Wine & Wildlife of the Southeast

Barossa & McLaren Vale - Self Drive

Day 1: Barossa. Drive north for approximately one hour to Australia's wine mecca. Spend time tasting some of Australia’s premium wines including Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon, across over 80 cellar doors whilst enjoying sumptuous local produce. Take the rare and special opportunity to step inside a working vineyard and learn how the science and hard work of grape growing has, for generations, supported the art and magic of winemaking in the Barossa. Or be guided through a food and wine matching class, perhaps with a focus on cheese, chocolate or even tea blending.

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room)

Day 2: McLaren Vale. Drive 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. 

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room) | Meals: B

Kangaroo Island - Fished, Farmed & Fermented Private Tour

Day 3: North Coast & Seal Bay. Upon arrival from the morning flight from Adelaide, travel through Kangaroo Island's prime farming regions, where seasonal sightings may include sheep, cattle, and a variety of grain crops set within a landscape that blends productive farmland with natural bushland. At Lathami Conservation Park, follow a guided walk through the bush to observe local wildlife and interpret the sounds, tracks, and markings left behind by native animals. Look for the island's unique wallabies and a range of distinctive Australian birds, plants, and other fauna.

Continue to Stokes Bay, renowned for its hidden beach and local fishing spots where families often catch a variety of sea fish. A barbecue lunch awaits at a private bush camp on the "Ellamatta" sheep stud, showcasing King George whiting, grilled halloumi, fresh salads, and local wines. After lunch, head to Seal Bay for a private tour of the Australian Sea-lion colony, observing sea-lions resting and interacting, with opportunities to spot pups, young males, and dominant bulls.

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 4: American River. Begin the day with a visit to Kangaroo Island Olives for a tasting of olives and olive oil, produced in a Mediterranean-style climate ideal for olive cultivation. Continue with an overview of Fryar's Free-range Eggs farm. Although biosecurity measures prevent entry, the visit provides insight into the farm's Italian Maremma dogs and its 60,000 free-range hens that produce 15,000 dozen eggs each week.

Next, enjoy a tasting of Pacific oysters from American River at the Kangaroo Island Oyster Farm Shop, accompanied by a crisp local white wine. Break for a platter of smoked meats, salads, and homemade chutneys, paired with local wines, beers, and soft drinks.

Visit Clifford's Honey Farm to learn about the island's 130-year-old honey industry and sample distinctive honey varieties produced from local nectars. Conclude the day with a tasting session at Kangaroo Island Spirits, one of Australia's pioneering boutique gin distilleries, offering samples of their full range of gins and liqueurs.

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Lodge | Meals: BLD

Kangaroo Island - Fished, Farmed & Fermented Private Tour

Day 5: Flinders Chase National Park. Begin the day in the northwest of Kangaroo Island at Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife, a vital private wildlife refuge. Join Pat, Heidi, and their team to learn about and participate in conservation efforts for lesser-known and often nocturnal native animals.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush featuring marinated poached chicken, fresh salads, cheeses, and a selection of South Australian wines, beers, soft drinks, and spring water.

After lunch, visit Flinders Chase National Park to marvel at the Remarkable Rocks, massive natural sculptures with forms reminiscent of Henry Moore and Salvador Dali, set against dramatic cliffside vistas that provide excellent photo opportunities. A nearby boardwalk leads to Admirals Arch, a coastal grotto home to a large colony of long-nosed fur seals, observed swimming gracefully through the waves and resting on rocky ledges.

Conclude the day with an exploration of the island's earliest human occupation, learning about Indigenous Australians' traditional practices of foraging, hunting, and fishing from the local environment. Return to Adelaide via the afternoon flight.

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room) | Meals: B,L

Day 6: Adelaide to Hobart. Connect with your flight to the capital of Tasmania, Hobart.

Accommodation: Movenpick Hobart (Superior Room) | Meals: B

The Maria Island Walk - Shared Tour

Day 7: Casuarina. After a morning pickup in Hobart, transfer to Triabunna for a cruise across Mercury Passage to Maria Island, arriving at its pristine sandy isthmus. These untouched beaches host a variety of bird species, including Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, Crested Terns, and Hooded Dotterels.

Lunch is served overlooking the azure waters of Shoal Bay, followed by a walk to the tranquil Casuarina Beach camp. The afternoon includes a trail through tall eucalypt forests leading to the striking Haunted Bay, known for its vivid lichen-covered granite rocks. Along the return, keep an eye out for Short-beaked Echidnas, Pademelons, wallabies, and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.

In the evening, enjoy a gourmet Tasmanian dinner, followed by a sunset beach stroll with a glass of wine to reflect on the day's experiences.

