Southern Australia Self-Drive Holiday

Day 1 – Welcome to Australia
Upon arrival at Adelaide Airport, collect your luggage and meet with your transfer, who will drive you to your accommodation. Discover the capital of South Australia at your leisure and see for yourself why Adelaide is quickly becoming the lifestyle capital of Australia. Once considered a sleepy city, Adelaide has undergone a rapid transformation with a burgeoning small-bar scene, world-class art and music, and a festival calendar to rival that of any other Australian city. Head out and discover Adelaide's laneway secrets, the stunning flora at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and find delicious treats around every bend. Tonight, head to 2K.W. Bar and Restaurant and wash down your oysters with the signature cocktail, The 2KW – made from gin, peach and pear juice.
Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Adelaide (B)

Day 2 – Exploring Adelaide
Why not begin the day with a tour to the Adelaide Central Market. With over 70 traders under one roof, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, buzzing with life and colour all year round. A 'must do' when in Adelaide! (Closed Sundays and Mondays). Next travel to Glenelg Beach, Adelaide's most popular city beach, offering a buzzing vibe and great atmosphere for all to enjoy. Renowned for its wide beach, stunning sunsets, rich heritage and bustling shops, sidewalk cafés and loads of entertainment. Take a dip, stroll the jetty, grab a bite to eat and watch the sunset over the ocean. No trip to the beach is complete without an ice-cream or gelati and you'll find plenty of opportunities to treat yourself at Glenelg. The Glenelg Foreshore Playground and Moseley Square are hives of activity throughout the warmer months, offering a huge range of family-friendly entertainment and sporting activities. To get to Glenelg Beach simply take a taxi, a rental car or hop on the famous “Bay Tramˮ which runs regularly from the heart of Adelaideʼs Centre right into Glenelg beach and takes 45 minutes.

This evening, explore Adelaide's small bar scene and sip your way around the laneways of Leigh St, Peel St and Gilbert Place or drink in the boozy goodness of Adelaide's east end. You'll be surprised to find speak-easy style bars tucked under the streets, swanky watering holes perched above the city skyline, laneways packed with cocktail lounges and quirky bars hidden behind unassuming walls, Adelaide's bar scene is booming.
Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Adelaide (B)

Day 3 – Adelaide to Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island
This morning, collect your car from the depot in downtown Adelaide. Make your way down south to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, it's only a 2-hour drive, however, please allow more time to check in at the ferry. Take the journey on one of the two modern ferries, taking just 45 minutes to travel across the 16 km Backstairs Passage crossing to/from beautiful Kangaroo Island. While onboard, grab a coffee or snack from the onboard full licensed café, relax and enjoy the views and use the free WI-FI.

Kangaroo Island is Australiaʼs third-largest island. It covers a land area of 4,405-kilometre square, which makes it relatively easy to explore in a short time. You can drive from one end of the island to the other end in about 2 hours. And speaking of size, Kangaroo Island can be looked at by dividing it into two parts by drawing a vertical line down its centre. The eastern half is where the port and the major towns are, whereas the western half is wilder and more natural. Its where Flinders Chase National Park and the other sanctuaries are located.
Overnight at the Aurora Ozone Hotel

Day 4 - The Best of Kangaroo Island
Join a tour tailor-made for a maximum of 6 passengers in a modern and air-conditioned 4WD. The experienced guide will lead you to explore Seal Bay and the Flinders Chase NP with Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Start off with a visit to the Seal Bay Conservatory Park, where you can admire Sea Lions resting on the beach. The guide will take you to the beach, just a few meters from them. After lunch, you'll visit Vivonne Bay, where you might spot dolphins swimming close to the shore. This beach is one of the most beautiful and safest swimming locations on the island, and in the summer, you may stop for a swimming break (if possible), before heading toward Flinders Chase NP where the famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch are located. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a walk around the famous rock formations of Remarkable Rocks (they are only 5 million years old!) Not far from there, you will be able to observe the Long Nosed Fur seals playing in the rock pools under Admirals Arch. The perfect last stop of this intimate tour.
Overnight at the Aurora Ozone Hotel

