MELBOURNE TO MOUNT GAMBIER

Welcome to our tour featuring the magnificent Coorong National Park and the exciting Monarto Safari Resort. 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 and Steakhouse, MOUNT GAMBIER

SPIRIT OF THE COORONG CRUISE

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 to our accommodation in Victor Harbor.

OVERNIGHT: McCracken Country Club, VICTOR HARBOR

VICTOR HARBOR TO MONARTO 

Nestled on a wide, sandy arc of Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor has been the summer holiday choice for generations of South Australians. We start the day with free time to wander the township of Victor Harbor before traversing the iconic Granite Island causeway atop the Clydesdale horse-drawn tram.  Afterwards we travel to the internationally renowned wine region of McLaren Vale. Here we stop at Wirra Wirra, where the imposing ironstone buildings offer a warm welcome.  The fascinating story of Wirra Wirra will be shared with us during a tasting. We then enjoy a delicious lunch  before heading to South Australia’s newest experience, Monarto Safari Resort. The property features a modern, design-led hotel that offers nature-based serenity and unique views of the safari park’s native and African wildlife.

OVERNIGHT:  Monarto Safari Resort, MONARTO

EXPLORING THE SAVANNAH

Located next to the resort is Monarto Safari Park, the largest open air safari experience outside of Africa! Today we immerse ourselves in the sights, smells and sounds of the savannah as we travel across the open plains through herds of animals seemingly free to roam – safari style. With over 50 species of native and African animals, the park plays a major role, nationally and internationally, in breeding programs for rare and endangered species. After time for lunch, we’re in for a real treat when we embark on The Lions 360 Experience. It’s Australia’s only 360-degree lion encounter which gives you a prey’s eye view into the world of these incredible predators. Walking through the tunnel, we’ll emerge within clawing range of one of Australia’s largest lion prides. The safe but adventurous encounter will leave us amazed. Tonight, soak in the last rays of the sun on a guided tour of the Wild Africa precinct after hours from the Safari Truck; you’ll be immersed in parklands and watch free roaming herds of animals from the comfort of the Safari Truck and savouring sunset, drinks and canapes.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Monarto Safari Resort, MONARTO

MONARTO TO HORSHAM

We farewell Monarto this morning and head towards Tailem Bend. Here, 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 our final night on tour.

OVERNIGHT: Best Westlander Motor Inn, HORSHAM

HORSHAM TO MELBOURNE

Before we depart this morning, we’ll take a look at Horsham’s silos, titled “The Yangga Dyata”, which means “Walking on Country”.  We now make our way 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 silos on our art trail are in Rupanyup. These silos have been repainted by street artist Smug, after fading and rusting affected the original work. 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!