Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Escape

You’re on your way to the Great Ocean Road, a snaking coastal route that is one of the world’s most epic journeys. Across a dramatic 240 kilometres you’ll take in limestone stacks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Then traverse skirting untouched coastal coves and pass through sleepy towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, where bare feet and boardshorts are the dress code. Get together with your fellow travellers for dinner tonight.

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.

Nature rules large again today as you weave along the Fleurieu Peninsula to Victor Harbor. After rolling hills, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, you’re greeted with the charms of this seaside town – the gateway to Kangaroo Island. All aboard the ferry for your journey toward this ‘mini Galapagos’. Kangaroo Island 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.

First stop today truly deserves its name: the orange-lichen-clad Remarkable Rocks command your attention over the blazing blue of the Southern Ocean. Then there’s Admirals Arch, home to an immense colony of raucous fur seals and a very photogenic lighthouse. The wildlife greets you at Seal Bay Conservation Park. Here, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll visit one of the country’s most important sea lion breeding grounds. On a guided walk, you’ll learn about these creatures - one of the rarest species in the world of only 12,000, 800 of which call Seal Bay home. Move aside: enormous sea lions regularly barrel down the sand toward the water. Aside from smelling totally divine, eucalyptus oil is like the Holy Grail of healing – there’s not much that it can’t cure. Drop in to South Australia’s only eucalyptus distillery to tour the estate (look out for resident kangaroos and emus), discover Kangaroo Island’s history and take a fascinating deep dive into the production of this 100% pure, aromatic oil. Finish today’s adventure with a tasting of craft beers at Kangaroo Island’s only brewery. How does a Pale Ale sound?

This morning, tour Kangaroo Island and discover the history of the island’s wool production on a fully guided tour of one of Australia’s only vertical mills. Here, you’ll be immersed in a cinematic spectacle in their 360-degree igloo dome, where you’ll virtually view the inside of a working shearing shed. This is followed by a visit to South Australia’s oldest operational lighthouse before leaving the island and arriving in the South Australian capital, known for its well-preserved churches and well-admired cuisine. Did you know that Adelaide City boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia?

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 (own expense). Enjoy a Japanese inspired dinner at the hotel with your newfound friends.

A week in this part of the world really isn't enough. We hope we've inspired you to come back for another taste.