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Day 1 Fly USA to Melbourne (Via Auckland)
Day 2 Cross the Dateline
Day 3 Arrive Melbourne
Arrive Melbourne and make your way to your city hotel. Melbourne is a bustling city, known as the cultural capital of Australia, offering arts, fashion and a diverse range of ethnic food.
Days 4-6 At Leisure, Melbourne
At first glance, Melbourne may resemble any other modern city with its skyline full of concrete & glass. However, if you look a little closer, you'll find the real Melbourne, a city of unique charm.
There are the clanging trams (street cars), swanky boutiques, friendly taxi drivers, Australian Rules Football, fickle weather and 'BYO's', by the hundred (restaurants to which you bring your own liquor or wine). Add to this, Melbourne's traditional virtues of tree lined boulevards, glorious parks, elegant buildings & imposing Victorian Banks & Churches, and of course the giant Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll have some idea of the city.
Melbourne has become a polyglot society with a huge diversity of cultures, Italian, Greek, East European, Middle Eastern & Asian. This diversity is reflected in the food styles, the lifestyle, & even the language spoken in the street.
Day 7 Drive Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Depart Melbourne and head for the coastal village of Lorne and the start of the Great Ocean Road. The scenic coastline from Lorne to Apollo Bay has been said to be one of the most beautiful and breathtaking drives in the world. The winding road hugs the jagged coast and allows for numerous stopovers to capture the scenes on film. Small townships along this stretch of coast include Wye River, Kennett River and Skenes Creek. The main township of Apollo Bay, known as The Paradise by the Sea, is a major fishing centre with a safe harbor, long sandy beaches, meandering rivers and mountainous hinterland. Distance is approximately 125 miles.
Day 8 Drive Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
Depart Apollo Bay and drive through the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges to the notorious Shipwreck Coast, where huge rolling waves crash relentlessly, carving cliffs, caverns and rock into strange and spectacular shapes, like the famous Twelve Apostles. The scenery is unparalleled for breathtaking beauty and natural savagery. Continue through Warrnambool and onto the rustic fishing village of Port Fairy, nestled along the picturesque Moyne River. The history of this quaint township can still be seen while strolling past the old bluestone walls and attractive stone cottages. Distance is approximately 120 miles.
Day 9 Drive Port Fairy to Coonawarra
Today, you leave the state of Vicoria and head into South Australia, and the Limestone Coast region. Stop in Mount Gambier, built on the site of an extinct volcano, and surrounded by ancient crater lakes. Head north towrad Penola and the Coonawarra wine district renowned for its wine – particularly the reds. Distance is approximately 175 miles.
Day 10 Drive Coonawarra to Victor Harbor
Continue a little further north today to Naracoorte and the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves National Park. After exploring some of the caves, head west back toward the coast and continue the drive toward Adelaide. Travel alongside Coorong National Park, a long narrow stretch of shallow lagoons separated from the Southern Ocean by a long peninsula. Continue to Strathalbyn (a Mecca for antique shoppers) and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Victor Harbor is just one popular seaside town in the region. Distance is approximately 185 miles.
Day 11 Drive Victor Harbor to Adelaide
Spend some time in the Fleurieu Peninsula – perhaps join a river cruise to the Coorong and learn about the ecosystems and heritage of the area. Alternatively, explore the coastal towns and head to the McLaren Vale wine region with over 50 cellar door outlets. The drive from Victor Harbor into Adelaide is just 50 miles. Return the rental car.
Day 12 Kangaroo Island Highlights
Explore Kangaroo Island's wilderness areas and wildlife sanctuaries on the Kangaroo Island Highlights tour.
Transfer from your Adelaide hotel for the scenic coach trip to Cape Jervis, connecting with the SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island. On arrival, you are met by the SeaLink coach captain, who will show you the main highlights of Kangaroo Island. Your first destination is Seal Bay Conservation Park, for a walk with a National Parks Ranger amongst a wild colony of Australian Sea Lions resting on the beach after their 3-day fishing expedition. Take a koala walk, then discover the Island's most renowned park, Flinders Chase National Park, a sanctuary for numerous native Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and Cape Barren Geese. On the southern tip of Flinders Chase National Park are Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch, both providing great photographic opportunities.
Your day of discovery ends at the ferry terminal for your return journey to Adelaide (arriving late evening). Today’s excursion includes bus and ferry transport to Kangaroo Island, Park entry fees and a full day coach tour with a two course BBQ lunch with homemade salads.
Days 13-14 At leisure, Adelaide
Adelaide is the City of Churches, orderly streets, manicured parks and superb restaurants, where cultures from all over the world have contributed to a vibrant, energetic community. Adelaide is best explored on foot to properly experience the wealth of art galleries and museums, festivals, markets, cafe society and superb shopping.
Day 15 Fly Adelaide to USA (Via Auckland)
Make your way to the airport for your departure flights |