Feel the excitement build as your flight lands in South Australia! Make your way to your chosen Adelaide hotel for a two night stay, giving you time to explore the “Garden City” at your own pace.

Take a leisurely walk through the city’s wide boulevards and lush parklands, or wander the Adelaide Botanic Garden, home to a stunning Victorian glasshouse and one of the largest conservatories in the Southern Hemisphere. Head to Rundle Mall for a taste of local shopping and street culture, or unwind at a nearby café with a coffee and some people watching. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Adelaide’s acclaimed restaurants or casual eateries, from award winning fine dining to fresh, local seafood, the city’s food scene has something for everyone.

Begin your second day at Adelaide Central Market, one of the largest undercover produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, where the aromas of fresh bread, local cheeses, and South Australian wine set the tone for the morning. From here, venture into the Adelaide Hills, just a short drive from the city, where rolling vineyards and native bushland await. Meet kangaroos and koalas up close at a wildlife sanctuary, before continuing on to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, for lunch amid its historic bakeries and craft stores. Round off the day back on the coast, where Glenelg Beach offers golden sand, a lively esplanade, and a beautiful spot to watch the sun go down over the water.

Your chosen Adelaide hotel

This 2-day Kangaroo Island guided tour from Adelaide begins with a scenic coach transfer through the Fleurieu Peninsula’s vineyards and coastline to Cape Jervis, followed by a ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island. Highlights include a guided beach walk with wild Australian sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, lunch at Vivonne Bay Bistro, and wildlife spotting in Flinders Chase National Park, including echidnas, wallabies and koalas. Visitors also see Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, home to a colony of Long-nosed Fur Seals, before visiting Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed kangaroos and meet Kangaroo Island Koalas.

Day two includes an interactive Birds of Prey presentation at Raptor Domain, a guided tour and lunch at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, and a honey tasting at Clifford’s Honey Farm. The tour continues to Pennington Bay before a wine tasting at False Cape Wines Cellar Door, concluding with a ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide.

Ozone Hotel

Travel back to the mainland by ferry and onward coach to Adelaide where you will have the remainder of the day to explore more of this charming city.

Take a scenic walk or cycle along the River Torrens, browse the galleries and boutiques of the North Adelaide precinct, or treat yourself to high tea at one of the city’s grand heritage hotels. For something more active, RoofClimb at Adelaide Oval offers sweeping views across the city skyline from the roofline of this iconic stadium. As the day winds down, head up to Skye Lookout in the Adelaide Hills for one of the best panoramas in South Australia, city lights, coastline, and rolling hills all in one sweeping view, especially beautiful at sunset.

Your chosen Adelaide hotel

Pick up your hire car this morning and drive to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, just over an hour from Adelaide. Home to renowned wineries including Yalumba, Orlando and Penfolds, as well as boutique vineyards, the region offers cellar door wine tasting, gourmet food experiences, and scenic countryside touring.

Visit the Barossa Farmers Market for local produce, explore the region’s historic Lutheran churches and German heritage towns such as Tanunda and Angaston, or take in panoramic views from Mengler Hill Lookout. Cycling and hot air ballooning over the vineyards are also popular ways to experience the valley.

Adelaide > Barossa Valley | 80 kms

Standard: The Wine Vine Hotel

Deluxe: The Lodge Country House

Leave the lush hills of the Barossa Valley and head for the South Australian coast. You’ll pass through Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River paddle steamer trade and one of the oldest towns on the river, before continuing through Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge.

Travel along the sand dunes of Coorong National Park, a Ramsar-listed wetland famous for its birdlife and as the setting for the classic Australian novel Storm Boy. The day ends in the historic seaside town of Robe, known for its 19th-century stone architecture and fresh local rock lobster.

Barossa Valley > Robe | 350 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Robe House B&B

From Robe, continue along the coastline to the fascinating town of Mount Gambier, set on the slopes of a dormant volcano. Right in the centre of town, you’ll find a collapsed volcanic crater and the famous Blue Lake, which transforms each year from a moody winter grey to a dazzling summer blue. Don’t miss the Umpherston Sinkhole either, a striking sunken garden tucked inside a collapsed limestone cave, one of the most photographed spots in the region.

From here, continue along the coast to Portland, Victoria’s oldest permanent settlement, steeped in whaling history and waterfront charm. It’s well worth a detour to Cape Nelson to see the blowholes in action, and Cape Bridgewater for its eerie, otherworldly petrified forest. Round off the day in Port Fairy, one of Australia’s most-loved heritage towns, known for its cosy cottages, working harbour, and laid-back seaside charm.

