Australia's Scenic Southeast

Southeast Australia is no doubt scenic, but it offers so much more than beauty. This itinerary gives you a glimpse of what makes this region so special. Take a "local's look" at Melbourne, road trip on the Great Ocean Road, observe wildlife in its natural habitat, sip wine in the renowned Barossa Valley, and immerse yourself in the country's history and culture in its capital, Canberra. Whether you're exploring bustling urban centers, relaxing on a secluded beach, or visiting a quaint seaside village, there's a lot to love about southeast Australia.

Trip Type: Adventure, Food & Wine, Wildlife

Day By Day

Day 1 – Welcome to Australia

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle. 

Park Hyatt Melbourne
The regal Park Hyatt Melbourne sits at the top of Collins Street, which is a stylish boulevard full of ornate Victorian architecture, high end shops and art galleries. Just across the street from the grand St. Patrick's Cathedral and the manicured Fitzroy Gardens, the hotel is an awe-inspiring combination of old-world and modern design. Winding staircases, Italian marble and towering pillars inspire opulence from the moment you step into the Park Hyatt's lobby. Each guest room is impeccably decorated with Madrona paneled walls, plush furniture and deep marble baths. The sophisticated art deco touches continue throughout the rest of the property. The edgeless lap pool glimmers in a room encased in golden light and stone pillars, and the day spa offers decadent treatments for ultimate relaxation. Park Hyatt perfectly captures the atmosphere of Melbourne and provides a great starting point to explore the rest of the city.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne

Day 2 – Understanding The Real Melbourne

Truly a city like no other, Melbourne boasts an eclectic mix of cultures and history. For Melbournians today, life revolves around food, fashion, the arts and sport. Take some time to really connect with the city, its people and their passions with this ‘local’s look’ at Melbourne. This tour enables the time and pace to visit a variety of neighborhoods based on your interests and discover them in depth.

Journey down the Golden Mile and learn how the discovery of gold shaped the city. Take in the grandeur of Melbourne’s sporting precinct to help you truly understand this city’s obsession with sport. Drive through the beachside suburbs stopping in St Kilda – Melbourne’s playground – where you can find people from all walks of life. Of course, no tour would be complete without a stroll through Melbourne’s iconic laneways and arcades, home to world renowned street art, hidden bars and restaurants, independent galleries, eclectic boutiques and bustling cafés which serve this caffeine addicted city.

Discover Melbourne´s Soul. Meet the faces behind the produce at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market (closed Monday). This vibrant historic landmark has been at the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century, offering everything from gourmet foods to clothing and souvenirs, with stalls passed down through generations. The tour culminates with a delicious two course lunch in one of Melbourne’s hottest restaurants. After you see the 'real' Melbourne, you’ll come to love this city as much as the locals do.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 – Great Ocean Road Day Tour

Victoria's Great Ocean Road is an amazing experience at any time of the year. One of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, the Great Ocean Road stretches 550 kilometers along the southern coast of Victoria. Travel it and you will discover some of the world's most inspiring scenery - an ever-changing hinterland and charming towns and hamlets. Marvel at the huge cliffs, roaring seas, tranquil coves, magnificent waterfalls and secluded beaches. Get an insight into Australian surfing culture at Bells Beach with rugged cliffs and big waves. Discover seaside villages, such as the popular town of Lorne where you can stroll on the stunning beach. See koalas in the wild at Kennett River. Head inland through the towering forests towards Port Campbell National Park to view the sculptured beauty of The Twelve Apostles. Many of these stacks of flat-bedded limestone raise 65 meters above sea level and are an inspiring sight to see. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and hear stories from your host about the tragic and romantic shipwreck while marveling at the landmark. Visit the quaint seaside village of Port Campbell with sandy beaches and picturesque cliff tops before your journey home to Melbourne. 

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 – Melbourne at Leisure

Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Melbourne.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Travel to Kangaroo Island

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Kingscote you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island
Escape to Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island, and experience tranquility and relaxation like never before in the privacy of your own villa. At Sea Dragon, you will experience peaceful oceanview accommodation with spectacular vistas, access to a secluded beach, wildlife at your doorstep and delicious meals. Every accommodation enjoys stunning ocean views, surrounded by wildlife and it is ideal for couples or families with older children looking for a luxurious private retreat in a spectacular coastal setting. Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island is a destination in itself with onsite walking trails and extensive wildlife viewing on the property.

