South Australia has made a name for itself as a relaxed region full of wine, wildlife and natural wonders.
We first step into Adelaide Hills, dotted throughout with rolling green hills, historic towns and award winning wineries and a chance to get up close and personal with Australia's most loved wildlife. Next, head to the Murray River, an ever-changing landscape of ochre-colored cliffs, wetlands and floodplain forests where a myriad of activities await. End the trip in Barossa Valley – home to acclaimed vineyards but also celebrated for the exceptional food experiences that reflects the region's strong traditions.
If time permits, we strongly recommend an extension on Kangaroo Island to discover epic nature, abundant wildlife and incredible food, wine and gin.
Itinerary Highlights
- Experience the best accommodation in South Australia – intimate lodges in beautiful settings
- Get upclose with koalas and learn more about these marsupials on your private behind-the-scenes encounter at Cleland Wildlife Park
- Cruise along the Murray River to enjoy the remote wetlands and wildlife in a private boat
- Appreciate the fine wines of Barossa Valley, including making your own blend and a VIP private tasting
- Spot native wildlife and learn about the ecology and nature on a Kangaroo Island trip extension
Itinerary Outline
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Day 1
Arrival in Adelaide / Adelaide Hills
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Day 2
Adelaide Hills
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Day 3
Adelaide Hills
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Day 4
Adelaide Hills / Renmark
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Day 5
Renmark
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Day 6
Renmark / Barossa Valley
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Day 7
Barossa Valley
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Day 8
Barossa Valley / Departure from Adelaide
Itinerary
Arrival in Adelaide / Adelaide Hills
Upon arrival in Adelaide, please make your own way to the car rental counter and collect your rental vehicle (Audi Q5 or similar, auto). Make your way to Adelaide Hills (approx. 22km, 30min) and check into your luxury hotel with amazing views of the valley.
Sequoia Lodge Experiences
Part of the hotel’s philosophy is to connect guests with the land and its people through a range of intimate and curated onsite experiences that are included in your stay. These changes daily and may include a welcome and history tour, campfire under the stars, talk and taste with HVR head chef; wine tasting with local winemaker, brewer or distiller; food tasting with local artisan producer; bush walk or botanic garden walk.
Adelaide Hills
Cleland Wildlife Park Private Koala Experience (1hr)
This morning, take a short drive to Cleland Wildlife Park where a personalised private koala hold experience has been included. In your private session, you have access to a koala and a koala keeper for the specified time (subject to staff and animal availability).
The package includes park entry for the day,the rare opportunity to hold a koala,a professional photograph to mark the occasion presented in a souvenir wallet, a private session out of public waiting times,your own personal keeper for an hour to answer all your questions, animal food to feed some of the other animals in the park.
Gourmet Chocolate & Wine Experience (1hr)
A short drive will take you to a local winery, where we have included a Gourmet Chocolate and Wine Experience, matching boutique wines to the world's most acclaimed chocolate. This is based on the concept of terroir, and it allows you to take your tastebuds on a journey of discovery while learning about gourmet chocolate and fine wine in a fun and informative way.
In the quaint village of Hahndorf, with a visit to the Hahndorf Hill Winery. Here we have included the ChocoVino experience.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the region at your leisure.
We recommend a visit to the Udder Delights Cheese Cellar.
Adelaide Hills
Sequoia Lodge At Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy the lodge and the surrounding area. Some recommendations:
- Artisan Hot Pools: The Estate is connected to the local ancient natural spring waters that run deep down in the mountain. The naturally filtered springs feed every tap on the estate and provide for the lodge’s bottled water. You can also reap its benefits when relaxing in the artesian spring-fed hot pool or infinity pool overlooking on the valley rim.
- Maker & Somm: A South Australian based winemaker will join one of our sommeliers for an hour to pour, discuss and taste their wines. A rare opportunity to spend time with the duo, in an intimate, creative, and informative setting. Canapés and tapas are appropriately paired with the wine selection. The Maker & Somm series will answer all your pressing wine questions.
- Guided Nature Walk: Absorb the land, nature and wildlife surrounding Sequoia on our daily walk, guided by our experience team. Hike along the Heysen Trail, up to long ridge look-out, observing sweeping views of Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges. Be sure to look for kangaroos, koalas and wallabies. The team will greet you with refreshments and a transfer back to the lodge.
Adelaide Hills / Renmark
Adelaide Central Markets Walking Tour (2hrs)
Drive into Adelaide to join a 08:00 tour of Adelaide’s Central Markets (available on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Your tour includes a light market breakfast, generous tastings of fresh produce whilst you learn about the History and Social Evolution of the market from your informative guide.
After the tour, you can explore Adelaide further, before driving towards Renmark (approx. 270km, 3hrs). Renmark sits majestically on the flourishing banks of the Murray River – a historic town that was established in 1987 and is the largest in the Riverland with impressive ochre-coloured cliff tops, wetlands brimming with birdlife and riverscapes ready to be explored by kayak. Renmark is also home to Twenty Third Street Distillery, a revitalised 100 year old cellar door producing one of South Australia’s most loved gin.
Renmark
Murray River Wetland & Wildlife Cruise with Lunch (6hrs)
Today, you will be taken on a private cruise to experience the Murray River wetlands and wildlife that most people will never get to see. This exclusive guided river cruise in a comfortable and customised dinghy takes you through the creeks and wetlands of the Murray River. Encounter diverse wildlife and birds of the region. It includes morning tea, a gourmet lunch, refreshments and an optional visit to the Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery.
Renmark / Barossa Valley
Renmark Activities
Enjoy your day at leisure. A range of experiences are available including a sunset cruise with champagne and nibbles in a beautifully restored Gondola, visit the National Parks or taste award winning Riverland wines from cellar doors.
Depart Renmark and drive towards Barossa Valley (approx. 190km, 2.5hrs).
Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley Private Wine Tour (Full Day)
The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's most celebrated wine growing regions, originally settled by English and German pioneers in the mid-19th century. Start with an interactive and fun wine experience to create your own blend, the first of its kind in the Barossa Valley. After a tour of the winery and cellars, guests are invited to the lab to try their hand at making their own wine from the local grapes, blending to suit your own personal taste. It's a fascinating and satisfying experience, with a personalized bottle to take your wine home.
Enjoy the 'Make Your Own Blend' Tour - the first of its kind in the Barossa Valley, and for anyone who has wanted to be a winemaker for a day! Guests are invited to the Winemakers Laboratory to try their hand at making their own wine from Genache, Shiraz and Mourvedre, just like Penfold's own Bin 138.
Next, taste the excellent local wines and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant.
Your tour includes a VIP private tasting at Peter Lehmann Wines, with a selection of Super Premium and Cellar Door Exclusive wines which are showcased in an intimate private room and accompanied with a taste plate of fresh regional produce for you to indulge on during your tasting.
Barossa Valley / Departure from Adelaide
After breakfast, depart Barossa Valley to Adelaide Airport (approx. 80km, 1hr) for your onward journey.
Hotels & Tour Price
Includes
- 7 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels as stated on bed & breakfast basis
- 2 nights dinner (including pre-dinner drinks & canapes) at The Louise
- 8 days car rental (Audi Q5 or similar, automatic)
- Private tours and admission fees as per itinerary
- Cleland Wildlife Park Private Koala Experience (1hr)
- Adelaide Hills Winery Visit (1hr)
- Adelaide Market Breakfast Tour (2hrs)
- Murray River Wetland & Wildlife Cruise with lunch (6hrs)
- Local taxes and service charges
Excludes
- International airfares
- Visa
- Meals unless otherwise specified
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. laundry, bar, spa services
- Phone and internet charges