Day 1: Home Port to Adelaide

Today you will travel to Adelaide from your home port or, if you are already in the City of Churches, simply make your way to our hotel. Guests joining us after completing our Kangaroo Island tour will be transferred back to Adelaide by their tour driver. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation for the next two nights at the Ibis Styles Adelaide. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city before the tour officially begins. You will meet your driver this evening at dinner. If you require any assistance during your stay, the hotel can be contacted on (08) 8349 4999. (D)

 Day 2: Adelaide

After breakfast, discover why Adelaide is regarded as one of Australia’s most liveable cities on a leisurely guided sightseeing tour. Your driver will introduce you to many of the city’s landmarks, including the elegant North Terrace cultural precinct, Parliament House, Adelaide Oval, the River Torrens and the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Gardens. You will then travel to the popular seaside suburb of Glenelg, where there will be time to stroll along the foreshore, browse the boutique shops, or simply relax with a coffee while enjoying the coastal atmosphere. Returning to the city, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit Rundle Mall, one of the nearby museums or galleries, or simply relax before dinner this evening. (B, D)

 Day 3: Adelaide to Mt Gambier

After breakfast, farewell Adelaide as you begin your journey south-east towards the Limestone Coast. Travel through the picturesque Coorong National Park, a region renowned for its spectacular lagoons, abundant birdlife and sweeping coastal scenery. Enjoy a morning tea break at Meningie, situated on the shores of Lake Albert, before continuing through this unique landscape to Kingston SE, home to the famous “Big Lobster”, where a delicious lunch has been arranged. This afternoon, travel into the celebrated Coonawarra wine region, internationally renowned for its rich terra rossa soils and premium Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Enjoy a visit to one of the region’s acclaimed wineries for a tasting before continuing to Mount Gambier. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation at the Presidential Motel, your home for the evening. The contact number is 08 8724 9966 (B, L, D)

 Day 4: Mt Gambier to Warrnambool

This morning, discover two of Mount Gambier’s most iconic natural attractions. Begin with a visit to the spectacular Umpherston Sinkhole, a stunning sunken garden created within a collapsed limestone cave, before continuing to the famous Blue Lake. Renowned for its remarkable seasonal colour change, this volcanic crater lake is one of South Australia’s most recognisable natural landmarks. Leaving Mount Gambier behind, travel through the scenic Glenelg region to the historic riverside township of Nelson, where you will enjoy a relaxing lunch cruise along the picturesque Glenelg River. This afternoon, continue to Portland to experience a ride aboard the Portland Cable Tram, one of the few operational tourist trams in Australia, offering wonderful views of the city’s historic waterfront and coastline. Later, travel along the Shipwreck Coast to Warrnambool, where you will be welcomed for the evening at the Olde Maritime Motor Inn. The contact number is 03 5561 1415 (B, L, D)

Day 5: The Great Ocean Road & the 12 Apostles

An earlier start today for your scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. From Warrnambool travel north along The Great Ocean Road, visiting Port Campbell National Park; the Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge, another natural formation that has also been a popular television and film location.  When you see the coastline, you will understand the tragic history of the shipwrecked coast. See the stark stone pillars of the remaining eight “Twelve Apostles,” like great stone pillars rising out of the pounding surf at Port Campbell National Park.  Your coach driver will have details & prices available if anyone wants to treat themselves to a 16-minute helicopter ride for approximately $195 pp around this section of coastline. The Apostles were formed by erosion. The harsh weather conditions from the Southern Ocean gradually eroded the soft limestone shoreline to form caves in the cliffs, which then became arches, which in turn collapsed, leaving rock stacks up to 45 metres high. The Road was built by returned servicemen and women from the Great War, to provide employment & to open access to the many coastal towns along the way. Lunch will be provided at Port Campbell.