Day 5 – Kangaroo Island Beaches and Nature
Today you can explore the incredible scenery and beaches that Kangaroo Island is so famous for. Just north of Kingscote, you'll find Emu Bay, a long, white sandy beach, simply beautiful. If you are keen to explore some more beach gems, check out Stokes Bay, Snellings Beach or Western River Cove on the north coast – all boasting gleaming white sands and azure water. For further explorations head to the eastern end of the island to Cape Willoughby Conservation Park which is home to South Australia's first lighthouse and the cliffs that wrap their way around it are spectacular. You'll see an abundance of wildlife and lots of native flora, so get your camera ready! d'Estrees Bay is a beautiful sandy beach that borders Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, which is also home to several spectacular walking trails that lead into the wilderness. For a late lunch, head to Dudley Wines and enjoy 100% Kangaroo Island wines and spectacular views.

Once you've been to Kangaroo Island, you'll leave a part of your heart, as it's a very special place. To keep the memories alive, take a part of the Island home with you to remember the smells and tastes forever. Clifford's Honey Farm is home to the Island's famous Ligurian honey products including honey pots, mead, candles, ice cream, drinks, and cosmetics. Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery sells the Island's unique Narrow Leaf Mallee in various forms including oils, balms, hand creams, body wash and sweet treats just to name a few.

The day is not over yet though! This evening, venture out with a local guide to experience a very different kind of "nightlife" with a small group of max 4-6 passengers. Find Tammar Wallabies, Brush-tailed Possums, Western Grey Kangaroos, and possibly other more elusive night creatures such as Boobook Owls, Stone Curlews or even Penguins!
Overnight at the Aurora Ozone Hotel

Day 6 – Victor Harbor
Head back to Cape Jervis using the ferry and continue to the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Fleurieu Peninsula offers some of South Australia's finest coastal, scenic and culinary experiences. Spend quality time in natures playground discovering charming towns including Victor Harbor, McLaren Vale, Willunga, Normanville, Goolwa, Yankalilla and Rapid Bay. Your destination today is the popular beachside holiday town of Victor Harbor – the only place in the world where you can experience a journey that starts with the last of only two horse-drawn tram operations in the world (the other is on the Isle of Man). In Victor Harbor, take the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island and do the circular Kaiki Walk to enjoy views up and down the dramatic coast and take it all in.
Overnight at the McCracken Country Club

Day 7 - Drive from the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Grampians in Victoria
Leave the countryside behind and get ready for a day on the road, heading east. There are a few nice stops on the way to stretch your legs. For example: halfway between McLaren Vale and the Bordertown exit is Coonalpyn, with one big attraction: the painted grain silos. Then there is Bordertown itself which is home to unique white kangaroos in the local wildlife park. Another stop could be the Pink Lake shortly after Dimboola, the lake owes its colour to the algae in it. Then continue your road-trip to the grand and rugged mountain ranges which are the Grampians. Spend the rest of today at your leisure, we recommend heading out on some of the walking tracks leading to dazzling waterfalls, wildlife and awe-inspiring lookouts.
Overnight at the Country Plaza Halls Gap

Day 8 – Explore the Grampians - Hike at your leisure
Enjoy a hike along one of the many walking tracks within the Grampians National Park. There are options for every level of fitness and time frame. A good starting point is the 2.5-kilometre (1.5-mile) Venus Baths Loop Walk, which starts in the centre of Halls Gap and crosses over Stony Creek. In the warmer months, the rock pools fill with fresh water, making it the perfect place for a swim and picnic lunch. The iconic Pinnacle walk and lookout is another highlight; the two-kilometre (1.3-mile) walk from Wonderland Car Park is steeper and rockier, but offers the best Grampians hiking experience. Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. Itʼs a good idea to check with the local Visitor Centre before any going on any hikes.
Overnight at the Country Plaza Halls Gap

Day 9 – Welcome to the Great Ocean Road
Enjoy the morning at your leisure in the mountains and continue your road trip to the coast when you are ready. The spectacular Great Ocean Road winds alongside the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. Home to craggy cliffs, empty beaches and bountiful wildlife, there is an effortless affinity with nature along this iconic road. And with epic surf and unforgettable hikes, you will find plenty of adventure around every corner.

