Melbourne to Kangaroo Island Adventure

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National parks Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

11 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Melbourne, Australia

Ends

Adelaide, Australia

Highlights

Hike the beautiful Pinnacle Walk to the summit of Hanging Rock and discover sweeping views and interesting rock formations made famous by the Peter Weir film ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’.

Visit a social enterprise – Wildlife Wonders – and join a conservationist guide to discover the lush fern gullies, eucalypt woodlands and spectacular ocean views of the Otways region.

Explore Budj Bim Cultural Landscape with a Gunditijmara guide to learn about First Nations culture first-hand, discover the unique volcanic landscape and dig into a bush tucker grazing plate.

Tick driving the Great Ocean Road, marvelling at the 12 Apostles and hiking through Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park off your bucket list, because this road trip does it all.

Spend a morning with some of the island’s most delightful creatures, the colony of sea lions that have resided at Seal Bay for hundreds of years.

Itinerary

Start your journey in Melbourne and let the wild southern coast of Australia unfold before you on the 'Melbourne to Kangaroo Island Adventure.' Over 11 days, this guided national parks tour weaves together foodie hotspots, legendary road trips, and abundant wildlife. Savor Melbourne’s vibrant culture, then roam through Hanging Rock, Daylesford, and Ballarat before embarking on the iconic Great Ocean Road.

Marvel at the 12 Apostles, delve into Aboriginal history in the Grampians, and chase waterfalls. After exploring Adelaide, set your sights on Kangaroo Island—home to penguins, sea lions, and wallabies. Sample local produce, meet the island’s artistic community, and bask on sunlit beaches. The tour’s unique selling point is its comprehensive blend of natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences—all wrapped into an easy-paced adventure that’s as rewarding as it is unforgettable.

day 1 - Melbourne / Hanging Rock / Daylesford / Ballarat

Welcome to Melbourne! Or Narrm, in the language of the Wurundjeri people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Melbourne is now located. Melbourne is the effortlessly hip, unofficial foodie capital of Australia. Here, you can wander some of the trendiest art galleries, marvel at museums and sip countless cups of some of the finest-brewed specialty coffee on the planet. It's recommended that you arrive a few extra days before your adventure starts if you want to experience all this city has to offer. Today, you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers bright and early for an 8 am welcome meeting. Then, hit the road and start your journey along the Great Southern Touring Route – AKA Australia’s finest road trip. Your first stop today is Hanging Rock Reserve, where you’ll embark on the famous Pinnacle Walk to the summit. This area was shaped by a volcanic eruption some six million years ago and is an important landmark for three First Nations groups – the Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri), the Djaara and the Taungurung. Keep your eye out for local wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas on your walk before taking in the views from the summit. From here, you’ll drive to Daylesford for lunch and if your trip departs on a Sunday, you’ll have time to explore the Daylesford Sunday Market. Uniquely, only fresh produce sourced within a 50 km radius can be sold at this market. After some time in Daylesford, continue to the historic goldfield town of Ballarat where you’ll stay tonight. Perhaps visit Sovereign Hill or the Art Gallery of Ballarat, with the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

included:Hanging Rock - Summit Walk, Daylesford - Sunday Market

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Great Ocean Road / Apollo Bay

After breakfast this morning, you’ll say goodbye to Ballarat and head south toward Apollo Bay. You’ll get your first taste of the spectacular Great Ocean Road today as you hit the coastline in Anglesea and follow the scenic highway along to Apollo Bay. This is Eastern Maar country, and was recently returned to the Traditional Owners in Victoria's first native title in a decade. The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most famed coastal drives, as you wind by striking windswept cliffs with views across the Southern Ocean, you’ll quickly see why. Once you reach Apollo Bay, you’ll enjoy a special experience at Wildlife Wonders – a social enterprise operated by the Conservation Ecology Centre working to develop and deliver solutions to the most urgent conservation challenges in the Otways region. Apollo Bay is on the doorstep of the Otway National Park, an ecosystem of lush rainforests, ancient plant life, waterfalls and secluded beaches – to name just a few. Join Wildlife Wonders guided walk through the magical Otways bushland where you'll discover lush fern gullies, eucalypt woodlands and spectacular ocean vistas. Learn the secrets of the bush from your conservationist guide and spot local wildlife like koalas and wallabies and, if you’re lucky, a potoroo or bandicoot. Wildlife Wonders invest 100% of profits into vital research and conservation projects to save local threatened species. After this heart-warming visit, you’ll make your way to your accommodation and enjoy free time in this chilled-out beachside town this afternoon.

included:Apollo Bay - Wildlife Wonders Guided Tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Lunch

day 3 - Great Ocean Road / Warrnambool

Today, you really find out why this stretch of road is known as Australia’s finest road trip. Travel from Apollo Bay all the way to Warrnambool, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Enjoy the dramatic scenery The Great Ocean Road is so well known for – one moment you’ll be marvelling at dramatic cliffs and the surging oceans below and the next you’ll be surrounded by native bushland. There's plenty of lookouts and white powdery beach walks (if the weather permits) to break up the drive today. Plus, the piece de resistance of today’s adventures – some time to discover the rugged splendour of the 12 Apostles. Created by the constant erosion from ocean swells and swirling winds that began some 10-20 million years ago, the incredible rock stacks now rise majestically up to 45 m out of the ocean below. It’s a sight to behold and one you won’t forget any time soon. This evening, you’ll continue to Warrnambool where you might like to join your fellow travellers for dinner and discuss the inspiring sights you witnessed today.

