Tastes of Southern Australia
PREMIUM ESCORTED TOUR
CANBERRA | BEECHWORTH | MELBOURNE | WARRNAMBOOL | GREAT OCEAN ROAD | KANGAROO ISLAND | ADELAIDE | BAROSSA VALLEY
From the pomp of the nation’s capital, Canberra, to the laid back eclectic café lifestyle of Australia’s most European city, Melbourne; the stunning scenery of the Snowy Mountains and Mount Gambier to the delectable treasures of the Barossa Valley vineyards; the amazing wildlife of Kangaroo Island to Adelaide, the “City of Churches”, and the fantastic Great Ocean Road drive and Twelve Apostles, there’s something for everyone on this tour. See the stunning Kosciuszko National Park and stay in a preserved gold rush town; learn about Aboriginal culture and wine making as you explore the very best of Southern Australia.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Kangaroo Island for incredible wildlife
- Sample wines in the Barossa Valley
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Your Itinerary
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
Day 1 : Sydney - Canberra
Depart Sydney early this morning for your journey to the nation’s capital via the Southern Highlands with a stop at historic Berrima. Visit Gold Creek Station, a working sheep farm, for a taste of country life from a local expert including a welcome reception and an Aussie barbecue lunch. The nation’s capital, Canberra, was once little more than a sheep station. Planned in 1908 and designed by an American architect its place as the seat of the federal government ended decades of rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. On arrival you’ll tour through Parliament House with a local guide and visit the Australian War Memorial before enjoying dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Canberra
Day 2 : Canberra- Beechworth
Before departing Canberra, you’ll visit the summit of Mt. Ainslie in Canberra Nature Park to take in views of this unique city and surrounding ranges. Then journey over the mighty Murray River into Victoria taking the scenic route to historic Beechworth, Victoria’s best preserved gold rush town for your unique overnight stay in one of the Bed and Breakfast properties. Get to know Beechworth with an orientation, then enjoy some free time to explore the legendary Beechworth Bakery and antique
shops, galleries and the museum.
Hotel: Boutique Country Accommodation
Day 3 : Beechworth - Melbourne
Travel through Glenrowan and Ned Kelly country to culturally diverse and cosmopolitan Melbourne, for a city tour on arrival. This evening, perhaps take a relaxing walk to Southbank for a stroll along the Yarra River.
Hotel for 2 nights: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne
Day 4 : Melbourne
Today Melbourne is all yours to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll visit Eureka Skydeck for fantastic views of Melbourne, or join a Hunt & Gather Food Tour of Queen Victoria Market to take in the life, sounds and stories of the historic marketplace. Taste your way around the market’s seemingly endless food stalls or take a guided walk through Melbourne’s hidden laneways and arcades. These hidden laneways house some of the best café’s, boutique shops and street art the city has to offer.
Day 5 : Melbourne - Warnnambool
Hold on to your seats today for one of the world’s great road trips – the Great Ocean Road. You’ll get plenty of photo opportunities along this coastal road. Stop in the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay before you visit the amazing Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, before finishing the day in Warrnambool.
Hotel: Quality Suites Deep Blue, Warrnambool
Day 6 : Warrnambool – Naracoorte
This morning visit Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill State Game Reserve. The area was a rich food source for the Koroit Gundidj people whose descendants retain links with this country. Your guide will provide you with an Aboriginal perspective about flora, wildlife, volcanic formations, bush existence and medicinal practices. Continue into Mt. Gambier to visit the mysterious Blue Lake and then travel on to Coonawarra, a small strip of land in the heart of the Limestone Coast. The landscape, people and passion of this wine region are what make it world-renowned, and the wine produced here unmistakably speaks of it’s place. Stop at the iconic Wynn’s Estate vineyard for a wine tasting. Afterwards you’ll continue to Naracoorte where you will experience a 30 minute guided walk through The Alexandria Cave, one of 28 limestone caves in this World Heritage-listed park, before continuing to your hotel for the night.
Hotel: William MacIntosh Motor Lodge
Day 7 : Naracoorte - Kangaroo Island
Journey to Fleurieu Peninsula and visit the seaside town of Victor Harbor at lunchtime. This afternoon board your ferry at Cape Jervis, bound for Kangaroo Island, famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and its fresh local produce. Kick off your island adventure with a visit to South Australia’s only boutique distillery to taste a selection of their handcrafted premium spirits. All the spirits are hand made in small batches onsite, so you’ll be able to smell the aroma of botanicals, citrus peel or even fennel lingering as you taste the award winning Australian Gin and delicious liqueurs. Finish up with a short journey to Kingscote, and rest up for the exciting day that awaits you tomorrow.
Hotel for 2 nights: Aurora Ozone Hotel
Day 8 : Kangaroo Island
Today explore Kangaroo Island! Visit spectacular Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch in Flinders Chase National Park and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery, where you may even spot koalas, wallabies and kangaroos. Later “You’re Invited” to Andermel Marron Farm for an experience that captures much that is very special about the island. You’ll see the Marron (freshwater crayfish) tanks and enjoy a tasting of the farm’s very own Two Wheeler Creek wine and farm-produced bush tucker before indulging in some marron for lunch. You can choose to try a hot or cold marron dish, or something else equally as delicious with a glass of wine before indulging a little more with dessert. It’s up to you! Afterwards join a ranger at Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among a colony of sea lions. Stroll the rugged coastline whilst admiring stunning views and learning all about the “puppies of the sea”.
Day 9 : Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
This morning, board your ferry to cross back to the mainland and travel to the picturesque Adelaide, the ‘City of Churches’. Choose from a selection of three Included Choice sightseeing experiences. A guided tour of The Art Gallery or a 1.5 hour guided walk through historic Adelaide’s North Precinct. For the animal lover, maybe The Adelaide Zoo would appeal to you more. This evening you’re free to explore Adelaide and enjoy a meal at any of the wonderful local restaurants. Did you know that Adelaide boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia?
Hotel for 2 nights: Stamford Plaza
Day 10 : Adelaide Hills and the Barossa
Pull on your elastic-waisted pants – today is one of indulgences through the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa, dotted with atmospheric towns like Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. A Barossa and Hahndorf tour reveals the bountiful food and wine this pocket of the state is known for. And you’ll enjoy a tasting from small batch wine makers from across the valley as well as discovering local flavours at the historic South Australian Company Store, replete with century-old stone buildings enveloped by vines. Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Day 11 : Farewell from Adelaide
After an indulgent trip away, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers after breakfast when your holiday comes to an end. Not ready to head home yet? Why not consider a 3 or 4 night cruise on the Murray River - please ask for details.
