Experience the best of Southern Australia with the Tastes of Southern Australia tour. This 11-day journey takes you from Sydney to Adelaide, exploring Canberra, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, Coonawarra and Kangaroo Island. Enjoy guided tours, premium accommodation, and indulge in local wines, and gourmet cuisine. Visit iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Seal Bay Conservation Park. With expert guides and immersive experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and gastronomy.
Included Highlights
- Get a taste for farm life at Gold Creek Station and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch hosted by the owners
- Take a self-guided tour of Parliament House
- Discover the Gold Rush and Ned Kelly history through Beechworth and Glenrowan
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture at the Koorie Heritage Trust
- View the Twelve Apostles as you journey along the spectacular Great Ocean Road
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Explore Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
- Coonawarra is famous for its bold red wines and you’re invited for a tasting
- View the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park
- Try a local beer at Kangaroo Island Brewery
- Visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a guided tour
- Explore the historic German Village Hahndorf
Fitness Requirements
- A low to medium level of fitness is required. Most walks are on boardwalks however there is the opportunity to walk on the beach at Seal Bay and the track is quite steep in places.
- Guests will also have the opportunity to walk over the Remarkable Rocks so surfaces can be slippery and uneven. For guests wanting to walk down to Admirals Arch, there are quite a few steps. Other less active options are available however.
Flight Information
- Day prior: Flights to arrive anytime into Sydney Airport
- Day 11: Flights to depart anytime from Adelaide Airport
- Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request.
- Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers in cooler months
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
Itinerary
Sydney - Canberra
It’s hard to believe that just 1.5 hours from Sydney lies a patch of countryside that could have been transplanted straight from the English Cotswolds. Think atmospheric villages amid rolling hills of grape vines – the Southern Highlands is the closest wine region to Australia’s largest city, after all. And then there are the grand gardens and emerald farms, one of which you’ll visit to meet Craig Starr and his family. Gold Creek Station farm is your backdrop for a Be My Guest BBQ lunch and tales about life on the land. This is your entrée to the country’s cool little capital of Canberra, home to Parliament House, where you can explore the grounds or take a self-guided tour.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Canberra
Meals: Lunch
Canberra - Wangaratta
Thanks to architect Walter Burley Griffin, Canberra is an urban planner’s delight – the city is that well laid out, as you’ll discover when you head to the summit of Mt. Ainslie for panoramic views. You won’t yet be able to see the mighty Murray River, but you’ll soon cross it en route to Beechworth. From Australia's longest river, travel through Victoria's High Country to the well-preserved gold rush town of Beechworth. Beechworth saw an influx of fortune-seekers from all over the world during the 1850s. Get the lowdown on Beechworth over a chat with the publican of the historic local pub and enjoy afternoon tea in the oldest hotel in town. Then you'll be set and on your way to explore honey and gold shops, galleries and museums at your leisure, before Wangaratta beckons.
Accommodation: Quality Hotel Wangaratta
Meals: Breakfast
Wangaratta - Melbourne
Meandering south toward historic Glenrowan, you’re well and truly in Ned Kelly country – this is where the infamous bushranger and his gang were finally captured in 1880. The story is remembered on pretty much every city corner, whether in enormous statues or at the museum. We’ll tell you all the tales – some of them true, many of them hearsay. All of them entertaining. Then we’ll tell you a bit more about Melbourne, like how it’s the home of Aussie rules football, covets some of the country’s best arts institutions, and has a swag of stellar restaurants, cafes and bars. Small wonder it’s known as Australia’s cultural, culinary and sporting capital. After a city tour, immerse yourself in a guided galleries tour of our First Peoples arts and cultural centre, the Koorie Heritage Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, then head off to explore. Forget your map – one of the joys of being in Melbourne is getting lost. Discovering a hidden jazz bar. Stumbling upon a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or another gallery that catches your eye. Enjoy.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Canberra
Meals: Breakfast
Melbourne Free Time
You’re on your own today. Well, not really, because your Travel Director is at your service to help arrange Optional Experiences*. Perhaps enjoy a strong coffee in one of Melbourne's atmospheric laneways. Adrenaline junkie? Linger in the city, gaining bird’s-eye views from the Melbourne Skydeck at the Eureka Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest attraction, looming almost 300 metres above the ground. Or, perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. 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. The choice is yours.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Canberra
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Experiences:
Eureka Skydeck - Experience the awe-inspiring 360 degree floor-to-ceiling views of Victoria's capital city at the Melbourne Skydeck, Eureka Tower. This viewing platform is the highest in the Southern Hemisphere!
