13 Day Sydney to Adelaide Grand Southern Discovery

Summary

"Beautiful mountain ranges, rich countryside, cosmopolitan cities, stunning coastlines, world class wineries and vast outback plains. Explore country towns from the gold-rush era, discover the wonders of the Great Ocean Road, tour and the spectacular Kangaroo Island."

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney - Canberra

Depart Sydney at 8.00am. We begin our journey to the nation's capital via the Southern Highlands with a stop at historic Berrima, a visit to a working sheep farm and an Aussie barbecue lunch. In Canberra, we'll tour through Parliament House and visit the Australian War Memorial before enjoying a welcome drink with your Tour Director.

Hotel: Rydges Lakeside, Canberra.

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Snowy Mountains

Cooma and the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme start our day, before you get the option to take a ride on the Mt. Kosciuszko chairlift and experience Australia's highest point! You'll be awestruck by the stunningly picturesque Kosciuszko National Park - home to mobs of kangaroos - as we travel the Alpine Way, over the mighty Murray River into Victoria and beautiful Beechworth, Victoria's best preserved gold rush town, for our unique overnight stay in one of the Bed and Breakfast properties.

Hotel: Boutique Country Accommodation, Beechworth

Meals: B

Day 3: Melbourne

Get to know Beechworth with a tour and some free time to explore the legendary Beechworth Bakery, as well as antique shops and galleries. Later we'll see the museum then it's on through Glenrowan and Ned Kelly country to culturally diverse and cosmopolitan Melbourne. A dinner option tonight is on board the distinctive Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne

Meals: B

Day 4: Melbourne 'Free Time'

Today Melbourne is all yours to explore. You'll have time to discover some of the secrets of this exceptional city - its cafes, galleries, museums, markets, restaurants, laneways and parks await you. Or if you want to get out of town you can take a tour to Phillip Island's little penguins, the Yarra Valley's wineries or Sovereign Hill's goldmine.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne

Meals: B

Day 5: Great Ocean Road

Hold on to your seats today for one of the world's great road trips - the Great Ocean Road, recognised as one of Tourism Australia's 'National Landscapes.' We'll get plenty of photo opportunities along this gorgeous coastal road, including stops at surfing-mecca Torquay, world famous Bells Beach, a visit the amazing Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, before finishing the day in the whale watching capital of Warrnambool.

Hotel: Country Comfort, Warrnambool

Meals: B, D

Day 6: Tower Hill - Mt Gambier

This morning we visit Worn Gundidi at Tower Hill State Game Reserve. Erupting 32,000 years ago Tower Hill's volcanic formation is the largest example in Victoria. The area was a rich food source for the Koroitgundidj people whose descendants retain links with this country. Our guide will provide us with an Aboriginal perspective about flora, wildlife, volcanic formations, bush existence and medicinal practices. Then marvel at the pristine vistas before we continue along the coast through picturesque Port Fairy. We skirt the Lower Glenelg National Park crossing the border to South Australia into Mount Gambier for a city tour and stop at the spectacular and mysterious Blue Lake.

Hotel: Quality Inn International, Mt Gambier

Meals: B, D

Day 7: Adelaide

We travel through Meningie, located on the shores of Lake Albert, en route to Adelaide, where we'll take a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore the gorgeous 'City of Churches'.

Hotel: InterContinental

Day 8: Victor Harbor Adelaide

Meals: B

First up seaside Glenelg then we continue on to the picturesque coastal village of Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula. You'll have some free time to explore, maybe take a walk to Granite Island and see some sensational coastal views. Next we travel by ferry to Kangaroo Island. Tonight we'll have dinner at the Aurora Ozone Hotel, overlooking the spectacular Backstair Passage.

Hotel: Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kangaroo Island

Meals: B, D

Day 9: Kangaroo Island

Nowhere else in Australia is there such a concentration of unique wildlife, Spectacular landscapes and caves, pristine beaches and wilderness. Today we explore Kangaroo Island! At Seal Bay we'll take a guided tour along the beach among the Australian sea lions. We'll experience more great photo opportunities at the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch. We'll also do some koala, wallaby and kangaroo spotting at Flinders Chase National Park.

Hotel: Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kangaroo Island

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Barossa Valley

Today We leave Kangaroo Island, ferrying back to Cape Jervis, then we're off through the Adelaide Hills to the picturesque Barossa Valley - taking in some sensational panoramic views from Mengler Lookout - then it's on to the real business - a winery visit - to Chateau Yaldara for a tour and tasting! We'll also visit the Angas Park Fruit Centre then relax and watch the sunset over the vineyards at Barossa Valley Novotel Resort - what a way to end the day!

Hotel: Novotel Barossa Valley Resort

Meals: B, D

Day 11: Mildura

We visit Banrock Station and its Interpretive Centre where you can learn about the fascinating wetlands, followed by a tasting at the winery. We'll cross back over the border into Victoria for an up close look at the mighty Murray River and the fabulous fresh produce of Mildura, often referred to as 'the Mediterranean in the Outback'.

Hotel: Mercure Hotel, Mildura

Meals: B

Day 12: Wagga Wagga

Today we'll visit historic Hay on the Murrumbidgee and Darling Rivers and view the picturesque scenery of the Riverina district including the country town of Narrandera. We overnight in the rural city of Wagga Wagga, with its river, lake and spectacular gardens.

Hotel: Country Comfort, Wagga Wagga

Meals: B, D

Day 13: Blue Mountains

Our scenic journey through mid western New South Wales is packed with Australian icons. From a stop-and-see of Don Bradman's birth place, to Bathurst and a hot lap of Mount Panorama, to the impressive World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and the Three Sisters, we finish up at Sydney in the shadows of one of the great Australian icons - the Harbour Bridge. And here our Grand Southern Discovery ends. You will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B

Further Information

Tour Highlights

Tour of Parliament House, Kosciuszko National Park, Explore historic Beechworth, Travel the Great Ocean Road, The amazing Twelve Apostles, Tower Hill Game Reserve, View the mysterious Blue Lake, 2 nights on Kangaroo Island, Sea Lions at Seal Bay, Barossa Valley wine region, Chateau Yaldara Winery, Banrock Station Wetlands, Picturesque Riverina District, Spectacular Three Sisters, Aboriginal Cultural Experience Included .

Transportation

Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats, panoramic windows, Professionally Escorted Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver .

Dining Inclusions

Full Buffet Breakfasts (12) B, Lunches (2) L, Hotel Dinners (7) D .

Accommodation

Twin share rooms with private facilities in especially selected hotels, Welcome drink, Travel wallet and map, Airport transfer on Day prior from Sydney Airport (flights anytime), Airport transfer on Day 13 to Sydney Airport (flights to depart after 8.00pm) .

Barossa Valley

This is Australia's most famous wine region, home to some of Australia's most renowned and desirable wine labels., To visit the Barossa is to taste the good life in all its forms. Premium wines, including world-famous Shiraz, regional produce and acclaimed restaurants provide gastronomic experiences. .