Day 6: Warrnambool to Melbourne Airport & Home

Depart this morning for your return journey and stop in Winchelsea for morning tea (own expense) before arriving in Geelong for a visit to the National Wool Museum for a tour and shopping. Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. For many years the city was known as the ‘wool centre of the world’. On 1 August 1872 the CJ Dennys & Co Woolstore (the home of the National Wool Museum) opened, adorning the corner of Moorabool and Brougham Streets, Geelong. At the time of opening, the basalt bluestone woolstore was the second largest store in Victoria and by many accounts the “most elaborate”. On the day of opening there was a banquet for 200 people on the third floor that was, of course, followed by a wool sale. Enjoy your ‘banquet’ before being delivered to Melbourne Airport for your flight home. (B,L)

With Kangaroo Island Add-on
Available at an additional cost. Please enquire for pricing and availability

Day 1: Journey to South Australia and Victor Harbor

Kangaroo Island is located south of Adelaide where you will meet your luxury coach and experienced driver at the airport who will look after you for the next few days. Drive to Victor Harbor – an early whaling station. A lovely hot lunch today overlooking the horse-drawn carriage to Granite Island at the Victor Hotel. Continue south to Cape Jervis to board your Sea-Link Ferry to across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island. Be amazed by the skill of the drivers of the sheep transports get loaded onto the ferry (and your coach) before your short 1-hour journey across the water. Once back on the coach on the island it’s just under an hour’s drive to Kingscote to the Aurora Ozone Hotel where you will spend the next 3 nights (08 85532011) (L,D)

Day 2: Explore Kangaroo Island

This morning after a hearty breakfast we tour to the other end of the island to Flinders Chase National Park – home to Sitting high on ancient rocky plat­forms above the sea, Remark­able Rocks’ surreal shapes and golden orange colours provide extraordinary photo opportunities. Admirals Arch at Cape du Couedic is not only an impressive rock arch, weather worn over thousands of years, it’s also home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals. After lunch at the new Visitors centre we travel to Seal Bay. Seal Bay has been home to an Australian sea lion population for thousands of years and offers one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences in the world. There are no enclosures or cages at Seal Bay. Instead, you will be taken into the heart of the colony where our experienced guides will teach you about these endangered animals. Truly an incredible experience. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Kangaroo Island Continued

After a late start where you can explore Kingscote, today we take in and visit some of the island’s unique businesses. Starting with the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery which is a family-owned business and popular Kangaroo Island tourist attraction since 1991. They produce 100% pure Australian Eucalyptus Oil from the KI Narrow Leaf Mallee. You’ll have time to ship before enjoying lunch there. Our next stop is Clifford’s honey farm – home to products produced by the Ligurian bee – one of the few locations in the world that produced disease free honey. Kangaroo Island is a Ligurian bee sanctuary and the oldest in the world. Due to their isolation, they have remained free of major bee diseases which infect mainland bees. Our final visit today is to Raptor Domain for their birds of prey show. Enjoy a delightful interactive experience with our friendly Barn Owls; have a laugh with Banjo and Paterson the laughing Kookaburras; meet an array of birds including majestic Wedge-tailed Eagles; incredibly aerobatic Black Kites; chatty Cockatoos and many more. These presentations are thought of by many to be the most interactive, fun and educational Birds of Prey display they have ever seen. (B,L,D)

Day 4: McLaren Vale and to Adelaide

Departing after breakfast this morning we retrace our steps to Penneshaw to join the SeaLink ferry back to the mainland before driving northward through stunning countryside of the Fleurieu Peninsula on the way to McLaren Vale where you will visit Wirra Wirra – a local winery for a signature lunch and tastings. Continue returning to Adelaide and arrive at the IBIS Styles hotel where you will start the Adelaide to Melbourne to package. Thank you for choosing this holiday. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Adelaide

