Tastes of Southern Australia
Cities, countryside, and sightseeing galore!
Get ready for the most authentic Aussie experience! This 13-night vacation takes you through sweeping countryside and stunning cityscapes, with plenty of time for adventure. Stay overnight in big cities like Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, and Melbourne. Revel in the quieter countryside of Beechworth, Warrnambool, Naracoorte, and more. The first part of this vacation is independent, with your Travel Director arriving on day 4 to escort you through the rest of your vacation!Â
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Sydney (SYD), out of Adelaide (ADL)
- All airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 3 nights in Sydney at the Rydges Sydney Central Hotel or Hyatt Regency Harbour
- 1 night in Canberra at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
- 1 night in Beechworth in a boutique country style accommodation
- 2 nights in Melbourne at the Vibe Hotel
- 1 night in Warrnambool at the Quality Suites Deep Blue Hotel & Spa
- 1 night in Naracoorte at the William Macintosh Motor Lodge
- 2 nights in Kangaroo Island at the Aurora Ozone Hotel
- 2 nights in Adelaide at the Stamford Plaza Hotel
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Sightseeing tour of Sydney with harbour cruise
- Visit to the Blue Mountains & Sydney Zoo
- Gold Creek Station visit
- Panoramic tour of Beechworth
- Panoramic tour of Melbourne
- Great Ocean Road Tour
- Visit to the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative at Tower Hill State Game Reserve
- Wine tasting at Coonawarra vineyard
- Tour of Alexandra Cave
- Australian gin & liqueur tasting
- Kangaroo Island tour
- Panoramic tour of Adelaide
- Tour of Barossa region with vineyard visit and wine tasting
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 5 dinners
- Services of an experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Travel by luxury coach
Great Ways to Explore
Taste wines in Coonawara and Barossa!
Discover Kangaroo Island for incredible wildlife displays!
Explore iconic Sydney, known for its amazing Opera House and Harbour Bridge!
Drive along the Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles rise out of the ocean!
Get restful sleep in hand-selected accommodations, including a night in a boutique Beechworth B&B!
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
This 13-night vacation package takes you all across Australia! Begin with 3 nights in Sydney, where you'll explore both the city and the Blue Mountains National Park. Discover sweeping panoramic cityscape views from multiple vantage points! This part of your vacation package is independent travel with some guided tours included.
Day 4 begins your escorted vacation! Board your coach for Canberra and continue your Australian adventure!
En route to Canberra, you'll stop in Berrima to visit Gold Creek Station for a welcome reception lunch. Upon arrival in Canberra, you'll check into your hotel, freshen up, and dine with your travel director and fellow travel companions! Make your way to Beechworth the next day for an overnight stay in a boutique bed & breakfast accommodation. Wake up and enjoy a breakfast with your B&B host before continuing on to Melbourne!
Melbourne is a vibrant city filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and many exciting activities. You'll have one full day here to explore as you please! Then, it's off to Warrnambool via the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy the coastal scenery as you make your way to the rural area. After your night in Warrnambool, you're off to Naracoorte. Stop along the way at Mount Gambier and in the Coonawarra wine region for a tasting at a vineyard!
From Naracoorte, you'll journey to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Victor Harbor before taking a ferry to Kanagroo Island. Here, you'll spend one night and experience a gin tasting, a lunch at Vivonne Bay, a trip to the Seal Bay Conservation Park, and more!
Board a ferry back to the mainland for the final stop of your trip-- Adelaide! Here, you'll take an orientation tour, go wine tasting in the Barossa Valley, and dine with your travel director and travel companions over one final dinner!
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Sydney (SYD), out of Adelaide (ADL)
- All airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 3 nights in Sydney at the Rydges Sydney Central Hotel or Hyatt Regency Harbour
- 1 night in Canberra at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
- 1 night in Beechworth in a boutique country style accommodation
- 2 nights in Melbourne at the Vibe Hotel
- 1 night in Warrnambool at the Quality Suites Deep Blue Hotel & Spa
- 1 night in Naracoorte at the William Macintosh Motor Lodge
- 2 nights in Kangaroo Island at the Aurora Ozone Hotel
- 2 nights in Adelaide at the Stamford Plaza Hotel
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Sightseeing tour of Sydney with harbour cruise
- Visit to the Blue Mountains & Sydney Zoo
- Gold Creek Station visit
- Panoramic tour of Beechworth
- Panoramic tour of Melbourne
- Great Ocean Road Tour
- Visit to the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative at Tower Hill State Game Reserve
- Wine tasting at Coonawarra vineyard
- Tour of Alexandra Cave
- Australian gin & liqueur tasting
- Kangaroo Island tour
- Panoramic tour of Adelaide
- Tour of Barossa region with vineyard visit and wine tasting
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 5 dinners
- Services of an experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Travel by luxury coach
Taste wines in Coonawara and Barossa!
Discover Kangaroo Island for incredible wildlife displays!
