South Australia's Three Peninsulas - Departs 12th June 2021 a - Blue Dot Travel
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South Australia’s
Three Peninsulas
Departs 12th June 2021
Itinerary correct as at Jan 20, 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be
$6,900 pp
Twin-share, excludes
domestic flights
Single supp $1,200
SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S THREE PENINSULAS TOUR
WITH WHALE WATCHING IN THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN
BIGHT WHALE NURSERY
If you look at a map of the coastline of South Australia, you will see that it has three significant peninsulas.
The smallest, Fleurieu Peninsula, is crammed with great dining and wining destinations (it hosts the famous
McLaren Vale wine region). It also has a great maritime history, once being the centre of the 1800s Murray
River paddle steamer industry. The region boasts incredible natural features, including the Coorong National
Park and the Murray Mouth (where the Murray River enters Lake Alexandrina and onto the Southern Ocean).
The middle sized peninsula, which is similar in shape to the boot of Southern Italy, is our wonderful Yorke
Peninsula. The Yorke is known for broad acre farming of high quality grains including barley, the key ingredient
for making beer. The other feature of the Yorke Peninsula is its magnificent coastline. At the “foot” of the Yorke
boot lies the scenic Innes National Park. We take advantage of this beautiful coast, staying in stunning beach
houses with uninterrupted views over the water to Kangaroo Island. Every Australian should visit this
spectacular national park at least once.
The final and largest peninsula is our famous Eyre, known for its amazing seafood and a rugged west coast.
It is also know for adventure tourism where you can swim with dolphins, seals, and Great White sharks. We
will stick to the more genteel pursuits of eating oysters and tuna, complemented with walks along the deserted
white beaches of the national parks and coastlines. Our journey around the Eyre ends at the Great Australian
Bight where we will be in time for the annual whale migration season. Each year, Humpback and Southern
Right whales (and other marine beauties) head to the upper reaches of the Bight to calve and nurse their
young before they head back into the Southern Ocean.
On our Three Peninsulas Tour, we will explore all three peninsulas and feast off the local produce. Our tour
begins and ends in Adelaide.
Itinerary correct as at Jan 20, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
downstream from the port of Goolwa along the historic wharf
Day 1, Saturday June 12
and towards the Goolwa Barrage. Travel through the lock
Fleurieu Peninsula - Middleton
chamber, down to sea level and spot a few lazy fur-seals
Morning flight to Adelaide aiming to arrive before 3 pm local lounging about. We then meander along the waterways of the
time. Please have your lunch on the plane. You will be Coorong, following the last kilometres of the Murray River to
collected at Adelaide Airport by Bill. Load up the van and head the Murray Mouth and the its opening to the Southern Ocean.
to the Fleurieu Peninsular (approx 1hr). Book into our award Lunch is served on board as you cruise along. The cruise takes
winning accommodation at the Beach Huts at Middleton. 3.5 hours. We regain our land legs back at our
Welcome dinner on the beach front at Flying Fish Cafe. The accommodation. Rest or take a walk on the beach. A lite
Flying Fish is situated on the idyllic beach front at Horseshoe supper will be provided at the accommodation. Overnight at the
Bay, Port Elliot. The café and restaurant is named after an old Beach Huts. B/L/D
two masted schooner which was wrecked in the bay in 1860.
