11 Days | See some of Australia’s southern highlights, from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island
On this 11-day Aussie adventure, you’ll discover the everchanging landscapes of the south – from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island. Start in the foodie capital of Melbourne, then see Hanging Rock, Daylesford and Ballarat. Jump on the Great Ocean Road to see why this is one of the world’s most famous road trip drives and be awed by the rugged coastline, a vast ocean expanse and yellow cliffs falling into the sea. From Apollo Bay, you’ll continue the scenic drive to Warrnambool to the iconic 12 Apostles. Learn First Nations history in the Grampians, sample bush tucker and chase waterfalls with some free time to get active. Wander Adelaide and then journey to Kangaroo Island (look out for dolphins!). After meeting some penguins, kangaroos, sea lions and wallabies, you’ll learn about the local farming and art cultures before kicking back on the sandy beaches. What more could you want out of a coastal adventure?
Trip overview
- Start
- Melbourne, Australia
- Finish
- Adelaide, Australia
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Australia
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- PZSJC
- Hike the beautiful Pinnacle Walk to the summit of Hanging Rock and discover sweeping views and interesting rock formations made famous by the Peter Weir film ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’.
- Visit a social enterprise – Wildlife Wonders – and join a conservationist guide to discover the lush fern gullies, eucalypt woodlands and spectacular ocean views of the Otways region.
- Explore Budj Bim Cultural Landscape with a Gunditijmara guide to learn about First Nations culture first-hand, discover the unique volcanic landscape and dig into a bush tucker grazing plate.
- Tick driving the Great Ocean Road, marvelling at the 12 Apostles and hiking through Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park off your bucket list, because this road trip does it all.
- Spend a morning with some of the island’s most delightful creatures, the colony of sea lions that have resided at Seal Bay for hundreds of years.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Blue Carbon Lab. Donations help them mitigate climate change by supporting restoration and protecting blue carbon in coastal wetlands.
- This trip includes some long drives on winding roads. Travel sickness tablets are recommended for those who experience severe motion sickness.
- Some of the best scenery on this trip will be found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s recommended if you want to partake in all activities. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes for spending time outdoors.
- This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- This itinerary takes in as many of the sights and experiences as possible while on Kangaroo Island. This means that there is little free time for independent exploration and plenty of distance to cover.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 April 2023 - 30 June 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Private vehicle, Train
Hotel (10 nights)
- Hanging Rock - Summit Walk
- Daylesford - Sunday Market
- Apollo Bay - Wildlife Wonders Guided Tour
- Great Ocean Road - Scenic Drive
- Great Ocean Road - Twelve Apostles
- Budj Bim National Park - Bush Foods Grazing Board
- Budj Bim National Park - Cultural Landscape Walking Tour with Local Aboriginal Guide
- Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Day Walks
- Kangaroo Island - Penguin tour
- Kangaroo Island - Penneshaw Sculpture Trail
- Kangaroo Island - Full-day trip to Dudley Peninsula
- Kangaroo Island - Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
- Kangaroo Island - Sheep Shearing & Sheep Dog Experience
- Kangaroo Island - Honey Farm
- Kangaroo Island - Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
- Kangaroo Island - KI Community Gallery
- Kangaroo Island - Full Day Trip to Emu Bay & Stokes Bay
- Kangaroo Island - Flinders Chase NP Incl Remarkable Rocks & Admiral's Arch
- Kangaroo Island - Seal Bay Wildlife Experience with local ranger
- Kangaroo Island - Vivonne Bay & Little Sahara
- Kangaroo Island - American River ‘Rebuild Independence’ Boathouse Visit
- Kangaroo Island - American River bushwalk
- Kangaroo Island – American River Prospect Hill - Free
- Kangaroo Island - Lavender Farm - Free
Dates and availability
Important notes
START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
The trip starts in Melbourne with a pick up at 8am on Day 1 from our joining point, and finishes in Adelaide on Day 11 at our finish point hotel around 4:30 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.
TRAIN TO ADELAIDE
The train journey from Stawell to Adelaide is unaccompanied by a tour leader.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement can be booked if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.
COMBINATION TRIP
This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Adelaide as some group members leave and new ones join you in this location.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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