This adventure takes you into the depths of South Australia – a vast state of epic outback scenery, a majestic coastline, and boundless tracts of verdant vineyards, which produce more than half of Australia’s wine. There’s no better place to begin than in one of the most celebrated wine-producing regions, Barossa Valley. Situated northeast of Adelaide, this area is home to numerous world-class wineries, with Shiraz grapes being the local forte. You will then travel into the wilderness of Arkaba Conservancy in the Flinders Ranges, the largest mountain range in South Australia. Spread across ancient landscapes, this wildlife haven conserves Australia’s endemic flora and fauna, including kangaroos and emus. A stop at Adelaide Hills is next, one of the cooler wine regions in Australia, set within the picturesque Mount Lofty Ranges. With the guidance of a local expert, you’ll be led to the nearby McLaren Vale region, to sample some of the area’s best wines. Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest, is the final destination. It features numerous nature reserves teeming with wildlife, including koalas, wallabies, possums, sea lions, and a fur seal colony at Cape du Couedic. Your time here will be spent exploring Flinders Chase National Park, Latham Conservation Park, Seal Bay Conservation Park, and other corners of the island by car and on foot, stopping at viewpoints and for picnics – paired, of course, with fine Australian wines.
Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: The Louise
On this ultimate day tour, you will set off into the beautiful wine-producing region of Barossa Valley, visiting some of the country’s most celebrated vineyards. Throughout your journey, you can enjoy private tastings, vineyard tours and masterclasses at selected wine farms and a VIP experience at the iconic, 150-year-old Henschke Wines.
Hotel: The Louise
Take a private transfer to your hotel in Flinders Ranges.
Hotel: Arkaba Homestead
Today, you will enjoy a remarkable 15-minute scenic helicopter flight to take in the compelling geology and ever-changing palette of the Flinders Ranges. As the light changes, you'll be treated to the stunning colors of the outback, including wonderful views of Wilpena Pound, the Chase Range, and the Elder Range. After soaking up the scenery, you'll land on a remote ridgetop – only accessible by helicopter – and enjoy the sunset with a glass of bubbles in hand and a wild bush canape platter to complement it.
Hotel: Arkaba Homestead
This is a day at leisure to enjoy the facilities at your hotel, including the amazing swimming pool and hotel library. Guests are also encouraged to get involved with one of the many conservation projects.
Hotel: Arkaba Homestead
Today, you will take a private transfer to Adelaide Hills.
Hotel: Mount Lofty House
The McLaren Vale wine region is located just south of Adelaide on the beautiful and geographically diverse Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s close to the beaches and crystal-clear waters of the south coast. The region is home to more than 70 different wineries – from internationally renowned producers to boutique wineries, including Wirra Wirra, d’Arenberg, Primo Estate, Olivers Taranga, and Kay Brothers. Your expert guide will fill you in on the details as you explore the incredible food and wine of this fascinating wine region.
Hotel: Mount Lofty House
This is a day on your own to enjoy the hotel’s botanic garden, croquet lawn, swimming pool and tennis courts.
Hotel: Mount Lofty House
A private car will take you to the airport for the short flight to Kangaroo Island.
Hotel: Oceanview Eco Villas
The day is planned to suit the season but usually begins with a scenic drive in search of koalas high in the eucalyptus trees. We will stop for a cuppa and some homemade cakes before heading to the North Coast and Lathami Conservation Park. Here, you will walk quietly through the bush with your guide, stopping to look at tracks and listening for birds. There is a large number of Tammar wallabies here, a species almost extinct on the mainland, and a particular species of kangaroo that is endemic to Kangaroo Island. After a lunch of local seafood and fine South Australian wines at a private bush location, we head to Seal Bay Conservation Park to walk with your guide among Australian sea lions on a sandy beach. Witness pups nursing or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about the sea lions’ unique breeding biology. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring more of the southeast region of the island with destinations and experiences chosen to align with seasonal opportunities.
Hotel: Oceanview Eco Villas
This is a rest day for you to enjoy romantic beach walks and serene hiking trails.
Hotel: Oceanview Eco Villas
A private driver will escort you to the airport today for your flight to Adelaide.