The Flying Fish is an iconic beachside eatery providing Day 4, Tuesday June 15
relaxing meals on the open air deck (or inside) featuring the Yorke Peninsula - Foul Bay
best South Australian and Fleurieu based produce. Overnight
Breakfast in the communal garden kitchen at the Beach Huts at
at the Beach Huts at Middleton. D
7.30 am and be packed and ready for departure at 8.30. Today
we start our journey to the Yorke Peninsula. We take the scenic
Day 2, Sunday June
route through the Adelaide Hills wine region stopping at
13
Strathalbyn for a free-time stroll the historic main street and
Fleurieu Peninsula -
then on to Hahndorf for another free-stroll along the main
Middleton
street. Hahndorf is a contemporary village in the Adelaide Hills,
Breakfast in the proud of its German heritage still visible in its streetscapes. For
communal garden lunch we will stop at Artwine Winery for a tasting and lunch
kitchen at the Beach platter. After lunch we continue on to the Yorke Peninsula
Huts at 8 am. At 9 stopping along the way at Sunny Hill Distillery for a guided
am we will depart for tasting and to soak up their views from the deck. Sunny Hill is a
a day at the wineries. paddock to glass establishment, distilling their gins and
First stop is whiskeys from the
d’Arenberg Winery grains that they grow
and a visit to the Alice in Wonderland-like d’Arenberg Cube. surrounding the
Each of the five levels of the Cube have been carefully distillery. The Yorke
designed to entice and excite the senses including features Peninsula is
such as a wine sensory room, a virtual fermenter, a 360degree Australia’s premier
video room, and many other tactile experiences. Explore the barley growing
Alternate Realities Museum, located on the ground floor, and region. Our
view the many art installations on display. Our visit will include accommodation for
a tasting. Next is a visit to Chalk Hill Winery and Never Never the night is at the
distillery (located on the same campus and co located with multi award-winning
Cucina di Strada - our lunch spot). Chalk Hill is a family owned Yondah Beach
winery, dedicated to making small batch, hand crafted wines of House and Seafire
distinction. The Harvey family has been growing grapes for six Beach House. These properties are stunning architecturally
generations and has six vineyards spread across the beautiful designed deluxe beach houses with sweeping views over the
McLaren Vale wine region. Enjoy a tasting selection, while coastline and across to Kangaroo Island. Privately located on
taking in the commanding views over the Vale. A short amble 150 oceanfront acres on the wild southern coast of beautiful
across the breezeway is Never Never Distillery. Here we have Yorke Peninsula, these beach houses are all about seclusion,
organised a tasting of three of their most awarded gins. space and simple elegance by the sea. We will have our
Awards, awards, awards, including gold medal at the evening meal at the beach houses (the beach houses are
International Wine and Spirit Competition, double gold medal at separated by a 200m track). B/L/D
the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, champion gin and
overall champion spirit at the Royal Australian Spirit Awards, Day 5, Wednesday June 16
World’s Best Classic Gin award at the World Gin Awards, Yorke Peninsula - Foul Bay
double gold medal at the Singapore World Spirit Competition
Today we will have a day trip to Innes National Park. We will
and voted Australia’s best Navy Strength Gin (there are more
breakfast at the beach houses and be ready for departure at 9
awards but you’ll need a drink to get through them all). Stay
am. Innes National Park is at the very bottom the the Yorke
where you are, our feature lunch is on site at the Cucina di
Peninsula. Innes National Park is famous for its spectacular
Strada. Our meals will be brought to our tasting table. After all
coastal landscapes, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. There
this we head back to our accommodation but we can stop en
are ruins, shipwrecks and lighthouses to discover, and beaches
route at Goodieson’s craft brewery for a palette refresher if
and wildlife to enjoy. We will spend the day exploring the
required. Light supper at our accommodation. Overnight at the
coastline and doing short walks. We will take a picnic lunch to
Beach Huts. B/L/D
enjoy at a deserted beach with stunning white sand and
turquoise waters (or a more sheltered area depending on the
Day 3, Monday June 14
weather). On the way back to Yondah and Seafire we will stop
Fleurieu Peninsula - Middleton
at Marion Bay Tavern for dinner. B/L/D
This morning, a lazy start. (Monday is a slow day in the
wineries). Be ready to head for breakfast at 8.30 am. Breakfast Day 6, Thursday June 17
will be on the beach front at Kuti Shack. After breakfast we will Yorke Peninsula
have a short tour of Victor Harbour. Once a strategic port for
Yondah and Seafire are too beautiful to leave empty during the
the exporting of the Golden Fleece, Victor Harbour is a popular
day so today we will have a rest day staying at the beach
holiday spot for South Australians (it is also known as the
houses. Sleep in, eat, drink, walk along the cliffs and the
agapanthus capital of the world or South Australia’s Florida).
beaches, take extra naps, read a book or play a board game.
