Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Escape

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.

Cross the Murray River, Australia’s longest waterway, famed for scenic wetlands and historic paddle steamers. Continue to the Fleurieu Peninsula, an adventure playground of rolling hills, rugged clifftops and sandy beaches. In seaside Victor Harbor, stroll the pier before the ferry sounds its horn. Sail to Kangaroo Island, sanctuary to sea lions, koalas and abundant birdlife, arriving in the welcoming coastal town of Kingscote, where relaxed island life sets the pace.

Begin your day at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where Kangaroo Island’s remarkable wildlife greets you along the sweeping shoreline. During this meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll visit one of Australia’s most important sea lion breeding sites and learn about a species with a population of only around 12,000 worldwide, including roughly 800 that live here at Seal Bay. As you join your guide along the beach, you may witness enormous sea lions powering down the sand toward the water, offering an unforgettable display of their size and character. After soaking in the coastal scenery, continue for a relaxed lunch paired with a glass of local wine. Your journey continues across the island to its dramatic coastline, where the striking, orange lichen covered Remarkable Rocks rise majestically above the brilliant blue of the Southern Ocean. These naturally sculpted formations command attention and showcase the island’s extraordinary geological beauty. Nearby, Admirals Arch awaits - an impressive natural rock bridge sheltering a bustling colony of fur seals, with a photogenic lighthouse providing a scenic backdrop. Finish the day by unwinding at Kangaroo Island’s only boutique brewery. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of locally crafted beers and take in the relaxed atmosphere. How does a crisp Pale Ale sound as the perfect end to your island adventure?

• Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park

This morning, explore Kangaroo Island’s heritage on a guided tour of one of Australia’s only vertical wool mills, where a 360 degree igloo dome immerses you in the sights and sounds of a working shearing shed. Continue to South Australia’s only eucalyptus distillery to learn how this pure, aromatic oil is produced and keep an eye out for roaming kangaroos and emus as you wander the estate. Afterwards, travel to South Australia’s oldest operational lighthouse for sweeping coastal views before departing the island and arriving in Adelaide, a city renowned for its historic churches and exceptional culinary scene.

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).