Day 1: Board the Great Southern in Brisbane – Coffs Harbour
Today, you’ll set off from Brisbane on your week-long adventure covering Australia’s south-east. Settle into your cabin and prepare to savour lunch on board and spend a relaxing afternoon admiring the views before arriving in Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapes on the beach at Charlesworth Bay before a unique outdoor dinner, where you’ll feast on local produce and fresh seafood paired with fine wines. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for your first night on board.
Meal included: Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Great Southern Train
Day 2: Hunter Region Exploration
Start the day with breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. You may choose to meander through the picturesque vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine regions, or explore Port Stephens by land or sea. Alternatively, explore Newcastle and discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city. Late afternoon, return to the train along with the rest of the guests to enjoy a regionally inspired meal and relaxing time on board before retiring for the night.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Great Southern Train
Day 3: Victoria – Melbourne or Regional Experience
After enjoying a delicious breakfast on board and a relaxing start to the day travelling through Victoria’s high country, you’ll have a choice of Off Train Experiences. Victoria is well-known for its excellent food and wine scene, which is on show at Clyde Park, a beautiful vineyard in the Moorabool Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a long lunch and sample cool-climate wines. Alternatively, opt to visit cosmopolitan Melbourne to find out why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Explore the oldest and most-visited art collection in Australia at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) or visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). If you’re a history buff, head to the Old Melbourne Gaol. Lunch is at Eureka 89, where you’ll dine on a beautifully curated menu showcasing local and seasonal produce with spectacular views over the city.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Great Southern Train
Day 4: Arrive in Adelaide – Transfer to Monarto Safari Resort
Upon arrival into Adelaide, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Monarto Safari Resort, approximately 50 minutes from the city centre and nestled in South Australia’s expansive Murraylands. Monarto Safari Resort offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s embrace, combining premium accommodation with authentic experiences, during your stay you’ll be surrounded by Africa’s wildest animals. With some free time before checking in, you may choose to indulge in the luxurious day spa, laze by the two stunning pool areas or enjoy world-class dining at the onsite restaurant at Monarto Safari Resort. Settle into your new and well curated accommodation before joining the Sunset Wildlife Safari, soaking in the last rays of sun on your small group guided tour. Enjoy exclusive access to Monarto Safari Park after hours with ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast parklands and watch the free-roaming herds of African animals across 550 hectares. As you explore the lands from the comfort of the Safari Truck, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph animals including Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Eland, Ostriches, and Zebras. Drinks and canapes will be served during the tour, capping off the unforgettable experience.
Meal included: Breakfast
Stay: Monarto Safari Resort
Day 5: Monarto Safari Park – Full Day Exploration
Today is yours to explore Monarto Safari Park via the guided Zu-Loop bus experience, or a combination of the Zu-Loop bus and walking. Monarto is the largest openrange safari experience in the world outside of Africa and spans more than 1,500 hectares and is home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles. You can hop on and off the bus at the wildlife viewing platforms and spend time observing your favourite animal species, including Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos, Chimpanzees, and more. Additionally, you can enhance your visit by attending Daily Keeper Presentations and booking a range of intimate behind-the-scenes animal experiences.
Meal included: Breakfast
Stay: Monarto Safari Resort
Day 6: Farewell to the Wild – Transfer to Adelaide
Today, your wild Monarto Safari Stay comes to an end. After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and transfer by private vehicle to your choice of the Adelaide Airport or Adelaide CBD Hotel.
Meal included: Breakfast
Stay: 4 Stars Hotel
Day 7: Barossa Valley & Wineries
Wine, lunch, and chocolate are the delights of a dream day out in the Barossa on this intimate full-day tour. Take time to sample some of the Barossa’s finest wines and gourmet food that has made this South Australian wine region an international icon.
Your first stop is Pindarie Wines, a family-owned and award-winning cellar door. A family winemaker will share the story of this stunning property and will lead you through tastings, with cheese, in the all-charm sandstone stables converted into a cellar door. Then, it’s coffee and cake on the verandah, or in winter, cozied up around the fire. There’s time for fun photos of a haystack framed by bucolic views dominated by Shiraz vines. The small-group tour moves on to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, to see and sample the famous food identity’s world of local produce, and a close encounter with the famous The Cook and the Chef kitchen. Our beloved cook offers tastings galore and chats with her crew. A bounty of Maggie’s products and books for sale make this a delicious souvenir stop with incredible views over the lake.
