Best of Australia: Western Australia and South Australia Vacation

Discover unique flavors and hidden gems in Western Australia and South Australia. This vacation features beautiful beaches, delicious food and wine, and up-close wildlife encounters!

This Best of Australia: Western Australia and South Australia vacation was planned for a retired couple from Orlando. This was their third trip to Australia and they wanted to do something a little different. They loved Australian food and wine, so we sent them to 2 fabulous wine regions, and they also had a chance to see some unique wildlife.

They started their Best of Australia: Western Australia and South Australia vacation in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. This bustling and quirky city offers easy access to some of Australia’s most breathtaking beaches. While there, they took a day tour to nearby Rottnest Island, which is one of the few places in the world you can see adorable quokkas in the wild!

Next for their Best of Australia: Western Australia and South Australia vacation, they drove down to the charming Margaret River wine region, one of Australia’s best hidden gems. They sampled delicious wines at renowned wineries in the area and had an amazing gourmet lunch with wine pairings. They stayed in a resort with easy access to a gorgeous white sand beach.

Then it was on to South Australia. They spent a night in the capital city of Adelaide and explored some of the fabulous restaurants and bars in town. Then they headed to Port Lincoln, where they were able to swim with sea lions! This was certainly a highlight of their trip, as the sea lions were very friendly and excited to show off their underwater tricks.

Continuing their Best of Australia: Western Australia and South Australia vacation, they returned to Adelaide for 3 nights. They were able to sample the area’s delicious local flavors on a wine tasting tour of Adelaide Hills, complete with a gourmet lunch. They also explored the South Australia Museum with unique insight from an Aboriginal guide.

At last, their Best of Australia: Western Australia and South Australia vacation came to an end. They said goodbye to the fabulous food, wine, and and wildlife of Australia and began their journey home.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Perth!  Upon arrival, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodations in the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Perth’s many fabulous parks, beaches, restaurants, and bars.
Crown Towers Perth

Day 2
Take the ferry to Rottnest Island and tour the island on an air-conditioned coach. Explore the stunning beauty of Rottnest Island in air conditioned comfort, taking in the amazing fauna and flora of the island, stunning beaches, woodlands, and incredible salt lakes—all ending in a unique, historic train ride. Keep an eye out for quokkas and see if you can get a selfie with one of these adorable animals!
Crown Towers Perth

Day 3
Pick up your rental car and drive approximately 3 hours to Margaret River—the hidden gem of Australian wine country. Allow some extra time to stop at some of the beautiful and unspoiled beaches along your coastal route. Make your way to Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, where you can enjoy easy beach access, visit the award-winning day spa, take a dip in the heated infinity pool, and dine on delicious gourmet fare in the ocean view restaurant.
Smiths Beach Resort

Day 4
Spend today discovering the delicious flavors of Margaret River on a small-group wine tasting tour. Discover how Cape Mentelle put Margaret River on the world wine map with a personal introduction to their oldest vineyard and working winery. The highlight of your day will be a hosted food and wine matching experience, which is served inside the Cabernet Sauvignon barrel room. Then, enjoy a 4WD adventure into the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park and a short walk on a spectacular coastal section of the Cape to Cape Track.
Smiths Beach Resort

Day 5
After breakfast, make your way back to Perth, where you’ll drop off your rental car and catch a flight to Adelaide. Spend the night at Mayfair Hotel. Located right in the heart of the city, the Mayfair Hotel offers luxury accommodation, contemporary dining, and premium facilities. Spend your evening exploring the vibrant culture, food, and nightlife of South Australia’s capital city.
Mayfair Hotel

Day 6
This morning, enjoy a private transfer to the airport and catch a short flight to Port Lincoln. Make your way to your hotel on the shore of Boston Bay. Port Lincoln is Australia’s seafood capital, with some of the world’s best tuna, prawns, and lobster.
Port Lincoln Hotel

Day 7
Today brings you an exciting adventure: swimming with sea lions! Set off on a half-day tour to the crystal clear waters of Seal Cove, where the puppies of the sea welcome your arrival as they bound toward the boat with unmistakable excitement. Watch as they perform somersaults and graceful swirls, inviting you to join in!
Port Lincoln Hotel

Day 8
Enjoy a private transfer to the airport and fly back to Adelaide today. Your day is free to relax on the beach or explore the city.
Mayfair Hotel

Day 9
Get a delicious taste of South Australia today with a wine tasting tour in Adelaide Hills, located in the picturesque Mt Lofty Ranges. The moist, cool, yet sunny climate combines with favorable soils and slopes to produce finely flavored, long-lasting sparkling and still table wines. You’ll visit Shaw & Smith winery, Hahndorf Hill Wines, and have a tasting at the Methode Champenoise cellars at Bridgewater Mill, home of the renowned Petaluma wines. Refreshments and a gourmet lunch are included in your tour. Depending on the interests of your small tour group, some boutique wineries may be on the menu as well.
Mayfair Hotel

Day 10
Discover Australia’s natural and cultural heritage at the South Australian Museum. The museum offers 5 floors of intriguing displays to explore, along with regularly changing special exhibitions and a range of programs for explorers of all ages. Located in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct, you’ll find it’s easily accessible from your accommodations. And as a special treat, you will have an Aboriginal guide for your trip to the museum.
Mayfair Hotel

Day 11
Today marks the end of your fabulous Australian vacation. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport, where you’ll begin your journey home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
11 day stay
2 travelers

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