Highlights
- See Sydney's top sights, then learn to surf at the famous Bondi Beach
- Drive one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world: the Great Ocean Road
- Drift above the city of Melbourne in a private hot-air balloon
- Explore the Barossa Valley wine region and its cellar doors by e-bike
- Hike the Arkaba Walk, a three-day bucket list trail in the Flinders Ranges
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sydney, Deluxe Sunset Cruise | Sydney |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Sydney Tour, Surf Lesson at Bondi Beach, Coastal Walk | Sydney |
| Day 3 | Cottage Point Inn Fly & Dine, Twilight Sydney BridgeClimb | Sydney |
| Day 4 | Fly to Melbourne, Evening Dinner, Tales & Cocktails Tour | Melbourne |
| Day 5 | Lanes & Arcades Tour, Koalas & Kangaroos in the Wild Tour | Melbourne |
| Day 6 | Full-Day Great Ocean Road Tour | Melbourne |
| Day 7 | Hot-Air Balloon Flight, Fly to Adelaide, Drive to Barossa Valley | Barossa Valley |
| Day 8 | Free Day in the Barossa Valley: Wine Safaris & Outdoor Adventures | Barossa Valley |
| Day 9 | Barossa Valley E-Bike Tour, Adelaide Hills Berries & Chocolate Foodie Tour | Barossa Valley |
| Day 10 | Drive to Flinders Ranges, Arkaba Conservancy Safari | Flinders Ranges |
| Day 11 | Arkaba Walks (Day 1): Hike to Black's Gap Bush Camp | Flinders Ranges |
| Day 12 | Arkaba Walks (Day 2): Hike To Elder Camp | Flinders Ranges |
| Day 13 | Arkaba Walks (Day 3): Hike to Arkaba Homestead | Flinders Ranges |
| Day 14 | Drive to Adelaide, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Deluxe Sunset Cruise
G'day and welcome to Sydney! This Australian city is often mistaken as Australia's capital (that would be Canberra) and is considered a must-visit destination for good reason. On arrival, a private driver will be waiting at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Kick off your Australian honeymoon with a special "Welcome to Country" ceremony. You'll discover another side of Sydney as a local Aboriginal guide invites you to visit Australia's places and spaces and asks Dreamtime custodians to guide and watch over you as you walk, sleep, and travel across waters, land, and sky.
You'll either experience a traditional scenting from Earth Mother via white ocher or join a mini smoking experience to develop an appreciation of the ceremony and its relevance to modern Aboriginal people. After, return to your hotel to grab a jacket ahead of a romantic evening on Sydney Harbour. Step aboard a luxury yacht and enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise to watch day turn to night as you cruise the waters. Your captain and host will share the rich history of the city as you pass famous landmarks, from the Opera House to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Day 2: Half-Day Sydney Tour, Surf Lesson at Bondi Beach, Coastal Walk
Wake ready to explore Sydney with a guide. Hear fascinating stories of early convict history in The Rocks area, and see postcard-perfect views of the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Those who want to shop can stop at the Queen Victoria Building and the trendy Oxford Street district. Pass by Double Bay, Kings Cross, and Mrs Macquarie's Point, then cut a lap over the Sydney Harbour Bridge toward North Sydney before heading southeast to Watsons Bay. Admire brilliant views of the city skyline, then finish at the most famous beach in Australia—Bondi Beach!
Bondi Beach is an iconic surfing spot—so where better to join a 90-minute surf lesson? Under the guidance of a private surf coach, you'll learn the basics of paddling and feel the rush of adrenaline as you stand up and surf the crystal-clear waters. After, lace up your sneakers and trek the famous clifftop walk from Bondi to Coogee, a 3.7-mile (6 km) coastal route with breathtaking views. You'll pass Bondi Icebergs swimming club, marvel at 2,000-year-old traditional Aboriginal rock carvings at Marks Park, then pass Tamarama and Bronte, ending at Coogee Beach.
Day 3: Cottage Point Inn Fly & Dine, Twilight Sydney BridgeClimb
Today starts as you board a private 20-minute scenic flight destined for the award-winning Cottage Point Inn. This beautiful waterfront restaurant sits in the heart of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is renowned for its exceptional modern Australian cuisine. The friendly staff will greet you with a warm welcome and great Australian wines. After your laid-back and leisurely three-course lunch, board the seaplane for your return to the city. Circuit above the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House before landing at Rose Bay.
Return to your hotel and refresh ahead of this evening's thrilling adventure. As dusk hits, you'll ascend the summit of the world's largest steel arch, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With a twilight BridgeClimb, you'll experience spectacular 360-degree views as you walk across catwalks, ascend ladders, and celebrate from the top of the famous "coathanger," which reaches 439 feet (134 m) above sea level. Return to the ground and seek out dinner at one of Australia's top restaurants like Quay, Aria, or Bennelong.