Lunch is at the mod Lambert Estate, with panoramic vineyard views, halls of local art, and a sun-drenched balcony in summer or by a giant crackling fire midyear. It’s a private party where you will be treated to wine tastings along with family anecdotes and wine notes. After a hearty two-course lunch, why not take your coffee and ‘a Chocolatier’ (chocolate port) out onto that balcony. A photo stop at Mengler Hill affords fabulous sweeping Valley views, before the next taste-buds-tempting exercise at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company. Sit down to a flight of local Vineyard Road wines and chocolate, with an expert guide revealing why they meld so well. A viewing wall showcases the crafting of more than 250 chocolate products, including the newest ruby flavor. Then, browse the collection for gifts to take home, or will they make it that far?
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: 4 Stars Hotel
Day 8: Kangaroo Island
Drive to Cape Jervis (secure and free Council car parking available) or depart Adelaide for a scenic coach journey to Cape Jervis taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views, and rolling hills. On arrival, board the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.
On arrival in Penneshaw, meet your local Driver/Guide to begin your island experience. Firstly you will visit Frenchman’s Rock, named by members of Nicolas Baudin’s crew on the ship Le Geographe in 1803. Visit the Chapman River Bridge at Antechamber Bay on your way to the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. Kangaroo Island is home to some 250 species of birds, many of which, through isolation from the mainland, have developed their own subspecies and are therefore unique to Kangaroo Island. As you travel the island keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, goannas, and the elusive glossy-black cockatoo.
Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at the beautiful False Cape Wines Cellar Door. This new and unique Cellar Door is made from recycled wood, jetty timber, and limestone sourced from the property, and overlooks the surrounding vineyards. Continue to American River via stunning Pennington Bay for an informative tour of The Oyster Farm Shop where you’ll see a shucking demonstration and even get the chance to taste some seafood. The next stop is Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS), Australia’s first boutique Gin distillery established in 2006. Gin is their passion with an emphasis on using local and native ingredients. Enjoy a sampling of their Gins, with an opportunity to purchase from their range of Gins, Vodkas, and Liqueurs. Your day concludes back at your accommodation in time to relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure (own expense).
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Kangaroo Island Hotel
Day 9: Kangaroo Island Exploration Continues
Today’s first stop is the spectacular Seal Bay Conservation Park. Your Driver/Guide will escort you on a memorable walk along the beach, which is home to a healthy Australian sea lion colony. Marvel at these incredible creatures as they bask and play on the beach or among the sand dunes after their extensive fishing expeditions. This is a truly unforgettable experience — one that you will treasure forever.
Enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing onto the southwestern end of the island to discover Flinders Chase National Park, one of the oldest and most important National Parks in South Australia, taking up almost 20 percent of the island. Classed as a Wilderness Protection Area, this Park is home to a variety of fauna and flora unique to Kangaroo Island.
At Admirals Arch see where the powerful forces of nature have cut through the headland to create this natural geological arch formation.m and where you can watch the healthy colony of Long-nosed Fur Seals before taking a stroll around the historic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Weir’s Cove. Next, discover the picturesque and impressive formations of Remarkable Rocks. This cluster of large granite boulders balances dramatically on the cliff edge, which plunges 75 meters into the Southern Ocean. Throughout Flinders Chase National Park, take advantage of the opportunity to search for kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife. Koalas can be observed peacefully existing in their eucalypt habitats. In the afternoon, explore some of the most spectacular beaches on Kangaroo Island and marvel at the stunning coastlines the island has to offer. There will be many photo opportunities along the way for you to capture long-lasting memories of your time on beautiful Kangaroo Island. Your tour concludes at Penneshaw in time for the return ferry to the mainland and coach transfer to Adelaide.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: 4 Stars Hotel
Day 10: Adelaide City & Adelaide Hills Tour
Today’s full-day experience begins with a self-arranged arrival at Pop-eye Jetty, Elder Park by 11:55 AM, where you’ll board the iconic Pop-eye riverboat for a relaxing cruise along the Torrens River. Take in scenic riverside views of Adelaide, with lush surroundings and abundant birdlife offering a tranquil backdrop to the city.
At 1:20 PM, you will join our afternoon coach tour from the rotunda alongside King William Street. Your journey continues through Adelaide’s North and East Terraces, past the vibrant Hutt Street, and into the city’s leafy eastern suburbs.
The tour ascends into the Mount Lofty Ranges, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views stretching from Glenelg across to the Gulf St Vincent. Discover the charming hillside villages of Crafers, Stirling, and Aldgate, nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills.
Next, visit the well-known Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, a household name across Australia. Then, continue to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement, where you can stroll down the Elm tree-lined main street, admire historic cottages, and browse artisan shops and local produce stores.
Enjoy afternoon tea served with traditional hospitality, or opt for a tasting of German beer samplers. Immerse yourself in Hahndorf’s quaint charm before concluding the experience.
Meal included: Breakfast
Stay: 4 Stars Hotel
Day 11: Say Goodbye to Adelaide
At the scheduled time, your driver will transfer you to Adelaide Airport for your return flight.
Meal included: Breakfast
Stay: N/A
