AUSTRALIA - The Barossa Valley and Kangaroo Island.

The Vinyards of the Barossa Valley.

Day 0                                              Hong Kong -  - Adelaide.

Depart Hong Kong on chosen flight to Adelaide.

Day 1.                                             Adelaide.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your “antique” cottage accommodation, the North Adelaide Heritage Apartments and Cottages. Today is free to relax after your flight, to take a stroll from your accommodation across the River Torrens to the beautiful Botanical Gardens, or take the opportunity to do some shopping.  An optional city sightseeing coach tour is available this afternoon.

The two hour tour covering the unique blend of historic architecture and unique landmarks such as St. Peters Cathedral, Government House, Ayer  House, the Art Gallery and the old world charm of Adelaide. Take a leisurely drive along War Memorial Drive, passing the Adelaide Oval, the Adelaide Casino, Elder Park and the King George V Gardens . Visit Haigh’s Chocolate Factory, home to what are arguably Australia’s finest chocolates. After completion of the tour, you may like to use your Adelaide Casino pack in the magnificently restored Adelaide Railway Station. Tour concludes at approximately 1600. Overnight at the North Adelaide Heritage Apartments.

Day 3.                         Adelaide - Barossa.     

Make your way this morning to the Avis Rent-A-Car depot in Adelaide to collect your small automatic vehicle.

Head towards the historic Barossa Valley. The British opened this valley, the biggest in South Australia. You can still see their stately manors spread along the eastern ridge of the Barossa Ranges, along with the history of the Silesian (commonly referred to as German) settlers. The Barossa Valley is highly respected for its food and wine. The restaurants boast many dishes using the high quality small goods and local produce now readily available.

Visit Penfolds (the largest winery in Australia, famous for ports and red and white table wines), Peter Lehmann Wines (their flagship range being the Cellar Collection which includes the oldvine “Stonewell Shiraz”, “Mentor”, the top cabernet blend), and St. Hallett Wines (specialising in fortified wines, and premium red and white wines). Enjoy tastings at the wineries and you may like to indulge in lunch “al fresco” on the lawns of St. Hallett’s Winery  (own expense).  You’ll have time this afternoon to wander through the local villages before settling into your fully hosted Bed and Breakfast accomodation. Overnight at Barossa Lodge, Tanunda, or similar. (B)

Day 4.                         Barossa Valley.   Continue your journey today via the northern pastoral plains to the “garden of the north”, the Clare Valley, renowned for its fine lime scented Rieslings and warm reds. In wine-making terms, the beauty of the Clare Valley is petite and premium. The Valley is home to 28 wineries producing a range of style from diverse microclimates, a mere five of these crush more than 500 tonnes.

The Clare Valley produces arguably the best Riesling in Australia. Visit the largest winery in the area, Leasingham, which celebrated its centenary in 1993.

Leasingham specialises in dry red and white table wines, and boasts a well-earned reputation and history of being at the forefront of viticulture and winemaking direction and wine quality excellence. You may also like to stop at Michell Wines, a stylish and charming winery, complete with some very old vines. The winery is buried amid gums near Sevenhill, and some flavoursome, high quality table wines have emerged since 1975 under the guidance of winemaker, Andrew Mitchell. 

Enjoy lunch taking in the views from the verandah of Skillgallee Winery with a vine-pruner’s lunch (own expense). Founded in 1970, Skillogallee is a quality, small winery using only estate grown grapes for products including an attractive, dry Riesling, port, muscat, and methode champenoise.

Overnight at Miss Nobels Cottage (Pictured above right), Clare, or similar (B)

Day 5.                         Adelaide Hills.

Journey southward today to enjoy the delights of the Adelaide Hills. The Hills, often steep and mainly cool, with vineyards planted above 400m altitudes are regarded internationally as the home of some of Australia’s most elegant cool climate sparkling and still wines. Established over 150 years ago, the Hills is now home to over 100 vineyards.

On the way to your first winery stop, take the opportunity to stroll amongst the Australian native animals at Cleland Wildlife Park. View Adelaide from the summit of Mt. Lofty, stroll the local villages, and then sample the fine wines and dine for lunch at Petulama’s multi - award winning Bridgewater Mill restaurant (own expense). The specialty at Bridgewater Mill is premium red and white table wines, and sparkling wines which are exported to the UK, USA, Canada and most countries on  the Pacific Rim. Overnight at Carinya Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Hahndorf, or similar. Koala bear at the Cleland Wildlife Park.

