Day 1 : Depart Melbourne for Warrnambool
Buckle up for an epic coastal road trip filled with pinch-me moments. This is one of the world’s most celebrated scenic drives and with every detail taken care of, all that’s left is for you to do is kick back and enjoy the beautiful views. Your journey along the scenic Great Ocean Road traverses World Heritage listed rainforest, and skirts untouched coastal coves. Stop at the Mediterranean-inspired, quaint seaside villages. In Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside retreat that welcomes Southern-right whales to its shores from winter to spring, watch as the boats come into the harbour. Visit the limestone Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge before arriving in Warrnambool, the whaling capital. At the end of this highlight day, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Accommodation : Lady Bay Resort
Day 2 : Through Wine Country to Naracoorte
Emus and koalas... these are just a couple of the animals you'll likely see as you drive through Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve - housed in a dormant volcanic crater. This pocket of paradise was once wasteland, transformed by volunteers. Then, cross the South Australia border to Mt. Gambier, home to the crater-filling Blue Lake. Your next stop is the celebrated wine-making region of Coonawarra, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a tasting at a local winery. Indulge in the full-bodied, fruity flavours in the region’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced on its 'terra rossa' soil and learn how the region played a leading role in Australia’s wine industry since the 1890s. Continue your journey to the Naracoorte Caves, a World Heritage site, where you'll be taken on a guided tour with a Local Specialist through Alexandra Cave, its crown jewel which was discovered in 1908.
Accommodation : William MacIntosh Motor Lodge
Day 3 : Nature's playground, Kangaroo Island
Ease into the laidback lifestyle encouraged by the locals of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula and visit Victor Harbor at lunchtime. Delve into the town’s reputation for being heaven for foodies as you enjoy lunch on your own at one of its favourite restaurants. This afternoon, board your ferry at Cape Jervis and cross to Kangaroo Island, where pristine beaches and abundant wildlife wait to be discovered. It deserves its moniker, as you’ll discover tomorrow, but for the rest of the day, all you need to do is relax at your hotel in Kingscote, or perhaps take a stroll along the picturesque waters edge.
Accommodation : Aurora Ozone
Day 4 : Explore Kangaroo Island
Accommodation : Aurora Ozone
Day 5 : Festival City Adelaide
Continue your Australia tour to the capital of South Australia, Adelaide, known for its well-preserved churches and well-admired cuisine. After an Adelaide city tour, the afternoon is yours to explore how you wish. You could indulge your foodie side with a tour of the famous Adelaide Central Market, the city's premier food destination, or visit the National Wine Centre for tastings and a masterclass learning about the role wine has played in Australia’s history, the position of Australian wine in the international market, and the relationship between food and wine.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza
Day 6 : The Bountiful Barossa
The rolling Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf, and Australia's premier Shiraz producing region, the Barossa, lay ahead of you today. Your first stop is Mt. Lofty for sweeping views of Adelaide before stopping to stretch your legs in the quaint village of Hahndorf settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants and known for its original German-style architecture and stone cottages. Continue to the Barossa to discover the local flavours over lunch at Lambert Estate, nestled in the rolling hills enveloped by vines, followed by a wine or gin tasting at Maggie Beer's Pheasant Farm. You’ll end the trip on a high note returning to the city for a Farewell Dinner at Koomo, Adelaide’s highest restaurant, where you’ll toast your adventures enjoying city views and feasting on Japanese-and-Asian-influenced dishes.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza
Day 7 : Farewell Adelaide
Your journey through the beautiful natural landscapes and stylish cities of Southern Australia at its end, say farewell to your fellow travellers as you transfer to Adelaide Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).