First Stop: the coastal town of Port Fairy, or Warrnambool, where from May to October, southern right whales calve off Logan Beach. We highly recommend you visit the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve just nearby, before continuing along the Shipwreck Coast. Enjoy the views of the wild seas, which sent at least 700 ships crashing on the rocks. Then you will reach the 12 Apostles, a series of towering limestone pillars jutting out of the Southern Ocean. Park at the 12 Apostles car park and follow the paved pathway to the lookout. A 15- minute walk from the 12 Apostles is Gibson's Steps. Descend the 86 stairs, which are carved into the cliff face to reach the beach, where you'll be rewarded with a close-up view of the Apostles. It is not far from here to your accommodation. Settle in and continue your coastal adventure tomorrow.
Overnight at By Moonlight

Day 10 – Explore the 12 Apostles area
Today take a bit more time to explore the 12 Apostles and the surrounding area. Rising out of the Southern Ocean, alongside Australia's famous Great Ocean Road, you'll find the 12 Apostles. There are, in fact, only eight Apostles at the moment! Check out the interpretative displays along the boardwalk and enjoy a self-guided walk at Loch Ard Gorge. Next up, visit the Grotto (where you can often see rainbows made from wave spray and sunshine), the Arch (with its spectacular views of the 12 Apostles in the late afternoon), London Bridge (originally a natural archway, which collapsed in 1990), and the Bay of Islands. Make your way towards the enormous offshore rock stacks of Gog and Magog but be sure to check tide times and ocean conditions before visiting.
Overnight at By Moonlight

Day 11 – The Twelve Apostles to Lorne on the Great Ocean Road
Your Southern Australia holiday continues through the Great Otway National Park. Turn right to the Cape Otway Lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia. Climb to the observation deck at the top for fantastic views across the Southern Ocean. You are also likely to spot Koalas on the road towards the Lighthouse, so make sure you look up the trees. Other activities at the Otway Ranges include the Tree Top Walk, where you can experience a birds-eye view of the scenic ranges from the worldʼs tallest treetop walk and a Zip Line Tour, which allows you to zip through the leafy treetops of the ranges from one cloud station to another. Have a look around the quaint village of Apollo Bay before you continue to the seaside holiday resort town of Lorne and check in to your accommodation. Along the way, we recommend making a brief stop at Kennett River, which is home to numerous koala colonies. Then finish the day by taking a dip in the water or keeping your feet dry and browsing the galleries and boutiques along the main street, then enjoy a lovely seafood dinner.
Overnight at Mantra Lourne

Day 12 – Lorne to Melbourne
Continue your journey to the next stop which is Aireys Inlet, a quaint seaside town. Enjoy a walk to the Split Point Lighthouse, which offers prime photo opportunities. A 30- minute drive further brings you to Torquay, where the Great Ocean Road officially begins but ends for you. The city is often dubbed the ‘Surf Capital of Australia’ thanks to its world-famous Bells Beach, known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. On your way to Melbourne, you might want to stop at the award-winning Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Here, you can meet resident emus and kangaroos, learn to throw a boomerang and marvel over ancient art techniques, all while gaining valuable knowledge of the local culture. From here its only a 1.5-hour drive to the state capital Melbourne. Drop your car off on arrival in Melbourne and make your way to your hotel.
Overnight at the Clarion Suites Gateway

Day 13 – Classic Melbourne Bike Tour
This tour gives you a great orientation of Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs while on a relaxing bicycle ride. Your local guide doesn't just show you around but will make sure you learn all facets of Melbourne during this tour: Melbourne’s “foundingˮ, the Aboriginals, the Eureka Stockade, our war history, the significance of sport and much more. There is also a stop in Fitzroy at one of their favourite cafés for lunch! (Please bring some extra cash for lunch.).

