Best of South Australia Summer Edition - Fleurieu Peninsula, the Flinders Departs 1st December 2021 - Blue Dot Travel
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
a
Best of South Australia
Summer Edition
Fleurieu Peninsula, the Flinders
Ranges, Clare Valley
and The Eyre
Departs 1st December 2021
Itinerary correct as at 28 July 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
$7,990 pp
Twin-share, excludes
domestic flights
Single supp $1,400
BEST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
SUMMER EDITION
Our tour into South Australia is designed to give you an insight into some of the best of South Australia, great
wines, rugged sparsely populated coastlines and huge outback vistas. This tour has been crafted to allow you
to enjoy the hidden gems of South Australia, small and unique accommodation properties, some great
restaurants and boutique wineries. Along the way we will take short walks through the National Parks and
tours at historical locations, wineries and off road wilderness areas. Included in the tour pricing is a stunning
scenic flight over Wilpena Pound that should be on everybody’s bucket list.
We will travel from Adelaide to the Fleurieu Peninsula, crammed with great dining and wining destinations (it
hosts the famous McLaren Vale wine region). It also has a great maritime history being the centre of the 1800s
Murray River paddle steamer industry and beautiful natural features including the Coorong National Park and
the Murray Mouth (where the Murray River enters Lake Alexandrina and onto the Southern Ocean)
We travel up the Murray River almost to the Victorian border where we will have 2 tranquil nights on a luxury
houseboat. Time to chill and take in the beautiful scenery. Leaving the Murray River, the real outback
adventure begins as we travel through the picturesque Southern Flinders Ranges to the Northern Flinders
Ranges. Along the way the landscape is changing from picturesque landscapes and small stone villages to
ruggedly handsome outback scenery with vast rural properties and isolated homesteads. We end up at
Wilpena Pound. The scenery of the Flinders will be unforgettable.
We then travel to the remote Eyre Peninsula where we have an ocean and food odyssey. The Eyre is known as
Australia’s seafood and ocean life frontier. We will have many opportunities to get up close to the sealife and
for tasting the freshest seafood. We will stop at places like Streaky Bay, Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln.
Our tour begins and ends in Adelaide.
Itinerary correct as at 28 July 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Day 1, Wednesday carefully designed to entice and excite the senses
1st December including features such as a wine sensory room, a
Fleurieu Peninsula virtual fermenter, a 360 degree video room, and many
— Middleton other tactile experiences. Explore the Alternate
Morning flight to Realities Museum, located on the ground floor, and
Adelaide aiming to view the many art installations on display. Our visit will
arrive around 1 pm include a tasting. Next is a visit to Chalk Hill Winery
local time. Please and Never Never distillery (located on the same
have your lunch on the campus and co located with Cucina di Strada Italian
plane. You will be collected at Adelaide Airport by your street food cafe). Here we have organised a gin flight
host Bill. Load up the van and head to the Fleurieu tasting of three of their most awarded gins. Awards,
Peninsular (approx 1hr). We will stop on the way at a awards, awards, including gold medal at the
McLaren Vale winery for a tasting before driving on to International Wine and Spirit Competition, double gold
the beach town of Middleton. Book into our award medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition,
winning accommodation at the Beach Huts at champion gin and overall champion spirit at the Royal
Middleton. Welcome dinner at Thunderbird Cafe in Australian Spirit Awards, World’s Best Classic Gin
Port Elliot. With a focus on seafood and tapas award at the World Gin Awards, double gold medal at
Thunderbird's menu is fresh and regional and as a the Singapore World Spirit Competition and voted
consequence is regularly updated to pair Australia’s best Navy Strength Gin (there are more
creatively with seasonal produce. Overnight at the awards but I’ll need a drink to get through them all).
Beach Huts. D Our super feature meal today is lunch at Star of
Greece. Atop the spectacular Port Willunga clifftops,
Day 2, Thursday 2nd December the Star of Greece has been a staple in South
Fleurieu Peninsula — Port Willunga Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula for over 20 years.
