Authentic Southern Australia
Authentic Southern Australia
Authentic Southern Australia
11 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Adelaide, Australia
Visiting: Canberra, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Naracoorte, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 35
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Authentic Southern Australia" tour and experience the best of Australia's southern regions. Begin your journey in Sydney and travel through the picturesque Southern Highlands to Canberra, where you'll explore Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. Discover the charm of Wangaratta's antique stores and galleries, and immerse yourself in Melbourne's vibrant arts scene. Drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road, marvel at the Twelve Apostles, and visit the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Savor the renowned wines of the Coonawarra region, and enjoy the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island. Conclude your adventure in Adelaide, known for its exquisite cuisine and historic churches. This tour includes 10 nights of superior accommodation, daily breakfast, select lunches and dinners, and all transportation and guided tours.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney Arrival - Canberra (-/L/D)
Location: Canberra
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at hotel. As hard as it is to say goodbye to Sydney, its just as easy to say hello to the Southern Highlands. South of the ‘Harbour City, the bucolic countryside of Berrima awaits – fun fact: this is the oldest Georgian village in Australia. Not far from here youre welcomed to Gold Creek Station by sheep farmer Craig Starr for a Be My Guest BBQ lunch and tales about life on the land. And what eye-catching land it is, ringed by glorious gardens and deciduous forest that changes colour with the seasons. Your Sydney to Melbourne trip continues onward to the country's cool little capital, home to Parliament House, where youll go behind the political scenes, as well as the Australian War Memorial. Hearing the Last Post on your Canberra guided tour is a moving experience.
Overnight in Canberra
Day 2: Canberra – Wangaratta (B/-/-)
Location: Canberra
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, get some Canberra perspective from the summit of Mt. Ainslie. You wont be able to see the Murray River, but youll soon cross it en route to Beechworth, Victorias best-preserved gold rush town. Get the lowdown on Beechworth over a chat with the publican of the historic local pub, then set you on your way to explore character-filled antiques stores, galleries, and museums at your leisure. There are plenty of charming places to refuel, as well, before Wangarattas cathedrals beckon.
Overnight in Wangaratta
Day 3: Wangaratta – Melbourne (B/-/-)
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Meandering south toward historic Glenrowan, youre well and truly in Ned Kelly country – this is where the infamous bushranger and his gang were finally captured in 1880. Well tell you all the tales, then a few more about Melbourne, the home of Aussie rules football, some of the countrys best arts institutions, and a swag of stellar restaurants, cafés and bars. Once you have your bearings, explore as you will. We can help with evening restaurant reservations, as well as Melbourne laneway tours. But theres something magical about just getting lost in the art-filled alleys of Australias second-largest city, discovering underground jazz lounges and rooftop eateries to watch the sun set.
Overnight in Melbourne
Day 4: Melbourne (B/-/-)
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel. Youre on your own today. Well, not really, because your Travel Director is at your service to help arrange sightseeing experiences. After youve enjoyed a strong coffee in one of Melbournes atmospheric laneways, that is. Adrenaline junkie? Linger in the city, gaining birds-eye views from the Eureka Skydeck, the Southern Hemispheres highest attraction, looming almost 300 metres above the ground. Animal lover? Venture out on a Phillip Island little penguin tour to see hundreds of these cute creatures pad from the ocean along the sand back to snuggle in their burrows for the night. Want to get back to nature? Chug through the lush Dandenong Ranges on the Puffing Billy Steam Train, followed by a sip or two of wine in the Yarra Valley. This cool-climate growing region makes standout chardonnay, pinot noir and sparklings. The choice is yours.
Overnight in Melbourne
Day 5: Melbourne – Warrnambool (B/-/D)
Location: Great Ocean Road
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Have breakfast before starting an amazing day. The Great Ocean Road is one of the worlds most epic journeys, a dramatic 240-kilometre union of limestone stacks (Twelve Apostles, were looking at you), World Heritage listed rainforest, untouched coastal coves and sleepy towns, like Lorne and Apollo Bay. Its hard to know where to point your camera on a Great Ocean Road Melbourne tour. We recommend having it poised to snap shots of the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of a famous shipwreck, and London Bridge rock formations. The latter sandstone arch once resembled its namesake bridge; even after its collapse, its still an impressive natural wonder. It doesnt get any better than this.
Overnight in Warrnambool
Day 6: Warrnambool – Naracoorte (B/-/D)
Location: Naracoorte
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Emus, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas… oh my! These are just some of the animals youll likely spot visiting Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – housed in a dormant volcanic crater – with an Aboriginal guide. Remarkably, this pocket of paradise was once wasteland, transformed by volunteers. More volcanic history awaits across the South Australian border in Mt. Gambier, home to the crater-filling Blue Lake. Because its very blue. And its a lake. By now youll be pretty thirsty, so its a good thing the Coonawarra wine region is around the corner. After a few sips, you may find yourself getting deep – literally. Naracoortes Alexandra Cave is a maze of delicate needle-like stalactites and massive twisting columns.
