Itinerary – 15 Day South Escape Tour 2027
10th – 24th October 2027
(Including Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island)

Day 1 – Sunday 10^th October 2027                         D
Home – Gulgong – Wellington – Cowra
After our home pickups (or other pickup arrangements), this morning’s travel will bring us into Gulgong where the streetscape looks as it did back when the town was first gazetted in the 1870’s. Further travel finds us in Wellington where we visit the well-known Wellington Caves. After some time to explore the cultural centre, this we will continue through regional New South Wales to our overnight stop at Cowra. Accom: Cowra Services Motel (Ph. 02 63411999)

Day 2 – Monday 11^th October 2027 BD
Cowra – Wagga Wagga – Albury – Shepparton – Echuca
Today our journey continues along the Hume Highway past Albury, where we cross into Victoria and continue through Shepparton. This rich dairying, fruit growing and agricultural region of the Goulburn Valley produces around 25 percent of Victoria’s rural output. We will arrive in the river town of Echuca in the afternoon where we will spend the night. Accom: Mercure Hotel Port Echuca (Phone 03 5482 5666).

Day 3 – Tuesday 12^th October 2027            BD
Echuca – Bendigo – Kyneton – Geelong
This morning step back in time as we visit the historic Port of Echuca precinct. An authentic working steam port which has undergone a 14-million-dollar redevelopment and shows the bustling port life of the 1800’s. Whilst at the port we sail away on a one-hour paddlesteamer cruise for a memorable river cruise on the mighty Murray River.
Departing Echuca, we travel south through Bendigo, which was one of the most significant Victorian era boom towns with the discovery of gold in the 1850’s. As a result, the city still possesses many ornate buildings designed in a late Victorian colonial style. Continuing through Kyneton, which is located in the scenic Macedon Ranges. This was once a thriving commercial centre which served as a gateway and supply centre to the goldfields. Tour past Bacchus Marsh, located in a rich and fertile valley that consists of orchards, market gardens and pastoral fields. Tonight, we will be staying at Geelong, Victoria’s second most populated city and gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and the famous Great Ocean Road. Accom: Rydges Geelong (Ph 03 5223 6200).

Day 4 – Wednesday 13^th October 2027                  BD
Geelong – Great Ocean Road – Warrnambool
Today we begin our journey along one of Australia’s most spectacular scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road. There are plenty of stops along the way to photograph the natural wonders including the Bay of Islands, the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. The road winds along cliff tops, up to breathtaking headlands, down onto the edge of beaches, across river estuaries and through lush rainforests offering panoramic views of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean at every turn. Pass through Port Campbell which is sheltered by cliffs and Norfolk pines. Continue west to our overnight accommodation at Warrnambool. Accom: Olde Maritime Motor Inn (Ph 03 5561 1415)

Day 5 – Thursday 14^th October 2027                      BD
Warrnambool – Port Fairy – Mount Gambier
This morning, we pause at the beautiful fishing village of Port Fairy before crossing into South Australia. We spend the day visiting the Umpherston Sink Hole along with the famous Blue Lake situated in one of three extinct volcanic craters. The Blue Lake exposes the crystal-clear water that has filtered underground through the limestone. Before continuing onto Mount Gambier, South Australia’s largest regional city. Accom: Southgate Motel (Ph 08 8723 1175).

Day 6 – Friday 15^th October 2027 BD
Mount Gambier – Adelaide
Bidding Fairwell to Mount Gambier today we make our way to Adelaide, South Australia’s capital and largest city. The afternoon is yours to explore or simply relax at our accommodation. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is here at the Stamford Plaza Adelaid. Accom: Stamford Plaza Adelaide, (Ph 08 8461 1111).

Day 7 – Saturday 16^th October 2027                       B
Adelaide City Sights /Free Day
Enjoy a free day to explore the vibrant city as your own pace. Perhaps a visit to the Adelaide Zoo or a leisurely stroll around the city or even a ride on a sightseeing bus? The day is yours to spend at your leisure. Dinner tonight is also up to you to choose from the best that Adelaide has to offer!

