Summary
Short description
An in-depth introduction to the myriad highlights of South & Western Australia
Highlights
- Contrast the urban attractions of Adelaide and Perth
- Tour and taste your way between estates and cellar doors in three of Australia’s most esteemed wine regions
- Seek out native wildlife, from dolphins to kangaroos
- Explore enchanting islands and coastlines
- Stay in everything from chic city retreats to vast Outback ranches
In Brief
- 2 Nights Adelaide
- 1 Night Clare Valley
- 2 Nights Flinders Ranges
- 2 Nights Barossa Valley
- 3 Nights Perth
- 2 Nights Margaret River
- 1 Night Fremantle
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | Food & wine | Natural world | Wildlife
With stays on historic cattle stations and in cutting-edge urban hotels, all paired with a range of included excursions, this is the ideal introduction to the myriad delights of two complementary Australian states. You’ll begin in Adelaide, with its pretty parks and river views, before making the most of your first included hire car to explore the vineyards and cellar doors of the Clare and Barossa Valleys, with a two night stay in the dramatic Flinders Ranges in between. You’ll then fly west to Perth, cosmopolitan gateway to Australia’s picturesque southwest corner. Here, between dolphin cruises, island bike tours and wine tastings you’ll experience the very best of its urban, natural and culinary world.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
Depart UK
Start your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your flight to Adelaide, arriving on day two.
Days
3-4
Adelaide
On arrival in Adelaide you’ll be met and transferred to your city-centre hotel. With its ultra-contemporary rooms, spa and wellness centre, stunning rooftop pool and sweeping city and river views, it’s the ideal base to recover from the flight and begin your exploration of South Australia’s delightfully friendly state capital. Take the chance to delve into the city’s thriving arts scene, relax in verdant parks set beneath towering church spires and delight in a choice of tucked-away bars and gourmet restaurants where multicultural dishes are perfectly paired with craft brewery beers and that world-renowned South Australian wine.
Stay: Eos by Skycity (Deluxe)
Day
5
Clare Valley
Speaking of wine, your next stop is the nearby Clare Valley. Collect your hire car in the morning and plot your route out of the city to discover rolling vineyards and a seemingly endless collection of cellar doors. Your accommodation for the night is a stunning mid-19th-century station surrounded by beautiful grounds host to everything from a woolshed to a stableyard and church. Don’t miss the chance to explore on a self-guided tour, or join the staff in the morning to feed the resident animals including horses, lambs, deer and kangaroos.
Stay: Bungaree Station (Superior)
Days
6-7
Flinders Ranges
Drive on through the Outback to spend two nights amid the vast landscapes of the remote Flinders Ranges. Here, a whole range of optional activities await, from guided hikes and mountain bike rides to 4WD tours and even scenic helicopter flights. It’s a spectacular introduction to life in the Australian Outback, with a few little luxuries thrown in, too – expect relaxing dips in the outdoor pool and authentic Aussie cuisine served in the Woolshed Restaurant, accompanied by glorious countryside views.
Stay: Rawnsley Park Station (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
8-9
Barossa Valley
Today’s drive sees you back to wine country and the world-famous Barossa Valley. Here, you’ll check into the grand Lyndoch Hill – a country estate host to modern rooms, a superb restaurant and gardens home to over 30,000 roses. It’s a wonderful base for exploring the wider valley, taking in esteemed vineyards and cellar doors, exploring the region’s aboriginal culture or simply relaxing with a stroll along the estate’s five kilometres of pathways. Alternatively, you might want to head out on an optional group hiking excursion, heading to the Morialta Conservation Park to take in a dramatic landscape of creek, woodlands, gorges, and stunning waterfalls, and keeping eyes peeled for koala or kookaburra, hidden in the region's towering gum trees. Ask our specialists for details.
Also, if you'd like to extend your stay in South Australia, there's the option to fly across to nearby Kangaroo Island, perhaps the ultimate Australian wildlife destination. Think spectacular coastlines host to everything from seals to, yes, kangaroos.
Stay: Lyndoch Hill (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
10-12
Perth
After a leisurely breakfast, wind your way slowly back to Adelaide and to the airport, drop off your hire car and board a flight to Perth on Australia’s west coast. On arrival, a private transfer will see you to your hotel, ideally located just a short stroll from the Swan River, King’s Park and Elizabeth Key. Indeed, you’ll have all the city sights at your fingertips. But, to help you experience the best of the region, we’ve also included a pair of excursions. The first, an exploration of Perth’s atmospheric arcades and laneways, will introduce you to the heart of the city, ending at a local bar where the first drink is on us. Then, you’ll also enjoy a full day exploring nearby Rottnest Island, heading out by ferry to take in some of its gorgeous beaches and bays by bicycle, keeping eyes peeled for everything from long-nosed fur seals to the cute and friendly quokkas – a type of macropod unique to the region.
Stay: Pan Pacific Hotel (Deluxe)
Day
13
Rockingham & Margaret River
Collect your hire car this morning and drive to Rockingham, where we’ve included a dolphin, penguin and sea lion adventure cruise. Enjoy the scenic highlights of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park with an hour-long glass-bottom boat ride, keeping an eye out for local wildlife along the rugged coastline. As well as the headliners mentioned above, you might also catch a glimpse of pelican rookeries and birds of prey – your eagle-eyed guides will be on hand so you don’t miss a thing. At the end of the tour, you’ll rejoin the road for the scenic drive south to Margaret River and your stylish beachside abode.
Stay: Margarets Beach Resort (Superior)
Day
14
Margaret River
Enjoy a full day exploring the sprawling vineyards and seaside delights of one of Australia’s prettiest regions. Naturally, it’s the wines which grab the attention and an included tour and tasting at the Vasse Felix winery will give you a privileged insight into one of Margaret River’s most acclaimed producers. Soak in the cellar surrounds in the company of your expert winemaker guide, then taste your way through the delicious cabernet sauvignons and chardonnays for which the winery is famed.
Stay: Margarets Beach Resort (Superior)
Day
15
Fremantle
It’s time to return north today as you head for the port town of Fremantle, or Fre-o to the locals. Check into your boutique, town-centre accommodation then head out to explore, perhaps making the most of the hotel’s complimentary bike hire. The vibrant Fremantle Markets are a great place to start while the 19th-century former prison – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – offers a fascinating insight into the town’s convict past. Of course, you won’t want to miss ‘Cappuccino Strip’ a bustling thoroughfare known for its cafes, galleries and Italian restaurants.
Stay: Hougoumont, Fremantle (Superior)
Days
16-17
Depart for UK
Drive the short distance north to Perth’s international airport where you’ll drop off your hire car and board your overnight flight home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
17-day tailor-made journey
from £3,920 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £3,920 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £4,805 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between London, Adelaide and Perth
- 13 nights accommodation in typically 4* (Superior) accommodation on a mixture of room only and bed & breakfast basis
- Private transfers in Perth & Adelaide
- 6 days car hire in Western Australia & 4 days car hire in South Australia in a Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar
- Perth arcades and laneways tour
- Rottnest Island full day bike and ferry tour
- Dolphin, penguin and sea lion adventure cruise from Rockingham
- Ultimate winery experience in Margaret River
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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