Day 6.                         Hanhdorf - Adelaide.               Enjoy some time this morning exploring the historic town of Hahndorf. Since its early settlement, Hahndorf has grown into a multi-cultural community. Century old trees line the main street. Walking along the streets you will pass a kaleidoscope of shops, eating houses and attractions. Many of the original buildings are still standing and descendants of the early settlers continue to live here. Return to Adelaide via the heart of the Adelaide Hills, the Onkaparinga Valley. Follow the signs and drive along the Onkaparinga Valley Scenic Drive.

The drive will take you through the town of Woodside, home to Melba’s Chocolate and Confectionary Factory. Also located at Woodside is “Heritage Park”, a heritage listed complex of buildings, once the Southern Farmers Cheese and small goods Factory

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Head southwest to “The Wine Coast” and the Mclaren Vale wine-growing region. To your left the voluptuous folds of the Mount Lofty Ranges sweep down to the sandy beaches and sparkling seas of the Fleirieu Peninsula on you right. Mclaren Vale wines were in the vanguard of Australia’s first wine export booms. It was in this area that wine makers such as Grant Burge and Andrew Garrett created the bright, elegant, full flavoured zesty wines that are now Australia’s hallmark. In the early nineties the highest price paid for Chardonnay grapes anywhere in Australia were for some prized tonnes of Mclaren vale fruit. Only forty minutes from Adelaide, the region boasts vineyards, olive and almond groves. Spend time at both Hardy’s (the largest winery in the area,

producing premium red and fortified wines), and Wirra Wirra Wines (one of the most interesting and appealing cellar door operations in Mclaren Vale) before enjoying a lunch of fresh local produce at “The Barn “ restaurant (own expense).  Return to Adelaide for your overnight stay.

Overnight at the North Adelaide Heritage Apartments 

Day 7                                              Adelaide -  - Kangaroo Island.

 Drop off your car this morning at the Adelaide airport prior to checking in for your 0705 flight to Kingscote. Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of Australia, only 16Kms from the mainland.

The island is home to the first Island Wilderness Areas to be declared in South Australia, with more than one third of the being National Park areas. It is a paradise for those interested in Australia’s unique wildlife. The weatherworn coasts are a haven for sea lions, New Zealand Fur Seals, white-breasted sea eagles and osprey. Kangaroo Island kangaroos, Tammar, Wallabies, Koalas, echidnas, brushtail possums and Cape Barren geese are seen in the island’s woodlands and grasslands, and you may even spot a platypus and rare glossy black cockatoos.

Upon arrival at Kingscote airport, commence your 2 days of 4WD touring before transferring to your overnight accommodation. Overnight at Bed and Breakfast Accommodation.

Day 8.                                            Kangaroo Island -  - Adelaide.

This morning travel to Seal Bay to walk amongst the sea lions, whose forbearers somehow managed to survive the savagery of early sealers. Some of the seals may be basking in the sun, while others are riding the waves onto the wide stretch of beach. Take a stroll amongst towering gum trees to see Koalas in their natural habitat, see how the wind and sea have carved the cliffs into formations such as ‘Remarkable Rocks’ and ‘Admiral’s Arch’. Enjoy a gourmet picnic

lunch in a private location along the way.

Return to Kingscote airport for your return flight to Adelaide. Upon arrival at Adelaide airport you will be met and transferred to your overnight accommodation.

Overnight at Stamford Grand Hotel, Glenelge

Day 9                                              Adelaide -  - Hong Kong. 

Transfer to the airport for return flight to Hong Kong.

COSTS                      Costs are all in US$.

As the prices vary with season, and with number of passengers travelling together, please call us with your preferred dates of travel and number of passengers.

Price Includes:-

Ø Flights to and from Hong Kong.

Ø Flights, return, Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Ø Met on arrival and all transfers in private vehicles.

Ø Hotel accommodation, as booked, bed and breakfast basis.

Ø Car rental, as described in the Itinerary.

Ø All excursions and visits, as described in the Itinerary with English speaking guides.

Ø All entrance fees to sites included in the Itinerary.

Price Excludes:-

Ø Airport Tax and Airport security Charges.

Ø Australian Visa, if required.

Ø Tips and Gratuities for the guides.

Ø Personal expenses for drinks, telephone calls etc. etc.

This is a suggested Itinerary; it can be adjusted to suit your vacation time and can include other destinations in Southern Australia or elsewhere in Australia.

Prices and schedules are subject to change by Airline or Operator without notice.

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