After breakfast, discover why Adelaide is regarded as one of Australia’s most liveable cities on a leisurely guided sightseeing tour. Your driver will introduce you to many of the city’s landmarks, including the elegant North Terrace cultural precinct, Parliament House, Adelaide Oval, the River Torrens and the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Gardens. You will then travel to the popular seaside suburb of Glenelg, where there will be time to stroll along the foreshore, browse the boutique shops, or simply relax with a coffee while enjoying the coastal atmosphere. Returning to the city, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit Rundle Mall, one of the nearby museums or galleries, or simply relax before dinner this evening. (B, D)

Day 6: Adelaide to Mt Gambier

After breakfast, farewell Adelaide as you begin your journey south-east towards the Limestone Coast. Travel through the picturesque Coorong National Park, a region renowned for its spectacular lagoons, abundant birdlife and sweeping coastal scenery. Enjoy a morning tea break at Meningie, situated on the shores of Lake Albert, before continuing through this unique landscape to Kingston SE, home to the famous “Big Lobster”, where a delicious lunch has been arranged. This afternoon, travel into the celebrated Coonawarra wine region, internationally renowned for its rich terra rossa soils and premium Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Enjoy a visit to one of the region’s acclaimed wineries for a tasting before continuing to Mount Gambier. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation at the Presidential Motel, your home for the evening. The contact number is 08 8724 9966 (B, L, D)

Day 7: Mt Gambier to Warrnambool

This morning, discover two of Mount Gambier’s most iconic natural attractions. Begin with a visit to the spectacular Umpherston Sinkhole, a stunning sunken garden created within a collapsed limestone cave, before continuing to the famous Blue Lake. Renowned for its remarkable seasonal colour change, this volcanic crater lake is one of South Australia’s most recognisable natural landmarks. Leaving Mount Gambier behind, travel through the scenic Glenelg region to the historic riverside township of Nelson, where you will enjoy a relaxing lunch cruise along the picturesque Glenelg River. This afternoon, continue to Portland to experience a ride aboard the Portland Cable Tram, one of the few operational tourist trams in Australia, offering wonderful views of the city’s historic waterfront and coastline. Later, travel along the Shipwreck Coast to Warrnambool, where you will be welcomed for the evening at the Olde Maritime Motor Inn. The contact number is 03 5561 1415 (B, L, D)

Day 8: The Great Ocean Road & the 12 Apostles

An earlier start today for your scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. From Warrnambool travel north along The Great Ocean Road, visiting Port Campbell National Park; the Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge, another natural formation that has also been a popular television and film location.  When you see the coastline, you will understand the tragic history of the shipwrecked coast. See the stark stone pillars of the remaining eight “Twelve Apostles,” like great stone pillars rising out of the pounding surf at Port Campbell National Park.  Your coach driver will have details & prices available if anyone wants to treat themselves to a 16-minute helicopter ride for approximately $195 pp around this section of coastline. The Apostles were formed by erosion. The harsh weather conditions from the Southern Ocean gradually eroded the soft limestone shoreline to form caves in the cliffs, which then became arches, which in turn collapsed, leaving rock stacks up to 45 metres high. The Road was built by returned servicemen and women from the Great War, to provide employment & to open access to the many coastal towns along the way. Lunch will be provided at Port Campbell.

Day 9: Warrnambool to Melbourne Airport & Home

Depart this morning for your return journey and stop in Winchelsea for morning tea (own expense) before arriving in Geelong for a visit to the National Wool Museum for a tour and shopping. Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. For many years the city was known as the ‘wool centre of the world’. On 1 August 1872 the CJ Dennys & Co Woolstore (the home of the National Wool Museum) opened, adorning the corner of Moorabool and Brougham Streets, Geelong. At the time of opening, the basalt bluestone woolstore was the second largest store in Victoria and by many accounts the “most elaborate”. On the day of opening there was a banquet for 200 people on the third floor that was, of course, followed by a wool sale. Enjoy your ‘banquet’ before being delivered to Melbourne Airport for your flight home. (B,L)