Day 4: Fly to Melbourne, Evening Dinner, Tales & Cocktails Tour
After breakfast, take a private transfer to Sydney Airport for your 90-minute flight to Australia's other big city, Melbourne. On arrival in the country's cultural capital, another driver will transfer you to your accommodation. Drop your bags and set out to get lost in Melbourne's back streets and arcades, where local designers, specialty retailers, quirky cafés, and cool street art define the city's famous "laneways" culture.
Return to your accommodation and refresh ahead of this evening's tour, which takes you into the heart of Melbourne's elegant and lively nightlife. It's a stark contrast with the city's dark past, which was shaped by curious characters on both sides of the law. Begin with a dinner that reflects Melbourne's fantastic culinary scene, and learn about the city's history from a local guide. Next are some of the best spots in town, many of which are deliberately hard to find, and you can enjoy this firsthand insight into all that Melbourne has to offer.
Day 5: Lanes & Arcades Tour, Koalas & Kangaroos in the Wild Tour
Get lost in Melbourne's back streets, laneways, and arcades with a guide who will show you the city's greatest secrets. This city is famous for its laneway culture, and on a three-hour morning walk, you'll discover local designers and specialty retailers, quirky cafés, and cool street art—all while hearing fascinating tales from your local guide. These 19th-century arcades and alleyways have been reinvigorated with world-famous street art, and you'll find hidden gems at every turn.
After, a private guide will meet you for a special journey west to You Yangs Park, a natural reserve with a healthy population of wild koalas. Discover how koalas live and socialize, then break for a picnic lunch with tea. After, travel to the nearby Serendip Wetlands National Park. Often, you'll be greeted by a choir of screeching cockatoos or chattering honeyeaters. Walk through the gum trees and across grasslands in search of eastern grey kangaroos. Look for curious emus and take a short walk to the billabong, home to waterbirds. Finally, you'll return to Melbourne.
Day 6: Full-Day Great Ocean Road Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Wake up early for an epic day trip along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world: the Great Ocean Road. This stretch of highway runs 150 miles (240 km) down Victoria's southwest coast, passing national parks, limestone rock formations, seaside bluffs, coastal mountain ranges, and incredible beaches. Experience the coastal drive in style with a full-day small group tour. Stay on the lookout for animals including whales, dolphins, echidnas, and bandicoots, plus you'll visit the best spots to see koalas and kangaroos in the wild.
Stop for lunch at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town set among the rolling coastal hills. It offers a great selection of cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. After, stretch your legs on a forest hike through the mountains of the famous Otway Ranges. You'll also visit the romantic cove at Loch Ard Gorge, then cap the adventure at the most incredible natural landmarks on the route: the Twelve Apostles, a group of ancient limestone rock formations rising out of the sea.
Day 7: Hot-Air Balloon Flight, Fly to Adelaide, Drive to Barossa Valley
Start the day with a peaceful hour drifting gently over the city of Melbourne in a private hot-air balloon, admiring the skyline from a bird's-eye perspective. After you land on solid ground and pack the balloon away, you'll drop into the Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne for a special hot breakfast with a glass of sparkling wine or coffee to toast the morning's adventure. After, collect your bags and take a private transfer to the airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.
On arrival, collect a rental car and begin the 90-minute journey into the Barossa Valley, a region renowned for wine, with over 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors. It's also known for its German heritage, so stop in historic Hahndorf and be charmed by its quaint 19th-century architecture. The scenic drive between Lyndoch, Tanunda, and Nuriootpa is dotted with cellar doors of top wineries, such as Château Tanunda and Penfolds, so drop into a cellar door for a tasting on your way to your accommodation at the The Louise, a luxe property with private villa-style suites.
Day 8: Free Day in the Barossa Valley: Wine Safaris & Outdoor Adventures
Sip a fresh juice or locally roasted coffee while waiting for your free-range eggs to be cooked, paired with greens from the kitchen garden, or try a sourdough crumpet with local honey. After breakfast, there's plenty to do in the Barossa Valley. This region is famous for its wines, so you could start the day with a luxury wine safari, savoring private tastings at the award-winning vineyards; explore the art and science of winemaking in a hands-on blending session; or tour the Barossa's countryside in a vintage car or motorcycle trike.
Alternatively, spend the day in the beautiful Barossa landscape. You could start with a 3-5 mile (5-8 km) hike in the wilderness, followed by an outdoor yoga flow and meditation session. Have the chefs prepare a picnic hamper and venture out into the wild for an intimate lunch in nature. Or discover contemporary craft and design at JamFactory at Seppeltsfield, a creative studio and showroom housed in the estate's restored historic horse stables. End the day with a taste of the finest local cuisine at The Louise's restaurant.
Day 9: Barossa Valley E-Bike Tour, Adelaide Hills Berries & Chocolate & Foodie Tour
Gear up for a sustainable electric bike tour, starting at the historic Yalumba Estate. See the Southern Hemisphere's only fully operational cooperage, then jump in the saddle and ride the scenic Barossa Cycle Trail to the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company for a hot chocolate. After, drop by a vineyard to taste six wines, including rare drops, before riding to Barossa Cheese for local cheese paired with seasonal condiments. Finally, return to Yalumba for a private tasting and picnic lunch. You'll receive a hamper and maps of the estate, so you can lay down your picnic rug wherever you like.
