Great Ocean Road to Adelaide, Melbourne, Kangaroo Island and Tasmania
The Best of Australia plus Tasmania (small group)
Feb 22 -Mar 9 with Tasmania
Come escape on our new vacation creation to the best parts of Australia for 9 glorious days of adventure from Melbourne to Adelaide, Kangaroo Island to Tasmania. The great ‘Down Under’ is a ginormous country and while all our AFS travelers loved their Aussie trips, but this one’s extra special. Since the Kangaroo Island TV series, KI has exploded with popularity now and we’re taking it in like the locals with an off the charts combination of wildlife and gastronomy. The rugged beauty of this island sanctuary is called “the Galapagos of Australia!”
Our new signature experiences are packed with fun! Enjoy a guided scenic drive on the epic Great Ocean Road along Australia’s stunning coastline to see the famous 12 Apostles monoliths, sea caves and rugged gorges. Revel in Barossa Wine Valley. Join a heritage walk with aboriginals and be captivated by the penguins on Phillips Island. Then ferry to Kangaroo Island for two amazing days of wildlife, wine, and food, complete with a visit to Seal Bay. If you’re a radical nature lover who loves animals, this is for you. Witness nature at her most outlandish with koalas and kangaroos, crocs and wombats to the iconic Tasmanian devils. Come photograph the extremely diverse landscapes, Revel in the new food and wine scene and learn of historic wonders. Our one-of-a-kind activities are going to leave you awed and amazed.
You’ve come so far, why not stay a little longer? The beautiful island of Tasmania is just off Australia’s southern coast and we’re offering a special AFS extension. Known for its pristine wilderness, spectacular coastline and unique wildlife wonders, the Island state offers rare opportunities found nowhere else. You’ll love the friendly locals and certainly won’t go hungry. The artisanal food scene offers the freshest seafood and farm-to-table fare, paired with fabulous local wines. This is AFS’s third trip to Tasmania and those who have gone in the past have begged for us to return. Here’s your chance for wallabies to the crazy iconic tazzie devils. As we journey from Melbourne to Hobart to Launceston, you’ll see an eye full. Come sail with us on our Wineglass Bay Cruise and explore Freycinet National Park. Ferry the Mercury passage to Maria Island and marvel at the marine life on remote Schouten Island. There is so much to see in such a short time.
The month of February is the best time to go, not just for pricing but also for opportunities. It’s Summer Down Under! Aussie slang – Crikey! C’mon blokes and sheilas, giddy up for some whoop whoop on a vacation like no other!
Our Glorious AFS Itinerary
Tap for printable PDF itinerary
Feb 22 – Depart for an overnight flight to Melbourne. (You lose a day due to the international date line but gain it back upon return.)
Feb 24 – Welcome to Melbourne, Australia! Land begins D (included meals)
Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia and it’s easy to see why in this sparkling city. We’ll have one common transfer to our hotel. There’s so much to see and do in beautiful Melbourne, you may want to fly in a day or two early. The rest of the day at leisure. Treat yourself to a spa treatment after a long flight, or set out to explore the vibrant energy of downtown Melbourne with its hip restaurants and boutiques, cool bars and artsy laneways, and trendy galleries. This evening, we’ll get to know one another at our Welcome dinner. There’s so much to do in this beautiful city, you may want to fly in a day or two earlier on your own to explore.
Overnight: Novotel Melbourne South Wharf (3 Nights)
Indulge in Melbourne’s vibrant South Wharf scene at Novotel Melbourne South Wharf. Steps from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and a short stroll to Crown Casino, this upscale hotel offers stylish rooms with plush pillowtop beds and modern amenities. Stay active in the 24-hour fitness center, unwind in the garden, and savor Italian delights at MR. Carpano Dining & Bar. With complimentary Wi-Fi and concierge services, your Melbourne getaway is made easy and unforgettable.
Feb 25 – Aboriginal Walk & Phillip Island B
Womin Djeka! We head out in the morning for an Aboriginal Heritage Walk, making our way through the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. This is a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation and our guide will be a member of the First Peoples of Australia. We gain insight into their rich history and thriving culture as they explain their customs as well as their connections and uses of the local plants within the Gardens.
We’ll also take in the Queen Victoria Market, chock full of is full of the freshest fruits and vegetables and lots of other local goodies. We’ll tour the downtown area and see how Green spaces intermix with beautiful buildings including the UNESCO protected Royal Exhibition Building and the Old Treasury Building near Fitzroy Gardens. The city’s largest sports stadium is the Sports Precinct, where Australian football is played. We’ll also visit Melbourne’s most famous St. Kilda Beach where people flock to play seaside sports such as surfing, sailing and beach volleyball, or simply sit in one of the many open-air cafes near the beach.
