Day 1: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road
Start your adventure by exploring the world famous Great Ocean Road with its stunning ocean views and surf beaches. Spot wild koalas along the way with a stop in the quaint seaside town of Apollo Bay for lunch, followed by a guided rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park rainforest. Later, we visit the amazing shipwreck coast famous for the Twelve Apostles rock formation and Loch Ard Gorge.
Driving Distance: 375km.
Accommodation: Warrnambool – backpackers shared dorm with shared bathroom
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Great Ocean Road to the Grampians
Today you will have the opportunity to visit Tower Hill Conservation Wildlife Reserve, an extinct volcano that is rich in Aboriginal history and has a vast amount of wildlife, such as emus and kangaroos. From here we head north into the Grampians. In the afternoon we will take you up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout, which offers a panoramic view of the Grampians National Park for a delightful afternoon hike. Finish the day with a traditional Aussie BBQ at our overnight stay in Halls Gap.
Driving Distance: 190km. Hike Distance: 4.5km.
Accommodation: Grampians Eco YHA Shared Dorm, Shared Bathroom
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Grampians to Adelaide
Today we will start early in the morning to hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls, and then explore some other famous sites, such as The Balconies/Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout, which are among the most famous in the area. Following lunch, we head west away from the coastline and rugged mountains towards Adelaide, passing Dimboola Pink Lake and Nhill before crossing the South Australian border into Bordertown and arriving in Adelaide around 7:30pm.
Driving Distance: 520km. Hike Distance: 2km.
Accommodation: YHA Adelaide Central – Dorm Share, Shared Bathroom
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Adelaide Dolphin Sailing Experience
An early morning start as you make your way to check in by 7:45am at the Marina Pier, Glenelg – at the bottom of the stairs/ramp in front of the Oyster Bar. Travel by public bus or uber to Glenelg to join this tour.
Wild Dolphin Catamaran Experience: Sit back, relax and watch from the front of the Temptation catamaran vessel and enjoy our 360 degree viewing deck. Watch the dolphins play on the bow of the boat, swimming only a few feet away from you and your camera!
Listen to our knowledgeable Marine Biologists as they educate and explain the interactions we have with our amazing Indo-Pacific bottlenose and short-beaked common dolphins.
After your tour, spend some time exploring the beachside suburbs before heading back into the city.
Note: upgrade to Wild Dolphin Swim Experience available – Must pre book!
Contact the Real Aussie Adventures team to upgrade!
Accommodation: Adelaide Central YHA, shared dorm (shared bathroom)
Meals: None
Day 5: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island
You will be picked up from YHA by your guide early this morning and travel by bus to Cape Jervis for the 45 mins ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island.
Arriving in Penneshaw hop aboard the Kangaroo Island coaster and embark on a scenic drive through Penneshaw, as we head out to explore Cygnet River’s Duck Lagoon, Kangaroo Island Brewery (Lunch), Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Emu Bay beach walk and Stokes Bay before we head to our overnight stay. Climb back on the bus and head to our overnight stay, located close to Flinders Chase National Park.
End the day with a traditional Aussie BBQ dinner and take in some spectacular stargazing opportunities before glamping for the night.
Accommodation: Camping – 4 Share Bell Tent. Perfect for those who enjoy a communal vibe, these spacious tents feature single beds with comfortable mattresses and luxurious linens, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. *A swag is also provided for those who wish to sleep under the stars for a unique outdoor experience.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Kangaroo Island Exploration - Returning to Adelaide
This morning after an authentic Kangaroo Island breakfast we continue our island exploration. First stop is Flinders Chase National Park, showcasing the natural beauty and iconic landmarks such as Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes, along with the playful New Zealand fur seals. Lunch today will be at Little Sahara, while marvelling at this impressive sand dune system. After our final stop for the day at Seal Bay with a ranger-guided walk along the beach among this endangered species, we make our way back to Penneshaw and the ferry and bus ride back to Adelaide.
Accommodation: YHA Adelaide Central – Dorm Bed, shared bathroom
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Barossa Valley
Enjoy a fun day out to the famous Barossa Valley, renowned for its world-class wineries and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy visits to two hand-picked wineries, a delicious pizza lunch, and finish the day by choosing between exploring Tanunda’s Main Street or tasting craft beers at Rehn Brewery. Other highlights include the world’s largest Rocking Horse and the mysterious “Whispering Wall”. day with 3 winery visits and a Gourmet Pizza Lunch
Accommodation: YHA Adelaide Central – Dorm Bed, shared bathroom
Meals: Lunch
Day 8: Adelaide City
Enjoy a day exploring at your own pace.
Why not join a city bike or walking tour? Or just take your time, relax and explore the sites of Adelaide at your own arrangements.
Accommodation: Adelaide Central YHA, shared dorm (shared bathroom)
Meals: None
Day 9: Check Out
Today check out of your hostel as your package arrangements have come to an end!