Tripology

Bus

Departing Sydney at 8 a.m., travel toward the nation's capital via the Southern Highlands.

Sightseeing

A stop at the ­historic town of Berrima, a visit to a working sheep farm and an Aussie barbecue lunch are all included on your journey.

Sightseeing

On arrival in Canberra, tour the Parliament House and visit the Australian War Memorial.

Food and Dining

Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (L,D)

Hotel

Stay at Olims Hotel Canberra (F).

Sightseeing

Your first stop is in Cooma to see the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, a complex renewable energy plant and an engineering wonder.

National Parks

Continue on to Kosciuszko National Park. Here you have a chance to ride the Mt. Kosciuszko chairlift (own expense). Enjoy the vistas of this majestic Park, home to mobs of kangaroos, as you travel the Alpine Way. Go over the mighty Murray River and into the town of Beechworth. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Boutique Country B&B Accommodation (F).

Sightseeing

A tour shows you the highlights of the town, then there is some free time to visit the antique shops and ­galleries and Beech­worth Bakery.

Wine

Leaving town, stop at the historic Baileys of Glenrowan Winery, established in the 1860’s. There is time to sample some of their delectable wines before heading out through Ned Kelly Country.

Food and Dining

Arrive in cosmopolitan Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, where the evening is free. A ­dinner option tonight is the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure (F).

Museums

A full day free to explore Melbourne on your own. This attractive city boasts some of the world’s finest museums, and offers excellent shopping opportunities.

Sightseeing

There are also fine gardens, parks and waterfront promenades. You might want to join an optional tour to see Phillip Island’s Fairy Penguins.

Wine

Visit the Yarra Valley’s wineries or Sovereign Hill’s goldmine. (B)

Sightseeing

Have your camera ready for one of the world’s great coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. The scenery along the route is breathtaking.

Surfing

Stop at one of Australia’s surfing capitals, Torquay, world famous Bell’s Beach, and the magnificent Twelve Apostles, before arriving in the whale watching capital of Warrnambool. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Country Comfort (ST).

Safari

Today, Tower Hill State Game Reserve is your first stop. This native wildlife sanctuary is set in an extinct volcano.

Sightseeing

Then continue through picturesque Port Fairy, along the coast, over the border into South Australia and on into Mount Gambier. Take a city tour and stop to see mysterious Blue Lake, which changes color twice a year. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Quality Inn International (ST).

National Parks

Travel out of Mt. Gambier and through Millicent to distinctive Coorong National Park. Take a guided bush walk with a local Aboriginal guide through this ecologically important, migratory bird habitat.

Sightseeing

Then on through Meningie, on the shores of Lake Albert, en route to Adelaide. See the city on an orientation tour. The afternoon is yours to explore this “City of Churches.” (B)

Hotel

Stay at Stamford Plaza (SF).

Bus

Travel past the seaside resort of Glenelg and on to the quaint village of Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Sightseeing

Here, there is free time to explore, shop, and perhaps take a walk to Granite Island to enjoy the sensational coastal views.

Then board a ferry and travel to Kangaroo Island.

Food and Dining

Tonight, savor dinner at your hotel overlooking the splendid Backstair Passage. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Ozone Seafront Hotel (ST).

Beach

A full day to explore Kangaroo Island. At Seal Bay, take a guided tour along the beach among the Australian sea lions basking on the shore.

National Parks

Then on to admire the unique Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch. Finally, visit Flinders Chase National Park to do some koala, wallaby and kangaroo spotting. (B,L,D)

This morning, ferry back to Cape Jervis.

Bus

Then on to Adelaide and the airport for your onward flight. (B)