South East Sojourn
Chill out for a couple of nights at Jackalope Hotel, among the vines at Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, before exploring the vibrant city of Melbourne. Then, head over to South Australia to relax in the Adelaide Hills and enjoy some wine tasting at the renowned Barossa Valley. Indulge in the wonders of Kangaroo Island with a stay at Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island, returning to Adelaide before jetting over for a stay in iconic Sydney to complete your South East Sojourn.
Trip Type: Adventure, Cosmopolitan, Food & Wine, Wildlife
Day By Day
Day 1 – Welcome to Melbourne, Australia
Welcome to Melbourne! Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula.
Starting Accommodation: Jackalope Hotel
Day 2 – Mornington Peninsula at Leisure
Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Jackalope.
The Mornington Peninsula has long been known as Melbourne's weekend playground. For international guests, the Peninsula is a perfect addition to a city stay, offering some of Australia's best food and wine, golf, adventure, beach and leisure activities. With a moderate, coastal climate, the Peninsula offers year-round opportunities to explore the region's wineries or tee off on its world-class golf courses. Over 50 cellar doors and restaurants dot the rolling hills around Jackalope's own 11-hectare vineyard, while 20 outstanding golf courses, of which three are rated in Australia's top 10, have cemented the Peninsula's position as Australia's number one golf destination. Framed by two spectacular coastlines, the Peninsula's unique array of dramatic surf and sheltered bay beaches, natural hot springs, and national parks contribute to the perfect mix of coastal and country reverie.
Starting Accommodation: Jackalope Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Travel to Melbourne
You will be driven from Jackalope to Melbourne by private vehicle.
Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – Boroughs of Melbourne
Depart from your city hotel and spend some time getting to know your guide as you get a taste of inner Melbourne. Then, venture beyond the charms of the inner city along lovely tree-lined St. Kilda Boulevard past the Arts precinct and Royal Botanical Gardens. Seaside St. Kilda has a character all its own with influences from Eastern Europe to 80's punk rock; think Coney Island meets New Orleans meets Australia. See one of the world's oldest roller coasters, and sample one of Melbourne's best cheesecakes. Leaving St. Kilda, drive along the coast to South Melbourne where young professionals make deals over fresh pastries and fresher roasted coffee. Take a walk through South Melbourne Market and taste the famous dim sim - a local delicacy. Head on through the sports precinct to the city's North East to experience its once industrial heart. Richmond, Collingwood and Fitzroy have emerged from the humblest of pasts to become some of Melbourne's greatest treasures.
Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Melbourne at Leisure
Melbourne is Australia's second largest city (after Sydney), but it is second to none when it comes to fashion, festivals and sport. Set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay, the city itself is laid out in a large rectangle. She boasts a lively, cosmopolitan pulse, sitting on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about three miles from the bay. Visitors come for its shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Residents stay for its cultural diversity, passion for the arts and enviable sports calendar. Melbourne is renowned for playing host to a number of nationally- and internationally-recognized events each year, including the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the ever-impressive two-mile horse race, The Melbourne Cup. This is a major event that spreads an addictive buzz through the city streets. You can be sure that locals and visitors alike will embrace the energy surrounding it.
Explore the famous lane-ways and arcades of the city, catch a tram to trendy Southgate, rub shoulders with locals at the Queen Victoria Market or take in a show at the ornate Princess Theatre. For a break from the hustle and bustle, cruise along the Yarra River, or head out to one of the many beautiful beaches just outside of the city. Go in search of the unique Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos and the little penguins, and see them in the wild just an hour or two outside Melbourne. Explore one of the premier wine regions in Australia exporting wines to the U.S. to find your Yarra Valley blend. It is the closest wine region to any major Australian city, just an hour out of the city, but worlds away from the bustling streets of Melbourne.
Melbourne's City Circle Tram is a free and convenient way to see central Melbourne and the Docklands. To catch the City Circle Tram, simply wait at any tram stop specially marked with a City Circle sign. Trams operate in both directions every 12 minutes between 10am and 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and between 10am and 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Trams do not run on Christmas Day or Good Friday.
Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – Travel to Adelaide Hills
Today you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport where you will travel to Adelaide. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation in the Adelaide Hills.
Sequoia LodgeSequoia offers guests an unparalleled journey of discovery based around the region’s iconic food and wine, wellness, history and vast nature experiences. While being seemingly removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, Sequoia sits on the side of Mount Lofty, high above the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills, a region currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. The area’s significance highlights its working agricultural (food and wine) landscapes, historic settlements, abundant wildlife, pure environment and continuing culture and practice. Comprising fourteen luxury sustainably-designed suites boasting panoramic views over the majestic valley, an intimate lounge centered around social connection along with immersive nature-inspired experiences, natural artesian spring-fed stone hot pools, an infinity pool, new day spa and valley rim campfire amphitheatre – the retreat represents a new level of luxury in South Australia.
