Wildlife and Wine of South Australia

Day 1: arrive Adelaide

Arrive in Adelaide and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore Adelaide’s buzzing central market; a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines or visit South Australia’s State Art Gallery and botanical gardens. Alternatively take the tram to the beachside suburb of Glenelg and enjoy a swimming with dolphins cruise.

Day 2: Barossa Valley

This morning enjoy a fully guided tour into the Barossa Valley – one of Australia’s most eminent wine producing regions. Travel through the Adelaide Hills, passing the many historical settlements that litter the landscape on your way to the Barossa Valley. Visit a selection of smaller boutique wineries and hear about the processes involved in wine making direct from the producers before continuing on to larger wineries such as the renowned Jacob’s Creek. Enjoy a tour of the traditional German settlement of Tunanda and discover the local craft shops before enjoying a gourmet al fresco lunch under the vines. After lunch continue to the smaller wineries of Lehmann and Henschke for a tour of the winery and tasting before returning to Adelaide.

Day 3: Adelaide - Ikara - Flinders National Park

Collect your rental car this morning and commence your drive north towards Clare Valley wine region. Sample the local Clare Valley produce and enjoy morning tea whilst admiring the rolling hills and abundant wheat fields or hire bikes and cycle some of the gentle Riesling Trail through vineyards along the disused railway line. Continue towards the township of Hawker, the last outpost of civilisation before Wilpena Pound stopping en-route at the renowned Yourambulla Caves which are famed for their detailed Aboriginal rock art and charcoal paintings.

Day 4: Ikara - Flinders National Park

This morning rise early and enjoy a 4WD adventure of a lifetime. Travel with an experienced local guide deep into the heart of Ikara-Flinders National Park and learn about the regions diverse wildlife and geological history. Explore the park’s biggest drawcard; Wilpena Pound and marvel at the astonishing formation of jagged rock escarpments encircling the vast dusty interior before continuing through the scenic Bunyeroo Valley for panoramic views of the ranges. Pass through the dramatic Brachina Gorge and see the abundant native flora and fauna before stopping for lunch at the famous Prairie Hotel – a renowned outback establishment. After lunch continue to the town of Blinman and enjoy a guided tour of the Blinman Heritage Mine before returning to Rawnsley Park Station.

Day 5: Ikara - Flinders National Park - Adelaide

This morning enjoy a self-guided walk to the Wangarra Lookout. This two hour return walk provides a wonderful opportunity to view inside Wilpena Pound and see native wildlife as well as the chance to visit Hill’s Homestead and learn about the history of the local Adnyamathanha people and first western settlers. Later, take to the skies and enjoy a scenic flight across the central Flinders Ranges, the ideal way to truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of Wilpena Pound. After lunch head south towards the township of Quorn, marvelling at the derelict ruins of early settlements that litter the surrounding plains before continuing through Port Augusta and on to Adelaide.

Day 6: Adelaide - Kangaroo Island

This morning you will be collected from your Adelaide hotel and taken to the airport to fly to Kangaroo Island. On arrival you will join a small group 4WD overnight tour of Kangaroo Island. Visit Seal Bay and learn about the survival methods of the Australian Sea Lions before travelling south and traversing the rural landscape of the south coast. Visit Parndana Wildlife Park before enjoying a guided nature walk through Lathami National Park to see the native wallabies and kangaroos.

Day 7: Kangaroo Island - Adelaide

This morning your experienced and local guide will take you to Rocky River and the entrance to Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island’s largest national park and home to a huge variety of native wildlife and birds. Continue through the ancient limestone formation of Admirals Arch and see the active colony of New Zealand fur seals that reside there. Head to Remarkable Rocks for panoramic views of the coast while you enjoy a traditional Aussie BBQ lunch. After lunch continue to Kelly Hill Conservation Park to see the kangaroos that graze freely there before ending your day at Point Ellen in search of the elusive penguin colony often spotted there. Later this evening you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Adelaide.

Day 8: depart Adelaide

Make your way to the airport and depart on your onward journey.