Authentic Southern Australia

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. As hard as it is to say goodbye to Sydney, its just as easy to say hello to the Southern Highlands. South of the ‘Harbour City, the bucolic countryside of Berrima awaits – fun fact: this is the oldest Georgian village in Australia. Not far from here youre welcomed to Gold Creek Station by sheep farmer Craig Starr for a Be My Guest BBQ lunch and tales about life on the land. And what eye-catching land it is, ringed by glorious gardens and deciduous forest that changes colour with the seasons. Your Sydney to Melbourne trip continues onward to the country's cool little capital, home to Parliament House, where youll go behind the political scenes, as well as the Australian War Memorial. Hearing the Last Post on your Canberra guided tour is a moving experience.




Overnight in Canberra

After breakfast, get some Canberra perspective from the summit of Mt. Ainslie. You wont be able to see the Murray River, but youll soon cross it en route to Beechworth, Victorias best-preserved gold rush town. Get the lowdown on Beechworth over a chat with the publican of the historic local pub, then set you on your way to explore character-filled antiques stores, galleries, and museums at your leisure. There are plenty of charming places to refuel, as well, before Wangarattas cathedrals beckon.
Overnight in Wangaratta

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Meandering south toward historic Glenrowan, youre well and truly in Ned Kelly country – this is where the infamous bushranger and his gang were finally captured in 1880. Well tell you all the tales, then a few more about Melbourne, the home of Aussie rules football, some of the countrys best arts institutions, and a swag of stellar restaurants, cafés and bars. Once you have your bearings, explore as you will. We can help with evening restaurant reservations, as well as Melbourne laneway tours. But theres something magical about just getting lost in the art-filled alleys of Australias second-largest city, discovering underground jazz lounges and rooftop eateries to watch the sun set.




Overnight in Melbourne

Breakfast at hotel. Youre on your own today. Well, not really, because your Travel Director is at your service to help arrange sightseeing experiences. After youve enjoyed a strong coffee in one of Melbournes atmospheric laneways, that is. Adrenaline junkie? Linger in the city, gaining birds-eye views from the Eureka Skydeck, the Southern Hemispheres highest attraction, looming almost 300 metres above the ground. Animal lover? Venture out on a Phillip Island little penguin tour to see hundreds of these cute creatures pad from the ocean along the sand back to snuggle in their burrows for the night. Want to get back to nature? Chug through the lush Dandenong Ranges on the Puffing Billy Steam Train, followed by a sip or two of wine in the Yarra Valley. This cool-climate growing region makes standout chardonnay, pinot noir and sparklings. The choice is yours.
Overnight in Melbourne

Have breakfast before starting an amazing day. The Great Ocean Road is one of the worlds most epic journeys, a dramatic 240-kilometre union of limestone stacks (Twelve Apostles, were looking at you), World Heritage listed rainforest, untouched coastal coves and sleepy towns, like Lorne and Apollo Bay. Its hard to know where to point your camera on a Great Ocean Road Melbourne tour. We recommend having it poised to snap shots of the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of a famous shipwreck, and London Bridge rock formations. The latter sandstone arch once resembled its namesake bridge; even after its collapse, its still an impressive natural wonder. It doesnt get any better than this.




Overnight in Warrnambool

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Emus, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas… oh my! These are just some of the animals youll likely spot visiting Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – housed in a dormant volcanic crater – with an Aboriginal guide. Remarkably, this pocket of paradise was once wasteland, transformed by volunteers. More volcanic history awaits across the South Australian border in Mt. Gambier, home to the crater-filling Blue Lake. Because its very blue. And its a lake. By now youll be pretty thirsty, so its a good thing the Coonawarra wine region is around the corner. After a few sips, you may find yourself getting deep – literally. Naracoortes Alexandra Cave is a maze of delicate needle-like stalactites and massive twisting columns.




Overnight in Naracoorte

Have breakfast before starting your day. The Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia is a natural adventure playground, all rolling hills, rugged clifftops, and sandy beaches. Seaside Victor Harbor turns on the charms – there are steam locomotives – before your ferry blasts its horn. All aboard to tour Kangaroo Island. A well-deserved tasting of craft beer awaits at a boutique brewery, the only one on the island. How does sheoak stout sound or a Mexican inspired brew made using a combination of malted barley and flaked rice? We wont judge you for sneaking in a nap en route to is Kingscote, South Australias oldest European settlement and your base for the night.




Overnight in Kangaroo Island

Breakfast at hotel. If you like alliterations, youll love todays attractions: first stops are Remarkable Rocks (because these rust-hued monoliths really are) and Admirals Arch, home to an immense colony of raucous fur seals. Your Kangaroo Island tour reveals the part fire plays within this delicate ecosystem, and how koalas and other wildlife adapt to their environment as it regenerates. More wildlife greets you at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where enormous sea lions barrel down the sand to the water. This is one of the most significant breeding colonies in the country, and they are certainly curious characters. Just try not to laugh at their antics.




Overnight in Kangaroo Island

Start your day with breakfast befor starting your today's tour. Youve arrived in the South Australian capital, known for its well-preserved churches and well-admired cuisine. Did you know that Adelaide boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia? After an Adelaide city tour, the afternoon is yours to see just how many you can sample – we have a few recommendations, including a visit to the epic Central Market, where you can try green ant gin with cheese, among so many other delicacies. This place is the largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 70 stall keepers showcasing their tasty wares.




Overnight in Adelaide

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Pull on your elastic-waisted pants – today is one of indulgences through the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa, dotted with atmospheric towns like Hahndorf, Australias oldest surviving German settlement. A Barossa and Hahndorf tour reveals the bountiful food and wine this pocket of the state is known for. And youll 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.




Overnight in Adelaide

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport and take your flight back home.