Breakfast in the communal garden kitchen at the Named Star of Greece after a ship which sunk in the
Beach Huts at 8 am. At 9.30 am we will depart for a waters just out front of the restaurant in 1888, the little
day at the wineries. First stop is d’Arenberg Winery seaman’s cottage has undergone a number of
and a visit to the Alice in Wonderland-like d’Arenberg makeovers and is now a beautiful restaurant with
Cube. Each of the five levels of the Cube have been unparalleled views over Aldinga Beach and the
Itinerary correct as at 28 July 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Southern Ocean. This restaurant is very popular with have a wee tasting of their brews before settling into
Adelaidians and is often booked out months in the houseboat and having dinner. B/L/D
advance. After all this, we head back to our
accommodation but we can stop en-route at Day 5, Sunday 5th
Goodieson’s craft brewery for a palette refresher if December
required. Light supper at our accommodation. Wilkadene House Boat
Overnight at the Beach Huts. B/L/D A rest day. Spend all day
on the houseboat. We
Day 3, Friday 3rd December will cruise at a leisurely
Lower Murray River — Mannum pace along the Murray
Be ready to head for breakfast at 8.00 am. Breakfast River past spectacular
will be on the beach front at Kuti Shack. At 10.30 am ochre red cliffs, long white sandbars, river red gum
we will board a Cruise the Coorong boat for a trip to forests and fascinating wetlands. Or stay where you
the Murray Mouth. Cruise downstream from the port are, read a book, swim in the river and take an
of Goolwa along the historic wharf and towards the afternoon nap. A free day for you to do as you please.
Goolwa Barrage. Travel through the lock chamber, The more active can enjoy a 4 km hike up to the
down to sea level and spot a few lazy fur-seals lookout at Headings Landing before a BBQ lunch. The
lounging about. We then meander along the lookout has spectacular views up and down the
waterways of the Coorong, following the last Murray. We will have all our meals on the house boat.
kilometres of the Murray River to the Murray Mouth B/L/D
and the its opening to the Southern Ocean. The cruise
takes 2.5 hours. Lunch will be at the wharf when we Day 6, Monday 6th December
return from our cruise. In the afternoon we will explore Flinders Ranges — Wilpena Pound Resort
the Langhorne Creek winery region. We will have a Today we have a long drive to Wilpena Pound. We will
tasting and a behind the scenes winery tour at stop along the way at the Heritage town of Burra for
Bleasdale Winery. Then on to Mannum where we will lunch and a couple of other interesting places to refuel
eat and stay at the Mannum Motel. The International and stretch our legs. Located 429 km north of
Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has officially named the Adelaide, Wilpena Pound lies in the heart of the north
new River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, Flinders Ranges and is a remarkable natural
outside of Mannum, as one of the most magnificent amphitheatre covering
places on Earth to see the night sky. This evening we nearly 8000 hectares.
will have a picnic dinner followed by some instruction It is a huge flat plain
on night sky photography. Overnight and dinner is at covered in scrub and
the Mannum Hotel. B/L/D trees and totally
surrounded by jagged
Day 4, Saturday 4th hills which form a rim.
December From the ground it
Murray River — looks like a rugged low
Wilkadene House mountain range which can easily be traversed. When
Boat you reach the top you look across the plain and can
After breakfast it is a clearly see the hills around the edges. From the air it
visit the Mannum is a remarkable sight. The floor of Wilpena Pound, is
Dock Museum, home 200 metres higher than the surrounding country. The
of the fully restored Paddle Steamer Marion. This highest point is St Mary's Peak which is 1188 metres
museum gives a great overview of the history of the above sea level and will occasionally be dusted in
river and the riverboats. Part of the museum is the snow during winter. The pound is 17 km long and 8
Paddle Steamer Marion is a fully restored heritage km wide and is a remarkable sight. Our
vessel built in 1897 and is one of the last operational, accommodation for the next 2 nights is in an air
heritage, steam driven, wood fired, passenger conditioned ensuited safari tent and our dinner will be
carrying side paddle steamers in the world. After the at the Wilpena Pound resort. B/L/D
museum at 10.30 am we will take a 1.5 hour cruise on
the PS Mayflower. After the cruise you are free to take Day 7, Tuesday 7th December
a stroll along the main streets and river front of this Flinders Ranges — Wilpena Pound Resort
historic port city before we have lunch at a local cafe. Breakfast at the resort. This morning we will walk into
After lunch we head to Wilkadene on the Murray River the Pound to the original Wilpena Pound Homestead
above Renmark stopping along the way at Gnaut (about 3 hours return) and the more enthusiastic and
Gnaut Conservation Park for a 1.5 hr Aboriginal able can walk up to the lookout area (another 1km but
Guided tour along the river cliffs in this Aboriginal steep). On our return from the Pound we will have a
culturally significant reserve. Our luxury houseboat is picnic lunch before we explore by 4WD the
moored at the Wilkadene micro brewery so we will surrounding landscape and points of interest
Itinerary correct as at 28 July 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
particularly the Brachina and Bunyeroo gorges. In the baby sea-lions take to the sea for the first time,
afternoon the take a stunning 30 minute scenic flight sometimes with help from their mothers. Young seal-
over the Pound and surrounding ranges. These tours lions play and frolic in this aquatic reserve protected
are both spectacular and a must do, and are included by the offshore reefs. We return to Streaky Bay for the
in your tour package. Dinner is again at the Wilpena evening and dinner. B/L/D
Pound Resort. B/L/D
Day 10, Friday
Day 8, Wednesday 8th December 10th December
Eyre Peninsula — Streaky Bay Eyre Peninsula —
Early start this morning as it is another full day of Port Lincoln
driving to get to Streaky Bay on the west coast of the Awake, breakfasted
Eyre Peninsula. Again we will stop at a number of and ready to explore at
spots including historic Quorn (home of the Pitchie 8 am. Today we have a
Ritchie Railway), Kimba (the halfway point between trip to Coffin Bay.
