Best of Southern Australia

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Melbourne, Hobart, Freycinet Peninsula, Barossa, Kangaroo Island, Sydney

This private tour focuses on the diverse highlights of southern Australia, including the beautiful landscapes and wines of Tasmania and Barossa, the charming wildlife and scenery of Kangaroo Island, and the dynamic cities of Melbourne and Sydney.

Start in lively Melbourne. During flexible private touring, visit historic neighborhoods, walk the city’s distinctive laneways, and see highlights such as Cooks’ Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Arts Centre Melbourne and the shops at Queen Victoria Market. Also, explore favorite neighborhoods and the wonderful food and culture scene throughout the city. One day, enjoy a private, naturalist-led wildlife excursion to Phillip Island to see koalas and fur seals, and watch the evening penguin parade from an exclusive location. Additional excursions can be arranged upon request, such as a scenic flight over the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles.

Next, fly to Tasmania, an island of dramatic mountains, abundant native wildlife, and small farms and villages with artisanal food and wine producers. Enjoy introductory touring in the historic center of Hobart, Australia’s second-oldest town. Then, continue to Saffire Freycinet for several nights at Tasmania’s most luxurious lodge, with views of the water and beautiful Freycinet National Park. Enjoy activities such as nature walks, wine tasting, visiting an oyster farm, cooking lessons, kayaking, fishing, seeing Tasmanian devils, bird-watching, archery, mountain biking and stargazing.

Fly to Adelaide, and continue to the Barossa, a fertile valley that’s one of Australia’s most acclaimed wine regions. During private touring, enjoy private tastings at top wineries, as well as lunch at a leading wine estate. Also stroll through the area’s historic towns and sample artisanal local food products.

Next, venture to unforgettable Kangaroo Island, a haven of natural beauty and native animals. Stay at award-winning Southern Ocean Lodge, a luxurious modern lodge with clifftop views of the water. During private touring with your own naturalist guide, look for some of Australia’s most charismatic animals in their natural habitats, such as koalas in gum trees, wallabies and kangaroos in the bush, and fur seal and sea lion colonies along the beautiful coast. Also explore unusual rock formations, learn about the history of the island, meet interesting local people or opt for scenic hikes.

End in Sydney, Australia's most beautiful city. Enjoy a private insider tour of the city highlights, including the historic Rocks district, vibrant markets, favorite neighborhoods such as Paddington, the Royal Botanic Garden, Aboriginal art galleries and iconic Bondi Beach. One day, Artisans of Leisure will arrange a private tour of the Sydney Opera House and tickets to a performance. During free time, enjoy the city’s sophisticated restaurants, shops and harborside attractions. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange other special interest activities such as a boat ride on Sydney Harbour, a private surfing lesson, a behind-the-scenes wildlife experience, a private tasting tour, kayaking in the harbor, Sydney Skywalk and an exhilarating Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb experience.

This tour can be further personalized with additional time or destinations in Australia.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Melbourne Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 2 Melbourne & Phillip Island Morning private city tour. Afternoon and evening private wildlife excursion to Philip Island with a naturalist guide, including penguin parade Day 3 Melbourne – Tasmania Private transfer to airport for flight. Private touring in Hobart en route to luxury resort for 3 nights Day 4 Tasmania Lodge-based activities such as nature walks, visiting an oyster farm, kayaking, seeing Tasmanian devils, bird-watching and mountain biking Day 5 Tasmania Lodge-based activities Day 6 Tasmania – Barossa Private transfer to airport for flights to Adelaide. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 7 Barossa Full-day private wine touring Day 8 Barossa – Kangaroo Island Private transfer to airport for flight. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 9 Kangaroo Island Full-day private tour with a naturalist guide, including spotting native animals and exploring the bush and coast Day 10 Kangaroo Island Full-day private tour Day 11 Kangaroo Island – Sydney Private transfer to airport for flight. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 12 Sydney Full-day private city tour, including private Sydney Opera House tour. Evening dinner and performance at Opera House Day 13 Sydney At leisure Day 14 Depart Sydney Private airport transfer

Hotels

Melbourne: Park Hyatt Melbourne Tasmania: Saffire Freycinet Kangaroo Island: Southern Ocean Lodge Barossa Valley: The Louise Sydney: Park Hyatt Sydney

Cost

Upon request