In the afternoon, it’s penguin time as we head to Phillip Island. Charming little Penguins arrive each night at sunset, and we’ll get to witness the Penguin Parade as they come ashore in groups on the beach after a day of fishing. We may spot a wild wallaby or two as well. After returning to our hotel, the evening is free.
Overnight: Novotel Melbourne South Wharf
Feb 26 – The Great Ocean Road B
We head for the Great Ocean Road and some of the most incredible scenery you can imagine. (Since 1989 we’ve sent countless groups to Australia but it’s our first time on the GOR and we are so excited!) The drive takes us along Australia’s stunning coastline, showcasing breathtaking ocean views and ancient rainforests. We will visit the iconic rock formations known as the 12 Apostles and explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge. There are so many views to marvel at from all the best lookouts within Port Campbell National Park. We’ll wander through seaside towns such as Apollo Bay and have time to explore other beautiful beaches and walks.
In the late afternoon, we return to Melbourne for a free evening.
Overnight: Novotel Melbourne South Wharf
Feb 27 – Flight to ADELAIDE, City Tour to Beaches. B
After breakfast, transfer to airport. We have a morning flight to gorgeous Adelaide today. It’s a short hop. Less than an hour. When we arrive, we’ll set out for a half-day city sightseeing tour , capture the ‘essentials’ including North Adelaide, one of the most affluent residential suburbs in South Australia. These idyllic streets are filled with heritage mansions, villas, and worker’s cottages shaded by the canopies of perennial trees. We’ll also enjoy an escorted tour of the central market which is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, buzzing with life and color all year round. Enjoy a city tour of the best sites.
Next, we check out the pristine Glenelg Beach, known for its expansive white sands and turquoise shallows. We’ll have a bit of time to relax on the shoreline and soak up the sun or check out the nearby Beach House. We’ll wrap the day with a trip up the majestic peak of the Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills for spectacular panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline.
After checking into our hotel, our evening is free to explore Adelaide.
Overnight at Hotel Indigo Adelaide / Crowne Plaza (2 nights)
Feb 28 – WINE REGION, ADELAIDE B, L
Following breakfast, it is time to enjoy one of the world’s best-known and highly regarded wine regions – the Barossa Valley. This well-known area is steeped in history and German heritage. Spend a relaxed day touring through the beautiful landscapes, sampling top-quality famous wines produced from the world-class region. The area is renowned for its rolling landscapes of vines, orchards, and pastures.
We’ll visit 4 top wineries where we’ll sample the best wines the region has to offer. We’ll stop midday for a spectacular gourmet lunch at a wine bar in the region.
Our evening is free.
Overnight at Hotel Indigo Adelaide / Crowne Plaza (2 nights)
A short intro – Kangaroo Island is a large Island located off the coast of South Australia. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, photography, food & wine, the local art scene, celebrating a honeymoon or bringing the family, there is something for everybody. Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest Island covering over 3,400 square miles and to the surprise of many, is of similar size to Long Island.
WHERE IS KANGAROO ISLAND? Located 9 miles off the South Australian coast, Kangaroo Island is only a short 20-minute flight from Adelaide Airport (ADL). Currently, QantasLink services Kingscote Airport (KGC) with daily flights available. Most of our guests fly for convenience. WEATHER & CLIMATE Kangaroo Island has a Mediterranean climate: typically warm to hot dry summers (December- February) with very low humidity; and cool, mild winters (June-August), making it an enjoyable destination to visit year-round. In fact, for those seeking wildlife experiences, the cooler months between May and September are the best time for viewing wildlife in the wild! WILDLIFE Kangaroo Island is a wildlife hotspot. Despite a strong agricultural industry, nearly half of the original vegetation has been retained, and over one-third of the land is protected across 30 National and Conservation parks. This provides a fantastic habitat for a huge range of wildlife species, with some now endemic to the Island. Some key species to look out for include: Kangaroo Island Kangaroos Tammar Wallabies, Koalas, Short-beaked Echidnas Australian Sea-lions Long-nosed Fur Seals. Over 260 individual bird species and much more!
Mar 1 – KANGAROO ISLAND BY FERRY & WILDLIFE FUN B, L
Breakfast at the hotel and later depart the Sea Link ferry terminal, which is 1 hour from Adelaide. Later, in the next 1 hour, you will reach Kangaroo Island.
