Southern Capitals, Kangaroo Island & Great Southern

Day 1 Melbourne | Arrival Welcome to Melbourne! Upon arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city, within easy reach of major attractions such as Federation Square, the Yarra River, Southbank, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Melbourne’s famous laneways, cafés and boutiques.

Day 2 Melbourne | Freedom of Choice – Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Personalize your stay in Melbourne by choosing one of the following carefully selected excursions, each offering a different way to experience this vibrant city and the remarkable regions that surround it. Option 1. Great Ocean Road Day Tour Travel the spectacular Great Ocean Road on a full-day journey showcasing some of Victoria’s most dramatic coastal scenery. With wildlife spotting, rainforest walks, seaside towns and the iconic Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, this is one of Australia’s classic touring experiences. Option 2. Phillip Island, Moonlit Sanctuary & Penguins Plus Discover Phillip Island on a memorable afternoon and evening excursion featuring native wildlife, coastal scenery and the famous Penguin Parade. From Moonlit Sanctuary to the Nobbies coastline, the day builds towards the magical moment when little penguins emerge from the sea at dusk. Option 3. Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Walking Tour Step into the heart of Melbourne on a guided walk through its celebrated laneways and heritage arcades. With stories of the city’s history, street art, boutique shops, cafés, chocolate and coffee along the way, this is a wonderful introduction to Melbourne’s creative soul. Option 4. Melbourne Café Culture Walking Tour Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s famed coffee scene on a leisurely walk through hidden laneways and local favourites. Along the way, enjoy coffee, tea, chocolate and sweet treats while discovering the story behind one of the city’s most beloved cultural traditions. Option 5. Yarra Valley Wine & Cheese Experience Escape to the Yarra Valley for a gourmet day of sparkling wine, regional produce and vineyard scenery. With tastings at Chandon and De Bortoli, a leisurely lunch at Soumah and beautiful views throughout, this is a refined and delicious taste of regional Victoria. Option 6. Mornington Peninsula Wine & Lunch Tour Discover the Mornington Peninsula on a full-day gourmet journey through one of Victoria’s most beautiful maritime wine regions. Premium tastings, a two-course lunch, sculpture walk, bay views and a scenic return via Arthur’s Seat make this a relaxed and rewarding day out. Option 7. Personalized Tailor-Made Excursion For a more tailored experience, speak with one of our local specialists to create a day in Melbourne around your interests. Possibilities include laneway walks, foodie tours, sunrise ballooning, Puffing Billy steam train journeys or a relaxing Yarra River cruise.

Day 3 Day at Leisure in Melbourne Today is free to discover Melbourne in your own style. Perhaps spend the day exploring the city’s celebrated laneways and arcades, where heritage architecture, independent boutiques, coffee culture and ever-changing street art give the city its distinctive personality. You may wish to browse the elegant Royal Arcade and Block Arcade, wander through Degraves Street and Hosier Lane, or make your way to Federation Square and Southbank for river views, galleries, bars and restaurants along the Yarra. Cosmopolitan, creative and wonderfully easy to explore, Melbourne is the perfect city for a relaxed day at leisure.

Day 4 Melbourne to Adelaide | Flight Today, say goodbye to Melbourne as you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Adelaide. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Framed by elegant architecture, leafy parklands and a celebrated food and wine scene, Adelaide offers a relaxed introduction to South Australia. You may wish to spend the afternoon exploring North Terrace, strolling through the Adelaide Central Market or enjoying dinner at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants and bars.

Day 5 Adelaide to Kangaroo Island | Private Transfer including Ferry This morning is at leisure to enjoy Adelaide at your own pace. You may wish to stroll through the city’s elegant parklands, explore the boutiques and cafés of Rundle Street, visit Adelaide Central Market or simply relax before your island escape begins. Compact, cultured and easy to explore, Adelaide offers a wonderful balance of heritage streetscapes, vibrant dining and a laid-back atmosphere.

