Trip Highlight
Koala Visits
John's itinerary includes several opportunities to meet some of the country's most famous residents—on Phillip Island, Kangaroo Island, and at the Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley.
Photo by Tourism Australia
Raise a Glass to Australia
John Clifford of International Travel Management has created an itinerary that highlights the best of two states: Victoria and South Australia. In Victoria, you’ll explore the state’s capital, Melbourne, from its historic architecture to its exciting restaurants. Daytrips will take you to Victoria’s wine region, the Yarra Valley, and Phillip Island where you’ll see a sight you’ll never forget: Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, perhaps followed by an aquatic adventure to Seal Rocks. The wine continues to flow in South Australia, with a few days to explore the world-renowned Barossa Valley. You’ll conclude your Australian trip on Kangaroo Island where you’ll share the beach with sea lions and indigenous Australian wildlife.
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Itinerary15 days
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Day 1 MelbourneDay 3 Great Ocean RoadDay 4 Phillip IslandDay 5 Mornington PeninsulaDays 6 and 7 Yarra ValleyDays 8 to 10 Barossa ValleyDay 11 Arrive on Kangaroo IslandDays 12 to 14 Kangaroo IslandDay 15 Depart for Home
Trip Designer
John Clifford
For the more than 30 years that John has been a travel advisor and self-proclaimed Global Nomad, he has followed his passion for seeking out stylish stays, secret spaces, and connecting travelers with local insiders who can really open doors. John is also an expert in design and boutique hotels, exotic international travel, and he is a certified Lifestyle Specialist in Gay/LGBT and Luxury Travel. Having visited over 95 countries, his expertise spans most of Europe, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Australia & New Zealand, among other destinations.
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Day 1MelbourneYou’ll start your Australian odyssey in "Marvelous Melbourne." After you are transferred to the Lyall, your hotel for the next three nights, you’ll be met by a local architect and guide. Your private walk through the city includes rides on the beloved trolley cars and exploring the city’s famous laneways and arcades including the iconic Victorian-era Block Arcade. Other architectural gems include the General Post Office and the Gothic Bank. After lunch at local favorite Rosa’s Canteen you’ll head out on a guided bike tour on the riverside Yarra Trail. You won’t need to feel any guilt enjoying the 10-course degustation dinner at Michelin starred Vue de Monde, one of the city’s hardest to get tables with a stunning 55th-floor location with unmatched views.
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Photo By Fed Square Pty LtdDay 2Exploring Melbourne's Cultural HighlightsToday you’ll have a day full of art and culture, nature and beach—exactly the combination that Australia offers like nowhere else. On the itinerary are guided visits to the Ian Potter Centre on Federation Square, the Centre for Contemporary Art, and The National Gallery. Next, you’ll stop and smell the flowers at the Royal Botanic Garden before lunch at local hotspot Arbory Bar & Eatery. Melbourne’s longest bar is the result of the conversion of the abandoned Sandridge Railway line and runs alongside the Yarra River. Finish the day with a sunset walk on the city’s most famous beach, St. Kilda, just outside the city center. -
Photo By Tourism AustraliaDay 3Great Ocean RoadYou’ll be met in the morning by a car and driver as you head out to the Great Ocean Road for a day of adventure on one of the world’s most breathtaking drives. The area is home to eucalyptus forests and many resident kangaroos and koalas. On your guided visit to the area, you’ll stop at The Twelve Apostles, one of Australia’s most photographed natural wonders. Enjoy a late lunch before heading to the Loch Ard Gorge, a small cove lined by cliffs with two small beaches, prior to returning to Melbourne. This evening enjoy an “emo” or emotion-stirring dinner at world famous chef Ben Shewry’s Attica featuring modern Australian cuisine. -
Day 4Phillip IslandEnjoy an excursion to Phillip Island Nature Park, just over an hour outside of Melbourne, to experience one of the world’s most charming natural phenomena, the Penguin Parade. At the end of a day fishing the nearby waters, the island’s resident penguins return to their home amid the dunes of the island. Observers can watch the birds returning from their day from a respectful distance. Others stops on Phillip Island include the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and the Wild Ocean EcoBoar Tour to Seal Rocks. -
Photo By Tourism AustraliaDay 5Mornington PeninsulaBefore heading inland to the Yarra Valley you’ll spend a night at Big Blue Backyard, an eco-retreat with three cabins in the shade of the tea trees of the Mornington Peninsula. You’ll join a swim experience at Polperro Dolphin Swims, meeting the wild bottlenose dolphins of Port Phillip Bay. After you dry off, you’ll continue on for a visit to the Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove for a degustation lunch including a wine tasting and viewing of the owner’s sculpture collection of some 20 works by leading contemporary artists. -
Days 6 and 7Yarra ValleyYou’ll start the morning with a daybreak horseback ride and a visit to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs before you depart for the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s wine country, with a two-night stay at the Chateau Yearing in a Yarra Suite with sweeping views of the valley. Visits to Yearing Station and Yearing Farm include wine tastings. Start your second day with a hot-air balloon ride over the vineyards followed by a visit to The Healesville Sanctuary. Here you’ll meet many of Australia’s most famous four-legged residents: kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, and perhaps the most popular of them all, koalas. Afterwards enjoy lunch and tastings at the Balgownie and Domaine Chandon wineries. -
Photo By Tourism AustraliaDays 8 to 10Barossa ValleyThis morning, you’ll fly from Melbourne to Adelaide to explore South Australia. After landing, you’ll transfer to The Louise, one of Australia’s finest luxury lodges, where your Seppeltsfield suite is waiting for you with its gorgeous, vineyard-facing terrace. This evening you’ll dine at Chef Ryan Edwards’ award-winning Appellation, enjoying a 5-course dinner featuring South Australian cuisine. Arise early the next day to explore the Barossa Valley, an oenophile’s dream. Along with the hundred wineries found here, make time to stop by the Barossa Farmers Market to taste the local produce. At the Penfolds Lab you will learn the art of creating a fine wine as you craft your own signature blend. -
Photo By Tourism AustraliaDay 11Arrive on Kangaroo IslandAn hour’s drive from the Barossa Valley to the Adelaide Airport followed by a half-hour flight will bring you to Kangaroo Island where you’ll stay at the stunning Southern Ocean Lodge. The property that vies for the title of one of Australia’s most chic and high design lodges is an exceptional base to experience the island. After arrival you’ll head to lunch where you can enjoy Chef Jack Ingram’s inventive cuisine. For an easy entry into your first day on the island, a coastal walk with a guide will take you along the limestone cliffs of Hanson’s Bay. -
Photo By Tourism AustraliaDays 12 to 14Kangaroo IslandYou’ll have three days to explore Kangaroo Island, and the Southern Ocean Lodge offers guided visits led by their qualified staff and guides. Among the excursions are hikes to visit the coastal landscapes that include landmarks like the Remarkable Rocks, Cape du Couedic lighthouse, and Admiral’s Arch. Opportunities to view wallabies and koalas grazing abound, while a nocturnal visit to Hanson’s Bay Sanctuary is a unique experience, letting you observe those residents of the island who are most active at night. A visit with a naturalist to Seal Bay will let you meet the island’s majestic sea lions. Between wildlife sightings, leave some time for a treatment at the Southern Ocean Lodge’s spa. -
Photo By Tourism AustraliaDay 15Depart for HomeBefore you begin your journey back home, or on to your next destination, we will arrange for visits to the studios of several local artists—a final chance to purchase a unique piece that will always remind you of your visit to Kangaroo Island.
