Luxury Food, Wine and Wildlife

Welcome to Sydney. Australia’s most visited state, New South Wales partly owes its popularity with tourists to the glamorous city of Sydney. With its harbor beaches and intoxicating blend of bushland and bustling city, Sydney is a perfect snapshot of Australia. Beyond the glow of Sydney, New South Wales becomes a sweeping landscape of quaint, beachside hamlets, inland opal-mining towns, and alpine hideaways. Visitors can take a surfing lesson on one of the world’s most renowned beaches or get intimate with Sydney – whether by a walking tour of the Rocks area, a visit to Sydney’s fish market or dinner at one of the city’s famed restaurants.

This is truly the best of Sydney—history, harbor, neighborhood charm and a private boat to finish. The city’s icons are the stars, but the stories in between are what make it special. With a day to explore, this tour flows from sandstone laneways to waterfront streets and out onto the sparkling harbor. This is a suggested but highly flexible itinerary:

The day usually begins in The Rocks, where cobbled lanes and old stone buildings still echo with early colonial history. It’s also a powerful place to connect with Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage and set the scene for what’s to come. Then, the journey hugs the harbor — past headlands, coves and streets lined with architectural ambition. You’ll pass through some of Sydney’s most exclusive eastern suburbs, where the views are priceless and the lawn care oddly competitive. It’s a chance to see how life plays out when the harbor is your backyard. Lunch is included at a quality neighborhood spot, with good food, a relaxed setting and time to take in the view before the pace shifts. In the afternoon, step aboard Iluka, a beautifully appointed private vessel, for a two-hour cruise on Sydney Harbour. Drift past the Opera House, under the Harbour Bridge and into hidden bays, glass in hand and antipasto on deck. It’s an easy, elegant way to take in the city from the best seat in the house.

It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.

It is Sydney's man-made wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb as you climb to the top. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

There are many ways to enjoy the harbor: on a small luxury motor cruiser or sailing yacht, or ferries that take you to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly and the harbor suburbs. Take the Darling Harbour Rocket that connects Circular Quay to Darling Harbour where there are many restaurants and attractions such as The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, The IMAX Theater and the Naval Museum. For a more leisurely afternoon, take a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park, or learn about Australia's National Gemstone, the Opal, at Altmann; Cherny or The National Opal Collection, right in the heart of the city on Pitt Street.

Takeoff to Adelaide and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Upon arrival in Adelaide. meet your driver who will take you directly to your accommodations.

Departing Adelaide, travel through the scenic Adelaide Hills to Mount Lofty Summit for an unsurpassed view over the City. From here, begin to taste the fine wines tucked away in the Hills. Wander through the small villages of the Hills, Crafers and Stirling, with a short visit to the Organic Market before visiting Hahndorf. Stroll through the German village of Hahndorf then do a tasting of the excellent Hahndorf Hill wines. Perhaps also visit the stylish Shaw and Smith winery to taste their exceptional white wines and new reds. Visit the Bridgewater Mill, home of the renowned Petaluma Wines, then tour through the Methode Champenoise Cellars followed by tasting. Lunch is at a restaurant in the region. If time permits, travel further into the heart of the Hills to Chain of Ponds wines owned by the Amadio family. They produce a range of award winning white and red wines in their little piece of land reminiscent of Tuscany.

This morning, travel to Kangaroo Island. On arrival you will be transferred to Southern Ocean Lodge.

Southern Ocean Lodge offers guests a complete Kangaroo Island experience. With selected guided island experiences included in the tariff, all guests enjoy a personalized experiential touring itinerary of the island's unique natural attractions. A range of signature activities are offered daily allowing guests to encounter rich and varied wildlife, indulge in world-class food and wine and discover the island's unique natural attractions, often with exclusive access and always with a touch of luxe. Rates include Signature Lodge Experiences. A menu of bespoke experiences provides further opportunity for exploration and excellent private charters are also available at additional cost. These are some of the options offered by the lodge (not all options are offered every day, information will be available at time of stay).

Wonders of Kangaroo Island is a half day experience, and a spectacular introduction to the island's wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a fur seal colony are just some of the trip highlights. Wander amongst the rare Cape Barren Geese and search the leafy eucalypts for a sleepy koala.

Seal Bay is home to Australia's third largest colony of Australian sea lions. Join a naturalist guide for an exclusive tour on the beach with these wild animals. Learn about their unique breeding cycle and the ongoing research programs implemented on site. After your up close and personal experience relax with morning tea at the picturesque Vivonne Bay.

The Coastal Clifftop Walk is a scenic walk starting on the Lodge's doorstep atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk affords a bird's eye view of thundering waves crashing along the coastline. Stand on top of the cliff with the wind blowing, look out to sea and realize there is nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica. Experience and learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems. This is a photographer's dream.

Kangaroos & Kanapés. Soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic island property reached by a short drive from the Lodge and where local wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies congregate to graze. Observe these creatures in their natural environment, sip premium South Australian beverages and nibble on a 'Kanapé' whilst the sun goes down on another magical day.

Discover the intriguing Natural Heritage of this wild island in the Baudin Lounge. This informative visual presentation hosted by resident naturalist staff provides insight into the island's discovery and natural history as well as giving an overview of its many spectacular attractions. Refresh with a sunset drink at the convivial Lodge Bar.

Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Southern Ocean Lodge.

Takeoff to Hobart and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Transfer from Hobart to the Coles Bay/Freycinet area by private vehicle.

Discover the best of the Freycinet Peninsula onboard the Wildlife & Wilderness Cruise. This half-day experience on Saffire Freycinet’s private vessel is the ultimate way to explore the Freycinet National Park, covering most of the Park’s wildly beautiful coastline and providing exclusive access to remote locations that can only be accessed from the water. Cruising conditions are usually favorable, so you may see Wineglass Bay from the water, or head out to Schouten Island—an unspoiled gem which is home to a resident colony of Australian fur seals. Each cruise is a new unforgettable adventure.

