MELBOURNE TO MOUNT GAMBIER

Welcome to our tour to stunning Kangaroo Island. With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Following our morning tea break, we travel to Wickliffe where we stop for lunch at Narrapumelap Mansion, an impressive French Gothic Mansion. This afternoon, our journey takes us across the border into South Australia to Mount Gambier for our first night’s accommodation.

OVERNIGHT:  The Barn Accommodation, MOUNT GAMBIER

SPIRIT OF THE COORONG CRUISE - FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Following breakfast, we travel along the Coorong, glimpsing the Younghusband Peninsula enroute. At Meningie we board the “Spirit of the Coorong” for an informative and relaxing luncheon cruise. Our cruise takes us across the Coorong National Park. Derived from an Aboriginal word ‘karangk’ meaning narrow neck, it is one of the most breathtaking national parks in Australia.  Our coach will be waiting for us in Goolwa for the drive through Port Elliot to lovely Victor Harbor and the McCracken Country Club for our overnight accommodation.

OVERNIGHT: McCracken Country Club, VICTOR HARBOR

KANGAROO ISLAND ENTERPRISES

This morning, we head down to Cape Jervis to board the SeaLink ferry for the 50 minute cruise across the Backstairs Passage to Penneshaw on the eastern end of Kangaroo Island. As we disembark the ferry, we visit some interesting attractions unique to the island. Our first visit is to Clifford’s Honey Farm – home to the island’s own population of Ligurian Bees (the only pure strain in the world). Next, we visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery where we take an interesting tour of the equipment used to eucalyptus oil and products followed by a delicious lunch.  Making our way to Kingscote, we visit the Kangaroo Island Brewery, a new addition to the island’s food and drink culture. This rustic, yet neat and modern complex has an amazing story to tell and not just about the beer, which we will taste during our time here.  We now head to Kingscote, the island’s main town, home for the next four nights.

OVERNIGHT:  Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kingscote, KANGAROO ISLAND

CAPE WILLOUGHBY AND AMERICAN RIVER

This morning we head to the most eastern point of the island to visit the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. Being the first lighthouse to be built in South Australia, it has a rich maritime history and spectacular panoramic views across the Backstairs Passage from the top of the lighthouse. There are 101 steps to navigate to the top if you wish, but the view from the ground is also pretty with excellent views of the remote island coastline. Our majestic views don’t end here as we visit Dudley Wines where we are spoilt with a wonderful outlook as we enjoy a wine tasting and local produce platter for lunch. Skirting Pelican Lagoon, we call in to American River where we visit The Rebuild Independence Project where a volunteer group is recreating the 45ft United States Schooner "Independence", built by American sealers in 1803. This was the first vessel ever built in SA and an interpretive display details the adventures and fate of the boat. On our way back to Kingscote, we stop to view unique artwork of a giant kangaroo and red tailed black cockatoos on the town’s silo.

OVERNIGHT: Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kingscote, KANGAROO ISLAND

KANGAROO ISLAND WILDLIFE

We start the day travelling to Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island's premier tourist attraction.  Here we’ll learn about the amazing lives of these endangered animals as our experienced guide takes us on a tour into the colony. Next stop is Raptor Domain for their In-Flight Birds of Prey demonstration followed by lunch. Offering an unique and entertaining experience while creating an understanding and appreciation for the bird’s role in the environment. On our way back to Kingscote, we stop to view unique artwork of a giant kangaroo and red tailed black cockatoos on the town’s silo.  We now have some free time to take a look at the shops to perhaps purchase a memento of our trip.

OVERNIGHT: Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kingscote, KANGAROO ISLAND

FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK

This morning, we visit the Old Wisanger School, officially opened in 1885. Walking through the building we view photos and textbooks in their original setting. We continue to the north coast where we enjoy a tour of the Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Their  humble story began in 2001 where a small lavender garden was first planted. 23 years later, the farm now runs over 51 acres of land and has an estimate of 7500 lavender plants including 12 different varieties of Lavandula Angustifolia & Lavandula Intermedia. We also enjoy morning tea here. We now head to the far western end of the island to the Flinders Chase National Park. Here we explore the iconic Remarkable Rocks, Cape du Couedic and Admirals Arch. Relax and enjoy the scenery on the way back to our hotel.