This beautiful island is set on the mainland of South Australia. Over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves and is also home to native wildlife like sea lions, koalas and diverse bird species. Upon arrival and proceed full-day Island Life Kangaroo Island wildlife tour itinerary.
Today, we’ll get a feel for Island Life – where things take time, drivers wave as they go by – or even stop for a chat. Have a cuppa with some homemade treats before taking a walk down a country track through tall Eucalyptus trees where koalas snooze overhead or wake briefly for a feed. Listen for the sounds of the bush – brightly colored honeyeaters and brilliant parrots, cicadas or perhaps just the sound of silence.
Travel through the Island’s most productive country to the north coast. Walk through the bush with your guide – through strangely shaped trees learning what makes that noise, whose tracks are those, and who left THAT little pile there? Look for small wallabies almost extinct on the mainland, a kangaroo found only on Kangaroo Island and a variety of other birds, plants and animals.
Break for lunch at a private bush camp and enjoy a delicious meal featuring King George whiting (local sea fish), fresh salads and fine South Australian wines.
At Seal Bay Conservation Park, take a private tour with your guide among Australian sea-lions on a beautiful sandy beach – an experience similar to that of the Galapagos. Watch pups nursing or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology.
Overnight stay at hotel Mercure Kangaroo Island (2 nights)
MAR 2 – KANGAROO ISLAND, FARMS & VINEYARDS B/L
Breakfast at hotel. Our first stop takes us to Clifford’s Honey Farm, specializing in honey production from Kangaroo Island’s Ligurian Bee since 1973. Gain insights into honey production and indulge in a tasting of various honey varieties, including Jenny’s famous Honey Ice Cream.
Next, we’ll head to the coastal town of American River, which is home to the Kangaroo Island Oyster Farm Shop, known for its delicious Pacific Oysters. Depending on the season, we’ll sample oysters in the shop or at a secluded picnic spot.
Enjoy an alfresco BBQ lunch featuring smoked meats, fresh salad, and a selection of local beer and wines.
After lunch, we’ll venture inland, passing by Fryar’s Kangaroo Island Free Range Eggs. Learn about their fascinating egg farm, where hens roam freely under the watchful eyes of Maremma guardian dogs.
Next stop is Kangaroo Island Olives, where father and son duo, Michael and Dom, cultivate olives from a grove of 5000 trees. We have special access to drive into the grove to enjoy a tailgate tasting featuring table olives and their delectable oils, reflecting the Mediterranean climate and South Australia’s rich immigrant history.
Visit The Islander Estate Vineyards, one of Kangaroo Island’s premium wineries, and sample a selection of their red and white varieties in the tasting room. Learn about the creative winemaking techniques used by owner and winemaker Jacques Lurton from Bordeaux, France.
Conclude the day with a tasting at Kangaroo Island Spirits, globally acclaimed for its award-winning gins and liqueurs.
Overnight Mercure Kangaroo Island
MAR 3 – Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, then Flight to Melbourne B, D
We have a morning flight to Adelaide as we say goodbye to Kangaroo Island. Our layover in Adelaide is about 5 hours, and we’ll arrive in Melbourne late afternoon. We will be taken to our hotel in the heart of the city. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy your last night in Australia. The nightlife is everywhere around the south wharf.
Enjoy Farewell Dinner and toast everyone goodbye.
Overnight Stay at hotel Novotel Melbourne South Wharf
Fun ideas for free time – Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens: Explore this beautiful 94-acre garden located in the heart of Melbourne. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, take a guided tour, or attend one of the many events and exhibitions held throughout the year. Explore Federation Square: This cultural precinct is home to a variety of attractions, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, and the Koorie Heritage Trust. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes, or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere. Wander through the laneways: Melbourne is known for its unique laneways, which are filled with street art, boutique shops, and hidden cafes. Explore iconic laneways such as Hosier Lane, Degraves Street, and Centre Place, and discover the city’s vibrant street culture. Visit the Melbourne Zoo: Home to over 320 species of animals, the Melbourne Zoo is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers. Explore the various exhibits, including the African rainforest, the Wild Sea, and the Trail of the Elephants.
MAR 4 – FAREWELL TO MELBOURNE B
Today, when we say goodbye to beautiful Australia, we will be dropping you off at the airport according to your flight schedule. Those continuing on to our Tasmanian add-on will be taken to their flights to Hobart.
—————————————————————————
Land Price $4195 pp twin share plus $340 for two internal flights. Pre-paid gratuities of $95 will be added to the invoice for license guides, drivers, and porters. Based on 21 participants. (Smaller group size below 19 is $150 additional cost.)