Robe > Port Fairy | 290 kms

Standard: Seacombe House

Deluxe: Merrijig Inn

After exploring the delightful Port Fairy, it’s time to join the Great Ocean Road for some scenic photo stops, stopping first in Warrnambool, a historic port town renowned for seasonal whale watching from Logans Beach. Continue into Port Campbell National Park to witness the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, before visiting Loch Ard Gorge, site of a dramatic 1878 shipwreck.

Further along, Gibson Steps offers a rare sea-level view of the coastline. As you near Apollo Bay, the landscape shifts into lush rainforest at Great Otway National Park, where a stop at Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, rounds off a day of dramatic coastal scenery before arriving in Apollo Bay for the night.

Port Fairy > Apollo Bay | 188 kms

Standard: Comfort Inn The International

Deluxe: Captain’s by the Bay

Leaving Apollo Bay, wind your way through the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park, keeping an eye out for wild koalas dozing in the treetops around Kennett River. Stretch your legs at Erskine Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall tucked into the hills, before continuing on to the charming seaside town of Lorne, perfect for a coffee stop or a stroll along the beach.

Pass world famous Bells Beach, home to Australia’s biggest surfing competition, before reaching Torquay, marking the official end of the Great Ocean Road. From here, the journey continues inland through Geelong and on to Melbourne to complete your adventure.

Enjoy two nights in Melbourne exploring the city’s maze of curious laneways known for their street art and hidden cafés. Discover the city’s grand Victorian architecture, including the Royal Exhibition Building and Parliament House, before visiting the National Gallery of Victoria. Spend an afternoon browsing the stalls of the Queen Victoria Market, or take in a game or guided tour at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

No visit to Melbourne would be complete without a day trip to Phillip Island for its famous Penguin Parade at dusk. Witness the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the sea and waddle ashore! For a more relaxed pace spend an afternoon in the Yarra Valley on a winery tour sampling some of the region’s celebrated wines.

Your chosen Melbourne hotel

Leave Melbourne and catch a flight to Launceston, gateway to Tasmania. Pick up your Avis intermediate automatic sedan rental car at Launceston Airport or in Launceston City, ready to begin exploring.

Known as the “Garden City” for its abundance of beautiful public and private gardens, Launceston sits nestled in a wide river valley amid lush green countryside. With just an afternoon to explore, make the most of your time with a visit to Cataract Gorge, Launceston’s standout natural attraction only minutes from the city centre. Take the scenic walk along the cliff face, ride the chairlift across the gorge, or simply relax by the swimming pool and picnic grounds, keeping an eye out for the resident peacocks. If time allows, round off the afternoon with a wander through the Victorian era City Park, or a stop at the Harvest Launceston Farmers Market if you happen to arrive on a Saturday.

Standard: Best Western Launceston

Deluxe: The Sebel Launceston

Leaving Launceston, begin the drive to Coles Bay, which takes around three hours. Break the journey in the historic village of Ross, known for its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture and the iconic Ross Bridge, dating back to 1836. Continue on to the coastal town of Swansea for a lunch stop overlooking Great Oyster Bay, with lovely views across to the Freycinet Peninsula. As you approach Coles Bay, keep an eye out for The Hazards, the striking pink granite mountains that mark the entrance to Freycinet National Park, ready for an afternoon of exploring once you arrive.

The next day is yours to explore the region at your leisure. Coles Bay is nestled beside the world famous Freycinet National Park, where spectacular pink granite peaks plunge dramatically down to the sea. The park was proclaimed a flora and fauna reserve in 1916 and now covers 11,000 hectares, home to a variety of vegetation including wattles, Oyster Bay pines, grass trees and banksias, with coastal heathland as its predominant feature. Secluded swimming spots can be found on the park’s east coast, including the spectacular sandy beach at Wineglass Bay.

Walk into the park and climb the Hazards or the mountains to the south, both of which offer marvellous views across the bay and out across the Tasman Sea. Or drive on the rough roads through the National Park stopping for a spectacular view or pulling off the road to go swimming in the clear, safe waters of the bay.

Launceston > Coles Bay | 170 kms

Standard: Freycinet Lodge

Deluxe: Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge

Leave Coles Bay and journey along the scenic Arthur Highway, via Dunalley, to the historic town of Port Arthur.

Port Arthur stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s 19th century convict system. The settlement operated from 1830 to 1877, first as a timber sawing station and later as an industrial prison. After its closure, most of the land and buildings were auctioned off, with new residents renaming it Carnarvon township. Following bushfires in 1895, the old settlement was restored and today stands as Tasmania’s premier historic site.

Take a self-guided tour around the historic site, or join a Ghost Tour, where a guide leads you through the settlement after dark, sharing tales of the ghosts said to still “live” among its ruins.