This afternoon, your driver from Off Piste 4WD Tours will collect you for your transfer to Cape Jervis, in time to board the 4.00pm SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island. Crossing the Backstairs Passage, this 45-minute journey offers a scenic introduction to South Australia’s rugged coastal beauty. On arrival at Penneshaw, you will be met by your Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island driver and transferred to the property, where your Kangaroo Island stay begins. (Dinner is included today.)

Day 6 Exploring Kangaroo Island | Small Group Tour After breakfast, set out on Sea Dragon’s signature Full Day Nature Tour, included as part of the Experience package. Travel west across the island to discover some of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic natural attractions, including the dramatic coastal scenery of Flinders Chase National Park, the sculpted granite forms of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, where long-nosed fur seals are often seen below. Later, continue to Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among one of Australia’s most important colonies of endangered sea lions before returning to Sea Dragon in the late afternoon. Back at the lodge, there is time to relax before another memorable evening by the coast. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included today.)

Day 7 Kangaroo Island to Adelaide | Private Tour This morning, transfer to the township of Penneshaw in time to board the 8.30am SeaLink ferry back to the mainland. After your 45-minute crossing through the Backstairs Passage to Cape Jervis, you will be met by your guide from Off Piste 4WD Tours for a memorable private journey through the hidden corners of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Far more than a simple transfer, today’s experience combines premium local food and wine, exhilarating off-road adventures, pristine natural landscapes and the chance to encounter native wildlife along the way. Travel along exclusive routes to discover places few visitors see, including the dramatic scenery of Onkaparinga Gorge, reached via thrilling 4WD tracks through untouched country. Enjoy a tasting at a local cellar door before sitting down to lunch at Ben’s family homestead, adding a warm and personal touch to the day. Continue to Adelaide this afternoon, arriving at approximately 5.15pm. (Breakfast & lunch are included today.)

Day 8 Adelaide | Freedom of Choice – Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Personalize your stay in Adelaide by choosing one of the following carefully selected excursions, each offering a different way to experience South Australia’s celebrated wine country. Option 1. Uncork the Barossa Valley Winery Tour Discover the Barossa Valley on a small-group wine journey through one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. Visit boutique cellar doors for premium tastings, enjoy a chef’s selection lunch and sample the bold Shiraz and contrasting varietals for which the region is so well known. Framed by vineyard scenery and regional flavours, this is a relaxed and rewarding day in South Australia’s most iconic wine country. Option 2. Uncork McLaren Vale Winery Tour Explore McLaren Vale on a small-group wine tour showcasing one of South Australia’s most picturesque and acclaimed wine regions. Visit boutique cellar doors for premium tastings, enjoy a chef’s selection lunch and discover the region’s signature Shiraz, elegant Grenache and Mediterranean varietals. With vineyard views, coastal scenery and hidden-gem wineries along the way, this is a wonderful day of gourmet discovery just beyond Adelaide.

Day 9 Adelaide to the Grampians | On board the Great Southern Train Leaving Adelaide behind, board the Great Southern and settle into the rhythm of life on board as your east coast rail journey begins. Relax in your cabin or lounge and watch the scenery shift from the Adelaide Hills into regional Victoria while enjoying a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, arrive in the spectacular Grampians for your first Off Train Experience. Choose from a guided coach tour through Halls Gap to Boroka Lookout, a guided walk to Venus Baths, a tasting at Pomonal Estate or Fallen Giants, or a visit to WAMA Environmental Arts & Garden. Return to the train for dinner as the journey continues east. (Lunch & dinner are included today.)

Day 10 Canberra | On board the Great Southern Train Wake to breakfast on board before stepping off to explore Canberra, Australia’s political and cultural capital. After a coach transfer into the city, choose from a selection of curated Off Train Experiences. You may visit Parliament House following lunch at Old Parliament House, spend time at the Australian War Memorial after lunch, or combine the National Portrait Gallery with lunch and a guided tour at Old Parliament House. Later, return to the train for another gourmet dinner on board as the Great Southern continues north through New South Wales. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included today.)