Step aboard the purpose-built vessel, settle in and enjoy a thrilling journey past everchanging scenery featuring craggy granite sea cliffs and caves, quiet coves fringed by powdery white-sand beaches, remote rocky islands and the vast expanses of Great Oyster Bay framed by rugged mountains towering in the backdrop. The expert guide will point out key features and share their deep knowledge of the area’s complex and ancient geological structure, fascinating flora and fauna, and its rich history and culture. The Freycinet Peninsula is a wildlife lover’s paradise, and the sights and sounds of nature will leave you in awe.

Included in your Saffire accommodation is a broad range of activities that will offer innovative options for all styles of travelers and moods. These activities last from one to three hours and are your opportunity to engage and connect with this stunning location. From adventure to romance, rejuvenation to exploration, Saffire's activities add greater depth and dimension to your stay.

Tasmanian Devil Experience: This experience offers the rare opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils in a natural setting, and to participate in the quest to save this endangered species from extinction. Led by a knowledgeable guide, visit Saffire's open-range Tasmanian devil enclosure, where you'll meet some of the resident population of Tasmanian devils and observe them as they feed and interact. Hear the story of the crucial effort to find a cure for Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease -the rare and contagious cancer that is threatening the devil's survival. You'll also have the chance to contribute to Saffire's management and observation of their devil population by participating in a visual health inspection of the devils.

Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm: Slip on a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm located in a beautiful setting within an internationally significant wetland and ornithological site. Develop an understanding for wetland and marine ecology, plus a taste for prized Pacific oysters.

Freycinet Walks: Freycinet National Park is a must see during your stay. Join an informative guide on a walk to the lookout over Wineglass Bay. Learn about the Peninsula's rich history and acquaint yourself with one of the world's most famous beaches on a two-hour walking adventure. Alternatively, join a guide for an easy two-hour tour, which combines two of the popular shorter walks of the Freycinet Peninsula; the first walk around the Cape Tourville lighthouse, with stunning views of the Tasman and the second walk to Sleepy Bay, where you will descend gently graded steps to the rocky shoreline.

Wine and Vine Adventures: A wine lover's delight! At the local Freycinet Winery, you will learn the art of winemaking and indulge in some fine Tasmanian fare - and some wine tastings of course!

Pelican Bay canoeing and bird-watching: Unwind and absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Swanport estuary on this guided canoeing adventure at the mouth of the internationally significant Moulting Lagoon wetland. Observe the flocks of pelicans and gaze into the crystal clear waters teeming with marine life.

For the Palate: Love your food? Watch, learn and participate as one of Palate's creative and delicious dishes is prepared from start to finish. This is an interactive, must-do activity for lovers of luxury dining. Meet in the Lounge for a mixology masterclass, where we will show you how to muddle, stir and shake up your favorite classic cocktails, as well as share some Saffire exclusive innovations.

For the Active: Venture out on mountain bikes on a specially devised interpretive route, or for those wanting a longer and more technical adventure, book a guide for the much more rugged track from Cape Tourville. Perhaps paddle in the calm and tranquil waters of Muirs Beach wetland, located directly in front of Saffire Freycinet. Sit-on-top kayaks are available to paddle at your leisure behind the windswept sand dunes amongst coastal bush-land. Or you may like to go fishing off the rocky shoreline in front of Saffire. Flathead, flounder, calamari squid and Australian salmon can be caught in Great Oyster Bay. Four fishing rods are available.

Takeoff to Melbourne and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Serious food lovers are in for a treat. Prepare to be constantly inspired and delighted by this diverse, boot-shaped region; you are now entering 'Foodie Heaven.' The hosts' own 27 acres of charming farm land with red fertile soil allows them to grow and produce premium quality olives, grapes, herbs and veggies. They also raise sheep, chickens and fish, and they turn amazing produce from local farmers into a range of delectable goodies. You'll get a whole new perspective on the concept of 'Paddock to Plate.' What you do on the day depends on the season. After lunch, take a drive down the road to sample cool climate wines with one of the regions favorite wine makers, taste freshly made goats cheese from a local dairy or savor succulent strawberries and cherries from the fruit farms in the area. What more could a foodie want? Your day includes morning tea, lunch, food, wine tasting, cooking class and produce. Please wear suitable closed shoes and remember a warm jacket in winter!

Wine touring at its very best. Outstanding scenery with wines to match and only an hour from Melbourne CBD. Your driver/guide is friendly and a knowledgeable wine expert that helps guarantee a superb day in the Yarra Valley. The itinerary outlined can be adjusted to suit your special requirements (additional arrangements at additional cost). Head from the city to the Yarra Valley, and start the senses going at French Champagne company Moet & Chandon's Australian production house Domain Chandon. Your guide will take you for a fascinating walk through the winery explaining the nuance of Sparkling Wine Production, then enjoy a relaxing glass of Australia's best bubbly with a view that you will not wish to surrender. From there, head to Soumah, a location that delivers with spectacular undulating topography, ancient soils and well tendered vines. A hidden gem, enjoy wine tasting and then a one course lunch with a glass of wine and tea or coffee. The afternoon offers flexible touring, with your driver able to make suggestions for some wonderful wineries to visit. Top of the list is Helen & Joey Estate, nested in the foothills of the Warramate Hills this cellar door offers a unique range of wines. Another option is Yering Station Winery and Gallery, offering rustic charm in the winery building, and a contemporary art gallery. You will then leave the Yarra Valley and head back to Melbourne.

Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Melbourne Airport.