We will take a short walk to Granite Island keeping our eyes
We will have all meals at the beach houses. B/L/D
peeled for the colony of fairy penguins. At 1pm we will board
the Spirit of the Coorong cruise to the Murray Mouth. Cruise
Itinerary correct as at Jan 20, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Day 7, Friday June 18 close see the vastness of the prime oyster growing area of the
Eyre Peninsula - Port Lincoln world famous Coffin Bay oysters. At the oyster farm we learn
about farming the oysters and pluck fresh ones to open and
In winter they cut the ferry service linking the Yorke Peninsula enjoy. Can't get any fresher than that. If you would like to
with the Eyre Peninsula to 1 per day. The remaining service is immerse yourself in the experience then the option to walk
one that is not a friend of those who like to sleep in. We need around in the water on the farm in waders (waders are
to be up at 6 am, have a quick breakfast and on the road just provided but bring a towel). Your tour guide will be the oyster
after 6.30 for our 2 hour drive to Wallaroo to catch the ferry for farmer who will happily share knowledge about oyster farming,
our 2 hour sea voyage across Spencer Gulf to Cowell on the its history and local knowledge of the area and explore the
Eyre Peninsula. (9.30 departure). On arrival at Cowell we will Coffin Bay water ways. The waders have in-built boots, so just
disembark and drive on to Port Lincoln stopping along the way bring a pair of socks to wear, and dress for the weather, in
at one of the beach holiday towns to buy lunch from the local winter a wind proof jacket, beanie and scarf are a good
country bakery. For the next three nights we will stay at the idea. After the tour we will head to Oyster HQ. Arguably the
Port Lincoln Hotel overlooking Boston Bay. Port Lincoln and best location in town, the prime position on the waterfront. Here
more broadly the Eyre Peninsula is known as the seafood we will warm up with a coffee (and have lunch if you don’t eat
capital of Australia. Port Lincoln is renowned for its Southern oysters) before we head into Coffin Bay National Park for a
Bluefin tuna, King George whiting, Spencer Gulf king prawns look at the spectacular coastline. The beaches throughout
and Southern Rock lobsters. Port Lincoln is home to a very Coffin Bay National Park are truely epic. We will visit Almonta
large tuna fishing fleet. We focus on eating seafood while we Beach and the practically named Point Avoid. Although it will
are on the Eyre. Dinner tonight will be a seafood dinner Del be too cold for a swim we can walk along the coastline and
Giorni’s, an award-winning cafe restaurant on the foreshore of enjoy the rugged beauty of the area. Seafood dinner at Sarrins
Port Lincoln, overlooking Boston Bay. Del Giorni’s owners are the restaurant in the Port Lincoln Hotel overlooking Boston
committed to showcasing Eyre Peninsula’s premium seafood Bay. Menus change seasonally but Sarrins pay homage to
and serving only locally-caught and farmed seafood on the local produce including oysters and the region’s famed tuna if
menu (options are available for non seafood eaters). B/L/D in season. B/L/D
Day 8, Saturday June 19 Day 10, Monday
Eyre Peninsula - Port Lincoln June 21
Awake, breakfasted and ready to explore at 9.00 am. Today we Eyre Peninsula -
have a trip to Port Lincoln National Park, lunch at a local winery Streaky Bay
with great food and great views, followed by some exploration Awake, packed,
around the rugged coastline of the Whaler’s Way. Port Lincoln breakfasted and
National Park. Here, we will explore the vast sand dune ready to hit the
system, rugged offshore islands and secluded white sandy road by 8.30 am.
beaches. The fit and willing can will head off on a hike to the Today we start our
top of the ridge for spectacular views of the coast line while the journey to the
unwilling can wander the beach for an hour. We return to Port rugged west coast
Lincoln and reward ourselves with a wine tasting at Peter of the Eyre
Teakle Wines and a 5 course chef’s table lunch at Line and Peninsula. But first we will have a stop for the seafood lover.
