Melbourne, Adelaide & the Murray River

Highlights
Adelaide Sights
Barossa Valley
Murray River Cruise
Hahndorf
Kangaroo Island
Australia’s Largest Seal Colony
Victor Harbor
Mount Gambier
Warrnambool
Great Ocean Road
Melbourne Sights
Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
This tour covers arguably Australia’s two most beautiful cities, topped off with 3 nights on the mighty Murray River enjoying the opulence of the Murray Princess Riverboat.
Along the way, we travel the scenic Great Ocean Road and make a fascinating side trip to Kangaroo Island.
Itinerary
Day 1


We travel to Auckland for our departure to Melbourne where we stay for the next three nights.
Day 2


This morning, we tour the city. Later, we explore more of the sights close to magical Melbourne. Tonight, we have a special dining experience on board the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Day 3


Today is a free day for you to do as you please - whether it’s discovering more of the many sights Melbourne has to offer or just relaxing - you choose. Our accommodation is extremely close to the City Circle free tourist tram route so travelling around will be very easy. This will be a good time to visit the Queen Victoria Market.
Day 4


We encounter a very special experience as we set off along the unforgettable Great Ocean Road. We hug the coastline which has spectacular views of famous beaches and rugged coastal cliffs. Passing Port Campbell National Park, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the remains of London Bridge, we reach our stop in Warrnambool.
Day 5


This morning we cross the border into South Australia. A quick look at the Umpherston Sink hole and the Blue Lake before we arrive in Mount Gambier for lunch. Continuing on down the Princes Highway, we arrive at Victor Harbor where we will stay for two nights.
Day 6


A free day to recharge your batteries. Victor Harbor, a wonderful seaside town where you can enjoy barramundi and chips in one of the many cafés and restaurants.
Day 7


We will have a chance to visit the South Australian Whale Centre. Late afternoon, we take a short ferry ride to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island where we stay the next two nights.
Day 8


We spend the day exploring several of the National and Conservation Parks on this island ‘nature wonderland’, At Seal Bay Conservation Park we see Australia’s largest seal colony, and at Flinders Chase National Park you will meet much of the local wildlife. We also visit the Remarkable Rocks before returning via Weirs Cove, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Admirals Arch, a natural bridge.
Day 9


An easier day today as we take the ferry across to the mainland to visit the early German settlement of Hahndorf and enjoy (if the weather gods are nice to us) some lovely views from Mt Lofty. We then make our way to Mannum where we join the Murray Princess for our superior weekend on the mighty Murray River.
Day 10


A full day of indulgent luxury, cruising the Murray River on the famous old riverboat.
Day 11


A second day continuing our cruise on the Murray River, exploring the unique surroundings.
Day 12


Back to the real world today when we travel towards Adelaide. On the way we visit the Barossa Valley wine region. Of course we couldn’t visit this great wine producing area without a visit to a winery. We will arrive in Adelaide early afternoon and the rest of the day free. We spend the next three nights in Adelaide.
Day 13


Today, we explore Adelaide, Australia’s elegant and cultured capital, taking in the sights of beautiful old buildings. This afternoon, you can do as you wish - perhaps some more exploring or hitting the shops.
Day 14


A free day for you to look around Adelaide. Possibly check out Adelaide Zoo and get up close and personal with the pandas.
Day 15


All good things must come to an end as we head out to the airport for our flight home.