Melbourne to the Murray

Enjoy a stay in central Melbourne before you travel the world famous Great Ocean Road, explore the picturesque Adelaide Hills and the celebrated Barossa and Coonawarra wine regions. On unique Kangaroo Island experience an abundance of native wildlife as well as local wine and whisky tastings.

While in Adelaide indulge in a long weekend where you'll discover the beautiful lower riverlands, between Walker Flat and Murray Bridge aboard the paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess. You'll cruise through spectacular riverlands and enjoy the great variety of flora and fauna. You'll take a nature walk, get up close to the river birdlife on board the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat, visit the township of Murray Bridge and learn about the food and wine of this famous region.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• Return economy class flights from Sydney, Brisbane & Hobart to Melbourne, returning from Adelaide
• Private transfer from airport to hotel
• 3 nights at The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, Melbourne
• Includes full breakfast daily
• Queen Victoria Market & Lygon Street Local Flavours Tour
• Includes samples & tastings, 2 course lunch, glass of local wine + more
• Discover the Yarra Valley Food & Wine Tour
• Includes wine & cider tastings, sharing platters, chocolate samples + more
• 7 day Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Escape with AAT Kings, Melbourne to Adelaide
• Includes 6 nights accommodation, 12 meals, travel by luxury coach, select activities + more
• 3 night Murray River Discovery Cruise onboard PS Murray Princess, Mannum return
• Includes all meals, onshore tours & excursions, live entertainment, transfers from Adelaide + more

Rate is per person twin share and based on travel 3-15 November 2021

For flights ex Perth please add $100 per person

**Other dates available, a surcharge may apply

Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island Escape

Highlights:

LOCAL CONNECTION

Experience Australia's first dedicated gin distillery, the award-winning Kangaroo Island Distillery.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

Take in the breathtaking views of the Barossa and learn about the wines from this region with a local expert.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Gain a new understanding of both wildlife and traditional Aboriginal lifestyle, touring the regenerated land at Tower Hill with local guides.

SUSTAINABLE FOOTPRINTS

Support the conservation and protection of the Australian Sea Lion with your guided walk at Seal Bay Conservation Park.

Itinerary

Day 1 Melbourne – Warrnambool

Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers early this morning then hold on to your seats and make sure your camera is charged for one of the world’s great road trips – the Great Ocean Road! Enjoy spectacular scenery that never ends and the quaint seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay before arriving at the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles rising majestically from the wild Southern Ocean. Nearby you’ll see Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge natural rock formation before arriving in the rural town of Warrnambool.

Hotel: Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 2 Warrnambool – Naracoorte

Visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, where your guide will provide you with an Indigenous perspective on the area’s flora, wildlife and volcanic formations. Cross the border into South Australia with a stop at Mt. Gambier, home to the Blue Lake. Continue to the world-renowned Coonawarra wine region for a wine tasting. Before arriving in Naracoorte you’ll be joined by a local expert for a guided tour through the Alexandra Cave.

Hotel: William MacIntosh Motor Lodge, Naracoote

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3 Naracoorte – Kangaroo Island

Journey today to the Fleurieu Peninsula, where rolling hills are complemented by rugged clifftops, sandy beaches and the winding Murray River. Visit the charming seaside town of Victor Harbor before a ferry takes you to Kangaroo Island, famous for its unique natural beauty and fine produce. Visit South Australia’s only boutique distillery to taste a selection of award-winning Australian gins and delicious liqueurs. Your destination is Kingscote, South Australia’s oldest European settlement.

Hotel: Aurora Ozone Hotel, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4 Kangaroo Island

Begin your exploration of fascinating Kangaroo Island today with a visit to the spectacular Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch followed by a guided tour of the AAT Kings sponsored Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary which was badly affected by last year’s bushfires. Learn what part fire plays within this delicate ecosystem and how the koalas and other wildlife are adapting to their environment.  This is followed by a delicious lunch featuring fresh, local produce before joining a local specialist at Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among a colony of rare sea lions in one of the country’s most important breeding colonies. Tonight, is free at leisure for you to explore.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Kangaroo Island – Adelaide

This morning, board your ferry to cross back to the mainland and travel to picturesque Adelaide, the ‘City of Churches’. You’ll take an orientation tour with your Travel Director before checking into your hotel.  This afternoon you are free to explore. Why not choose one of our Optional tours or speak with your Travel Director about recommendations. There’s plenty to see, do and taste!  Did you know that Adelaide boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia?  You do now!

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Adelaide, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Adelaide Hills and The Barossa

Discover the rolling Adelaide Hills and the renowned Barossa Valley today, stopping first at picturesque Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Wander down its tree-lined streets and take time to explore the quaint shops. Continue to the Barossa Valley for lunch at the South Australian Company Store where you’ll try tempting canapés made up of fresh local produce, followed by a delicious main meal of your choice. From here you’ll visit famous Seppeltsfield for an indulgent wine tasting followed by free time to wander around the Jam Factory, watching local artisans at work. Travel back to Adelaide this afternoon through landscape dotted with stone cottages and olive groves to join your Travel Director and travelling companions for a Farewell Dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Day 7 Farewell from Adelaide

After an indulgent trip away, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers after breakfast when your holiday comes to an end. Not ready to head home yet?  Why not consider a 3 night cruise on the Murray River aboard the PS Murray Princess.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Murray River Discovery Cruise Itinerary

FRIDAY

Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairynosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Ouron-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

SATURDAY

In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, choose to join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park (additional cost). Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us inthe Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.

SUNDAY

This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the PS Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before a delicious final night dinner in the Sturt Dining Room.

MONDAY

We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.

Prices listed are per person in Australian Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 22 March 2021 and can be withdrawn without notice. Murray Princess is based on an inside twin cabin, surcharges apply for a double cabin. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Price is subject to change without notice. Other travel conditions may apply; contact our travel team for more details.