included:Great Ocean Road - Scenic Drive, Great Ocean Road - Twelve Apostles

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 4 - Budj Bim National Park / Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Buckle up for another day on the great open road as we set our sights for Budj Bim – the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Victoria outside of the Royal Exhibition Building. This area is located within Gunditjmara Country and is full of culture and volcanic landscapes. You’ll learn more about the history, bushland and wildlife of this area on a walking tour with a Gunditjmara cultural guide. Your guide will give you an overview of the Gunditjmara creation story and highlight the extensive marine and birdlife on Tae Rak (Lake Condah). The lake is made up of 1700 hectares of significant wetlands and stony rises right next to the historic lava flows of Budj Bim National Park. The Gunditjmara people have sustained life here for tens of thousands of years and created what is considered one of Australia’s earliest and largest aquaculture ventures. You’ll gain incredible insight into the history of the Gunditjmara people and how these landscapes were shaped by ancient volcanic movements. After your guided walk, enjoy a grazing board at the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café for lunch. Try all-Australian ingredients like grilled kooyang (eel), grilled macadamia nuts, pickled vegetables, kangaroo, emu and other local bush foods. With a belly full of bush tucker, hit the road to Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park where you’ll have time to explore in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

included:Budj Bim National Park - Bush Foods Grazing Board, Budj Bim National Park - Cultural Landscape Walking Tour with Local Aboriginal Guide

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Lunch

day 5 - Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Be sure to fuel up at breakfast today because you’ve got a day full of exploring the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park ahead. You can expect to see majestic waterfalls, rugged sandstone ridges, mountain vistas and magnificent rock art sites on your walks today. Traditionally known as Gariwerd, this region is home to the largest number of rock art paintings and shelters in Southern Australia. Today’s walks will feature these sites and likely introduce you to local wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, emus and native birds. With a number of walking trails to choose from, your leader will pick the best, considering weather and track conditions and group ability. This evening, kick your feet up and relax after a full day of walking. Perhaps, meet up with your group for a final dinner together and reflect on the highlights of your great southern adventure.

included:Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Day Walks

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - Stawell / Adelaide

Enjoy a group breakfast with your fellow travellers before a short drive to Stawell. Here, you’ll visit Bunjil’s Cave, a significant cultural site in Australia and one of the most prominent rock-art sites in southern Victoria. In local First Nations culture, Bunjil was the main Dreaming Being of south-eastern Australia. It’s believed that he produced the natural features of the landscapes, from the rolling mountains to the peaceful open ranges. He also gave each tribe their country and created the laws, customs and rights. After time to explore this significant site and learn more about First Nations history, your leader will bid you farewell, and your group will board The Overland train from Stawell, unaccompanied for the stretch to Adelaide, or Tandanya in the language of The Kaurna people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Adelaide is now located. Operating for more than 130 years, you can expect relaxing views of wheat and sheep farms as you travel through Western Victoria. Have your cameras at the ready before you reach the Murray Bridge and you’ll then be treated to views of lush landscape as you descend through the Adelaide Hills into South Australia’s capital. Enjoy a free night before the next leg of your journey starts tomorrow.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Adelaide / Kangaroo Island

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. This stage of your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at your hotel in Adelaide at 9 am where you’ll link up with your local leader and the other travellers joining you on this part of your adventure. Find out what’s in store over the coming days, then board your transfer bound for Cape Jervis (approximately 2 hours), from where you’ll jump aboard a ferry and travel to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island (approximately 45 minutes). Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the ferry! From the ferry landing, it's a short walk to your hotel. Drop your luggage, then perhaps get to know your group over lunch on the island. In the afternoon, get your first taste of the island’s unique nature by joining your leader and heading out onto the Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail, positioned in the dunes overlooking Hog’s Bay. Keep an eye out for wildlife! This evening you'll visit the Penneshaw Penguin Centre for an evening walk to search for the world’s smallest variety of penguins.

included:Kangaroo Island - Penguin tour, Kangaroo Island - Penneshaw Sculpture Trail

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 8 - Kangaroo Island

Australia’s third-largest island, Kangaroo Island is a veritable paradise for wildlife lovers. It’s not just kangaroos you can find here – wallabies, sea lions and echidnas are all locals too. Evidence suggests Aboriginal life existed on the island as far back as 16,000 years, but it was uninhabited by the time Europeans arrived in the early 19th century. The island is now home to 4000 people, and today will be spent diving into local culture and history. First up, head out onto Dudley Peninsula and get a real taste of Aussie culture when you pay a visit to a sheep farm to see how sheep are shorn and meet the owner’s super sweet kelpie dogs. Stop by the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in South Australia. If you’re feeling extra adventurous today, you’ll have the chance to climb the 500 steps to the top of Prospect Hill, the highest point on Kangaroo Island. Next up are visits to some local producers, such as a family-owned eucalyptus oil refinery and a honey farm, a third-generation family business and home to the only pure strain of Ligurian Bee in the world. Then head to the Kangaroo Island Gallery, a community Gallery specifically for the promotion, encouragement, and exposure of artists and craftspeople of Kangaroo Island. Time permitting there may be the option to also visit a local winery and try some of their wines. Finally, head to Kingscote, the largest town on the island, check into your hotel and put your feet up.