Deposit $900 Final due Nov 18, 2024
Includes: 8 nights’ accommodation on a twin, 8 buffet breakfasts, a welcome and farewell dinner, an Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Melbourne, 1 dinner at a hotel in Kangaroo Island, penguin parade at Phillip Island, a guided scenic drive along Australia’s on the Great Ocean Road, visit to 12 Apostles rock formations, a private Barossa Valley wine tour with tasings, lunch in Barossa Valley, ferry from Adelaide to Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island), BBQ lunch at bush camp with Australian wines in Kangaroo Island, guided tour to watch sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, visit to Clifford’s Honey Farm, an alfresco lunch featuring smoked meats, fresh salad, and a selection of local beer and wines in Kangaroo Island, visit to Islander Estate Vineyards,
Excludes: Visa see Trip Tips and international air from USA
=============================================
TASMANIAN EXTENSION
You’ve come so far. Continue with us on an exhilarating journey to Tasmania, a paradise for thrill seekers and nature lovers. Our small AFS group will immerse themselves into the best must-see through the rugged wilderness to the coastline. Tasmania, Australia’s island state, provides a rare opportunity to encounter unique and endemic wildlife. Renowned as a prime area for marsupial spotting, Tasmania is a crucial habitat for many species, including quolls, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and the most famous resident, the Tasmanian Devil. Experience a mix of beautiful eucalypt forests, spectacular coastlines, and tranquil bays, including Maria Island, Freycinet Peninsula, Bay of Fires and Cataract Gorge. Enjoy a cruise at Wineglass Bay and behind the scenes tour at Bonorong Sanctuary. Indulge in Tasmania’s acclaimed wines, local produce and visit historic convict settlements on Maria Island. (Note: there will be no AFS GTL trip leader on this special private small tour; however, you will be fully supported by the guides on arrival.)
Mar 4 MELBOURNE – HOBART & BONORONG NIGHT TOUR. B/L
Get ready for unforgettable adventure in Hobart Tasmania! This captivating city is a treasure trove of history, culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore of the bustling waterfront, where historic charm meets vibrant energy. Just a stones throw away, the majestic Mount Wellington beckons with thrilling outdoor escapades and panoramic views that will leave you awestruck.
Mar 4 Extending: At 4:30 PM we take you to the first highlight of our tour. You will love Bonorong Sanctuary on a 2.5-hour guided behind-the-scenes night tour. You have the chance to get up close to many of Tasmania’s endemic animals for great photos and hear the stories of how they were rescued. Evening free to explore Hobart. Two nights at the Ibis hotel located in the heart of all the action.
Overnight at Ibis Styles, Hobart
Experience the best of Hobart at the ibis Styles Hobart hotel, where color and style meet value. Our central location makes it easy to explore Hobart’s waterfront, Salamanca Markets, and more on foot. After a day out, enjoy Asian cuisine and a drink at our bar, or relax in our heated indoor pool, saunas, or fitness center. And with MONA just a 20-minute drive away, you can see some of Tasmania’s famous art scene. As the largest hotel in Tasmania, with 296 rooms across 10 floors, we have the amenities and location to make your Hobart stay unforgettable.
MAR 5 – MARIA ISLAND B, L
This morning, we travel to the seaside village of Triabunna and catch a ferry across the Mercury.
Passage to Maria Island. This unique island national park sits just off Tasmania’s east coast. Enjoy a day of peaceful walking amongst historic ruins, across sweeping bays, rugged fossil cliffs and imposing mountains.
This island sanctuary provides an opportunity to view its resident wildlife, including Common Wombats, Cape Barren Geese, Tasmanian Pademelons, Forester Kangaroo’s and even the Tasmanian Devil in their natural environment. Later in the afternoon, we’ll travel along Tasmania’s sunny east-coast to Bicheno in the Freycinet area where we can see pink granite mountains, white beaches and azure bays.
Our evening is free.
Overnight at Ibis Styles
MAR 6 – FREYCINET PENINSULA & PENGUINS B, L
After breakfast, travel via the historic town of Richmond with its well-preserved architecture and the oldest convict-built sandstone bridge in Australia. Then continue along the sunny east-coast Tasmanian towards the Freycinet Peninsula and your destination Bicheno.
The rest of this afternoon is at leisure, but at dusk we will meet up for a tour on a private property to get close to the local colony of Little Penguins nesting and breeding in the dunes.