Day 11 Coffs Harbour to Brisbane | On board the Great Southern Train Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on board as the Great Southern arrives in Coffs Harbour for your final Off Train Experience. Today offers a choice of ways to discover the beauty of New South Wales’ Mid North Coast. You may join the Coffs Explorer for sweeping views from Sealy Lookout and the Forest Sky Pier, followed by time at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden. Alternatively, soak up the coastal atmosphere with time around the harbourside markets and historic jetty, or take a guided walk from Urunga Boardwalk to the beach while learning about local Gumbaynggirr culture, native wildlife and traditional bush tucker. Later, reboard the train and enjoy a final lunch on board before arriving into Brisbane, where your Great Southern rail journey comes to an end. (Breakfast & lunch are included today.)

Day 12 Brisbane to Sydney | Flight Today, say goodbye to Brisbane as you are transferred to Brisbane Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Set around one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, Sydney is known for its iconic landmarks, vibrant waterfront precincts and relaxed coastal lifestyle. You may wish to spend the afternoon exploring Circular Quay and the Rocks, enjoying a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, or simply settling in before dinner by the harbour.

Day 13 Sydney | Freedom of Choice – Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Personalize your stay in Sydney by choosing one of the following carefully selected excursions, each offering a different way to experience this spectacular harbour city and its surrounding landscapes. Option 1. Panoramic Sydney & Bondi Beach Tour with Harbour Lunch Cruise Discover Sydney’s iconic highlights on a stylish tour taking in The Rocks, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Bondi Beach, Watsons Bay and the Eastern Suburbs. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing harbour lunch cruise with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, making this a wonderful way to experience both the city and the water. Option 2. Blue Mountains Full Day Tour Venture beyond the city to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, where dramatic valleys, waterfalls and sweeping lookouts create one of New South Wales’ most memorable landscapes. With visits to key viewpoints, a two-course lunch at the Hydro Majestic and time at Mt Tomah Botanic Garden, this is an excellent choice for nature lovers. Option 3. Northern Wilderness & Coastal Beach Adventure Explore Sydney’s spectacular north on a full-day journey through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Northern Beaches. With Aboriginal rock engravings, beautiful coastal lookouts, seaside lunch and time in Manly and Shelley Beach, this excursion combines bushland, beaches and local character in one memorable day. Option 4. Hunter Valley Full Day Wine Tour Escape Sydney for a day in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region, where boutique cellar doors and vineyard scenery set the tone for a relaxed gourmet experience. Private tastings, a cheese tasting and a light café lunch with wine make this a rewarding choice for food and wine lovers. Option 5. Sydney Harbour Bridge Summit Climb Take on one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences with a guided climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From the top, sweeping 360-degree views across the Opera House, harbour and city skyline make this an exhilarating and unforgettable way to see Sydney. Option 6. Iconic Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Enjoy a wonderfully varied day south of Sydney, combining native wildlife, coastal scenery and boutique wine tasting. From koalas and kangaroos to the Sea Cliff Bridge, a waterfall walk and the Southern Highlands, this excursion showcases a beautiful mix of Australian landscapes and experiences. Option 7. Personalized Tailor-Made Excursion For a more tailored experience, speak with one of our local specialists to design a day in Sydney around your interests. Options may include guided walks, food tours, scenic bike rides, the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk or a behind-the-scenes Sydney Opera House experience.

Day 14 Sydney | Day at Leisure Today is yours to enjoy Sydney at your own pace. You may choose to spend the day around the harbour, wandering through the historic sandstone laneways of The Rocks, taking in the energy of Circular Quay and admiring the iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. For a slower pace, stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, enjoy a long lunch by the water or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s great waterfront cities. Whether your interests lean towards sightseeing, shopping, galleries or dining, Sydney offers an effortless and memorable day at leisure.

Day 15 Sydney | Departure The time has come to say goodbye to Sydney, Australia. We have included a transfer to the airport from your hotel to begin your journey home.