Overnight in Naracoorte
Day 7: Naracoorte – Kangaroo Island (B/-/D)
Location: Kangaroo Island
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Have breakfast before starting your day. The Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia is a natural adventure playground, all rolling hills, rugged clifftops, and sandy beaches. Seaside Victor Harbor turns on the charms – there are steam locomotives – before your ferry blasts its horn. All aboard to tour Kangaroo Island. A well-deserved tasting of craft beer awaits at a boutique brewery, the only one on the island. How does sheoak stout sound or a Mexican inspired brew made using a combination of malted barley and flaked rice? We wont judge you for sneaking in a nap en route to is Kingscote, South Australias oldest European settlement and your base for the night.
Overnight in Kangaroo Island
Day 8: Kangaroo Island (B/L/-)
Location: Kangaroo Island
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at hotel. If you like alliterations, youll love todays attractions: first stops are Remarkable Rocks (because these rust-hued monoliths really are) and Admirals Arch, home to an immense colony of raucous fur seals. Your Kangaroo Island tour reveals the part fire plays within this delicate ecosystem, and how koalas and other wildlife adapt to their environment as it regenerates. More wildlife greets you at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where enormous sea lions barrel down the sand to the water. This is one of the most significant breeding colonies in the country, and they are certainly curious characters. Just try not to laugh at their antics.
Overnight in Kangaroo Island
Day 9: Kangaroo Island – Adelaide (B/-/-)
Location: Adelaide
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast befor starting your today's tour. Youve arrived in the South Australian capital, known for its well-preserved churches and well-admired cuisine. Did you know that Adelaide boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia? After an Adelaide city tour, the afternoon is yours to see just how many you can sample – we have a few recommendations, including a visit to the epic Central Market, where you can try green ant gin with cheese, among so many other delicacies. This place is the largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 70 stall keepers showcasing their tasty wares.
Overnight in Adelaide
Day 10: Adelaide (B/L/D)
Location: Adelaide
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Pull on your elastic-waisted pants – today is one of indulgences through the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa, dotted with atmospheric towns like Hahndorf, Australias oldest surviving German settlement. A Barossa and Hahndorf tour reveals the bountiful food and wine this pocket of the state is known for. And youll enjoy a tasting from small batch wine makers from across the valley as well as discovering local flavours at the historic South Australian Company Store, replete with century-old stone buildings enveloped by vines.
Overnight in Adelaide
Day 11: Adelaide (B/-/-)
Location: Adelaide
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, be transferred to the airport and take your flight back home.
What's Included
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10 Nights accommodation
10 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar.
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Daily buffet breakfast
Daily buffet breakfast is included.
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Lunches
03 Lunches at local restaurants are included.
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Dinners with wine
04 Dinners with wine at local restaurants are included.
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Farewell Dinner
01 Farewell Dinner at local restaurants is included.
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Airport transfers
All Arrival and departure airport transfers are included.
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Transportation
All Transportation in AC modern vehicles is included.
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English-speaking guide
Services of an English-speaking guide during the tours are included.
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Sightseeing
All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary is included.
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Entrance fees
All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities are not included.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
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Unmentioned items
Any item not mentioned as included is not part of the package.
Mode of Transport
All transportation is provided in air-conditioned modern vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, with daily buffet breakfast, three lunches, and five dinners at local restaurants, including a farewell dinner.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 10 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes daily buffet breakfast, 3 lunches at local restaurants, 4 dinners with wine at local restaurants, and 1 farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation is provided in air-conditioned modern vehicles.
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Is there a guide available during the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide are available during the tours.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, all arrival and departure airport transfers are included.
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What kind of activities can I expect on Kangaroo Island?
On Kangaroo Island, you will visit Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and Seal Bay Conservation Park. You will also have a tasting at a boutique brewery.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
You can expect to see emus, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, and fur seals at Admirals Arch on Kangaroo Island.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include visiting Canberra's Parliament House, exploring antiques stores in Wangaratta, discovering The Great Ocean Road, tasting wines in the Coonawarra wine region, and walking around Adelaide.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities, visa fees (if applicable), and any items not mentioned as included are not covered in the tour package.
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What kind of experiences can I expect in Melbourne?
In Melbourne, you can explore the city on your own or with guided tours. Options include visiting the Eureka Skydeck, taking a Phillip Island little penguin tour, or riding the Puffing Billy Steam Train in the Dandenong Ranges.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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