Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island

PLEASE NOTE: As this trip departs at 7.30am today in Melbourne, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night. Buckle up for an epic coastal road trip filled with pinch-me moments. This is one of the world’s most celebrated scenic drives and with every detail taken care of, all that’s left is for you to do is kick back and enjoy the beautiful views. Your journey along the scenic Great Ocean Road traverses World Heritage listed rainforest, and skirts untouched coastal coves. Stop at the Mediterranean-inspired, quaint seaside villages. In Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside retreat that welcomes Southern-right whales to its shores from winter to spring, watch as the boats come into the harbour. Visit the limestone Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge before arriving in Warrnambool, the whaling capital. At the end of this highlight day, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.

Emus and koalas... these are just a couple of the animals you'll likely see as you drive through Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve - housed in a dormant volcanic crater. This pocket of paradise was once wasteland, transformed by volunteers. Then, cross the South Australia border to Mt. Gambier, home to the crater-filling Blue Lake. Your next stop is the celebrated wine-making region of Coonawarra, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a tasting at a local winery. Indulge in the full-bodied, fruity flavours in the region’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced on its 'terra rossa' soil and learn how the region played a leading role in Australia’s wine industry since the 1890s. Continue your journey to the Naracoorte Caves, a World Heritage site, where you'll be taken on a guided tour with a Local Specialist through Alexandra Cave, its crown jewel which was discovered in 1908.

Ease into the laidback lifestyle encouraged by the locals of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula and visit Victor Harbor at lunchtime. Delve into the town’s reputation for being heaven for foodies as you enjoy lunch on your own at one of its favourite restaurants. This afternoon, board your ferry at Cape Jervis and cross to Kangaroo Island, where pristine beaches and abundant wildlife wait to be discovered. It 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.

Nature and wildlife take centre stage today beginning with an exploration of Kangaroo Island showcasing the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch coastal features in Flinders Chase National Park. Then join a Local Specialist at Seal Bay Conservation Park on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a guided walk into the heart of one of the country’s most important sea lion breeding colonies. Your expert guide will introduce you to the Australian sea lion - one of the rarest species in the world of only 12,000 – 800 of which call Seal Bay home. Learn how these endangered animals hunt, surf, interact with their pups, defend their territory, and – as “eared” seals – use their front flippers to prop themselves up and their back flippers to help them to “walk” on land. Stop at Vivonne Bay Bistro for lunch with a glass of wine before your next adventure on a guided tour of the family-owned Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery. Here at the only commercial eucalyptus oil distillery in South Australia, learn about Kangaroo Island's history and how the distillery produces 100% pure Australian eucalyptus essential oil from the island’s narrow leaf mallee. A well-deserved tasting of craft beer awaits at Kangaroo Island Brewery. How does a Pale Ale sound? Finish your day at the Aurora Ozone Hotel perched on the stunning Kingscote Seafront.

Continue your Australia tour to the capital of South Australia, Adelaide, known for its well-preserved churches and well-admired cuisine. After an Adelaide city tour, the afternoon is yours to explore how you wish. You could indulge your foodie side with a tour of the famous Adelaide Central Market, the city's premier food destination, or visit the National Wine Centre for tastings and a masterclass learning about the role wine has played in Australia’s history, the position of Australian wine in the international market, and the relationship between food and wine.

The rolling Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf, and Australia's premier Shiraz producing region, the Barossa, lay ahead of you today. Your first stop is Mt. Lofty for sweeping views of Adelaide before stopping to stretch your legs in the quaint village of Hahndorf settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants and known for its original German-style architecture and stone cottages. Continue to the Barossa to discover the local flavours over lunch at Lambert Estate, nestled in the rolling hills enveloped by vines, followed by a wine or gin tasting at Maggie Beer's Pheasant Farm. You’ll end the trip on a high note returning to the city for a Farewell Dinner at Koomo, Adelaide’s highest restaurant, where you’ll toast your adventures enjoying city views and feasting on Japanese-and-Asian-influenced dishes.

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).