DAY 1: SYDNEY – CANBERRA

This morning begin your journey to Canberra via the Southern Highlands. Stop at historic Berrima, famous for its gaol and early colonial architecture, then visit a working sheep farm where you’ll meet Local Specialist Craig Starr, to get a taste of life on his farm. Join Craig and his family for a Welcome Reception and Aussie BBQ lunch. Your destination is Australia’s capital city, for a guided tour through Parliament House with a Local Specialist. Later visit the Australian War Memorial for a Cultural Insight. Tonight you’ll be at the Novel Hotel for on evening.

Day 2: CANBERRA – BEECHWORTH

Before leaving Canberra this morning you’ll visit Mt. Ainslie Lookout to take in views of this unique city and surrounding ranges. Journey over the mighty Murray River into Victoria. Your destination is historic Beechworth, Victoria’s best preserved gold rush town, for your unique overnight stay in one of the quaint local properties. The region offers plenty of great photo opportunities, with towering winter snow-capped mountains, tree-covered ranges, magical lakes, wild rivers and tranquil rural farmlands. You’ll stay at an Authentic Boutique Country house tonight.

Day 3: BEECHWORTH – MELBOURNE

This morning join your host for a Be My Guest breakfast. Later, travel through Glenrowan and Ned Kelly country to culturally diverse and cosmopolitan Melbourne for a city sights tour, where you’ll hear all about Melbourne’s wonderful history, its famous buildings and sensational shopping. This evening is free for you to do as you wish. You’ll spend the next two nights at the Crowne Plaza.

Day 4: MELBOURNE SIGHTSEEING

Today your choice of sightseeing includes a visit to the Eureka Skydeck for fantastic views of Melbourne; join a Hunt and Gather Food Tour of Queen Victoria Market to take in the life, sounds and stories of this historic marketplace or take a guided walk through Melbourne’s famous hidden laneways, where you’ll discover the city’s eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art.

Day 5: MELBOURNE – WARRNAMBOOL

Hold on to your seats for one of the world’s great road trips – the Great Ocean Road! Spectacular scenery and quaint towns await on this gorgeous coastal drive and you’re sure to have plenty of photo opportunities. You’ll stop along the way at Lorne and the seaside holiday destination of Apollo Bay. Visit the amazing Twelve Apostles, fascinating limestone formations that tower 45 metres above the Southern Ocean. Later visit Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge before arriving in Warrnambool, the whaling capital. Tonight you’re at the Quality Suites Deep Blue.

Day 6: WARRNAMBOOL – NARACOORTE

This morning visit Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill State Reserve. A Local Specialist will provide you with insight into flora, wildlife, volcanic formations, bush existence and medicinal practices from an Aboriginal perspective. Journey across the South Australia border to Mt. Gambier to visit the Blue Lake then travel to the Coonawarra, one of Australia’s finest wine regions, where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Dine tonight at your hotel, the William MacIntosh Motor Lodge.

Day 7: NARACOORTE – KANGAROO ISLAND

Journey to the Fleurieu Peninsula and visit the seaside town of Victor Harbor at lunchtime. You might like to take the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island or just sit back and relax with some fish and chips on the beach. This afternoon board your ferry at Cape Jervis and cross to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and fresh local produce. Join a Local Specialist at South Australia’s only boutique distillery to taste a selection of their handcrafted premium spirits. Dinner tonight is at your hotel, the Aurora Ozone. You’ll be here for two nights.

Day 8: KANGAROO ISLAND SIGHTSEEING

Today explore Kangaroo Island! Visit spectacular Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park, where you may even spot koalas, wallabies and kangaroos. Later at Andermel Marron Farm, meet a Local Specialist for an experience that captures much that is very special about the island. You’ll see the marron (freshwater crayfish) tanks and enjoy a tasting of their own Two Wheeler Creek wine and farm-produced bush tucker before indulging in some marron with at Regional Meal lunch. Afterwards join a Local Specialist at Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among a breeding colony of Australian sea lions as they doze in the sun.

Day 9: KANGAROO ISLAND – ADELAIDE

Board your ferry to cross back to the mainland and travel to Adelaide. Enjoy an orientation tour of the ‘City of Churches’, with your Travel Director. This rest of your day is free to do as you wish. Maybe visit Adelaide Central Market and indulge in some fresh local produce, or take a stroll to explore Adelaide’s stunning architecture. Adelaide boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia and tonight it’s up to you where you choose to dine. You’ll spend your last two nights at the Stamford Plaza.

Day 10: THE BAROSSA AND HAHNDORF

The rolling Adelaide Hills and the Barossa lay ahead of you and you’ll have the opportunity to taste a number of their world-renowned wines. First stop is picturesque Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement. Explore the village and experience its charm and hospitality while you wander the tree-lined streets to discover the quaint shops and taste some artisan produce. Enjoy a wine tasting overlooking the surrounding vineyards with a Local Specialist before continuing to the Barossa for lunch at the South Australian Company Store. Here you’ll taste two wines and canapés featuring fresh local produce, followed by the main meal of your choice. Travel back to Adelaide through the South Australia’s lush countryside.

Day 11: Back home.