included:Kangaroo Island - Full-day trip to Dudley Peninsula, Kangaroo Island - Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, Kangaroo Island - Sheep Shearing & Sheep Dog Experience, Kangaroo Island - Honey Farm, Kangaroo Island - Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, Kangaroo Island - KI Community Gallery

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 9 - Kangaroo Island

After breakfast, swing by Salt Lagoon to snap some pictures of this scenic spot, then continue towards Emu Bay Beach. If the group fancies, you’ll have the chance to pop into the lavender farm to try some delicious lavender scones. Spend some time stretched out on the white sand or paddling in the pristine, clear waters, then beach hop over to the secluded Stokes Bay, a gorgeous spot for a swim, and voted Australia's most beautiful beach in 2013. Early 2020 saw bushfires ravage Kangaroo Island, with the Stokes Bay region being particularly badly hit. The Stokes Bay Community Hall served as a centrepiece for the settlement since 1952 but was completely destroyed by the fires. Today the area is in recovery, and the National Trust is working with the local community to restore the hall, as well as natural habitats for wildlife. After an afternoon on the beach, return to Kingscote and enjoy an evening at leisure.

included:Kangaroo Island - Full Day Trip to Emu Bay & Stokes Bay

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 10 - Kangaroo Island

Start the day with a visit to Seal Bay. There are no actual seals here, but there are plenty of sea lions! The sea lion colony you see today has existed at Seal Bay for thousands of years. Join an up close and personal ranger-led wildlife experience which will allow you to observe the lives of these endearing creatures as you watch them swim, play and bask in the sun. Continue on to Little Sahara, named for its rippling sand dunes that resemble the North African desert. While here you may have the chance to hire a sandboard and ride your way down the dunes. Next up is something really special – head to Vivonne Bay, which is not only one of the most stunning beaches on Kangaroo Island but the whole of Australia. Venture into the Flinders Chase National Park and come face to face with the aptly named Remarkable Rocks, made up of naturally sculpted granite boulders. You’ll also check out the impressive Admirals Arch and take some time to explore the park before heading back to Kingscote.

included:Kangaroo Island - Flinders Chase NP Incl Remarkable Rocks & Admiral's Arch, Kangaroo Island - Seal Bay Wildlife Experience with local ranger, Kangaroo Island - Vivonne Bay & Little Sahara

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 11 - Kangaroo Island / Adelaide

Start the day by heading to American River (not actually a river, or American, but a little town on the northeast coast of the island), where you’ll find a schooner boat first built in 1803 called 'Independence'. Learn about the boat’s history and see how it’s being rebuilt, then take a scenic walk through coastal scrub towards the remains of an old fish cannery built at the end of the 19th century, keeping an eye out for the rare and striking glossy-black cockatoos along the way. Get ready to say goodbye to Kangaroo Island as you make the drive back to Penneshaw and catch the ferry back to the mainland. Dock in Cape Jervis and hop on our private transfer back to Adelaide (approximately 2 hours). You can expect to arrive back at our hotel in Adelaide at around 4.30 pm at which time the tour comes to an end.

included:Kangaroo Island - American River ‘Rebuild Independence’ Boathouse Visit, Kangaroo Island - American River bushwalk

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights)

Meals

5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, Train

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Hanging Rock - Summit WalkDaylesford - Sunday MarketApollo Bay - Wildlife Wonders Guided TourGreat Ocean Road - Scenic DriveGreat Ocean Road - Twelve ApostlesBudj Bim National Park - Bush Foods Grazing BoardBudj Bim National Park - Cultural Landscape Walking Tour with Local Aboriginal GuideGrampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Day WalksKangaroo Island - Penguin tourKangaroo Island - Penneshaw Sculpture TrailKangaroo Island - Full-day trip to Dudley PeninsulaKangaroo Island - Cape Willoughby LighthouseKangaroo Island - Sheep Shearing & Sheep Dog ExperienceKangaroo Island - Honey FarmKangaroo Island - Eucalyptus Oil DistilleryKangaroo Island - KI Community GalleryKangaroo Island - Full Day Trip to Emu Bay & Stokes BayKangaroo Island - Flinders Chase NP Incl Remarkable Rocks & Admiral's ArchKangaroo Island - Seal Bay Wildlife Experience with local rangerKangaroo Island - Vivonne Bay & Little SaharaKangaroo Island - American River ‘Rebuild Independence’ Boathouse VisitKangaroo Island - American River bushwalk

What's Excluded

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Highlights

Itinerary