The South East of Australia

DAY 1 : ADELAIDE

Welcome to Adelaide!

On arrival, make your own way to your accommodation.

Adelaide is full of culture, tastes, events, and entertainment. Taste the world-famous wine regions just minutes from the city, sunbathe on one of the metropolitan beaches, attend festivals and events or spend the night exploring the thriving restaurant and bar scene. Adelaide is the gateway to some of Australia’s best wine regions, with tourist attractions including lush parks and some of the country’s best beaches.

DAY 2 : ADELAIDE

Meet your private guide at the hotel and depart for a walking tour of Adelaide.

Spend a morning exploring the must-see attractions of Adelaide CBD. Your first stop is the Central Market. Each of the stalls has its own individual character so you will be greeted with a tempting array of tasty delights and tantalising aromas. Whilst surrounded with so many intriguing sights and smells, what never changes is the warm welcome you will receive – recognised as the trade mark of this cultural Adelaide icon. Whether or not you have skills in the kitchen, the market will never fail to inspire you with fresh culinary ambition! You will then head to Rundle Mall, the heart of the city, full of street performers and sprinkled with unique sculptures. Its central location provides quick and easy access to the main cultural attractions, such as the South Australian Museum containing the most important Aboriginal artefact collection in the world. Each showcased item is displayed in a way to immerse you in the story of the fascinating and unique Aboriginal culture and heritage. Finally, you will stroll along the meandering paths of the stunning Adelaide Botanic Garden discovering emblematic Australian plants, giant water lilies, stunning pavilions, and even a tropical rainforest. Your visit will be filled with surprises and discoveries along the way – a not-to-be-missed experience.

In the afternoon, make your own way to Glenelg Marina and enjoy a 75 minutes Cultural Safari Cruise: travel along the beautiful coastline as you learn the culture and history of the traditional aboriginal owners of this land. A unique insight into the history, culture and heritage of the traditional custodians. An experienced local guide will provide awareness of Glenelg’s significant aboriginal history whilst you cruise the Adelaide coastline. Relax on Adelaide Ocean Safari’s new vessel, which provides comfortable seating and undercover protection and takes you to locations only visible by water. A perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local Aboriginal stories and their connection to the ocean and land.

DAY 3 : BAROSSA VALLEY

Depart for a full day tour to Barossa Valley.

Australia’s best and most renowned wine region. Barossa is a beautiful region with historic villages, vineyards and farms dotted with mosaic views. The scenery from inside the cellar doors is as impressive as it is from the street, with tasting rooms steeped in history and atmosphere, or just located to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. With over 150 wineries, 550 winemaking families and some of the oldest vineyards in the world, it is no wonder that Barossa is one of the world’s great wine regions.

Avoid the crowds and get off the beaten path on the Barossa Valley wine tour with a difference. The tour will discover lesser-known boutique wineries that are big on character, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch that’s big on flavour. With a flexible tour itinerary and a super small group you’ll avoid the crowds and taste the premium wines the region has become so well-known for. No matter the destination, the focus is always on premium quality wine, passionate hosts, and an authentic, intimate experience. Premium touring at its best! Known for it’s heavy-hitting red wines the Barossa is a Shiraz lover’s delight, with a good measure of bright zippy Rieslings and plenty of refreshing Rosé to break things up.

DAY 4 : MC LAREN VALE - KANGAROO ISLAND

Leave your Adelaide hotel and depart for Cape Jervis in a fascinating 4WD tour.

Keen to experience what hidden gems lie between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island? The Road to Kangaroo Island is an unexpected delight – a genuine adventure embracing premium local food and wine, exhilarating off-road tracks through pristine national parks, wildlife sightings, a delicious outdoor lunch and a sensational beach drive. By using the exclusive route with access to locations not available to other operators, this tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the hidden gems of the richly endowed Fleurieu Peninsula.

On the way to the Cape, be captivated by the spectacular Onkaparinga Gorge via thrilling off-road tracks and sample handmade local cheeses along with McLaren Vale’s acclaimed Shiraz at the river’s edge. Visit a quirky cellar door, and enjoy a highly unique al-fresco private lunch at Off Piste’s ‘surprise location’. Learn about the history and geology of this ancient peninsula finishing off with a majestic beach drive before embarking for South Australia’s own ‘Galapagos Island’.

The tour finishes at Cape Jervis in good time for the 6:00pm Sealink ferry to Kangaroo Island.

In Kangaroo Island, you will enjoy a Glamping Experience, sleeping in an eco-luxury tent surrounded by nature.

Located within a private area of the park, your eco-friendly luxury tent is set amongst native bushland with stunning views of the ocean. They are a true “Glamping Experience” decorated to a different theme. Glampers will adore the large luminous windows that the tent boasts, which let in plenty of natural light and offer striking views of the picturesque scenery outside

The Seafront Eco Tents are very luxurious and can sleep two guests in the comfortable queen-size bed. Owing to their deluxe amenities – This glamping getaway is a truly authentic Oceanview hideaway. This amazing glamping tent is the perfect choice for couples.

DAY 5 : KANGAROO ISLAND

Discover Kangaroo Island on its best with an eco-tour in 4WD.

Tour through several island habitats and see wildlife in its natural environment. Kangaroo Island is a haven for Australian wildlife, which exists in its natural habitat without the threat of introduced predators. Listen to the distinct sounds of the native birdlife as they chorus from the tall eucalyptus trees. As you travel the island keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles and wildflowers.

At the spectacular Seal Bay Conservation Park, your guide will escort you on a memorable walk along the beach. This bay is home to a healthy Australian sea lion colony. Walk among the sea lions as they bask on the beach or among the sand dunes after their extensive fishing expedition. With your guide you are able to stand at a safe distance to these wonderful endangered creatures and hear them sigh and watch them at play. This is a truly unforgettable experience — one that you will treasure forever.

Enter the exclusive Heritage-listed natural bush property to enjoy a delicious gourmet style picnic lunch with South Australian wines. Following your lunch with a pleasant bushwalk or beach stroll. Travel through the island’s interior keeping an eye out for koalas and echidnas. Explore the spectacular beaches and enjoy a bushwalk. Listen for Australia’s rarest cockatoo, the Kangaroo Island glossy black cockatoo and watch out for the Tammar wallaby, with its small, fine features, in its natural habitat. Later in the afternoon, as the day draws to a close, see the kangaroos leave the safety of the bush to begin grazing on the open pastures.

DAY 6 : MELBOURNE

Be transferred to Kingscote Airport for a scenic flight back to Adelaide on time for your departure flight to Melbourne.

On arrival at Melbourne Airport, make your own way to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 7 : MELBOURNE

Meet with your private guide at the hotel and depart for a walking tour.

Join this indulgent morning walk through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets, and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover artisanal and specialty retailers, that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways. Soak in the city via all your senses, and engage with passionate creatives.

Your tour ends at Queen Victoria Market (closed on Monday and Wednesday):  the largest and most intact surviving 19th century market in the city. The Queen Victoria Market is historically, architecturally and socially significant and has been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Spend the rest of the day discovering the city centre at your own pace. Visit the modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art.

DAY 8 : GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Depart for an Eco Tour of 3 days/2 night Great Ocean Road Tour including Grampians National Park. 

The tour company has strong environmental sustainability ethics and they are committed not only to showcasing the wonders and beauty of nature with their guests, but also ensuring they are preserved and cared for well into the future.

Depart from cosmopolitan Melbourne driving along on the world-famous Great Ocean Road Grampians Adventure Tour. Passing legendary surf beaches before stopping in Kennett River to go koala spotting and listen to the abundant birdlife. Upon leaving Apollo Bay we take a guided walk in the Otway Rainforest and enjoy lunch. Later, visit the amazing Twelve Apostles rock formation and Loch Ard Gorge.

Overnight in Warrnambool.

DAY 9 : GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK

After seeing more wonders along the Great Ocean Road we visit Tower Hill National Park, an extinct volcano plain, rich in Aboriginal history and an abundance of wildlife. Later we hike up to the iconic Pinnacles and get an amazing view of the Grampians at the top.

Enjoyable a traditional Aussie BBQ and overnight stay in Halls Gap.

DAY 10 : GRAMPIANS - MELBOURNE

Spend the day discovering the National Park. Located west of Melbourne, this rugged bush landscape is alive with Australian flora and fauna, such as kangaroos, emus and birds. The Grampians National Park is a unique and majestic region, where you can experience breath-taking views and scenery.

Start today with a hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls, the highest waterfalls in the Grampians National Park. We then check out some other famed sights such as The Balconies, and Reeds Lookout and Jaws of Death.

After an amazing 3 days, arrive back in Melbourne early in the evening.

DAY 11 : MELBOURNE

Depending on your preference, choose between a tour to Phillip Island which includes a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary and the famous penguin parade, or a gourmet tour to the winery region of Yarra Valley.

OPTION 1) PHILLIP ISLAND TOUR. Drive south-east from Melbourne to reach Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. The journey then leads onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the Island, depending on the time of year and your interests, you will visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. Next you will be amazed by the dramatic west coast of the Island. At the Nobbies stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this rugged coastline, see the blowhole and be mesmerised by the stunning views. You might even encounter your first penguin nests. During the daylight savings months, you will travel to the town of Cowes where you will have free time for dinner. In the winter months you can have something to eat at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. Finally, a trip to Phillip Island is not complete without its blacktie gala event: the Penguin Parade. Head to the Visitor Centre to shop, have a coffee and meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform where you will see the little penguins come ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows.