Day 8 – Sunday 17^th October 2027              BD
Adelaide – Victor Harbour – Kangaroo Island
Back on board our coach today, we begin with a short journey down to the historic whaling town of Victor Harbor. Climb aboard the horse drawn tram for a nostalgic ride to Granite Island. After lunch travel to Cape Jervis to meet the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Australia’s second largest island – Kangaroo Island! This pristine wilderness offers protection to a substantial population of Australian native animals and abounds in natural beauty. On arrival take time to explore your surrounds and the town of Kingscote before dinner at our next 3 nights’ accommodation. Accom: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge (Ph 08 8553 7053).

Day 9 – Monday 18^th October 2027             BD
Seal Bay – Birds of Prey – Honey Farm
It’s up early this morning for a tour of the beautiful Seal Bay Conservation Park. Walk among one of the largest and only accessible colony of Australian Sea lions. Next, it’s off to the Birds of Prey and the Raptor Domain. Meet an array of birds including Jedda, the majestic Wedge Tailed Eagle and enjoy a delightful interactive experience with Casper the friendly Barn Owl and Banjo and Clancy, the laughing kookaburras. This afternoon we will visit the local Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery and Clifford’s Honey Farm. Did you know that Kangaroo Island is the last place in the world where the pure Ligurian honeybee remains? Return to our hotel for a well-deserved rest before dinner.

Day 10 – Tuesday 19^th October 2027            BD
Flinders Chase – Remarkable Rocks
This morning, visit Flinders Chase National Park where we’ll see wind sculpted rock formations that sit atop a smooth granite dome known as Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. A perfect sweep of rocks under which the surf pounds and New Zealand fur seals play. We travel through to Kingscote to spend the afternoon at your leisure before returning to our accommodation for our last evening in Kangaroo Island.

Day 11 – Wednesday 20^th October 2027      BD
Kangaroo Island – Adelaide – Barossa Valley
This morning we say goodbye to Kangaroo Island as we board the ferry to journey back over to the mainland. Enjoy more beautiful scenery today as we journey north to Aldinga Beach for our lunch opportunity. Continue to relax on the coach as we make our way through Adelaide and into Australians most famous wine region, the Barossa Valley. Our accommodation tonight is at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. Accom: Novotel Barossa Valley Resort (Ph 08 8524 0056).

Day 12 – Thursday 21^st October 2027                      BD
Barossa Valley – Waikerie
Today we visit the ‘must see’ sites in the Barossa. Our tour would not be complete without a visit at Maggie Beer’s Farmshop, perched on the side of a huge dam surrounded by vines and olives. Enjoy our visit to the Jacob’s Creek Visitors Centre for a tasting and tour before continuing our journey North to Waikerie, a quiet town on the Riverland region of South Australia on the South bank of the Murray River. Accom: Waikerie Hotel Motel (Ph 08 8541 2999)

Day 13 – Friday 22^nd October 2027               BD
Waikerie – Wentworth – Hay
Today we will be travelling from South Australia, briefly through Victoria before returning into our home state of New South Whales, as we follow the Murray riverside to Wentworth. Enjoy morning tea by the spectacular junction of the Murray and the Darling rivers which together makeup the Murray Darling River system, Australia’s largest. This afternoon we will be traversing on the Hay plains – It is one of the flattest places on earth with only 17m (56 feet) of difference in elevation between the highest and lowest point in the Hay Shire! Hay is an important regional and national transport node and our stop over for the night.  Accom: Bishop Lodge Motor Inn, Hay (Ph 02 6993 3003).

Day 14 – Saturday 23^rd October 2027                       BD
Hay – Outback Shearers Hall of Fame – Parkes
Starting the morning with a tour through the Outback Shearers Hall of Fame where we can experience the living and working conditions of the hardworking men and women who shaped the industry and learn about our shearing history. Our next stop today sees us in Griffith for a quick stop before continuing into Parkes. Our accommodation for tonight is located just 1 block away from the Henry Parkes Centre which features restored old vintage cars and an Elvis exhibit of some of the highs and lows that Elvis Presley encountered throughout his life and career. You will see genuine artefacts from Elvis’ homes and items he wore or used on stage. Accom: The Station Motel Parkes (Ph 02 6862 8444)

Day 15 – Sunday 24^th October 2027             B
Parkes – Dubbo – Home
Our last day aboard the coach will see us travelling through to Dubbo, where we stop and visit the Old Dubbo Gaol, wander through the historic grounds, exhibitions and displays.  This afternoon will see us pass by some of the scenic Silo Arts located in Dunedoo and Merriwa before meeting up with our transfers waiting to return you Home.