Wine to Wildlife Australia Vacation Package

Day 1: Melbourne, the Culinary Capital

Welcome to Australia! Land in Melbourne and transfer to your hotel in this multicultural metropolis where laneway art meets historic architecture. Considered Australia’s culinary and coffee capital, Melbourne balances bustling arts culture with leafy parks and waterfront promenades. Spend your afternoon discovering the city’s unique character at your own pace.

Overnight: Melbourne (The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins)

Day 2: Melbourne’s Hidden Gems

Explore Melbourne’s vibrant neighborhoods with a local guide who reveals street art masterpieces, cultural hotspots, and hidden treasures beyond the tourist trail. Enjoy a delicious café lunch showcasing Melbourne’s renowned food scene before visiting iconic spots like Federation Square and Rod Laver Arena.

Overnight: Melbourne (The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins)

Day 3: Yarra Valley Wine Discovery

Venture into Yarra Valley wine country, where cool climate conditions create elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sample world-class wines at boutique wineries nestled among picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, where passionate vintners share their craft against the backdrop of the Yarra Valley’s natural beauty.

Overnight: Melbourne (The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins)

Day 4: Wombat Encounter

Collect your rental car and drive to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula—stopping at Moonlit Sanctuary for the Wombat Experience. Get up close with these charming marsupials in a natural setting where you can learn about their behaviors and even pet or feed them. Continue to your peninsula accommodation for the next two nights.

Overnight: Mornington Peninsula (Intercontinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula)

Day 5: Peninsula Adventures and Geothermal Springs

Meet your expert host for a luxury touring experience starting with stand-up paddleboarding on serene lakes, where kangaroos graze on the shore and white-bellied eagles soar overhead. Alternatively, paddle coastal waters watching for dolphins and rays in hidden beach locations.

Recharge with farm-to-plate dining among rolling vineyards before visiting local cellar doors where you might venture behind the scenes with winemakers. Conclude your day at Alba’s geothermal springs, soaking in warm mineral waters across various pools including forest pools, botanical pools, and the sunset Eve pool set against coastal Moonah woodland.

Overnight: Mornington Peninsula (Intercontinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula)

Day 6: Great Ocean Road Coastal Journey

Ferry across to Queenscliff and begin your legendary Great Ocean Road adventure. Wind through seaside towns like Lorne, explore the lush rainforests of Great Otway, and witness dramatic cliffs and coastal vistas that have made this route world-famous. End your day in Port Campbell, gateway to the famed Twelve Apostles rock formation.

Overnight: Port Campbell (Southern Ocean Villas)

Day 7: Helicopter Views and Volcanic Landscapes

Take to the skies for a thrilling helicopter ride over the coastline’s most dramatic formations. Witness the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, the Arch, and the Grotto from above before continuing to Mount Gambier, where volcanic landscapes include the mysterious Blue Lake and intricate limestone cave systems.

Overnight: Mount Gambier (Delgattie Estate)

Day 8: Coonawarra Wine and Cave Adventure

Discover the renowned Coonawarra wine region through premium Cabernet Sauvignon tastings at acclaimed cellar doors. Explore remarkable limestone caves with guided tours revealing unique formations, then encounter kangaroos and native wildlife in their natural habitat—a perfect blend of wine appreciation, geology, and nature observation.

Overnight: Mount Gambier (Delgattie Estate)

Day 9: Adelaide, the Festival City

Drive to Adelaide, South Australia’s coastal capital known for its lively festivals, exceptional wine regions, and rich cultural heritage. This sophisticated city balances urban amenities with natural beauty. 

Overnight: Adelaide (Majestic Roof Garden Hotel)

Day 10: Adelaide Hills Wine Tour

Venture into the Adelaide Hills, where elevation creates ideal conditions for cool-climate wines. Sample the region’s renowned Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir at boutique wineries scattered across scenic landscapes, guided by experts who share insights into the area’s winemaking heritage and techniques.

Overnight: Adelaide (Majestic Roof Garden Hotel)

Day 11: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 40-minute flight to Kangaroo Island, where pristine landscapes shelter diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. This untouched sanctuary offers encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions against dramatic coastlines and lush bushland. Check into Sea Dragon resort for a luxurious, sustainable retreat with stunning coastal views.

Overnight: Kangaroo Island (Sea Dragon Lodge)

Days 12-13: Island Wildlife Immersion

Spend these days exploring Kangaroo Island’s natural wonders through full-day nature tours to Flinders Chase and Seal Bay, complete with lunch in a converted sheep shearing shed. Choose from seasonal activities including gin tasting, Ligurian honey experiences, sheep farm visits with Kelpie dog demonstrations, guided lighthouse walks, beach yoga, bird-watching tours, and star talks under pristine night skies.

Overnight: Kangaroo Island (Sea Dragon Lodge)

Day 14: McLaren Vale Beach Drive and Koala Encounters

Ferry back to Adelaide for a unique Silver Sands beach drive in a Land Rover, experiencing McLaren Vale’s wild coastline and spectacular biodiversity. Lunch at Salopian Inn, one of Australia’s Top 100 restaurants housed in a stunning old homestead among the vineyards.

Continue to Adelaide Hills for a private koala encounter at Cleland Wildlife Park, where you’ll spend one-on-one time with these famous marsupials guided by expert keepers. Hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and emus before touring historic Adelaide Oval, the Riverbank precinct, and North Adelaide’s Victorian architecture. Fly to Sydney in the evening and settle into your charming boutique hotel.

Overnight: Sydney (The Grace Hotel)

Day 15: Hunter Valley Wine Excellence

Experience a Hunter Valley wine tour with exclusive access to premium wineries and expert sommeliers. Enjoy personalized wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and behind-the-scenes tours while exploring one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. Return to Sydney for evening dining in the harbor city.

Overnight: Sydney (The Grace Hotel)

Day 16: Sydney Harbour Progressive Dining Cruise

Board luxury cruiser Ocean Blue for an extraordinary progressive dining experience on Sydney Harbour. Cruise past iconic landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while enjoying unlimited beverages and harbor history from your crew. Your culinary journey includes stops at renowned waterfront restaurants, with delectable desserts and cheese platters onboard. This comprehensive afternoon showcases the best of Sydney Harbour through an unforgettable dining adventure.

Overnight: Sydney (The Grace Hotel)

Day 17: Journey Home

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US, carrying memories of Australia’s diverse wine regions, unique wildlife encounters, and coastal adventures that span from Melbourne’s laneways to Sydney’s sparkling harbor.