Register Your Interest - The One Day Irish Experience Bus Tour

John Rodden is the President of the Irish Australia Support and Resource Bureau and a long-time supporter of the Irish community in Australia. Known for his generosity, warmth and deep pride in Irish heritage, John has spent many years helping Irish people and those of Irish descent stay connected to their culture, history and community.

With a strong interest in Irish stories and the journeys of those who left Ireland to build new lives abroad, John brings a wealth of knowledge and a friendly, welcoming presence to the One Day Irish Experience Tour. On the day, John will also be your driver, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable journey while sharing insights about the Irish-Australian connection along the way.

Guests often appreciate John’s easy going nature and genuine passion for bringing people together. Whether you are exploring your family roots, enjoying Irish culture, or simply looking for a memorable day out, John helps create a warm atmosphere where people can connect, learn, and enjoy the experience together.

Stephanie Woollard OAM is an Australian social entrepreneur, speaker and passionate advocate for meaningful travel that connects people to their roots. A proud second-generation Irish Australian, Stephanie has long felt a deep love for Ireland—its stories, landscapes, music and enduring sense of community. That personal connection inspired her to create experiences that help others rediscover where they come from.

She is the founder of The Celtic Way and the Irish Family Heritage Trust, initiatives dedicated to helping people explore their Irish ancestry through travel, storytelling and local connections. Through these journeys, participants don’t just visit Ireland—they meet communities, walk the places their ancestors lived, and experience the culture in a deeply personal way.

Stephanie’s work is driven by a belief that travel can create deep connections across generations and cultures. Her tours focus on slow travel, heritage, and authentic encounters—offering guests not only memorable moments, but truly priceless experiences that bring family history to life.

Meet John Rodden, President of this impactful organisation supporting some of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of the community, and gain insight into the meaningful work supported by the funds raised throughout the day, and the lasting difference these contributions help create.
 

Feel free to come early at around 10:40AM and help yourself to coffee and tea before the journey. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the 1.5-hour journey to Sovereign Hill, with engaging historical insights and traditional Irish tunes shared along the way, including a pleasant morning tea stop en route. 🍀

The Irish Murphy's is a historic Ballarat pub with deep Irish roots and a welcoming local feel. Known for quality pub meals, a friendly atmosphere, and a well-kept bar, it blends traditional charm with a relaxed gastropub style. It’s a favourite spot for those who enjoy a quieter, authentic local pub experience while still connecting to Ballarat’s Irish heritage

Eureka Centre

Head to the Eureka Centre to begin understanding the deeper political and social story of the goldfields. Here you explore the events leading up to the Eureka Stockade, when miners protested against unfair licensing laws and harsh policing.

Inside the centre, you’ll learn about the Irish role in shaping the movement for justice and representation. One of the key figures introduced here is Peter Lalor, an Irish-born miner who became the symbolic leader of the rebellion. This stop provides essential context for everything that follows.
 

 Eureka Stockade Site

Walk from the centre to the original site of the Eureka uprising, where the rebellion took place on 3 December 1854. Standing here gives a sense of the physical scale and urgency of the moment—where miners built a wooden stockade and prepared to defend their rights.

This is where Peter Lalor was wounded and where the uprising was quickly suppressed, yet its legacy endured. It is one of the most significant sites in Australian democratic history, often linked to the emergence of the “fair go” ethos.

Arrive in Ballarat for an exclusive VIP tour of Sovereign Hill. Discover the history of Irish immigrants and settlers in Australia, hear fascinating stories of courage, community, and wit, and experience the gold rush era brought vividly to life. This immersive tour is as fun as it is educational, connecting you to your Irish roots every step of the way.

Return to Melbourne and unwind at The Celtic Club with a traditional Irish dinner. Savour hearty classics, sip your favourite drinks, and prepare for a night of pure Irish merriment.

Let the night come alive with singer sessions, live musicians, Irish songs, poetry, and storytelling. The session is led by Kathryn Clements and Suzette Herft who are amazing Australian singer songwriters with a love for Irish music

Join in, tap your feet, or simply soak in the atmosphere of a room buzzing with laughter, music, and the warm spirit of Ireland—a perfect finale to your one-day Irish adventure.

Feel free to enjoy the music as long as you like and leave at your leisure. The night will probably finished by 10:30PM.