Tastes of Southern Australia

With 11 days of history, food and sightseeing ahead, we’ll head out of the city to start your Australia tour package in the historic town Berrima before pulling up at Gold Creek Station. It’s here you’ll appreciate a taste of true Aussie hospitality as hosts the Starr Family swing open their barn doors to share an insight into the family’s history and what life is like on a 400-hectare station. See Craig roll up his sleeves for a fascinating sheep shearing demonstration before they fire up the BBQ, for a delicious Be My Guest lunch. This is your entrée to the country’s cool little capital of Canberra, home to Parliament House, where you can explore the grounds or take a self-guided tour.

• Meet Craig Starr for a BBQ Lunch on his Sheep Farm

Say farewell to Canberra this morning by ascending the summit of towering Mt. Ainslie to bask in 360-views of the city. Then cross the mighty Murray River into Victoria, where you’ll feel like the clocks been wound back as you Dive Into Culture in Beechworth, Victoria's best-preserved gold rush town. Beechworth saw an influx of fortune-seekers from all over the world during the 1850s. Explore honey and gold shops, galleries and museums at your leisure. Then get the lowdown on the town over a chat with the publican of the historic local pub and enjoy afternoon tea in the oldest hotel in town before the city of Wangaratta beckons.

• Meet the Locals in Quaint Beechworth

It’s a complete change of scene as we journey to cosmopolitan Melbourne where you’ll get your bearings on a city sightseeing tour. Discover why Melbourne has justifiably earned its reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities and delve into its Victorian history in the CBD, Southbank’s sprawling riverfront, arts district, and natural beauty at the Botanic Gardens. Immerse yourself in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a guided galleries tour of our First Peoples arts and cultural centre at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery. Cruise by the Crown complex and consider coming back this evening for one of its super-chef's restaurants, designer boutiques, or indoor amusement park. After seeing so much of what awaits, you’ll no doubt be eager to explore more of this stylish city. Fortunately, you’re staying in centrally located area, opposite Southbank - a fun area that comes alive at night. Pop back to an area you’d like to get to know better or tuck into a delicious seafood dinner and watch the sunset on the banks of the Yarra.

• The Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery

There are endless ways to discover heart and soul of Melbourne today both in, or out, of the city on an Optional Experience. You could visit the Melbourne Skydeck - the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere - for panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of the city stretching far beyond its skyscrapers. Perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. Or, you could opt to venture further afield to Phillip Island to see the famous Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle up the beach to their sand dune burrow homes - a fascinating (and adorable!) wildlife encounter you can’t have anywhere else in the world.

Buckle up for an epic coastal road trip filled with pinch-me moments. Your journey along the scenic Great Ocean Road will have you glued to the window the whole way with plenty of photo ops and time to relax and take in one of the world’s greatest drives. Stop at a Mediterranean-inspired, quaint seaside village of Apollo Bay, and watch the boats come in to the harbour before today’s highlight, the Twelve Apostles. Admire these limestone formations rising 45 metres above the Southern Ocean and towering over the surrounding landscapes, feeling fortunate that you have the opportunity to see the seven apostles still standing today. Later, visit Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge before arriving in the historic former port city of Warrnambool and your overnight stay at Lady Bay Resort.

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.

It’s time for an island adventure. Begin at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where enormous sea lions tumble down the sand toward the water. During this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll witness one of Australia’s most significant sea lion breeding grounds and learn about the vital conservation efforts that protect this remarkable species. After soaking in the coastal scenery, continue to Vivonne Bay for a relaxed lunch paired with a glass of local wine. Then journey to Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, two of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic natural landmarks, where a lively colony of fur seals basks and plays along the rugged coastline. To round out the day, visit the island’s only boutique brewery for a well earned tasting of handcrafted beer. How does a refreshing Golden Ale sound to finish your island exploration?

• Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park

This morning, discover Kangaroo Island’s heritage on an engaging guided tour of one of Australia’s rare vertical wool mills, then visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery to explore the island’s 100% pure eucalyptus oil. Continue to Cape Willoughby to observe local wildlife and South Australia’s oldest lighthouse perched above dramatic cliffs before leaving the island and heading to Adelaide, celebrated for its historic churches and lively dining scene that attracts visitors from afar.

Take in the character of Adelaide on a city orientation, passing cultural icons like the Art Gallery, Museum and Adelaide Oval. In the 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. You’ll end the 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.

As your journey through the beautiful natural landscapes and stylish cities of Southern Australia comes to an end, say farewell to your fellow travellers before your transfer to Adelaide Airport (flights anytime).