Coles Bay > Port Arthur | 210 kms

Standard: Stewarts Bay Lodge

Deluxe: Port Arthur Villas

Depart Port Arthur and head to Tasmania’s capital and Australia’s most southerly city, Hobart, situated on the Derwent River, one of the deepest harbours in the world. The old city centre, with its wealth of colonial buildings, clusters around Sullivans Cove, backed by wooded slopes rising to the often snow-capped peak of Mount Wellington. Its limited size, rich architectural heritage and beautiful setting make Hobart a delight to explore.

Spend the day exploring Hobart’s charms at your own pace. Start at Salamanca Place, home to historic sandstone warehouses now filled with galleries, cafés and shops, before wandering the colonial streets of nearby Battery Point. Art lovers should make time for MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, best reached by a scenic ferry along the Derwent River, while those after sweeping views can head up Mount Wellington for a panorama over the city and beyond. Round off the day with fresh seafood at Constitution Dock on Hobart’s historic waterfront, the perfect spot to watch the sun go down over the harbour.

Port Arthur > Hobart | 100 kms

Standard: Best Western Hobart

Deluxe: The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Bid farewell to Tasmania and head back to mainland Australia, flying into Sydney where you will spend 4 nights. Sydney is packed with sights and activities. See a suggested itinerary below for how to fill your time in Sydney.

Day 1: Sydney Harbour and City Centre
Begin at the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most iconic buildings, with the option of a backstage tour behind the scenes of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for classic harbour views, then explore the historic laneways of The Rocks around Circular Quay. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or take on the BridgeClimb for a bird’s eye view of the city, before rounding off the day with dinner at Opera Bar or a sunset dinner cruise.

Day 2: Bondi Beach and the Coastal Walk
Explore Sydney’s coastline, starting at Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous stretch of sand. Why not take a surf lesson while you are there? Take on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a scenic two hour trail along dramatic clifftops and hidden beaches, stopping to swim at Bronte or Coogee Beach along the way. Alternatively, catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for a scenic harbour crossing and a relaxed beachside afternoon.

Day 3: City Culture and Inner Sydney Suburbs
Discover Sydney’s cultural side with a visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales or the Australian Museum, before heading to Darling Harbour to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Chinese Garden of Friendship. In the afternoon, explore the inner city suburbs of Surry Hills or Newtown, known for their street art, boutique shopping and café culture, before finishing the day with dinner in Chinatown.

Day 4: Blue Mountains Day Trip
Venture beyond the city to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage listed national park. Hire a car to explore at your own pace or book a Blue Mountains organised tour. Take in panoramic views of the Three Sisters from Echo Point, then ride the Scenic World cableway, railway and skyway across the Jamison Valley. Enjoy lunch in the charming village of Leura before returning to Sydney in the evening.

Your chosen Sydney hotel

Fly onwards to Hamilton Island for an idyllic four night stay surrounded by the many islands of the Whitsundays and the great wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Settle into island life with an afternoon at Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island’s main resort beach. Round off the day with sunset drinks at One Tree Hill, the island’s best spot to watch the sky change colour over the Whitsundays.

Day 2: Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
Take a full day boat trip to Whitehaven Beach, famous for its pure white silica sand, and the nearby Hill Inlet Lookout, known for its swirling turquoise waters and postcard views.

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving among vibrant coral and marine life, or take to the skies with a scenic helicopter flight over the iconic Heart Reef.

Day 4: Island Leisure
Spend your final day at a relaxed pace, exploring the island by golf buggy, visiting the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park, or unwinding with a spa treatment or more time on the beach before departure.

Your chosen Hamilton Island hotel

Head back to the mainland and spend two nights in the sunny city of Brisbane before you return to the UK.

Start exploring Brisbane at South Bank Parklands, home to the man-made Streets Beach, riverside dining, and the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), before hopping aboard a CityCat ferry for a relaxed and scenic way to see the city from the Brisbane River.

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, for the chance to get up close to koalas and other native wildlife, then head to Mount Coot-tha Lookout for panoramic views over the city, or explore the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for a scenic riverside walk. Round off your stay with dinner along the waterfront at Eagle Street Pier, or drinks in Fortitude Valley or West End.

If you fancy going a little further afield, why not take a trip to Australia Zoo, located just over an hour north of Brisbane by car. Enjoy interactive wildlife shows in the ‘Crocoseum’ and take the opportunity to cuddle a koala. Discover an amazing collection of native Australian animals, including some of its most dangerous reptiles, and an Africa exhibit showcasing giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. Ask our travel experts about booking car hire or book onto an Australia Zoo Day Tour.

Your chosen Brisbane hotel

Spend your last day enjoying the warm Brisbane sunshine before making your way back to the UK. Take a peaceful stroll through the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, or walk across the Story Bridge for lovely views over the city skyline. If timing allows, enjoy a relaxed brunch at a café in the CBD before heading to the airport for your flight home.