Later on, if you checked out all the must-dos such as the Queen Victoria Markets, St Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House, the Royal Exhibition Building and the city views from the Shrine of Remembrance it's time to explore "Melbsˮ a little more. Why not take a stroll along the banks of the Yarra River, which meanders its way through the heart of the Melbourne CBD and divides its commercial and tourist hub from the slightly more suburban Southbank area. Numerous attractions call the waterfront of the Yarra home, including Batman Park, Melbourne Aquarium, Federation Square and the aforementioned Flinders Street Station, while the city's impressive casino sits on the southern side. Then grab a bite in the architectural wonder and dining destination that is Higher Ground, stroll down Bourke Street or check out Chinatown. Both are major hub streets in Melbourne, and both offer a ridiculously impressive array of dining experiences, with your choice of which one to patron entirely dependent on whether you're feeling hunger for Asian or Western cuisine.
Overnight at the Clarion Suites Gateway

Day 14 – Melbourne to Sydney
A driver will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport to catch your flight.
Depart Melbourne 1430 arrive Sydney 155 – Qantas Economy
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and meet with your transfer, who will drive you to your accommodation. Sydney is of course a must-do for every Australia holiday, and for good reason: With a dazzling natural harbour, epic beachside walks (not to mention beaches), a cutting-edge restaurant and bar scene, excellent live music and theatre, and an unquenchable thirst for fun, youʼll never get bored in this city. We suggest
taking a walk through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens along the harbour and stop at the iconic Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. In the evening, enjoy a nice dinner, along with exploring the local bar and pub scene—maybe even catch some live music?
Overnight at The Tank Stream Sydney

Day 15 – The Story of Sydney
The Story of Sydney is a charming 4-hour experience. If you’re keen to learn more about the history of Sydney, and how it evolved to be the dazzling, sophisticated marvel we have today, then this is the tour for you. Just like a story, the tour begins where it all started, The Rocks. Discover how the area has evolved from a penal colony to housing two of the worldʼs most prominent icons. This story unfolds with many photo opportunities traveling past popular landmarks, through charming, vibrant neighbourhoods on route to Watsons Bay and Bondi Beach. Discover the lively street culture, entertainment and shopping in Paddington and Darlinghurst, to the new and dazzling Barangaroo. The Story of Sydney tour is the perfect orientation, taking you on an intimate journey through Sydney from 1788 to today. You will leave the tour with an abundance of knowledge as you discover the history, lifestyle and culture of the many diverse neighbourhoods that make up the city of Sydney.
Overnight at The Tank Stream Sydney

Day 16 - Explore Sydney and Bondi Beach
Spend time at your leisure to explore Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous beach. The jewel of Sydneyʼs laid-back beach lifestyle is home to one of the oldest surf lifesaving clubs in the world and one of Australiaʼs oldest swimming clubs, the Bondi Icebergs. Browse the boutique shops along Gould Street and sit down in one of the trendy cafés. Later, take one of Sydneyʼs most iconic walks, taking in beautiful beaches, cliff tops and great cafés along the way. The 6 km walk takes two to three hours, depending on how often you stop, but you can also allow a full day to do the walk and enjoy a swim at each of the beaches en route. Begin at Bondi Beach and pass the stunning Bondi Icebergs swimming club – one of Australiaʼs most photographed pools – onto a paved path that will take you around the headland. In the winter months (July-September), this is a great vantage point to spot humpback whales making the annual migration along the coast. On your way, you'll marvel at 2,000-year-old traditional Aboriginal rock carvings at Markʼs Park, grab a coffee or lunch at Tamarama Beach, walk past (or through) the heritage-listed Waverly Cemetery, see Gordonʼs Bay (a narrow beach lined with fishing boats) and continue to your final destination: Coogee Beach. Head to the Coogee Pavilion for a well-earned wood-fired pizza, or treat yourself to ice cream at one of the plentiful cafés along the promenade.

P.S.: For three weeks each spring (usually sometime in October-November), the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world, Sculptures by the Sea, illuminates the Bondi to Tamarama section of the coastal walk.

This evening, after a full day of exploration, it is time to relax. Enjoy a deluxe sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour accompanied by a delicious three-course dinner. From the water, admire iconic sights such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, Luna Park and more. Snap photos as the sky shimmers at sunset and the city skyline lights up for the night as you cruise through Sydney in the evening.
Overnight at The Tank Stream Sydney

Day 17 – The end of the Southern Australia Holiday
Today, at an appropriate time, a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport to catch your flight. Farewell Australia!