Explore iconic Sydney, known for its amazing Opera House and Harbour Bridge!
Drive along the Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles rise out of the ocean!
Get restful sleep in hand-selected accommodations, including a night in a boutique Beechworth B&B!
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
This 13-night vacation package takes you all across Australia! Begin with 3 nights in Sydney, where you'll explore both the city and the Blue Mountains National Park. Discover sweeping panoramic cityscape views from multiple vantage points! This part of your vacation package is independent travel with some guided tours included.
Day 4 begins your escorted vacation! Board your coach for Canberra and continue your Australian adventure!
En route to Canberra, you'll stop in Berrima to visit Gold Creek Station for a welcome reception lunch. Upon arrival in Canberra, you'll check into your hotel, freshen up, and dine with your travel director and fellow travel companions! Make your way to Beechworth the next day for an overnight stay in a boutique bed & breakfast accommodation. Wake up and enjoy a breakfast with your B&B host before continuing on to Melbourne!
Melbourne is a vibrant city filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and many exciting activities. You'll have one full day here to explore as you please! Then, it's off to Warrnambool via the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy the coastal scenery as you make your way to the rural area. After your night in Warrnambool, you're off to Naracoorte. Stop along the way at Mount Gambier and in the Coonawarra wine region for a tasting at a vineyard!
From Naracoorte, you'll journey to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Victor Harbor before taking a ferry to Kanagroo Island. Here, you'll spend one night and experience a gin tasting, a lunch at Vivonne Bay, a trip to the Seal Bay Conservation Park, and more!
Board a ferry back to the mainland for the final stop of your trip-- Adelaide! Here, you'll take an orientation tour, go wine tasting in the Barossa Valley, and dine with your travel director and travel companions over one final dinner!
Learn More about Sydney, Canberra, Beechworth, Melbourne, Warrnambool, Naracoorte, Kingscote and Adelaide
Day 1. Welcome to Sydney!
Welcome to Sydney! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at-leisure!
Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Step into luxurious elegance at this stylish hotel on the edge of the Sydney Central Business District. Check-in with the 24-hour reception team, then head up to your spacious room. Open the door to crisp air conditioning, free WiFi, plush bedding, flat-screen TV, and extensive bath amenities.
Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and take a dip in the sparkling swimming pool! Keep up your workout routine in the fitness center, then steam your stresses away in the sauna. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant and bar!
Hyatt Regency Harbour
Hyatt Regency Harbour overlooks Darling Harbour in Sydney's CBD. It is the largest hotel in Sydney, with almost 900 rooms and a variety of dining options and meeting spaces. Guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, television, coffee/tea making facilities, and more. Sailmaker offers dishes featuring fresh produce and local seafood. Zephyr is the hotel's rooftop bar offering sensational views of Sydney and Darling Harbour. The hotel also has a Lobby Lounge where you can start the day with a morning coffee or end the day with a cozy cocktail. With Sydney's finest attractions at your fingertips, you'll appreciate the comfort and convenience of Hyatt Regency Harbour.
Day 2. Sydney
Today, you'll sightsee in Sydney! Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and stop at Milsons Point for incredible city skylinw views. Stop again at North Head Lookout for a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Spend free time at Manly Beach and then head back to the city for your Captain Cook Lunch Cruise! After lunch, you'll drive through the city to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. This point offers incredible views of both the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.Â
Day 3. Sydney
Today, you'll explore the Blue Mountains National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is home to the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Ride the Scenic Railway, Cableway, or Skyway to gain perspective of the steep valleys and canyons. Enjoy lunch in Leura at a local cafe, and complete your trip with exploration of the quaint village. This afternoon, you'll visit a wildlife park where you'll be able to get up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and more Aussie wildlife!
Day 4. Sydney - Canberra
The escorted part of your vacation begins today! You will meet your travel director and board your coach at Rydges Hotel Sydney. Drive through the hills and pastures of the Southern Highlands. You'll stop in Berrima to meet a local grazier and enjoy a bbq lunch. Upon arrival in Canberra, you'll experience a tour of Parliament House with a local guide, followed by a visit to the Australian War Memorial. Dinner is served with wine tonight as you get to know your travel director and fellow travel companions!
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Hotel Canberra
Crowne Plaza Hotel Canberra is located near many excellent shops and restaurants in Canberra's CBD. Guests can enjoy free WiFi in air-conditioned rooms. Redsalt Restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine with some international dishes available as well. Binara One offers a cozy atmosphere for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. With the close proximity to Glebe Park, this hotel is an ideal accommodation for those looking for a quiet spot amidst the bustling business district.
Day 5. Canberra - Beechworth
Pay a visit to the summit of Mount Ainslie this morning for beautiful panoramic views before departing Canberra. You'll take the scenic route through Victoria to Beechworth! The history here is rich, as Beechworth is a gold-rush town! You'll receive an orientation tour of the town before enjoying free time to explore the shops and museums. Tonight you'll stay in a unique bed-and-breakfast property.
