Trip Highlights

Escape the frenzy of Australia's east coast with a few days in gracious, relaxed South Australia. Discover another side of Australia as you journey through the famous wine region of Adelaide Hills, experience Kangaroo Island's wildlife and seafood, explore the photogenic Flinders Ranges and enjoy some of Australia’s most exquisite scenery on the featured Murray River cruise.

Enjoy these highlights*:

• Return flights to/from Adelaide
• 4-nights Gold standard accommodation in Adelaide
• Full-day guided Adelaide & Hahndorf tour
• 2-day Kangaroo Island experience including Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain and Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
• Flinders Chase National Park guided tour including Remarkable Rocks & Admirals Arch
• 3-nights Murray River cruise with outside cabin
• Guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat
• Riverland food & wine tasting
• Murray Bridge township tour

* Two packages are available. Gold-star package highlights shown. See Inclusions for details of Silver-star package option.

Member Pricing

RETAIL VALUE $3,470pp GETAWAY CASH CREDITS APPLIED -$971 YOU PAY* $2,499

DISCOUNT OFF RETAIL VALUE: 28%

* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price, Getaway Cash travel credit usage, Free Flights Voucher usage and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available here.

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Inclusions

Discover the highlights of South Australia with its amazing array of experiences, from the Adelaide Hills and countryside villages bursting with fresh local produce, galleries, crafts, heritage and culture, to Kangaroo Island; a veritable zoo of seals, birds, dolphins, echidnas and (of course) kangaroos. The city of Adelaide itself serves as a melting pot of culture that immerse you in a historical experience while maintaining modern indulgences. Of course, the highlight of this trip is the Murray River cruise, a delightful blend of history and beautiful scenery experienced in luxury with new friends. Cheers!

This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

Package inclusions:

Gold-star package:

• Return flights to Adelaide
• 4-nights Gold standard accommodation in Adelaide
• Full-day guided Adelaide & Hahndorf tour
• 2-day Kangaroo Island experience including Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain and Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
• Flinders Chase National Park guided tour including Remarkable Rocks & Admirals Arch
• 3-nights Murray River cruise with outside cabin
• Guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat
• Riverland food & wine tasting
• Murray Bridge township tour

Silver-star package:

• Return flights to Adelaide
• 4-nights Silver standard accommodation in Adelaide
• Full-day guided Adelaide & Hahndorf tour
• 2-day Kangaroo Island experience including Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain and Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
• Flinders Chase National Park guided tour including Remarkable Rocks & Admirals Arch
• 3-nights Murray River cruise with inside cabin
• Guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat
• Riverland food & wine tasting
• Murray Bridge township tour

All packages include:

• Lonely Planet guide for South Australia
• No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
• Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
• Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
• Comprehensive, printed itinerary
• Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
• Option for best-in-class travel insurance at member price

Carefully selected accommodation:

Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

Fully customisable:

This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

Special value:

Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.

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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard (retail) price comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what would be payable by a non-member for the same package. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Valid for 2022 and 2023 travel subject to availability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

Your Itinerary

This is a fully guided itinerary where you will join a travel group for the duration of the trip. Kick-start your holiday by spending five days on a culturally immersive tour of South Australia’s must-see destinations before relaxing on a 3-night cruise along the gorgeous Murray River. No doubt your memories of this South Australian holiday will be filled with stunning views, tasty food, delicious wine and unforgettable experiences.

"Oh the places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss

DAY 1: ADELAIDE

After arriving into Adelaide in the morning, transfer to your Adelaide hotel where you will check-in and meet your fellow travellers.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the cosmopolitan city of Adelaide, with its blend of European and modern architecture, abundance of experiences, and world-class sporting events. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for activity suggestions and top-rated places to dine.

DAY 2: ADELAIDE HILLS & HAHNDORF

Today you will embark on the ultimate full-day-tour of Adelaide and its surrounds. Start your morning with a tour of Adelaide city where you will learn about its history and visit main attractions such as the North Terrace Cultural Precinct, Haigh’s Chocolates factory, St Peter’s Cathedral and the famous Adelaide Oval.