Overnight at Beachfront Bicheno Hotel (2 Nights)
Experience the best of Bicheno’s coast at Beachfront At Bicheno, an upscale motel just steps from the beach. Walk to Bicheno Penguin Tours or the Motorcycle Museum & Restoration in minutes, or take a short stroll to Whalers Lookout for stunning views. The Bicheno Blowhole is also less than a mile away. With comfortable accommodations and a prime beachfront location, Beachfront At Bicheno is the ideal base for your coastal adventure in Bicheno.
MAR 7 – BICHENO & BAY OF FIRES B, L
Our morning destination is Coles Bay, where we board our vessel for a 4-hour Wineglass Bay cruise. We’ll travel along the spectacular coastline of Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay, enjoying the stunning granite shoreline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range. Discover a coast dotted with sparkling white sand beaches, including Cooks and Bryans beaches, only accessible by water or a full-day bushwalk. The inner passage of remote Schouten Island is home to Little Penguins and Short-tailed Shearwaters. Look out for various hidden sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls amongst the sheer granite cliffs.
We’ll be back on shore in the early afternoon and visit the Friendly Beaches before heading back to our hotel.
Overnight at Beachfront Bicheno Hotel
MAR 8 – Launceston – Hobart B
Today, we continue our journey along the East-Coast and visit the stunning orange-lichen covered granite rocks of the Bay of Fires conservation area. Take the opportunity to wander around, explore the whitest sandy beaches and the turquoise waters.
We travel on to the St. Columba Falls, the highest waterfalls in Tasmania and through lush and green valleys before we arrive in Launceston, the second biggest city in Tasmania and the cultural capital of the region. We’ll visit the stunning Cataract Gorge.
Overnight at Grand Chancellor Hotel – Enjoy uninterrupted views of Hobart’s working waterfront or kunanyi/Mt Wellington in our family friendly Hotel. Our large, spacious and light filled accommodation rooms have been designed with the modern traveller in mind. All rooms feature complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, multiple USB charging ports, and 55inch Smart TVs with Chromecast, ensuring maximum functionality and comfort during your stay. With undercover car parking on-site, heated indoor pool, fitness centre and sauna, as well as Tasman Restaurant and The Atrium Bar open daily – we really are the ideal, centrally located base for a stay in Hobart. Conveniently located amongst all the action, this property is just a short walk away from attractions such as Salamanca Place and The Markets, Battery Point, the MONA Ferry and the CBD.
MAR 9 – Departure B
Transfer to airport for your flights to USA. (I know some of you may want to extend your time here in Hobart on your own. This captivating city is a treasure trove of history, culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the bustling waterfront with its historic charm and vibrant energy. Just a stone’s throw away is majestic Mount Wellington which beckons with thrilling outdoor adventures. You could visit Hastings caves, Cascade brewery, Salamanca city market, hop on hop off bus and so much more.)
Both trips together…
Land Price $6690 pp twin share plus $340 for two internal flights. Pre-paid gratuities for the Australia-only portion is $95 added to the invoice for license guides, drivers, and porters. Based on 21 participants for the Australia portion and suggested gratuities in Tasmania of $70 for your naturalist guide and support team (this was not collected in advance.) Bring an envelope with cash to give guides and drivers.
Final due Nov 18, 2024,
Includes: 13 nights accommodation, 8 buffet breakfasts, a welcome and farewell dinner, an Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Melbourne, 1 dinner at a hotel in Kangaroo Island, penguin parade at Phillip Island, a guided scenic drive along Australia’s on the Great Ocean Road, visit to 12 Apostles rock formations, a private Barossa Valley wine tour with tastings, lunch in Barossa Valley, ferry from Adelaide to Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island), BBQ lunch at bush camp with Australian wines in Kangaroo Island, guided tour to watch sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, visit to Clifford’s Honey Farm, an alfresco lunch featuring smoked meats, fresh salad, and a selection of local beer and wines in Kangaroo Island, visit to Islander Estate Vineyards, in Tamanis 4 lunches, a 2.5-hour Bonorong Night tour, ferry ride between Mercury Passage and Maria Island, 4-hour Wineglass Bay cruise in the Vista Lounge, a penguin tour in Bicheno, explore Bicheno’s white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, visit to St. Columba Falls.
Excludes: Visa see Trip Tips
Final due Nov 18, 2024
Itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead and things can change. Modifications may be made. All rooms are run of house.
Have you read the Trip Tips yet? Scroll to the top of the page and click the link.
Itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead and things can change. Modifications may be made.
GTL Salanda is the travel guru who’s been globe-trotting for decades! This travel consultant extraordinaire has spent over 12 years with one of the world’s largest management companies, and she’s been leading AFS tours since 2000. With over 50 mind-blowing trips under her belt, Salanda knows how to make every adventure unforgettable.