Adult: 36.00 AUD
Phillip Island - The Nobbies and Penguin Parade - Experience the magic of Phillip Island on this half-day afternoon tour, featuring a scenic visit to The Nobbies and the world-famous Penguin Parade at sunset. Enjoy dramatic coastal views along the Nobbies boardwalks before witnessing hundreds of Little Penguins return from the sea to their dune burrows, one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife moments. With comfortable transport, a knowledgeable guide and guaranteed Penguin Parade entry, this is an easy and unforgettable way to experience Phillip Island’s natural highlights.
Adult: 149.00 AUD
History & Donuts Walking Tour - Discover the sweeter side of Melbourne on Fit City Tour’s History and Donuts Walking Tour. This two-hour walking tour is best started on an empty stomach. The adventure begins at Federation Square. From there, you'll immerse yourself in the stunning laneway street art of Hosier Lane before stopping for the first coffee of the tour at a favourite laneway cafe. The tour continues to weave through city laneways sharing the story of Melbourne, its history and culture, while stopping off for donuts at some of Melbourne's most iconic donuts shops. After the second donut, you'll explore former city slums, and learn about the character of Melbourne – and the characters that made their name here. The tour finishes at State Library where you can stay on to explore one of Melbourne's finest buildings.
Adult: 97.00 AUD
Melbourne - Warrnambool
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most epic journeys, a dramatic 240-kilometre union of limestone stacks (Twelve Apostles, we’re looking at you), untouched coastal coves and sleepy towns, like Lorne and Apollo Bay. It’s hard to know where to point your camera on a Great Ocean Road 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, it’s still an impressive natural wonder. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Accommodation: Lady Bay Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Warrnambool - Naracoorte
On the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), explore the World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. The lake spans 1,700 hectares of significant wetlands and stony rises right next to the historic lava flows of Budj Bim National Park. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn how the Gunditjmara people worked with natural resources on a short walk of the lake, Australia’s oldest aquaculture system. More volcanic history awaits across the South Australian border in Mt. Gambier, home to the crater-filling Blue Lake. Because it’s very blue. And it’s a lake. By now you’ll be pretty thirsty, so it’s a good thing the Coonawarra wine region is just around the corner. After a few sips, you may find yourself getting deep – literally. Naracoorte’s Alexandra Cave is a maze of delicate, needle-like stalactites and massive twisting columns.
Accommodation: William MacIntosh Motor Lodge, Naracoorte
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Naracoorte - Kangaroo Island
Cross the Murray River, Australia’s longest waterway, famed for scenic wetlands and historic paddle steamers. Continue to the Fleurieu Peninsula, an adventure playground of rolling hills, rugged clifftops and sandy beaches. In seaside Victor Harbor, stroll the pier before the ferry sounds its horn. Sail to Kangaroo Island, sanctuary to sea lions, koalas and abundant birdlife, arriving in the welcoming coastal town of Kingscote, where relaxed island life sets the pace.
Accommodation: Ozone Hotel Kangaroo Island
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Kangaroo Island Sightseeing
It’s time for an island adventure. Begin at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where enormous sea lions tumble down the sand toward the water. During this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll witness one of Australia’s most significant sea lion breeding grounds and learn about the vital conservation efforts that protect this remarkable species. After soaking in the coastal scenery, continue on for a relaxed lunch paired with a glass of local wine. Then journey to Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, two of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic natural landmarks, where a lively colony of fur seals basks and plays along the rugged coastline. To round out the day, visit the island’s only boutique brewery for a well earned tasting of handcrafted beer. How does a refreshing Golden Ale sound to finish your island exploration?