OPTION 2) YARRA VALLEY TOUR. While the Yarra Valley is a world-renowned wine growing region, wine is only half the story of this gourmet wonderland! Start the day with an exclusive farm gate visit at Yarra Farm Fresh, for a palate-cleansing fruit experience. You will learn about what’s in season, and sample a range of locally grown fruits and hand made products. Next travel to one of the area’s true icons, De Bortoli Wines where you will enjoy a tasting from their extensive range of quality wines. The amazing produce at the Yarra Valley Dairy will truly melt in your mouth. The cheeses here are truly stunning and will have your taste buds working overtime! Lunch is at the fabulous Rochford Wines where guests can choose from four different main meals, with a glass of wine & tea/coffee. After lunch on to one of Australia’s great wineries and member of the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Yering Station. Home of Victoria’s oldest vineyards, first planted in 1838, the wines here are of exceptional quality and a tasting here is not to be missed. Before returning to Melbourne, you will visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie where you’re welcomed with an exclusive chocolate tasting, displays of thousands of premium chocolates and European chocolatiers at work handcrafting their chocolate creations.

DAY 12 : SYDNEY

Take your flight to Sydney and arrive at your hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure. If your flight arrival time permits, walk to The Rocks area: discover this historic district, the cradle of colonization. Through these picturesque streets, you will relive the beginning of the colonization of the continent. This charming district now houses faithfully restored 19th-century buildings, restaurants and Aboriginal art galleries. Enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the many pubs in this area.

DAY 13 : SYDNEY

Today, you will join a tour to explore the northern side of the city with a snorkel tour (8:00am to 12:00pm).

First you will drive across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Spit Bridge, enjoying the views and commentary. Visit a local’s beach just North of Manly called Curl Curl where you can enjoy some snacks and a warm drink while you check the surf and watch the ocean. Stroll along the coastal boardwalk along the rocky shoreline, which feels like you are walking on water.

Later, visit the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame and Iconic Duke Statue at Freshwater Headland. It is then a short drive to Shelly Beach to experience the 2 hours snorkel and walk tour of the Cabbage Tree Bay at Shelly Beach. You will experience a unique and amazing coastal experience on this adventure with your local expert eco guide. Visit Manly on your own before catching the 30 minutes Manly ferry across Sydney Harbour back to the Circular Quay (ferry not included).

Rest of the day at leisure. You can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city that offers a unique view of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

At sunset, you can enjoy the free experience Badu Gili — meaning ‘water light’ in the language of the traditional owners of Bennelong Point, the Gadigal people — that explores ancient First Nations stories in a spectacular seven-minute projection. They illuminate the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sail year-round at sunset, 8:30pm, 9:00pm and 9:30pm*.

This evening, you can book a ticket for a show at the Icon Sydney Opera House, they vary from opera to comedy shows.

DAY 14 : BLUE MOUNTAINS

Explore the Blue Mountains with a strong environmental sustainability ethics tour. With a late morning departure, you avoid the crowds on this relaxed exploration of the Blue Mountains. A World Heritage-listed National Park with a rugged mountain range of unique sandstone formations and steep cliffs. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes and rich Aboriginal heritage.

After a delightful picnic lunch, you will go kangaroo spotting! The experienced tour guides know all the best places to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. You might even be lucky enough to spot some kangaroo joeys! You will continue to explore the amazing Jamison Valley. Hike along some impressive bush trails toward one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in New South Wales before getting up close to the legendary sandstone formation, the iconic Three Sisters. To end the day you will settle in to watch the sun sink behind the distant mountains creating a magical natural light show, casting shadows over the rock formations and eucalyptus forests.

DAY 15 : SYDNEY

Day at leisure.

Discover Sydney’s most famous beach: Bondi Beach.

OPTIONAL: Book a surf lesson. ​Awaken the surfer within you during this 2-hour introductory surf lesson. Even if this is your first time around a board, the instructor will have you safely up and onto your first wave before you’ve had time to worry about falling off. The instructors’ surf in small groups (maximum 5 only), starting with important surf and safety rules and covering all the basics from warm-up to paddling, catching waves and standing.

Take your time to walk along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. This clifftop coastal walk, extends for 6km in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The walk features stunning views, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools. The beaches and parks offer a place to rest, swim or a chance to eat at one of the cafes, hotels and restaurants.

On your way to the city, you can explore some characteristic suburbs like Paddington, Kings Cross, China Town or Surry Hills.

DAY 16 : END OF ITINERARY

Make your own arrangement to the airport. End of our services, see you soon!