Check-in - Beechworth Boutique Country Accommodation
Day 6. Beechworth - Melbourne
This morning, enjoy breakfast with your B&B host before departing Beechworth. Travel through Glenrowan and Ned Kelly country before reaching Melbourne! You'll receive an orientation tour of the city upon arrival. Tonight you can spend at-leisure! Find a waterfront restaurant on the Yarra River for dinner, or relax in your hotel!
Check-in - The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne (Formerly Vibe Savoy Hotel)
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne (Formerly Vibe Savoy Hotel) is a timeless, elegant hotel in the heart of Melbourne. Guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, television, coffee/tea making facilities, and more. The ground-floor Alexander Bar offers signature dining and cocktail menus with a contemporary Art Deco design and ambiance. Grab a bite, sip Afternoon Tea, or relax with a cocktail at the end of a long day. The rich history of this hotel makes it a desirable choice accommodation in a central location!
Day 7. Melbourne
Today is yours to spend as you please! Perhaps you'll join an optional excursion to Phillip Island to see the Penguin Parade. Maybe you'd rather stroll through Fitzroy Gardens or go shopping on Bourke Street. Find another trendy restaurant for dinner tonight!
Day 8. Melbourne - Warrnambool
Today you'll experience life on the Great Ocean Road! Experience the magnificent coastal scenery as you pass through Lorne and Apollo Bay. Arrive in Warrnambool and enjoy dinner with wine.
Check-in - Quality Suites Deep Blue Hotel & Spa
Quality Suites Deep Blue Hotel & Spa is the first hot springs hotel in Victoria. Guests will delight in air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities, television, and more. Deep Blue Dining & Bar serves breakfast and dinner, and features organic produce and fresh ingredients. The Lobby Lounge & Bar is a great place to relax with a fresh cup of coffee in the morning before a day of exploring. Unwind at the onsite Bath House & Day Spa where you can treat yourself to a luxurious massage or therapeutic treatment.Â
Day 9. Warrnambool - Naracoorte
Today you'll visit the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative at Tower Hill State Game Reserve, where a guide will give you perspective on the flora, fauna, wildlife, and volcanic formations of the area. Stop in Mount Gambier to see the Blue Lake, then continue on to the Coonawarra wine region where you'll enjoy a tasting at a vineyard! Experience a guided tour of the Alexandra Cave before arriving in Naracoorte.
Check-in - William Macintosh Motor Lodge
William Macintosh Motor Lodge is located near Mount Gambier on the South Australian/Victorian border. Guests can enjoy simple comforts, including free WiFi, air conditioning, and television. Free parking is available to all guests. There is a golf course across the street for those looking to hit the links! Highlander Restaurant serves dishes with locally sourced produce from the Limestone Coast and South Australia. During your stay, pay a visit to Naracoorte Caves National Park, the only World Heritage Site in South Australia!
Day 10. Naracoorte - Kangaroo Island
Today's adventure takes you to the Fleurieu Peninsula! Visit the charming town of Victor Harbor, then board a ferry for Kangaroo Island! Here, you'll visit South Australia's only boutique distillery for a gin and liqueur tasting! Enjoy an overnight stay in Kingscote, the oldest European settlement in South Australia.
Check-in - Aurora Ozone
Aurora Ozone is a beautiful hotel in Kingscote on Kangaroo Island. All guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, television, and more! Parking, guest laundry facilities, and a fitness center are available to all guests. Dine at the Zone Restaurant and enjoy a meal with sweeping views of Nepean Bay! With plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants nearby, you'll love this charming hotel!
Day 11. Kangaroo Island
Your exploration of Kangaroo Island continues today! Visit the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch and enjoy lunch at Vivonne Bay. Then, you'll continue on to a birds of prey display and the Seal Bay Conservation Park!
Day 12. Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
Board your ferry this morning to head to the mainland and Adelaide! Enjoy an orientation tour of the city before choosing your next adventure. Your options include a visit to the Adelaide Zoo, a guided walking city tour, or a visit to the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Check-in - Stamford Plaza Hotel Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Hotel Adelaide is located on North Terrace, Adelaide's premier cultural street. Guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms with television and coffee/tea making facilities. Dine at La Boca Bar and Grill, which has Adelaide's only Argentinean asador fire pit. TG's Restaurant offers a full breakfast buffet 7 days per week. Cascade Cocktail Lounge is the place to be for signature cocktails and delicious South Australian wines. Kick back at the outdoor rooftop pool and soak up the South Australian sun!
Day 13. Adelaide
Today, you're off to the Barossa Valley! Stop along the way in Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. Continue to the Barossa Valley where you'll visit the Jacob's Creek vineyard for a wine tasting! Tonight you'll dine with your travel director and travel companions as you bid each other farewell.Â
Day 14. Depart Australia
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home!