In the afternoon, make the 50-minute drive south to the Adelaide Hills wine region for a self-guided foodie adventure. Just outside Hahndorf, visit the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm to taste gourmet chutneys and sauces. From November to April, you can even pick your own strawberries! If you're hungry, drop into Bridgewater Inn for a meal, then visit Melba's Chocolates at Woodside, a chocolate factory that uses vintage equipment. If there's time, you could also climb the "The Big Rocking Horse" at Gumeracha and see the amazing "Whispering Wall" at Barossa Reservoir.
Day 10: Drive to Flinders Ranges, Arkaba Conservancy Safari
There's a big drive ahead, so rise early for breakfast at The Louise before hitting the road. /you'll cruise north to the Flinders Ranges, a five-hour drive from the Barossa. Pass through Lochiel, where the nearby Lake Bumbunga changes color from pink to white to blue, depending on the salinity. Continue to Port Augusta, where the outback meets the ocean, and stop for lunch. After, visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, then continue to Quorn, a small historic town at the edge of the Flinders Ranges used for many movie scenes and TV shows.
Finally, an hour later, you'll reach the Arkaba Homestead, your luxurious base. This afternoon, you'll join an expert field guide on a safari-style exploration across the 60,000-acre (24,300 ha) conservation property. As you roam, you'll get to know the flora, fauna, and geology of the Flinders countryside, taking in varied terrains and massive vistas. After, return to the intimate, all-inclusive lodge for dinner on the outdoor terrace, enjoying the sunset and sounds of the bush. Then, take a glass of wine to the fire pit and watch the stars above.
Day 11: Arkaba Walks (Day 1): Hike to Black's Gap Bush Camp
Today is the first day of the Arkaba Walk, a three-day bucket list hike into the heart of the Flinders Ranges. You'll walk against a backdrop of the Elder Range and Wilpena Pound and experience the sights, sounds, scale, and space of outback Australia. This moderate-graded guided walk takes you into the remote wilderness while offering some home comforts. An expert guide will lead and share insight into the region's wildlife, conservation efforts, and cultural heritage. The journey begins with a transfer from Arkaba Homestead to the start point.
Traverse the flat basin of Wilpena Pound, absorbing a natural amphitheater of rocky mountains. In the afternoon, you'll ascend into the rim of the Pound for breathtaking views of the sculpted escarpments. Arrive at the secluded Black's Gap deluxe bush camp by evening, where you can relax with an aperitif as you watch the sunset behind the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound. After enjoying a three-course dinner paired with South Australian wines, spend the night under the starlit outback sky in your swag bed. Today's walk covers approximately 8 miles (13 km) over 5-6 hours.
Day 12: Arkaba Walks (Day 2): Hike To Elder Camp
Wake up ready for another day exploring Arkaba's ancient landscapes. Discover the region's 500 million-year journey and learn about the protection measures taken to allow natural processes to regain control. This day is arguably the most scenic as you venture into the hills. Begin by following the Heysen Trail, exploring historical shepherds' camps and mustering yards, and watching kangaroos and emus roam the terrain.
As the day advances, you'll shift slightly west for the last part of your adventure—the steep climb to the summit of Red Range. The challenge is worth it for the panoramic views of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. The day ends at Elder Camp, nestled among native Cypress trees. Here, a hot bush rinse shower and another night under the stars in a deluxe swag await. Today's walk covers approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) over 6-7 hours.
Day 13: Arkaba Walks (Day 3): Hike to Arkaba Homestead
It's the last leg of the Arkaba Walk! Today, you'll trek through diverse landscapes, including mallee and cypress forests, on the way back to Arkaba Homestead. The hike takes you through the hill country at the foot of the Elder Range, ascending the beautiful Red Range, and then descending to the shady banks of the Arkaba Creek with its river-red gum trees. You can walk at a more leisurely pace today, stopping to feel the native birdsong and admire details of the wild bush. Keep an eye out for galahs, parrots, and honeyeater species that frequent the forest canopies.
Return to the Arkaba Homestead by midafternoon, where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings or indulge in a pre-booked sunset scenic flight over the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound. After your three-day adventure, unwind by the fire pit with a glass of wine, sharing stories with your fellow hikers. Then, savor a feast prepared by the skilled in-house chef team at Arkaba Homestead and reflect on a few great days. Today's more leisurely walk covers approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) over 6-7 hours.
Day 14: Drive to Adelaide, Depart
It's the last day of your honeymoon in Australia—and there's a 4.5-hour drive back to Adelaide ahead of you. If you have time to spare, spend the morning relaxing poolside with a book or go for a stroll to Arkaba's wildlife viewing hide or historic woolshed. Then, jump behind the wheel and travel southwest along Flinders Ranges Way to Hawker, once a thriving railway town. Continue by Quorn once more, and take various highways until you reach Adelaide.
Make sure you have enough time to refuel and return your rental car ahead of your flight home or onward. Safe travels!
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