After this, enjoy a scenic drive to Mount Lofty Summit, Adelaide’s highest peak. Take in spectacular views of the city and the coastline - a perfect photo opportunity - before making your way through the Adelaide Hills villages of Crafers, Stirling, Aldgate and Bridgewater.

Arriving in the old German settlement of Hahndorf in the afternoon, you have time to explore the town’s main street where you can sample local produce, check out the local arts and crafts, and enjoy afternoon tea or a traditional German beer tasting at the very popular Hahndorf Inn.

Return to your Adelaide hotel in the evening.

DAY 3: KANGAROO ISLAND

Begin your day bright and early with a scenic coach transfer to Cape Jervis. Here you will board the SeaLink ferry and commence the 45-minute journey to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. On arrival to Kangaroo Island, hop on board your luxury SeaLink coach and enjoy a guided tour of South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination.

Your first official stop will be Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery where you will listen to an introductive talk about the history of the oil distillery and take a guided tour. Finish off with some free time in their souvenir shop before continuing onto Vivonne Bay Bistro located on a 260-hectare bush property, for a delicious two course lunch.

After lunch, visit the Seal Bay Conservation Park and enjoy a guided beach walk with a National Park Ranger amongst a breeding colony of wild and rare Australian sea lions. Your tour will then visit another amazing wildlife attraction, the fascinating Birds of Prey display at Raptor Domain. Enjoy a delightful interactive experience and meet an array of birds and raptors.

From here you will travel to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park where you can get up close with koalas, see penguins swim and play, hand feed kangaroos and wallabies, learn about endangered species, and experience Kangaroo Island wildlife at your fingertips!

You will then be transferred back to your chosen overnight accommodation in Kingscote.

DAY 4: FLINDER CHASE

After a delicious breakfast, visit Clifford’s Honey Farm to enjoy an informative talk by the beekeeper followed by tastings and an opportunity to sample homemade honey ice-cream and honey beauty products. Next, travel to Hanson Bay Visitor Centre Café for a scrumptious two course lunch.  

After lunch you have the chance to look for koalas nestled up in the eucalypts and see an abundance of native birdlife in the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

In the afternoon, travel to Flinders Chase National Park, one of Australia’s largest and earliest conservation parks. Journey through the park and enjoy breathtaking views of its unique trees, plants and coastal scenery. You will be guided to the rugged southern coastline for a walk around the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. The Remarkable Rocks provide great photographic opportunities and stunning sea views. The Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal this spectacular arch, a natural nursery and safe haven for playful long-nosed fur seals that can be seen swimming and playing in the waves or resting on the rocks.

In the evening you will begin the journey back to Adelaide.

DAY 5: MANNUM & MURRAY RIVER

Enjoy your morning at leisure before being transferred by coach to the historic town of Mannum where you will board the PS Murray Princess for a three-night discovery cruise along the tranquil Murray River. 

Discover the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic South Australian outback; its unique flora and fauna, the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture aboard a gorgeous paddle wheeler boat.

DAY 6 & 7: MURRAY RIVER CRUISE

Your cruise includes a number of onshore tours and activities as well as onboard entertainment, great service and delicious food with local South Australian wines.

Highlights include a tour of the township of Murray Bridge and its historic Roundhouse, a guided nature walk in Salt Bush Flat, Riverland food & wine tasting, a ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat cruise, optional Barossa wine and heritage tour, optional Monarto Zoo Wildlife tour, and the Captain’s dinner and dance.

DAY 8: ADELAIDE

Disembark your cruise in the morning, say your goodbyes to the Murray River before being transferred back to Adelaide where your tour will officially finish.

After checking in to your Adelaide hotel, the rest of your afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. We recommend visiting Adelaide’s famous Central Markets to satisfy your deepest culinary cravings, as well as paying a visit to the gorgeous Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Your Lonely Planet guide is your best help to decide how you will spend your time.

DAY 9: RETURN HOME

Spend your morning soaking up some last-minute Adelaide experiences before heading to the airport for your return flight home, completing your unforgettable South Australian holiday.