Wildlife, Wine, and Waves in Southern Australia

Arrive in Adelaide, South Australia’s pretty, laid-back capital city known for its wine, art, and public gardens. Spend one night in style at the Sofitel Adelaide. The afternoon is your oyster: stroll the botanic gardens, check out the vibrant Central Market, catch an exhibit at the Art Gallery of South Australia, or sip cocktails on Glenelg Beach at sunset. 

Fly to Port Lincoln and dive into the Hunt and Gather Seafood Safari on the stunning Eyre Peninsula. Collect cockles with your toes in the sand, fish straight from the surf, and watch fresh abalone being pulled from the shore. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and sea lions as a chef prepares your fresh Port Lincoln seafood on the beach. After, check in for a relaxing evening at your hotel. 

Far offshore from Port Lincoln, the Neptune Islands are famed for their dramatic cliffs and as a sanctuary for great white sharks. Few places offer such raw, immersive encounters with these incredible creatures. Today, board the vessel and settle into your cabin, then cruise through Neptune Islands Marine Park, and stop at Hopkins Island for a snorkel with the adorable puppy dogs of the seas — Australian sea lions. 

Prepare for your jaw to drop on this three-night great white shark cage diving expedition. Scuba divers can venture all the way to the ocean floor for daily cage dives (the only ocean-floor cage in the world), while others can get up close to these impressive animals in the surface cage. Between cage dives, snorkel with sea lions, explore island colonies of fur seals, and learn from conservationists about shark behavior and ecology. Evenings bring relaxed meals, expert talks, and stargazing on the deck.   

Return to Adelaide and transfer to The Louise, a luxury lodge tucked away among the vines of the Barossa Valley. This is Australia’s most renowned wine region, marked by vine-covered hills and charming hamlets. With expansive suites, private courtyards, and vineyard views, The Louise is a retreat built for romance. Enjoy sunset drinks followed by a five-course, wine-paired dinner at Appellation.  

The Barossa Valley is home to some of the oldest shiraz vines in the world and a growing community of experimental winemakers and chefs. Do a deep dive into the regional terroir today as a private guide leads the ultimate Barossa Valley wineries tour. Visit heritage cellars and contemporary wine studios, taste experimental blends, and linger over a seasonal lunch at FINO restaurant. Wrap up with a world-class shiraz tasting before returning to your suite.  

Sometimes called Australia's Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is a haven for wildlife and rugged nature. Fur seals, sea lions, kangaroos, koalas, and more call the sugary, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and wind-lashed cliffs herehome. Fly in and transfer to Southern Ocean Lodge, a striking ecolodge perched above Hanson Bay. Glass-walled suites face the open Southern Ocean, and your stay includes gourmet dining, premium wines, and a rotating program of spectacular experiences.  

Over the next two days, discover the natural wonders of the island. Explore Flinders Chase National Park as well as Seal Bay, home to one of Australia’s largest colonies of sea lions. Walk coastal cliffs, taking in the heath and waves crashing below while learning about the local flora and fauna, watch kangaroos hop about over sundowners, and stargaze under brilliant skies. In between outdoor adventures, unwind with gourmet food and restorative spa treatments. 

Catch a flight to Melbourne and check into QT Melbourne, an ultra-stylish hotel with industrial design and playful touches. Edgy and vibrant, Melbourne is Australia’s capital of culture. From laneway cafes to art galleries and rooftop bars, the city caters to curious travelers who enjoy discovering a city on foot. Explore the laneways around Bourke and Flinders Streets, or sip wine at a rooftop bar with skyline views.  

Spend your day at the Australian Open, taking in the tournament in two ways. Catch a match live from a lower bowl seat at the Melbourne Park arena, then hit a sophisticated lounge. Graze on nibbles from food stations and roving canapes while you watch a match on a big screen and take in the Melbourne skyline from the riverside terrace with live music echoing across the water. 

Today, you’ll catch your flight home from Melbourne. You’ll be leaving with sand in your shoes, the sound of the ocean in your mind, and endless stories to share with family and friends back home.