Australia

Adelaide’s elegant charm provides the gateway to South Australia, and is within easy reach of some excellent beaches as well as the wealth of indigenous wildlife that calls Kangaroo Island ‘home’. An overnight stay is highly recommended to see the best of Kangaroo Island, which in addition to its wildlife also includes wineries, arts & crafts, national parks and distinctive rock formations, all just 15kms from mainland South Australia.

Inland from Adelaide it’s worth exploring the fertile Barossa Valley, home to world-renowned wineries including Wolf Blass and Jacob’s Creek. But for something really different head inland to South Australia’s unique outback, where you can marvel at Wilpena Pound, a huge stone crater set amongst the Flinders Ranges, or go fossicking for opals in the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy. To the west, the vast Nullarbor Plain stretches into the distance and into Western Australia. The most comfortable way to experience this is by train, on board the Indian Pacific to Perth. Alternatively travel north on board The Ghan to Alice Springs – a great way to enjoy South Australia’s diverse scenery.


Adelaide
South Australia's capital city is a cultural and gastronomic delight, yet it manages to retain an intimacy and laid-back atmosphere more akin to a large town than a bustling city. Adelaide is also blessed with a glorious climate - hot dry summers and mild bright winters. The central city is conveniently compact and is bordered by four terraces beyond which lies wide open parkland and gardens just waiting to be explored. It is a charming city to spend a few days enjoying the numerous bars, cafes and art galleries or jumping on the tram to Glenelg, the relaxed coastal suburb only 30 minutes from Victoria Square. Take a stroll on the sandy beach, dine al fresco and enjoy the sunset.

Barossa Valley
In addition to its numerous prolific wineries, the Barossa Valley is also scattered with verdant orchards and picturesque churches and cottages. The weekly famer’s market near Angaston is a great place to pick up local produce including fruit, vegetables, bread, jams, chutneys… The ideal ingredients for a picnic, to be accompanied by a bottle of locally-produced wine! A trip to Mengler Hill is recommended for unrivalled views over the Barossa. 

Kangaroo Island 
Kangaroo Island is referred to as the Galapagos of Australia, and it’s easy to see why. Here you may be lucky enough to find kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, possums, echidnas, goannas, platypus, penguins, sea-lions and fur seals in their natural habitats, whilst the Parndana Wildlife Park provides a guaranteed opportunity to meet with these, and many more, native animals. Spectacular coastlines, secluded beaches, the Remarkable Rocks and native forests complete the natural attractions of Kangaroo Island.

The Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges are located just 5 hours north of Adelaide by road, and boast sheer peaks and deep gorges. The area’s most famous landmark is Wilpena Pound, a mammoth crater which can be explored on foot, by 4WD or perhaps most spectacularly by air. You may see the Wedge Tailed Eagle (Australia’s largest bird of prey), as well as kangaroos and emus, and can learn about the extensive Indigenous history of the region with a guided to tour to see examples of Aboriginal rock art.

Coober Pedy
Due it’s extreme climate, the desert town of Coober Pedy is located predominantly underground – homes, businesses and hotels all shelter away from the scorching heat. The town is also renowned for its opal production, with 80% of the world’s opals mined here. As a result Coober Pedy is surrounded by mine shafts and extensive opal fields.

Kangaroo Island Coast to Coast »

We offer a variety of multi-centre itineraries that take in this region. Find out more »