Starting Accommodation: Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Full Day Kangaroo Island Tour

Departing from Sea Dragon after breakfast, the day of adventure begins traveling west across the island towards the first stop, Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to the endangered Australian sea lion. With only an estimated 12,000 sea lions left in the world, Seal Bay is the third largest colony of this species. Your guides holds a special Seal Bay accreditation, and so are able to walk you through the striking sand dune system and along the pristine beach for approximately an hour, learning all about these beautiful mammals. Continuing the drive, stop for lunch at an exclusive lunch spot on a private property, home to beautiful koalas. Continuing the drive, on the way to the famous Flinders Chase National Park keep an eye out for Rosenberg goannas lazing in the sun, and view the stunning rejuvenation of native bush species from the devastating bushfires of 2019-20. A stop at Remarkable Rocks will give you the first views of the rugged coastline in this diverse national park. The amazing rock formations and distinct red rocks are a photographer’s delight. The afternoon will be spent at other known attractions in the park including Admirals Arch.

Starting Accommodation: Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Travel to Adelaide Hills

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Kingscote Airport. Upon arrival into Adeliade you will be transferred to your accommodation in Adelaide Hills. 

Mount Lofty House
Mount Lofty House offers the best of both worlds, superbly positioned overlooking the breathtaking Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills wine region, yet only 20 minutes from the central business district of Adelaide. Mount Lofty House provides a unique historic setting in which to experience the luxurious accommodation and friendly personalized service. Relax in the Gatekeepers Day Spa, or indulge at one of the state's most awarded and decadent fine dining restaurants Hardy's Verandah Restaurant. For those feeling more adventurous, explore the 30-acre estate or maybe indulge in a glass of their very own Sequoia sparkling while looking out over the beautiful Piccadilly Valley.

Starting Accommodation: Mount Lofty House
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Barossa Valley Day Tour

If you enjoy Australian wines or would like to try some, then a day exploring the renowned Barossa Valley will be one of the highlights of your stay in South Australia. This morning, begin a personally escorted journey that will pick up from your accommodation in the Barossa Valley. Travel to the Peter Lehmann winery for your first tasting of the day. Visit Torbreck wine cellars, a small winery with rustic charm, and also enjoy visits to other small wineries to meet well-known wine identities. Stop for a stroll in the German town of Tanunda with time to discover the small shops - many of which specialize in crafts made by the locals. Before lunch, take the picturesque drive up to Menglers Hill for views over the entire valley. Lunch will be at a restaurant in the Barossa. The next stop may be Henschkes winery in Keyneton or historic Yalumba the biggest family run winery in Australia. If time permits, visit small boutique producers, such as Charles Melton or Turkey Flat. You may also have the option to include formal premium wine tasting at Penfolds in the morning (additional cost). A visit to Maggie Beer Farm shop is a must for food lovers. Alternatively, continue through the picturesque villages of Hills en route to Hahndorf, the German village, where you may taste the fine wines produced by Hahandorf Hill winery. 

Starting Accommodation: Mount Lofty House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 – Travel to Canberra

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Adelaide Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Canberra you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle. 

A by Adina, Canberra
A by Adina Canberra is perched on the doorstep of the famed Parliamentary Triangle at Lake Burley Griffin. Situated amongst the buzzing line-up of ‘must experience’ landmarks near the aptly named Constitution Place. The hotel offers a great CBD location, 24-hour reception, complimentary WiFi, and two gyms. Whether traveling for business, pleasure or leisure, you’ll find a perfectly suited balance between a hotel and a residential experience. The hotel is a little luxe, and a little laid back.

Starting Accommodation: A by Adina, Canberra
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – Best of Wildlife Tour

The half day tour begins with pickup at your accommodation before a 30-40-minute journey through the rural surrounds of Canberra to the Deep Space Tracking Station at Tidbinbilla. Once there, learn about the significant role played by Australia's telescopes in the Apollo missions and first moon landing as well as current day deep space tracking. Then, travel the short distance to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where some of Australia’s most iconic native animals living in the wild. Through the reserve, you will hopefully witness and get close to several native animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, platypus, colorful parrots and other birds, and emus. After hopefully spotting platypus towards the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy the 30-40 minute ride back into town.

Looking for alternative activities? You may also like these activities: Hot Air Ballooning in Canberra


Starting Accommodation: A by Adina, Canberra
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Highlights of Canberra

Canberra’s best day tour! Witness the wonderful views of Canberra and the region from the top of Mount Ainslie. Your guide will explain the growth of a young city, the two-tiered colonial and capital city history and point out places of interest. Visit the National Capital Exhibition. Be guided through the corridors of power at Australian Parliament House. Survey the Parliamentary Triangle and its National Attractions. Explore the Australian War Memorial and experience the moving Last Post Ceremony. Todays tour packs as much as possible into a single day, giving you the best possible experience and context of Australia’s Capital.

Starting Accommodation: A by Adina, Canberra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 – Depart Canberra

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Canberra Airport by private vehicle. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Australia!

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Deluxe

Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey.

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms