This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
✓ Incredible sightseeing. See the pinnacles of Wilpena Pound from the air, sample the delights of Coffin Bay, dine on fresh premium seafood in Port Lincoln, see the beauty of Port Lincoln National Park, witness the most spectacular coastal scenery and fall in love with Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ 12 days medium-size car rental, including unlimited kilometer (NIL damage excess including glass & tyres and waives liability for theft or loss to vehicle)
✓ 11 nights accommodation in mostly 4* hotels
✓ 11 breakfasts and 2 lunches
✓ Unbelievable 20 minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound
✓ Fully guided small group food and wine tour through the Clare Valley
✓ Fully guided small group Port Lincoln seafood and wildlife encounter
✓ Fully guided small group Coffin Bay experience with tastings
✓ Fully guided tour of the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Adelaide! On arrival, make your way to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to explore Adelaide at your own pace.
Check in & arrival information.
A taxi or Uber from Adelaide airport to your accommodation costs approximately $25 per car. Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
This morning, collect your car from the AVIS rental CBD office and begin your journey North to the Clare Valley. The Clare Valley is a 90 minute drive from Adelaide and home to over 40 cellar doors and wineries, boasting some of the best Riesling in Australia.
The recommended route is on the Horrocks Highway. As you begin to approach the Clare Valley region, wineries will start to line the route. Use today as the perfect opportunity to sample what put this region on the map.
Today, indulge your self with local produce, award winning wines, gorgeous scenery, stone buildings and quaint villages. Listen to the tales of the rich vibrant history of the early pioneers.
You will be taken through private property with views to astound. We chat about the seasons, the crops, the vineyards, the weather and the farms.
Discover the hows and whys of the land. You will engage with locals visiting boutique cellar doors hidden away on backroads less travelled and gain insights to the region all told by a local. We connect the dots, paddock to plate, vine to wine.
Return to your accommodation at approximately 5:30pm and spend the evening at your leisure.
Today’s drive continues North approximately 290km to the ancient geological region of the Flinders Ranges or Ikara as it is known to the traditional Aboriginal owners. It's a place rich in Aboriginal history and home to a vast array of wildlife.
Tonight you’ll be nearing the Wilpena Pound. A massive bowl almost 100 kilometres wide that stands above the surrounding plains, looks like a crater but the rim is actually made up of the stumps of huge mountains, believed to have been as high as the Himalayas, that have been eroded over millennia. It was called a pound by the early settlers in the 1850s – they thought it looked like a traditional sheep pen.
This morning you are in for a real treat! Take to the skies on a 20 minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound. Completing a circuit of Wilpena Pound where your pilot will point out the Elder Range, Edeowie Gorge, Heysen Range, Lake Torrens, Bunyeroo Gorge, Brachina Gorge, St Mary Peak and the Pound Gap. You will clearly see how the Flinders Ranges appears to be a backbone on the landscape. This is an extraordinary sight and great for photographers.
This scenic flight is operated by the Wilpena Pound Resort and the resort staff will direct you to the meeting point.
After returning to the ground, enjoy the rest of the day to explore the Flinders Ranges at your own pace. Having a vehicle gives you the perfect opportunity to access a huge range of walks or points of interest.
Both optionals activities can be completed on this day, pending the time in which you select.
Take a trip back in time with the Written in the Rocks guided tour, driving and walking the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. The ancient geological history of this region has been exposed at the surface, revealing hundreds of millions of years of sedimentary and glacial activity. This land is ancient, and it shows.
Stop at the Ochre Wall, Lively’s Gold Find, the Welcome Mine and the Jasper Twins as you explore the complex geology of Arkaroola, wandering over ancient glacial rocks from past ice ages at Stubbs Waterhole to the ancient fossil sea-beds now forming near-vertical cliffs in Bararranna Gorge. You may even be rewarded with sightings of the shy Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, wedge-tailed eagles and brown falcons (among others).
This tour is tailored to suit each group, and it includes numerous walks of which the difficulty and length will be at the discretion of the tour participants. And don’t worry, it does include a morning/afternoon tea stop with light refreshments, including the famous Arkaroola Lamingtons! These stops also give you an opportunity wander quietly, taking in the atmosphere and grandeur of this amazing wilderness.
For those who wish to enjoy a full day experience the tour continues along Mt Jacob Backtrack to Tillite Gorge, with its Sturtian Ice Age glacial tillites. Walk up Kingsmill Creek to see the more than 600 million year old Arkaroola Reef and onto Station Backtrack and Lake Frome Lookout.
Duration: 4 hours
Departs: 8:30am or 1pm
Morning or afternoon tea included
Travel along creeks overshadowed by long-lived gum trees, explore wide-open plains and historic locations of Copper Mines. This tour takes its name from the historic and picturesque Echo Camp, originally noted in 1898 by the prospector W.B Greenwood when he discovered this route into the rugged mountains to the north. It was used on many occasions by Sir Douglas Mawson in later years, and the location was even utilized as a base camp for the Manhattan Project in 1944.
The tour makes for a fascinating journey, with informative and lively commentary from your guide as you travel along the wide expanses of Arkaroola creek with its majestic River Red Gums (majestic is the best word to describe them!). Why not choose the full day experience and explore the eastern side of Arkaroola also?
The full day tour also includes a visit to the unique Paralana Hot Springs with its radiogenically heated water and site of a 1920's health spa, East Painter Gorge and Yudnamutana Gorges along the way. If you have your own 4WD vehicle you can opt to explore this track at your own pace for a small, per vehicle fee and $50 refundable key deposit.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Departs: 8am or 1pm
Morning tea or afternoon tea included
This morning, pack the car and begin your journey South along Flinders Ranges Way towards the town of Quorn.
Quorn is an historic town in the Flinders Ranges which came into existence as an important railhead. While here, a visit to the Pichi Richi Railway is a must. Built in the 1870s, this unique railway is the last remaining operating portion of the "Old Ghan" narrow-gauge line. After being abandoned in the 1950's, the Railway was revived in 1974 by the volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society who have progressively restored a remarkable collection of heritage locomotives and carriages.
Continue on to Port Augusta, once the main port for the Southern Australian area.The port was the point where wheat and wool were loaded on clipper ships and transported around the world. By the 1970s that had stopped and the town, exploiting its unique position, became the starting point the Nullarbor Plain.
Continuing south along the coast as Port Lincoln is calling in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula. While here, make time to visit Whalers Way. One of the most popular attractions, with its rugged and majestic coastline, jaw dropping cliffs and blow holes, all providing breathtaking vistas for that perfect photo for your Instagram account.
Approximate distance driven: 343km
Enjoy another guided small group tour of the Eyre Peninsula. You will be collected from your hotel by your guide.
Discover extraordinary Port Lincoln, nestled on the shores of beautiful Boston Bay at the bottom of Eyre Peninsula. Discover the city’s history and heritage while enjoying pristine beaches, coastal scenery and the charms of this modern, vibrant regional centre.
Dine on fresh, premium seafood for lunch plus experience the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fishing fleet going about its work at the commercial marina. Sample the freshest seafood with a fascinating factory tour and tasting. Get up close and interact with koalas, kangaroos, emus, and abundant birdlife while learning about the hardships of the early pioneers.
Today enjoy a guided small group tour of the Coffin Bay region. You will be collected from your hotel by your guide.
Stunning Coffin Bay is the home of Eyre Peninsula’s world-famous oyster industry. Today you'll be taken on a fascinating tour where you’ll learn about the farming process, how the oysters are prepared for market, and sample plump, juicy oysters straight from the ocean.
Additionally, we’ll take you on a drive through the Coffin Bay National Park, where you’re sure to see spectacular wildlife all while enjoying spectacular coastal cliffs, and crystal-clear water fringed by sparkling white beaches. Your tour also includes a farm experience and sampling wines from a local vineyard before being returned to your hotel.
Departing Port Lincoln today, begin the drive down the coast to the town of Whyalla. The Whyalla landscape, coastline and aquatic environs are absolute in contrasts. Where the outback meets the sea, and industry cohabits with nature and vice versa in the most remarkable ways.
Continue on to Port Augusta, once the main port for the Southern Australian area.The port was the point where wheat and wool were loaded on clipper ships and transported around the world. By the 1970s that had stopped and the town, exploiting its unique position, became the starting point the Nullarbor Plain.
Departing Port Augusta at your own leisure today with Adelaide your destination.
En route, we recommend detouring via the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf, areas renowned for their cuisine, spectacular vistas of the city and coastline, as well as local arts and crafts.
Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest German settlement and there is no better place in the region to have afternoon tea or a traditional German beer tasting at the very popular Hahndorf Inn.
Continue onto Adelaide where you will check into your accommodation.
Approximate distance driven: 310km
Today is spent at your leisure. You have your car at your disposal; perhaps a drive south along the coast, or exploring the beachside suburb of Glenelg, or enjoying one of the optionals offered.
Only one optional can be undertaken today, due to the timings of them.
An early morning pick-up from your hotel for a scenic coach transfer to Cape Jervis taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills. On arrival, board the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry for the 45 minute crossing to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Here you will board your luxury SeaLink coach, and your local driver/guide will take you on a tour of South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination.
Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park where you will be taken on a guided beach walk with an experienced guide and be amongst a colony of rare Australian sea lions. Get up close and see these wild creatures frolic and laze about – a truly amazing and unforgettable experience. A delicious two-course lunch will follow your Seal Bay Conservation Park visit.