Accommodation: Ozone Hotel Kangaroo Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
This morning, discover Kangaroo Island’s heritage on an engaging guided tour of one of Australia’s rare vertical wool mills, then visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery to explore the island’s 100% pure eucalyptus oil. Continue to Cape Willoughby to observe local wildlife and South Australia’s oldest lighthouse perched above dramatic cliffs before leaving the island and heading to Adelaide, celebrated for its historic churches and lively dining scene that attracts visitors from afar.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Meals: Breakfast
Adelaide and Hahndorf
After a city orientation tour, head from Adelaide to Hahndorf, located in the Adelaide Hills, known for its strong German flavours, most evident in the smallgoods outlets, bakeries, pubs, and cafes that line the bustling main street. Back in Adelaide, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure - we have a few recommendations, including a visit to the epic Adelaide Central Market, where you can try green ant gin with cheese, among so many other delicacies. Enjoy a Japanese inspired celebratory dinner this evening at the hotel with your newfound friends.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Experiences:
Central Markets 45 Minute Highlight Tour - Experience the iconic Adelaide Central Market with a 45-minute tour showcasing the Market, the stall holders and the amazing produce available. You will be hosted by a local specialist who will show you the best stalls and offer some delicious foods to try - think artisan cheeses, gourmet meats, seasonal fruits and sweet treats! After the tour there will be time to revisit the stalls and take advantage of some tour special discounts.
Adult: 65.00 AUD
Adelaide Zoo Entry - Winner of the South Australian Tourism Awards for the past 4 years, Adelaide Zoo is a favourite with both locals and visitors. Situated in north Adelaide this iconic attraction is home to 2500 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish, and is involved in a wide range of conservation programmes. Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s best loved animals!
Adult: 52.00 AUD
90 Minute Cultural Capers Walking Tour - Join passionate local Graeme Fanning as you explore and discover the cultural boulevard of South Australia’s capital, and the foundation for development of Adelaide, both socially and culturally within this tour. Pass by Government House, the State Library, South Australia Museum, South Australia Art Gallery as well as the vast University precinct on this informative 90-minute tour.
Adult: 47.00 AUD
National Wine Centre Master Class - Take a guided tour of the National Wine Centre's Wine Discovery Journey. Uncover the diversity of Australia’s 65 wine regions and meet some of the wonderful characters of the industry. Learn how to blend your own award-winning wine with a virtual blending simulator and discover the main characteristics of the key wine varieties grown throughout the country.
Adult: 89.00 AUD
McLaren Vale & Glenelg Tour - Enjoy a half-day tour with both sightseeing and wine tasting. Guests will pick up tour at Hahndorf at 1.00pm. First stop - McLaren Vale's Chapel Hill Winery for a tantalising wine tasting. Next, enjoy a photo opportunity as we head to Haselgrove Winery for more tastings and the option to purchase a tasting platter. Return via the scenic Adelaide Coastline to Glenelg for a magnificent sunset. Choose to head back to Adelaide or stay and explore the seaside town.
Adult: 89.00 AUD
Farewell from Adelaide
By day 11, you will have a suitcase full of gin, wine and cheese; a camera full of dreamy images; and more memories than you can count.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Experiences:
Taste the Barossa - Enjoy this award-winning premium full-day wine tasting tour showcasing three World Class wineries, alongside a delicious regional lunch and spectacular sightseeing along the way. This tour blends the very best parts of what makes the Barossa one of the World’s great wine regions. This exceptional tour has received over 2,000 5 star reviews.
Adult: 179.00 AUD
McLaren Vale & Glenelg Tour - Enjoy a half-day tour with both sightseeing and wine tasting. Guests will pick up tour at Hahndorf at 1.00pm. First stop - McLaren Vale's Chapel Hill Winery for a tantalising wine tasting. Next, enjoy a photo opportunity as we head to Haselgrove Winery for more tastings and the option to purchase a tasting platter. Return via the scenic Adelaide Coastline to Glenelg for a magnificent sunset. Choose to head back to Adelaide or stay and explore the seaside town.
Adult: 89.00 AUD
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.