Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island

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.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Tae Rak (Lake Condah). Walk with a Local Specialist and learn how the Gunditjmara people built one of the world’s oldest aquaculture systems, using volcanic rock to trap and harvest eel. Cross into South Australia to see the striking Blue Lake in Mount Gambier, a crater lake known for its vivid seasonal colour. Then it’s time to taste the cool-climate reds of the Coonawarra wine region. Cap off the day with a visit to Naracoorte’s Alexandra Cave, where you’ll weave through an underground labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites and ancient limestone columns.

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.

Spend the morning uncovering the story of Kangaroo Island’s wool heritage with a guided visit to one of Australia’s only vertical mills. Step inside their immersive 360-degree igloo dome for a cinematic look at life inside a working shearing shed. Then, travel to South Australia’s oldest operating lighthouse before saying goodbye to the island. Back on the mainland, you’ll arrive in Adelaide – a city with a big reputation for bold flavour and beautiful design.

Take in the character of Adelaide on a city orientation, passing cultural icons like the Art Gallery, Museum and Adelaide Oval. In Adelaide Hills, discover Hahndorf, a village with proud German roots and a main street filled with traditional bakeries, shops and cafes. Back in the city, enjoy time to explore at your own pace. One suggestion? Head to Adelaide Central Market, where you’ll find everything from artisan cheese to green ant gin. This evening, end your trip on a high note 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).