enjoy a relaxed day painting amongst the vines, with views extending towards the Murray River. An included lunch will add to the enjoyment of this memorable day in the Victorian countryside.
DAY 5 Friday 12 November 2027 Final Day in Echuca
Our final day in Echuca gives us one more opportunity to explore and paint this fascinating river town. David will present a painting demonstration during the day, followed by individual tuition, allowing each workshop member to develop their own work with personalised guidance. This evening there will be an included dinner.
DAY 6 Saturday 13 November 2027 Echuca to Bendigo
This morning we farewell Echuca and travel to the historic gold-rush city of Bendigo. The discovery of enormous quantities of gold transformed Bendigo in the 19th century, creating a city of extraordinary wealth and ambition. Grand public buildings, elegant residences, impressive gardens and magnificent churches remain as reminders of this remarkable period. Bendigo's historic streets and quiet side roads reveal an extraordinary variety of architecture, from grand Victorian and Baroque buildings to Gothic and Georgian residences. There will be time today to begin discovering the city and to find our first painting subjects. This evening there will be an included dinner.
DAY 7 Sunday 14 November 2027 Painting in Bendigo
Today David will begin with a demonstration, sharing his approach to capturing the architecture, atmosphere and light of this remarkable city. The remainder of the day will be devoted to painting, with David providing individual tuition and encouragement as you develop your work.
DAY 8 Monday 15 November 2027 Maldon: A Step Back in Time
Today we travel to the enchanting gold-mining town of Maldon, renowned for its remarkably preserved 19th-century character. For artists, Maldon is a treasure trove of subjects - from colourful gardens and charming cottages to old timber buildings, shopfronts and atmospheric streets. David will begin the day with a demonstration before providing individual tuition and assistance throughout the painting session. At the end of the day, we return to Bendigo.
DAY 9 Tuesday 16 November 2027 Painting in Historic Castlemaine
After breakfast, we travel to the charming goldfields town of Castlemaine, renowned for its beautifully preserved 19th century architecture, vibrant arts community and picturesque streetscapes. Throughout the day, David Taylor will provide expert tuition as you capture the character and atmosphere of this historic regional centre in watercolour. There will be ample time to develop your work, receive individual guidance and enjoy the town's relaxed creative atmosphere. Following a rewarding day of painting, we return to Bendigo.
DAY 10 Wednesday 17 November 2027 Final Paintings & Farewell
Our final day is an opportunity to enjoy one last day of painting in beautiful Bendigo. With time to refine and complete our work, workshop members can put the finishing touches to their paintings while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of our final day together. Later, we will gather for a final critique session, an opportunity to share our work, reflect on the week and celebrate the progress made throughout the workshop. This evening we come together for farewell drinks and our final dinner, celebrating the friendships, experiences and paintings created during our journey through Echuca, the Murray River, Maldon and Bendigo.
DAY 11 Thursday 18 November 2027 Bendigo to Melbourne
After breakfast, we farewell Bendigo and our wonderful painting journey through regional Victoria. We will transfer by private coach to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, arriving in time for flights departing after 12.00pm.
| Workshop price per person twin-share | Single supplement | Non-painter discount |
|---|---|---|
| $4,595 | $1,095 | $250 |
1. PAYMENT CONDITIONS: A reservation deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 91 days prior to the date of departure. No more than $5,000 per booking may be paid to Travelrite by credit card, the balance must use another approved method.
2. ALTERATION TO WORKSHOP VACATION PRICE:
The Painting Workshop Vacation price is subject to change in the event of unforeseen circumstances and changes in the cost of travel and accommodation services. Should any increase in the Workshop Vacation price be unacceptable to the registered member, a full refund of monies paid will be made.
3. CANCELLATION AND AMENDMENTS:
Cancellations received in writing 91 or more days from the date of departure will result in a cancellation fee of $500 per person. Cancellations received 91 or fewer days before departure will result in a loss of all monies paid. There are no refunds for services not utilized while on a Workshop Vacation. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover Workshop members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the Workshop Vacation and for cancellation fees that could result from illness, accident, death or other contingencies. Once a booking has been confirmed, one amendment to travel arrangements will be made free of charge. Subsequent changes to travel arrangements will incur an amendment fee of $25 per change in addition to supplier charges.
4. MINIMUM WORKSHOP VACATION NUMBERS:
Each Painting Workshop Vacation has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of members travelling. In the event that fewer than the minimum number of members have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of commencement, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the Workshop Vacation, giving a full refund of monies paid, or to offer arrangements to proceed with the Workshop Vacation at a modified price.
5. GENERAL:
In the unlikely event that the Workshop tutor is unable to perform his or her duties due to unforeseen contingencies, Travelrite International reserves the right to substitute another artist as tutor or to continue with the Workshop Vacation as planned or to provide a cash refund to Workshop members equivalent to the value of the Workshop leadership. International Artist Painting Workshops can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing in the regions visited and it is important that all members have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in these activities without the need of assistance from others.
6. TAX CONSIDERATIONS:
If you regularly sell your own paintings, you may fall into the semi-professional or professional category for taxation purposes and the tour cost may be tax-deductible. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified tax adviser.
7. RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd., their agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these Workshop Vacations shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or of default of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, company or person rendering any services included in the Workshops, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism, or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expenses, omissions, delays, rerouting or acts of any government or authority. Baggage remains at owner's risk throughout the Workshop Vacation. The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these Painting Workshop Vacations and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any Painting Workshop Vacation and/or to make such changes in the Painting Workshop Vacation as may be found desirable for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying-out of the Painting Workshop Vacation. Registration for any Painting Workshop Vacation constitutes a contract which shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be taken in the State of Victoria.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing the online booking form or sending it with a deposit to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road,
Balwyn, VIC 3103 Australia
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Phone: 03 9836 2522
Email: [email protected]
www.paintingworkshops.net