5 Days Kangaroo Island and Adelaide to Melbourne

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 : Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

It’s a scenic drive through the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis where we board the SeaLink ferry across Backstairs Passage (45 minute trip) to Penneshaw. It’s not far to one of the Island’s stunning surf beaches at Pennington Bay and then we visit the only commercial eucalyptus distillery in South Australia at Emu Ridge. Get amongst sea lions in their natural habitat on our guided walk at Seal Bay – an experience you won’t forget! Scramble up the white sand hills at Little Sahara and get up close to more wildlife (including koalas) at the Hanson Bay Koala Sanctuary. Our private accommodation is located on 200 hectares and 1.2km of coastline near Vivonne Bay and features extensive open woodland, wildlife and walking trails. (LD)

Day 2 : Kangaroo Island to Adelaide

We spend the morning in Flinders Chase National Park. Clamber on the huge granite outcrops of Remarkable Rocks and see the New Zealand fur seals who reside at Admiral’s Arch. We’ll have lunch at Rocky River Headquarters, where there’s time to check out the Information Centre which is the start point for the Snake Lagoon and Platypus Walks (seasonal choice). After lunch, we travel to the North Coast, visiting Stokes Bay, where a rock tunnel leads to an idyllic and ‘secret’ beach (seasonal). We then return to Penneshaw, with time to purchase dinner (own expense) before returning to the mainland and Adelaide. (BL)

Day 3 : Adelaide to Grampians National Park

Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross the mighty Murray, and pass through small country towns on our way to the Grampians National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes at Hollow Mountain, the amazing MacKenzie Falls and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians accommodation. (LD)

Day 4 : Grampians National Park to Great Ocean Road

Hiking to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way you’ll experience breathtaking views of the national park. Next we head south to the coast and Warrnambool, where you’ll have the chance to spot whales (seasonal). There’s a lot to explore along the famous Great Ocean Road, renowned for its beauty. Discover the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles – gorgeous! Dinner will be at your overnight coastal accommodation. (BLD)

Day 5 : Twelve Apostles to Melbourne

Start the day with optional helicopter ride (own expense) over the amazing Twelve Apostles or walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to see a different angle of these limestone stacks. Next we visit the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. We’ll stop for lunch (own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we stop at Kennett River to spot koalas and birdlife before continuing on to Lorne. We’ll check out the world famous Bells Beach and the surfing town of Torquay before arriving into Melbourne. (BL)