From here, travel to the western most part of the Island, Flinders Chase National Park. As you travel through the park, keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and koalas. See the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Remarkable Rocks provide great photographic opportunities, and the Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal the spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery and haven for playful Long-nosed Fur Seals.
Your last visit of the day is to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed some kangaroos and get up close to the Kangaroo Island Koalas while listening to the Keeper talk about the cuddly mammals. There is a possibility that you will see more kangaroos and wallabies on your return to Penneshaw for your ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide.
Duration: Full Day
Departs: 6:45am
Returns: 10:30pm
Includes: Pick-up & Drop off at selected hotels in Adelaide.
Return travel to Kangaroo Island by coach/ferry
Driver/Guide
Seal Bay Conservation Park
2 Course Lunch
Flinders Chase National Park including Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch
Kangaroos and Koala Viewing at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
An early morning pick-up from your hotel for a scenic coach transfer to Cape Jervis taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills. On arrival, board the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry for the 45 minute crossing to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Here you will board your luxury SeaLink coach, and your local driver/guide will take you on a tour of South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination.
Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park where you will be taken on a guided beach walk with an experienced guide and be amongst a colony of rare Australian sea lions. Get up close and see these wild creatures frolic and laze about – a truly amazing and unforgettable experience. A delicious two-course lunch will follow your Seal Bay Conservation Park visit.
From here, travel to the western most part of the Island, Flinders Chase National Park. As you travel through the park, keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and koalas. See the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Remarkable Rocks provide great photographic opportunities, and the Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal the spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery and haven for playful Long-nosed Fur Seals.
Uncork the scenic McLaren Vale wine region, discovering boutique wineries that are big on character. With a flexible tour itinerary and a very small group you’ll avoid the crowds and taste the premium wines the region has become so well-known for.
You might visit the organic and bio-dynamic pioneers at Gemtree; family owned and operated Oliver’s Taranga; cellarworthy reds at Kay Brothers; scenic localfavourite Samuel’s Gorge; or any number of iconic wineries like Wirra Wirra, d’Arenberg, or Primo Estate. Your lunch at The Salopian is also the perfect accompaniment to a day of tasting premium McLaren Vale wine.
Duration: 8 hours
Departs: 9:15am
Returns: 5:30pm
Includes: Pick-up & Drop off at selected hotels in Adelaide.
Return Transfers
Wine tastings
Lunch with choice of beverage
Bottled water
Guide
Upon checking out of your hotel, make your way to Adelaide Airport where you will return your rental car and conclude your travel arrangements.
All Renters and any additional drivers must present a full, valid national Drivers License that meets the following requirements:
1. The Drivers License for all drivers must be presented at the time of rental
2. Drivers License must be in English
3. If not in English, it must be accompanied by an International Drivers License or Permit by a certified English translation
4. Chinese Driver’s Licenses are acceptable, but they must have a China Notarial Certificate (CNC):
a. Is valid for driving the vehicle;
b. Is not a learner’s permit;
c. The driver has held for at least twelve consecutive months; and
d. Satisfies any other conditions on the Rental Agreement or in any additional terms
Digital Drivers License
A Digital Drivers License is not accepted. Drivers require a hard copy license until further notice
Deposit
All rentals are subject to a deposit to cover additional costs. A min of AU$200 applies for Metro Locations, $200 for Remote Locations, $200 for Licensee locations and $400 for 4WD locations in Sydney and Melbourne if using a credit card in the name of the renter. A cash deposit is not accepted.
Rates Include
Unlimited Kilometres, Maximum Cover (MAX), Admin Fee Recovery (AFR), 24Hr Breakdown Roadside Assistance, Goods & Service Tax (GST)
Rates Exclude
Airport/Ferry Concession Fee Recovery (ACFR), Fuel, One Way Fees, Optional Extras (baby seats, snow chains etc), applicable Locations Fees.
Damage Excess for Cars
NIL
Young Renters Fee
Where a renter is aged between 21-24 a young driver fee of $16.50 inclusive of GST (Capped at $115.50 in each 30 day period) will apply for Standard passenger vehicles.
Avis full Rental Terms & Conditions can be found HERE
Upgrade to a AVIS Intermediate SUV / Group K vehicle
You may want to upgrade your car hire to Intermediate SUV - Group K / IFAR with AVIS (Mitsubishi Outlander or similar) for an extra $300 per person, or $600 for solo travellers.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $150 per person (two people booking) or $300 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,701.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Children
Children must be 5 years or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is an Independent style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding domestic & international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”. By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can then assist with turning your booking into a flight inclusive package.
Upon completing the purchase of your package and fulfilling the following booking requirements, you will be granted access to our flight portal via your Traveller Hub.
Once these criteria have been met, access will be made available to you via Traveller Hub to book your flights via our flight portal.
The following requests are able to be processed through the online flight portal:
The online flight portal is unable to process the following requests and you must book these yourself independently:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers
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