Lush landscapes, wonderful wildlife and sumptuous seafood make up this country explorer trip. Share the Twelve Apostles’ spectacular coastal views with the rolling vineyard-clad hills of the Barossa – tastes of Aussie BBQ, bush tucker, premium wines and sumptuous seafood are never far.
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Day 1 Sydney – Canberra
As this trip departs from the Vibe Hotel Sydney at 7.30am, accommodation will need to be prebooked for the previous night. The modern Australian capital of Canberra beckons this morning as we begin our encounter with Southern Australia on a journey through the Southern Highlands. Enjoy a quick stop at historic Berrima, famous for its gaol and early colonial
architecture, then ‘Connect With Locals’ at Gold Creek Station. Here you’ll meet ‘Local Specialist’ Craig Starr and his family for a Welcome Reception. Gain a deeper understanding of life on his farm as you savour the flavours of a traditional Aussie BBQ ‘Be My Guest’ lunch. On arrival in the ‘finest capital in the world’, you’ll take a guided tour through Parliament House
with a ‘Local Specialist’. Later, ‘Dive Into Culture’ during a visit to the Australian War Memorial where you’ll hear the evocative lament played by a piper to pay tribute to the Australian servicemen and women who have lost their lives in armed conflicts. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers tonight for dinner.
MEAL(S): Welcome Reception, Be My Guest, Dinner
HOTEL: Crowne Plaza
Day 2 Canberra – Wangaratta
Ascend the summit of Mt. Ainsley this morning for panoramic views of a city that was purpose built to lead a young nation. Cross the mighty Murray River into Victoria and call in to Beechworth, Victoria’s best-preserved
gold rush town. Enjoy some free time to explore the antique shops, galleries and museum. Reward your sightseeing with a visit to the legendary
Beechworth Bakery, self-proclaimed as ‘Australia’s Greatest Bakery’. You’ll overnight in the nearby cathedral city of Wangaratta.
MEAL(S): Breakfast
HOTEL: Quality Wangaratta
Day 3 Wangaratta – Melbourne (2 Nights)
Journey through Glenrowan and Ned Kelly country to cosmopolitan Melbourne for a city sightseeing tour. Discover why Melbourne has justifiably earned its reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities and delve into its Victorian history. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore this stylish state capital on your terms, perhaps followed by a delicious seafood dinner on the banks of the Yarra?
MEAL(S): Breakfast
HOTEL: Savoy on Little Collins
Day 4 Melbourne Free Time
Experience to the Eureka Skydeck for panoramic views of the city, stretching far beyond its skyscrapers. Or join a Hunt and Gather Food Tour of Queen Victoria Market to immerse yourself in the life, sounds and stories of this historic marketplace. An alternative further afield will see you take a tour to Summerland Beach on Phillip Island to see the famous Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle up the beach to their sand dune burrows.
MEAL(S): Breakfast
Day 5 Melbourne – Warrnambool
Buckle up for an epic coastal road trip filled with pinch me moments. Your journey along the scenic Great Ocean Road will include a stop at the Mediterranean-inspired seaside village of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Visit the Twelve Apostles, admiring these limestone formations that rise up from the Southern Ocean and tower over the surrounding landscapes. Later, visit
Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge before arriving in Warrnambool.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL: Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Day 6 Warrnambool – Naracoorte
Encounter some of Australia’s native creatures in their natural habitat, keeping a keen eye out for emus, koalas and kangaroos as you join a ‘Local Specialist’ at Worn Gundidj in Tower Hill State Reserve. ‘Dive Into Culture’ and gain insights into the local flora, volcanic formations and medicinal practices from an Aboriginal perspective, before crossing the South
Australia border to Mt. Gambier to view the Blue Lake. Your next stop is the celebrated winemaking region of Coonawarra, where you’ll join a ‘Local Specialist’ for a tasting at a winery. Continue your journey to the Naracoorte Caves, one of the world’s most important fossil sites, where you’ll be taken on a guided tour through Alexandra Cave.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL: William MacIntosh Motor Lodge
Day 7 Naracoorte – Kangaroo Island (2 Nights)
Ease into the laidback lifestyle encouraged by the locals of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula and visit the seaside town of Victor Harbor at lunchtime. Spend some time at leisure relaxing with fish and chips on its unspoiled beach or consider taking the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island. This afternoon, board your ferry at Cape Jervis and cross to Penneshaw on
Kangaroo Island, which provides sanctuary to a multitude of native animals, some of which are found nowhere else. Explore KI’s unspoiled natural beauty and indulge in its artisanal food scene at your leisure. Later, ‘Dive Into Culture’ and join a ‘Local Specialist’ at Kangaroo Island’s only boutique distillery to taste a selection of their handcrafted premium spirits. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL: Aurora Ozone
Day 8 Kangaroo Island Sightseeing
Today’s indepth exploration of Kangaroo Island includes a visit to the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park. ‘Join Trafalgar’ on a private educational ecology tour of the Trafalgar-sponsored
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which was badly affected by last year’s bushfires. Your visit will assist with their bushfire recovery plan and
wildlife rehabilitation programme. After lunch featuring fresh local produce, join a ‘Local Specialist’ at Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among a colony of rare sea lions in one of the country’s most important breeding colonies.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Kangaroo Island – Adelaide (2 Nights)
Return to the mainland and continue your journey to Adelaide, the ‘City of Churches’, for an orientation tour, followed by free time to explore on your own or maybe consider an Optional Experience. You could explore the famous Adelaide Central Market, the city’s premier food destination or visit the National Wine Centre for tastings and masterclass. This evening is yours to indulge in the city’s multicultural flavours.
MEAL(S): Breakfast
HOTEL: Stamford Plaza
Day 10 The Barossa
The rolling Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf and the Barossa lay ahead of you today and you’ll have the opportunity to sample a number of their world-renowned wines. Enjoy lunch at the South Australian Company Store followed by a visit to Seppeltsfield Barossa to sample some of Trafalgar’s favorites with a ‘Local Specialist’, before touring the surrounding vines.
‘Dive into Culture’ at the Jam Factory where you’ll see local artisans at work, and soap and perfumes being made at the Vasse Virgin Factory. Return to Adelaide through South Australia’s lush countryside, followed by a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and newfound friends.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 11 Depart 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).
MEAL(S): Breakfast