Australia’s east and west coasts), Wuddina and Coffin Bay is a pretty coastal holiday area with
Pildappa Rock (a mini Wave Rock). We'll stay for two beautiful bays and beaches. The highlight of Coffin
nights at the local motel. Dinner tonight will be at the Bay is the ruggedly spectacular Coffin Bay National
Fish van. B/L/D Park and the spectacularly delicious Coffin Bay
oysters. The oyster industry in South Australia was
Day 9, Thursday 9th started not long after the colony was first established.
December Native Angasi oysters were wild harvested and taken
Eyre Peninsula— to Adelaide for sale. Overfishing caused the decline in
Streaky Bay catches and the and the cessation of the industry by
This morning we will the late 1800s. In the late 60s Japanese Pacific
have a half day tour of Oysters were introduced and the industry was
Streaky Bay on an rekindled. This morning we are joining Experience
Ocean to Plate cruise. Coffin Bay Tours for their 10 am trip out on the water
This cruise includes to the oyster farms. The tour is 3.5 hours. You will
catching and sampling some of Streaky Bay's finest experience all the beauty of the pure and pristine
produce. Harvest your own oysters straight from the coast line, spot seals at "The Brothers" islands and
farm, dive for razor fish (or watch the deck hands), enjoy the dolphins if they appear along the way. The
haul in the crab nets and try your luck at trolling on the bay is surrounded by the Coffin Bay National Park on
way home. We will taste shucked oysters and the one side and farming land on the other. We motor out
catch of razor fish and crabs cooked onboard with a in the new boat approximately 16km out to the oyster
glass of wine or beer. In the afternoon we explore the lease at the entrance to the Coffin Bay water way. You
rugged coastline around Streaky Bay and visit the will up close see the vastness of the prime oyster
only permanent colony of Australian sea-lions on growing area of the world famous Coffin Bay oysters.
mainland Australia. We will follow 2 coastal touring At the oyster farm we learn about farming the oysters
routes which will take 2-3 hours with stops and which and pluck fresh ones to open and enjoy. If you would
will bring us back to Streaky Bay. Our first coastal like to immerse yourself in the experience then the
drive is Westall Way Loop Scenic Drive. The scenery option to walk around in the water on the farm in
along this section of the Great Australian Bight is waders (waders are provided but bring a towel). Your
rugged and spectacular. Stop along the way for some tour guide will be the oyster farmer who will happily
amazing photo opportunities. Like many stretches of share knowledge about oyster farming, its history and
the Eyre Peninsula coastline, this is a significant local knowledge of the area and explore the Coffin
breeding habitat for raptors such as the southern Bay water ways. The waders have in-built boots, so
osprey, white-bellied sea eagle and peregrine falcon. just bring a pair of socks to wear. After the tour we
Next drive is the Point Labatt Sea-Lion Drive. Point head into Coffin Bay National Park for a look at the
Labatt Conservation Park offers a unique opportunity spectacular coastline. The beaches throughout Coffin
to observe these rare and endangered marine Bay National Park are truely epic. We will visit
mammals from a viewing platform on the cliffs, 50 Almonta Beach and the practically named Point Avoid.
metres above the beach. You will also be able to We can walk along the coastline, take a swim or just
observe the sea-lions along with New Zealand Fur enjoy the rugged beauty of the area. For the next 2
seals dozing in the sun on the beach and rocks. If nights we will stay at the Port Lincoln Hotel
we’re lucky we may even see playful young pups overlooking Boston Bay. Port Lincoln and more
learning to swim or scampering along the beach. broadly the Eyre Peninsula is known as the seafood
Pups are born every eighteen months; mid-winter one capital of Australia. Port Lincoln is renowned for its
year, then mid-summer the next. Pups weigh around Southern Bluefin tuna, King George whiting, Spencer
7kg at birth. They depend entirely on their mother’s Gulf king prawns and Southern Rock lobsters. Port
milk for the first year. After that they start chasing and Lincoln is home to a very large tuna fishing fleet.
