Southern Australia Luxury Tour: Melbourne, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island - 7 Days

Day 2: Full-Day Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Plus

Today you'll embark on a private day trip to Phillip Island to witness the evening ritual of the "Penguin Parade." Stop first at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you can see endangered species, greet adorable kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, and admire various colorful birds and reptiles. After two hours, you'll reach Phillip Island, famous for the cute wild penguins that waddle up the beach every night—but there's much more to explore on the small island.

This afternoon you might visit Woolamai Beach to watch the surfers. From here, head to the western corner of the island to enjoy magnificent views of Bass Strait and the Nobbies, home to Australia's largest colony of fur seals. Before evening falls, you'll stroll along the boardwalk to the Penguin Plus viewing platform at Summerland Beach to witness the phenomena of the Penguin Parade. Watch the adorable little penguins come ashore as they hurry off to find their burrows. After, sit back and nap on the return late-night drive to Melbourne.

Day 3: Full-Day Melbourne by Bike Tour

Experience Melbourne on two wheels with today's full-day private bike tour. Across six hours you'll delve into the beating heart of this vibrant city with a special cycling experience tailored to your unique interests and pace. Along with a local guide, you'll roll through quaint leafy neighborhoods and zip through urban backstreets while hearing tales of local icons and intriguing characters. Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise along the picturesque riverbank, take in the breathtaking bay views, or even pedal the Grand Prix Circuit and explore the city's culture and sporting precincts.

After a full day exploring Melbourne by bike you'll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can put your feet up before heading out for your final evening in the city. Melbourne is home to some of Australia's top fine-dining restaurants, such as Attica, Vue de Monde, and Society, but for something more low-key you could slip down one of the city's famous laneways in search of a wine bar with world-class snacks like Embla.

Day 4: Fly to Adelaide, Evening Wine, Dine & Discover Tour

Today you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. A small, progressive city, Adelaide only covers about 1 square mile (2.6 sq km) yet boasts many distinctive attractions and is renowned for its many festivals, fine food, and wine. On arrival, a private driver will collect you and your bags for a transfer to the iconic Mayfair Hotel. This 5-star historic hotel sits in the heart of the city and the thoughtfully designed rooms reflect the heritage-listed Art Deco facade.

Settle in, refresh, then set out this evening for a culinary walking tour. Start at one of the city's lesser-known local wine bars for an introduction to the region's best wines over snacks. Wander Adelaide's back streets, admiring the architecture, street art, and atmosphere on the way to the next location: a hidden bar to discover local spirits and creative cocktails. Hear about local laws and legends, the saints, sinners, innovators, and creators who have shaped this unique Australian city. Finish with a local digestive and delicious fresh cheese or sweet treats at a local institution.

Day 5: Fly to Kangaroo Island, Guided Bushwalk & Lunch Experience

Early this morning, a private driver will collect and transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch a quick 35-minute flight to Kangaroo Island, a favorite foodie and wildlife destination. Your private guide will meet you at the airport in Penneshaw. Together, you'll spend the next two days exploring the island's top sights. More than a third of the island's total area comprises protected wildlife reserves, and hopefully you'll see the small wallabies almost extinct on the mainland and a kangaroo found only on this aptly named island.

Start with a guided bushwalk where you'll learn about the fauna and flora of the island. Break for lunch at a private bush camp to enjoy a delicious meal featuring local seafood, fresh salads, and fine South Australian wines. Next, you'll see Australian sea lions on the sandy beaches of Seal Bay Conservation Park, spotting pups playing in the surf and learning about the species' unique biology from your guide.

In the late afternoon, arrive at Southern Ocean Lodge, a resort celebrated around the world as a pioneer in experiential luxury. Enjoy welcome drinks on arrival, then settle into your deluxe room. Later, journey out to a bushland sanctuary near the lodge for "Southern sundowners." An architecturally designed viewing platform sets the stage for sunset, which you'll enjoy with a drink in hand, waiting patiently as local wildlife venture out at dusk to graze.

Day 6: Explore Kangaroo Island & Flinders Chase National Park, Return to Adelaide

Start this morning with breakfast at the lodge, sampling the best of local offerings like free-range eggs, honey from the island's hives, smoked salmon, and pastries. Then get ready and meet your private guide for another full day of sightseeing. Today you'll travel through the island's northwest and visit Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, an important private wildlife reserve. Learn about the programs for protecting endangered mammals and promoting fire ecology, and feed local kangaroos before taking a break to enjoy an elegant picnic surrounded by nature. 

After lunch, your guide will take you into Flinders Chase National Park to see the massive shapes of Remarkable Rocks, a natural sculpture perched precariously on top of a granite dome rising out of the ocean. Continue to Admirals Arch, a coastal grotto that provides shelter for a large colony of long-nosed fur seals. After your tour, you'll be transferred back to the airport for your return to Adelaide, where you'll check into the Mayfair Hotel once more.