Best of South Australia

Trip Type: Explorer
Australia | 5 D | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 2,108.00 /Person

Would you rather sip world-class wine at spectacular wineries, explore a wild landscape of geological wonders, or learn about a culture that’s prevailed for hundreds of years? On this five-day trip exploring the best of South Australia, there’s no need to choose! Walk through the awe-inspiring scenery of Ikara (Wilpena Pound) with a First Nations guide and gain a special insight into the culture of the Adnyamathanha people, wine and dine in the famed Barossa Valley, and stay on the outskirts of the vast Flinders Ranges.

Best of South Australia

Would you rather sip world-class wine at spectacular wineries, explore a wild landscape of geological wonders, or learn about a culture that’s prevailed for hundreds of years? On this five-day trip exploring the best of South Australia, there’s no need to choose! Walk through the awe-inspiring scenery of Ikara (Wilpena Pound) with a First Nations guide and gain a special insight into the culture of the Adnyamathanha people, wine and dine in the famed Barossa Valley, and stay on the outskirts of the vast Flinders Ranges. What better way to spend a long weekend?

Welcome to South Australia! Your adventure begins in Adelaide, or Tandanya in the language of The Kaurna people – the traditional owners of the land. If you arrive in Adelaide early, there is much to see and do, from the Central Market to a footy game in the Adelaide Oval. Your trip will start with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. After, the night is yours. Maybe get your group together and head to one of the best restaurants in the city.

After breakfast this morning, meet with a local Aboriginal guide with whom you'll discover the city from a First Nations perspective. Learn about the wonderful and tragic colonial history on a walk through the heart of Adelaide. Next, head out of town to Hahndorf, a historic village nestled in the Adelaide Hills, originally settled by German immigrants in the 1830s. Enjoy some time to explore, then enjoy lunch made from locally sourced ingredients at a historic pub in another nearby village. After lunch, continue your drive to the famed Barossa Valley. A renowned region of wine, the Barossa is home to a string of rural towns, sun-kissed rolling hills and world-famous wineries – with shiraz grapes the local speciality. Enjoy an included wine tasting here, take in the gorgeous scenery and then sit down for a group dinner.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to the Flinders Ranges – the largest mountain range in South Australia, stretching for over 430 km. Stop in Ikara (Wilpena Pound) – a natural amphitheatre of mountains. Your base for the night is a stunning spot on the outskirts of this geological marvel. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore, search for the perfect spot to watch the sunset or relax at your eco-style accommodation.

In the morning meet with a local First Nations guide for a walk around the magnificent Ikara (Wilpena Pound) area with your group. Your expert guide will share ancient stories of the landscape that have been passed down from generation to generation, provide insight into the region’s biodiversity and the life it sustains, and explain the relationship between the land and the Adnyamathanha people. Once you have a better understanding of the landscape, the rest of the day is yours to explore – maybe join your leader on a hike, opt to go it alone or simply sit back and relax while enjoying the incredible scenery.

It's time to head back to Adelaide this morning after breakfast. Along the way, make a stop in the Clare Valley at a local winery for a delicious tasting paddle of their favourite wines. Maybe grab some lunch here and spend the last day of your trip sharing stories with your fellow travellers. After, you’ll end your journey and arrive back in Adelaide at about 4 pm. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Meals
3 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(s), 1 Dinner(s)

Transport
Private Vehicle

Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights)

Included Activities

  • Barossa Valley - Winery visit & tasting
  • Adelaide - City Cultural Walking Tour with Aboriginal Guide
  • Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park - Day walks
  • Wilpena Pound - Yura Udnyu Our Culture, Your Culture walking tour
  • Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park - Day walks
  • Clare Valley - Wine Tasting
  • Taste the best of South Australia’s famous wines in this gorgeous region of rolling hills, barren bush and world-famous wineries including in the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills.
  • Stay on the fringe of Ikara (Wilpena Pound) – a remarkable natural amphitheatre – and join a local First Nations guide to learn about the biodiversity of the landscape and its relationship to the Adnyamathanha people.
  • Spend some free time in the gorgeous landscape of the Flinders Ranges and watch the sunset over the vast horizon. If you’re in the mood, there are plenty of optional hikes here, too!
  • Take in the vast night sky and the glittering Milky Way – as these areas are fairly remote, there is little light pollution, meaning incredible stargazing opportunity!
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

We are travelling for over 500km from Adelaide to Ikara-Flinders Ranges on Day 3 and 5, so there are some long driving days on this trip. Pack a book or stock up on podcasts as you watch the landscape pass you by.  This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with good fitness and mobility. Please consider your own physical capabilities before embarking on any hikes in Ikara-Flinders Ranges. See the daily itinerary for more information. If you would like to continue exploring South Australia with us, consider booking our Kangaroo Island Short Break Adventure trip. See code PZAI-C on our website for details.

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Destination Details
Australia | 5 D | 1 - 12 People
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Australia
Trip Finishes:
Australia
Countries Visited:
Australia
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