Starting Accommodation: Sequoia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Barossa Valley Tour
If you enjoy Australian wines or would like to try some, then a day in the renowned Barossa Valley will be one of the highlights of your visit to South Australia. This morning, begin a personally escorted journey that includes a city orientation before you travel through the scenic Torrens Gorge to the Barossa Valley. If time permits, a stop is made at the Lyndoch bakery to taste the fine German pastries. Travel over the Jacobs Creek for your first tasting of the fine wines at the Peter Lehmann winery. Visit Torbreck wine cellars, a small winery with rustic charm, and also enjoy visits to other small wineries to meet well-known wine identities. Stop for a stroll in the German town of Tanunda with time to discover the small shops - many of which specialize in crafts made by the locals. Before lunch, take the picturesque drive up to Menglers Hill for views over the entire valley. Lunch will be at a restaurant in the Barossa. The next stop may be Henschkes winery in Keyneton or historic Yalumba the biggest family run winery in Australia. If time permits, visit small boutique producers, such as Charles Melton or Turkey Flat. You may also have the option to include formal premium wine tasting at Penfolds in the morning (additional cost). A visit to Maggie Beer Farm shop is a must for food lovers. Alternatively, continue through the picturesque villages of Hills en route to Hahndorf, the German village, where you may taste the fine wines produced by Hahandorf Hill winery. The itinerary may change to accommodate special interests or seasonal highlights. Your private tour includes transportation from your hotel, lunch, wine tasting, entrance fees and private host/guide. Note: Henschkes is closed Sundays.
Starting Accommodation: Sequoia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Travel to Kangaroo Island
Today you will be transferred to Adelaide where you will then travel to Kangaroo Island.
On arrival to Kangaroo Island you will be collected and transferred to Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island. The transfer is shared with other guests of the lodge.
Today, enjoy a half day Taste of Kangaroo Island Tour that will focus on the farm gate and beverage industry on the island. Locations will vary seasonally but all entry fees and tastings will be included to such locations as a brewery, a honey farm and shop, the oldest gin distillery in Australia (KI Spirits) and the Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Tour is shared with other lodge guests.
Sea Dragon Kangaroo IslandEscape to Sea Dragon Lodge and Villas, and experience tranquility and relaxation like never before in the privacy of your own villa. At Sea Dragon, you will experience peaceful oceanview accommodation with spectacular vistas, access to a secluded beach, wildlife at your doorstep and delicious meals. Every accommodation enjoys stunning ocean views, surrounded by wildlife and it is ideal for couples or families with older children looking for a luxurious private retreat in a spectacular coastal setting. Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island is a destination in itself with onsite walking trails and extensive wildlife viewing on the property.
Starting Accommodation: Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – Kangaroo Island
The full day Kangaroo Island Nature Tour, visiting primarily the Western end of the island including Seal Bay Conservation Park and all key attractions in Flinders Chase National Park; namely Remarkable Rocks, Cape de Couedic, Admirals Arch and Weirs Cove, as well as a swim at one of the stunning beaches (weather dependent). This is a shared tour with other guests of the lodge
Starting Accommodation: Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Travel to Adelaide
Today you will be transferred to Kingscote airport for the return flight to Adelaide. This is a shared transfer with other guests of the Lodge.
Upon arrival into Adelaide you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Starting Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – Fleurieu Food, Wine & Wildlife
The Fleurieu has the land, the produce, the wildlife and its people living in harmony - the aboriginal Kauna people enjoyed the unspoiled habitat in ancient times. The rolling vine-covered hills in the McLaren Vale region feed over 60 small, very individual wineries. The vineyards snake down to the tumbling surf on the coast, where sea creatures such as whales and penguins thrive. The area enjoys a Mediterranean type climate influenced by the St. Vincent's Gulf only 4 miles away.
Today's tour departs Adelaide and first heads south to the picturesque McLaren Vale Wine Region with over 50 small to medium wineries. It is situated near the coast hence the area has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Tours of the McLaren Vale wine region feature some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Wineries include Wirra Wirra, d'Arenberg, Coriole and the historic Hardy's winery. Other attractions include the Olive Grove and Medlow Fine Gels. Then, head south to the coastal town of Goolwa, once a thriving paddle steamer port. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe, then travel alongside the beach up to the mouth of the River and travel to scenic lookouts in search of the Southern Right Whales that visit these shores with their newborn calves (seasonal - May to October). Call into Victor Harbor and take a ride on Australia's only horse-drawn tram along the causeway, which links the mainland to Granite Island. Return to Adelaide late afternoon.
Starting Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 – Travel to Sydney
Today you will be transferred to Adelaide airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – Sydney Supreme City Sightseeing
Depart your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. Begin the morning traveling through the business district and shopping areas. See Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town, then drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coast, you will see the beaches of Bronte and Tamarama. You'll then move on to explore the famous Bondi Beach, stopping to spend 30 minutes to walk the promenade and enjoy a coffee overlooking the beach. From Bondi, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to experience the spectacular views from the Southern Headland at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Visit Watson's Bay before following the harbor foreshore back into Sydney, passing some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Driving through Vaucluse, Double Bay and the colorful Kings Cross, continue to Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair, and return to the CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, Historic Convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical Rocks district. Next, cross the spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge to head for a 2-course lunch in a harbor-side restaurant - soup or salad then a main course selection. A complimentary glass of wine or beer is included with additional beverages available for purchase. Your tour ends at the restaurant. A ferry transfer to Circular Quay is included at your leisure this afternoon.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 – Sydney Harbour Cruise
Today, cruise on a luxury cruiser as you discover the beauty of Sydney Harbour and dine at iconic restaurants on a progressive long lunch. You will cruise past all of Sydney Harbour's famous icons and harbor-side mansions. Then, enjoy a progressive lunch at selected waterside restaurants. Beverages are included on board for the duration of the harbor cruise, and at additional cost in the restaurants. Depart from Circular Quay Eastern Pontoon for the cruise out to Watson's Bay for appetizers at Doyles on the Beach restaurant. From here, cruise around Middle Head and into the Middle Harbor to arrive at Balmoral for lunch at The Public Dining Room. After lunch, cruise back to Sydney Harbour while indulging with your cheese platter with wines to match. Return to your pick up location is at around 3.30pm.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 – Depart Sydney
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Sydney Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing
Package Level: Luxury |
| Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey. |
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Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions:
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