11 Days Tastes of Southern Australia (ESMA)

Sydney – Canberra

Welcome to your holiday! This morning begin your scenic journey to Canberra via the Southern Highlands. Stop at historic Berrima, famous for its gaol and early colonial architecture then visit Gold Creek Station and meet local sheep farmer, Craig Starr. Get a taste of life on the farm before you join Craig and his family for an Aussie BBQ highlight lunch. Your destination is the country’s capital where you’ll enjoy a tour through Parliament House with a local guide. Later visit the Australian War Memorial and stay to hear the evocative Last Post. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers tonight and get to know each other over a delicious meal.

As this Guided Holiday departs early morning, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night.

Canberra – Beechworth

Before leaving Canberra this morning, you'll visit the summit of Mt. Ainslie to take in views of the city and surrounding ranges from the lookout. Journey over the mighty Murray River into Victoria taking the scenic route to historic Beechworth, Victoria's best preserved gold rush town for your unique overnight stay in one of the Bed and Breakfast properties. The region offers plenty of great photo opportunities, with towering winter snow-capped mountains, tree covered ranges, magical lakes, wild rivers and tranquil rural farmlands. Get to know Beechworth with an orientation and enjoy some free time to explore the antique shops, galleries and the museum. Why not grab a coffee and delicious treat from the legendary Beechworth Bakery! Tonight, if you're feeling up to it, head down to Hotel Nicholas for a good pub meal. The hotel was built in 1857 during the heady gold rush days and houses a great collection of local memorabilia.

Beechworth – Melbourne

Be my guest dining experience This morning join your B&B host for a Be My Guest breakfast. Travel through Glenrowan and Ned Kelly country to culturally diverse and cosmopolitan Melbourne for a sightseeing tour. This evening perhaps take a relaxing walk along the Yarra River and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants at Southbank.

Melbourne Included Choice

Included Choice Today Melbourne is all yours to explore! Choose from a selection of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Visit Eureka Skydeck for fantastic views of Melbourne. With 360 degree floor to ceiling views, it's the Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing platform. Maybe join a Hunt & Gather Food Tour of Queen Victoria Market to take in the life, sounds and stories of the historic marketplace and taste your way around the market's seemingly endless food stalls. Or you may choose to discover the city's famous laneways and arcades on a walking tour. These hidden laneways also house some of the best restaurants the city has to offer. Treat yourself for dinner tonight.

Melbourne – Warrnambool

Hold on to your seats and make sure your camera is charged for one of the world's great road trips – the Great Ocean Road! Enjoy spectacular scenery that never ends and the quaint seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Visit the amazing Twelve Apostles. These fascinating limestone formations tower 45 metres above the Southern Ocean. Later view Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge before arriving in Warrnambool.

Warrnambool – Naracoorte

Aboriginal culture This morning visit Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill State Game Reserve. The area was a rich food source for the Koroit Gundidj people whose descendants retain links with this country. Your guide will provide you with an Aboriginal perspective about flora, wildlife, volcanic formations, bush existence and medicinal practices. Continue into Mt. Gambier to visit the mysterious Blue Lake and then travel on to the world renowned Coonawarra wine region. Stop at Brand's Laira vineyard for a wine tasting. The vineyard's first vines were planted in 1893 when an English Sea Captain purchased a plot of land in the Penola fruit colony, naming it 'Laira' after the ship that traded around the Australian and New Zealand coasts at the time. Afterwards you'll continue to Naracoorte, your stop for the night.

Naracoorte – Kangaroo Island

Journey to the Fleurieu Peninsula and visit the seaside town of Victor Harbor at lunchtime. You might like to take the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island or just sit back and relax with some fish and chips on the beach. Yum! This afternoon board a ferry at Cape Jervis, bound for Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and its fresh local produce. Kick off your island adventure with a visit to South Australia’s only boutique distillery to taste a selection of their handcrafted premium spirits. All the spirits are hand made in small batches onsite, so you’ll be able to smell the aroma of botanicals, citrus peel or even fennel lingering as you taste the award-winning Australian gin and delicious liqueurs. Finish up with a short journey to Kingscote, and rest up for the exciting day that awaits you tomorrow.

Kangaroo Island

Today explore Kangaroo Island! Visit spectacular Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery, where you may even spot koalas, wallabies and kangaroos. Be my guest dining experience Later, join your fellow travellers for a Be My Guest lunch at Andermel Marron Farm, an experience that captures much that is special about the island. You'll see the Marron (freshwater crayfish) tanks and enjoy a tasting of the farm's very own Two Wheeler Creek wine and farm-produced bush tucker before indulging in some marron for lunch. You can choose to try a hot or cold marron dish, or something else equally as delicious with a glass of wine. It's up to you! Afterwards join a ranger at Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among a colony of sea lions.

Kangaroo Island – Adelaide

This morning board a ferry to cross back to the mainland and travel to picturesque Adelaide. On arrival enjoy an orientation of the 'City of Churches' with your Travel Director, before checking in to your hotel. This afternoon you're free to explore Adelaide and enjoy a meal at any of the wonderful local restaurants. Did you know that Adelaide boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia? You do now!

The Barossa

The rolling Adelaide Hills and Barossa lay ahead of you today and you'll have the opportunity to taste a number of their world-renowned wines! First stop is picturesque Hahndorf. Experience its charm and hospitality as you wander down the tree lined streets and take time to explore the quaint shops and even taste some of the town's artisan produce. Enjoy a wine tasting overlooking the stunning vineyards before continuing to The Barossa for lunch at The Company Kitchen, part of the South Australian Company Store. At The Company Kitchen they believe in locally produced South Australian food and that a food experience is to be savoured and enjoyed. You'll taste two local wines with canapés that feature fresh local produce, followed by a delicious main meal of your choice. Travel back to Adelaide through the Barossa's rolling hills. This evening join your Travel Director and new-found friends for a farewell dinner.

Farewell from Adelaide

After an indulgent time away, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday concludes after breakfast. Not ready to head home yet? Why not consider a 3 night cruise on the Murray River aboard the PS Murray Princess.