OVERNIGHT:  Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kingscote, KANGAROO ISLAND

VICTOR HARBOR

This morning we say farewell to Kangaroo Island and board our ferry at Penneshaw for the journey back to the mainland and on to Victor Harbor. Nestled on a wide, sandy arc of Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor has been the summer holiday choice for generations of South Australians. A trip to Victor, as the locals affectionately call it, would not be complete without traversing the iconic Granite Island causeway atop the Clydesdale horse-drawn tram. We now have some free time to explore. Victor Harbor was originally a whaling centre with three whaling stations in the mid-1900s. An estimated 400 southern right whales arrived into Encounter Bay each season. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the SA Whale Centre (own expense).

OVERNIGHT: McCracken Country Club, VICTOR HARBOR

VICTOR HARBOR TO HORSHAM

We travel to the “Heritage Town” of  Strathalbyn this morning. Settled more than 175 years ago by Scottish immigrants, today the quaint town is popular for its boutique shops and beautiful heritage buildings in the historic main streets. At Tailem Bend we join the Dukes Highway through Coonalpyn - with a brief stop to view the silo artwork. The murals depict a magnificent tribute to the local school children representing “hope for the future”. Keith is our destination for lunch today and this afternoon, we make our way to Horsham for the next two nights.

OVERNIGHT: Horsham International Hotel, HORSHAM

THE GRAMPIANS

Today we embark on a stunning journey through the heart of The Grampians' rugged landscape. Leaving Horsham, we head southeast toward Roses Gap, a tranquil valley surrounded by towering cliffs and dense bushland. As we wind through Zumsteins, an old picnic ground nestled by the MacKenzie River, the road reveals vistas of the dramatic escarpments that define the region. Continuing on, Lake Wartook’s calm waters appear, reflecting the soaring peaks of the Grampians and providing a serene stop for wildlife watching. Climbing further, the road brings us to Baroka Falls, where seasonal cascades tumble over ancient rock formations, offering panoramic views of the valley below. Finally, the road descends into the vibrant town of Halls Gap. This afternoon we stop into Halls Gap Zoo, actively involved in breeding and conservation programs for such wildlife as Brush-Tailed Bettongs, Tasmanian Devils and the tiny Bilby. We then head back to Horsham for our last night on tour.

OVERNIGHT:  Horsham International Hotel, HORSHAM

HORSHAM TO MELBOURNE

Before leaving Horsham this morning, we take a look at their silo art. “Walking on Country” artwork celebrates the life of a Wotjobaluk warrior, Yanggendyinanyuk. World renowned street artist Sam Bates 'Smug' was commissioned to transform Horsham's silo with the image of Yanggendyinanyuk. His totem, the Black Cockatoo, has been painted on the adjacent flour mill. After a photo opportunity, we travel to Murtoa to see a breathtaking mural featuring a flock of brightly coloured birds. The artwork is inspired by the James Hill taxidermy collection, combined with the discoveries of Dr John Cade, a psychiatrist who made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder. No visit to Murtoa would be complete without visiting the incredible Murtoa Stick Shed. Previously known as the Murtoa No. 1 Grain Store, it is the only remaining emergency grain store built during World War Two. This structure is an enduring testament to iconic Australian bush ingenuity and a symbol of the growth and strength of the Australian wheat industry. We’ll be amazed by what we see as we are taken on a tour. Our final silo on our art trail is in Rupanyup; it features two local residents, both members of the local Rupanyup Football and Netball Club. This afternoon, we drive back to Melbourne where, as always, our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us straight to our very door – a delightful way to finish our time away and all part of the great O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours service!