Accommodation: Wilderness Glamping at Casuarina Beach Camp | Walk length: approximately 8km | Meals: B,L,D

Day 8: White Gums. Awake to the chatter of Yellow Wattlebirds and enjoy breakfast before embarking on a scenic walk along five pristine beaches. Observe Bottlenose Dolphins surfing and White-bellied Sea Eagles soaring while passing by exotic shells. Traverse grassy tussocks and sand dunes to reach Bloodstone Beach, retracing the steps of French explorer Nicholas Baudin from 1802.

Visit the historical Point Lesueur probation outpost before continuing to White Gums Camp. Take a swim or observe a variety of bird species, including the rare Forty-spotted Pardalote and several honeyeaters, as well as Common Wombats, Bennett's Wallabies, and Forester Kangaroos. In spring, cuckoos may be seen nesting in other birds' nests. Conclude the day with relaxation among fellow walkers and a candlelit dinner featuring fine Tasmanian food and wine.

Accommodation: Wilderness Glamping at White Gums Camp | Walk length: approximately 13km | Meals: B,L,D

The Maria Island Walk - Shared Tour

Day 9: Mt Maria or Bishops and Clerk. Today, local guides lead inland to explore the lush, majestic forests and the world's largest stand of giant Tasmanian Blue Gums. Spot Common Wombats and the endangered Swift Parrot, which nests in tree hollows along the east coast of Tasmania in August. For panoramic views of Tasman Island, Freycinet, Schouten Island, and Ile Des Phoques, climb Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk, where remnants of the last glaciation, including dolerite boulders, are visible.

In the evening, arrive at Darlington's World Heritage–listed settlement and stay at the colonial Bernacchi House. Conclude the day with a banquet featuring fine wine, while observing Bennett's Wallabies and Tasmanian Pademelons in the surrounding garden.

Accommodation: Bernacchi House | Walk length: approximately 9-17km | Meals: B,L,D

Day 10: Darlington. The final day begins with a hearty breakfast, followed by a walk around the northern tip of Maria Island. The trail passes through a variety of spectacular woodlands and forests before reaching the dramatic sea cliffs of Fossil Bay. These massive limestone cliffs contain a prolific array of fossils from a 280-million-year-old seabed, including fully formed shell fossils.

Returning to Darlington, it is common to observe grazing Common Wombats, Forester Kangaroos, Bennett's Wallabies, Cape Barren Geese, and Tasmanian Native Hens, while Flame Robins can often be seen darting in pairs. Before boarding the boat back to mainland Tasmania and Hobart, enjoy a celebratory farewell lunch to reflect on four unforgettable days exploring this remarkable island. In the late afternoon, take a flight to Sydney.

Accommodation: Grace Hotel (Signature Superior Room) | Meals: B,L

Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands - Shared & Private Tour

Day 11: Southern Highlands. After departing Sydney late morning or early afternoon, travel to the tranquil Southern Highlands to encounter Australia's iconic wildlife, including Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Red-necked and Swamp Wallabies, Common Wombats, Emus, and Platypuses, alongside vibrant bird species such as Eastern Rosellas, Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots, and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. Explore private farmland and pristine bushland, learning about the Great Western Wildlife Corridor's role in connecting native species between the southern Blue Mountains and Morton National Park.

Visit Fitzroy Falls for spectacular views and birdwatching, with a chance to spot the Superb Lyrebird, famous for its incredible mimicry and mating display. At dusk, search for the elusive Platypus, contributing to local conservation efforts. Conclude the day with dinner at Australia's oldest licensed inn, followed by a nocturnal spotlighting adventure to see Brush-tailed Possums, Wombats, and, with some luck, Tawny Frogmouths, before returning to Sydney in the late evening.

Accommodation: Grace Hotel (Signature Superior Room) | Meals: B,L

Day 12: Hunter Valley. Located just two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is renowned for its exceptional Semillons and Shiraz, among other outstanding varietals. The region features some of the world's oldest vine stocks, with kangaroos often grazing nearby, and award-winning wineries dotting scenic country roads.

Begin at Tyrrell's, a family-owned winery spanning five generations. Enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes tour with a member of the winemaking team, including exclusive access, barrel tastings, and a guided tasting of Tyrrell's acclaimed Single Vineyard and Winemaker's Selection wines. Next, visit Audrey Wilkinson for breathtaking 360-degree views and a private wine tasting, followed by a picnic lunch in the picturesque grounds overlooking the Brokenback Range, accompanied by a bottle of wine from the tasting. Conclude the day at Brokenwood Wines with a tasting of six wines paired with matched dishes, finishing in the Barrel Room to sample pre-release wines straight from the barrel.