Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Escape

You're on your way to the Great Ocean Road, a snaking coastal route that is one of the world's most epic journeys. Across a dramatic 240 kilometres you'll take in limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Then traverse skirting untouched coastal coves and pass through sleepy towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, where bare feet and boardshorts are the dress code. Get together with your fellow travellers for dinner tonight.

On the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), explore the World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. The lake spans 1,700 hectares of significant wetlands and stony rises right next to the historic lava flows of Budj Bim National Park. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn how the Gunditjmara people worked with natural resources on a short walk of the lake, Australia's oldest aquaculture system. More volcanic history awaits across the South Australian border in Mt. Gambier, home to the crater-filling Blue Lake. Because it's very blue. And it's a lake.

By now you'll be pretty thirsty, so it's a good thing the Coonawarra wine region is just around the corner. After a few sips, you may find yourself getting deep – literally. Naracoorte's Alexandra Cave is a maze of delicate, needle-like stalactites and massive twisting columns.

Nature rules large again today as you weave along the Fleurieu Peninsula to Victor Harbor. After rolling hills, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, you're greeted with the charms of this seaside town – the gateway to Kangaroo Island. All aboard the ferry for your journey toward this ‘mini Galapagos'. Kangaroo Island deserves its moniker, as you'll discover tomorrow, but for the rest of the day, all you need to do is relax at your hotel in Kingscote, or perhaps take a stroll along the picturesque waters edge.

Begin your day at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where Kangaroo Island's remarkable wildlife greets you along the sweeping shoreline. During this meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you'll visit one of Australia's most important sea lion breeding sites and learn about a species with a population of only around 12,000 worldwide, including roughly 800 that live here at Seal Bay. As you join your guide along the beach, you may witness enormous sea lions powering down the sand toward the water, offering an unforgettable display of their size and character.

After soaking in the coastal scenery, continue for a relaxed lunch. Your journey continues across the island to its dramatic coastline, where the striking, orange lichen covered Remarkable Rocks rise majestically above the brilliant blue of the Southern Ocean. These naturally sculpted formations command attention and showcase the island's extraordinary geological beauty. Nearby, Admirals Arch awaits an impressive natural rock bridge sheltering a bustling colony of fur seals, with a photogenic lighthouse providing a scenic backdrop.

Finish the day by unwinding at Kangaroo Island's only boutique brewery. Here, you'll enjoy a tasting of locally crafted beers and take in the relaxed atmosphere. How does a crisp Pale Ale sound as the perfect end to your island adventure?

This morning, explore Kangaroo Island's heritage with a guided tour of one of Australia's only vertical wool mills, where a 360 degree igloo dome immerses you in the sights and sounds of a working shearing shed. Continue to South Australia's only eucalyptus distillery to learn how this pure, aromatic oil is produced and keep an eye out for roaming kangaroos and emus as you wander the estate.

Afterwards, travel to South Australia's oldest operational lighthouse for sweeping coastal views before departing the island and arriving in Adelaide, a city renowned for its historic churches and exceptional culinary scene.

After a city orientation tour, head from Adelaide to Hahndorf located in the Adelaide Hills, known for its strong German flavours most evident in the smallgoods outlets, bakeries, pubs, and cafes that line the bustling main street. Back in Adelaide, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure - we have a few recommendations, including a visit to the epic Adelaide Central Market, where you can try green ant gin with cheese, among so many other delicacies. Enjoy a Japanese inspired dinner at the hotel with your newfound friends.

A week in this part of the world really isn't enough. We hope we've inspired you to come back for another taste.