occasionally catching fish. At about four weeks of age, Dinner tonight will be at The Fresh Fish Place which
Itinerary correct as at 28 July 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.aushowcases the Eyre Peninsula’s premium seafood Day 13, Monday 13th December
(options are available for non seafood eaters). B/L/D Clare Valley — Mintaro
Day 11, The picturesque Clare Valley's winemaking history
Saturday spans more than 150 years, making it one of
December 11 Australia's oldest wine-producing regions. It has also
Eyre Peninsula —Port been described as one of the prettiest in Australia with
Lincoln rolling hills and sweeping valleys. The unique
combination of geography, geology and climate
Awake, breakfasted
results in terroir that is perfect for producing world-
and ready to explore at
class wine. The length of the valley is dotted with
8.30 am. Today we
small boutique wineries. We will spend the next day
have a trip to some exploration around the rugged
and a half visiting a few of our favourite wineries and
coastline of the Whaler’s Way and a long lunch at a
landmarks. Our first visit is Sevenhill Winery.
local winery with great food and great views. Whalers
Sevenhill's celebrated old stone winery and cellar
Way is privately owned land on the tip of the Southern
door, stately St
Eyre Peninsula approximately 32 km from Port
Aloysius' Church, the
Lincoln that offers some of the most spectacular,
Seminary building,
accessible and dramatic coastal views in the state. It
spacious gardens and
is an explorer’s wonderland of cliffs, blowholes,
the surrounding
crevasses, caves and golden beaches.. We return to
vineyards provide a
Port Lincoln for a long lunch at Peter Teakle winery at
welcoming and tranquil
their Line and Label restaurant. After lunch we return
place. Sevenhill was
to our hotel where you can rest up or wander down
established in 1851
the main street or along the coastal esplanade and if
when the Jesuits planted vines to produce
you are still hungry grab a snack for dinner. B/L
sacramental wine. The Jesuits' focus on wine has
Day 12, Sunday 12th remained, with Sevenhill adding to its sacramental
December wine a range of table wines. We will take a self guided
Clare Valley — walking tour which takes in Sevenhill’s significant wine
Mintaro and spiritual sites, including the underground cellar,
old-vine vineyards, St Ignatius of Loyola Shrine and St
Awake, packed,
Aloysius’ Church with its crypt. We will visit a second
breakfasted and
winery Kilkanoon before we head for our paddock to
ready to hit the road
plate degustation lunch at nearby Watervale Hotel.
by 7.45 am for a dash
Watervale Hotel was named AHA’s best regional
to Lucky Bay for the 10.30 ferry to the Yorke
restaurant in 2020. After lunch we will return to our
Peninsula. On arrival at Wallaroo lunch will be at the
accommodation. Fix yourself a snack for dinner from
Bond Store. It is another 1.5 hour drive to Mintaro, a
the provisions left by your accommodation. B/L
stone village heaven in the Clare Valley. We will stop
along the way at Pike’s Winery in the Polish Hill valley Day 14, Tuesday 14th December
for a wine tasting and the strategic purchase of wine Return to Adelaide and fly home
in case it is needed for emergencies in the evening.
Breakfast at our accomodation. Drive 2 hours to
Our accommodation will be at Reilly’s Wines heritage
Adelaide airport arriving in Adelaide in the late
cottages in Mintaro. Reilly was an Irish convict sent to
morning for an early to mid afternoon departure (aim
Van Dieman’s Land and later in 1856 settled in
for flights between 12 and 2 pm. B
Mintaro with his wife and children and over the next
10 years, he converted the stone barn that had been Important notes
his home into Reilly’s Cottage which served as the Things change, places open and shut, chefs get ill, repairs and
local Cobbler’s Shop in the center of the bustling renovations need to be made, and places can shut down for weddings,
town, which had boomed with the discovery of slate in funerals, floods or fires (not to mention C****19). If the unexpected
happens, we have lined up a stunning B and C list of great places to
the area. Mintaro's slate quarry opened in 1854 and visit, eat and stay.
two years later the cottage was leased to stonemason We choose quality unique accommodation. Our aim is that your
Thompson Priest who worked the quarry very accommodation will have a private ensuite. Occasionally, particularly
successfully. His residence was built circa 1856 along on the houseboat, you will have a private bed room but you may need
to share a bathroom with another room.
with the slate quarry Pay Office on Hill St, just behind
As a general rule, wine and drinks are not included with your meals.
Hugh Reilly's Cottage. These buildings have been You will need to purchase these as you need. Wine tastings are
transformed and now provide self-contained modern inclusive where they appear on your itinerary. In between meal snacks,
accommodation combined with the charm of the drinks, coffees and little somethings are also at your own expense.
original buildings. Casual dinner at the Magpie and Room in the vehicle is limited. Please keep luggage and wine
purchases to a survival only level. However all wineries can arrange
Stump, the village local. B/L/D freight for your souvenirs to be sent home.
Itinerary correct as at 28 July 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.auYou can also read