Label restaurant located at the winery. The winery has great We will have a behind the scenes guided tour at 11 am at the
views over the vines and surrounding district. After lunch we Fresh Fish Place Factory, a multi fish species processing
will take a drive along the Whalers Way Scenic Drive. Whalers factory in Port Lincoln. Learn about the diverse local fishing
Way is privately owned land on the tip of the Southern Eyre and aquaculture industries, observe how the fishermen’s catch
Peninsula approximately 32 km from Port Lincoln that offers is received, packed and stored. View the many and varied
some of the most spectacular, accessible and dramatic coastal species of the day. See how we open oysters, peel prawns,
views in the state. It is an explorer’s wonderland of cliffs, clean squid and witness the famous King George whiting being
blowholes, crevasses, caves and golden beaches. We return filleted at high-speeds. The tour includes a tasting of the
early to our hotel where you can rest up or wander down the renowned Coffin Bay oysters, in-house smoked fish and brined
main street or along the coastal esplanade. Grab something for mussels, squid, octopus and scallops. After lunch we start out
dinner if you need to eat again after our long lunch. B/L journey to Streaky Bay. There are a few interesting places to
stop along the way included Mt Dutton Bay Woolshed and
Day 9, Sunday June 20 Gallipoli Beach (where Gallipoli the film was filmed). At Elliston
Eyre Peninsula - Port Lincoln we will follow the Elliston Coastal Trail which reveals yet more
Awake, breakfasted and ready to explore at 8.30 am. Today we dramatic coastline of the Eyre Peninsula. We will visit the
have a trip to Coffin Bay. Coffin Bay is a pretty coastal holiday stunning Talia Beach and walk along the pathway to the
area with beautiful bays and beaches. The highlight of Coffin magnificent Woolshed Cave. Past Elliston heading to Streaky
Bay is the ruggedly spectacular Coffin Bay National Park and Bay, if time permits we will take a break at Murphy’s Haystacks,
the spectacularly delicious Coffin Bay oysters. The oyster a large natural rock formation which makes an exceptional
industry in South Australia was started not long after the colony stop-off point to take photographs and enjoy the landscape.
was first established. Native Angasi oysters were wild More and different seafood is harvested at Streaky Bay
harvested and taken to Adelaide for sale. Overfishing caused including green lipped mussels and abalone (both seasonal).
the decline in catches and the and the cessation of the industry Accommodation at Doi’s on the waterfront or at Streaky Bay
by the late 1800s. In the late 60s Japanese Pacific Oysters Motel and Villas. Dinner will be at a local restaurant, Drift, Fish
were introduced and the industry was rekindled. This morning Fix or the Streaky Bay Hotel. B/L/D
we are joining Experience Coffin Bay Tours for their 10 am trip
out on the water to the oyster farms. Dress warmly, this tour is Day 11, Tuesday June 22
3.5 hours. The tour is chilled and relaxed. You will experience Eyre Peninsula - Ceduna
all the beauty of the pure and pristine coast line, spot seals at A little sleep in today. Breakfasted packed and on the road by 9
"The Brothers" islands and enjoy the dolphins if they appear am. This morning we will explore the rugged coastline around
along the way. The bay is surrounded by the Coffin Bay Streaky Bay and visit the only permanent colony of Australian
National Park on one side and farming land on the other. We sea-lions on mainland Australia. We will follow 2 coastal touring
motor out in the new boat approximately 16km out to the oyster routes which will take 2-3 hours with stops and which will bring
lease at the entrance to the Coffin Bay water way. You will up us back to Streaky Bay. Our first coastal drive is Cape Bauer
Itinerary correct as at Jan 20, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Loop Scenic Drive. The scenery along this section of the Great The Pink Lake is caused by salt loving algae called dunaliella
Australian Bight is rugged and spectacular. Stop along the way salina and bacteria called halobacteria that secrete carotenoid
for some amazing photo opportunities, and discover interesting red pigments, that turns the water bright pink.These unique
features including Hallys Beach, where surf fishing is popular, waters are why the Lake is also known as Watermelon Avenue.
or Whistling Rocks and the Blowholes, which boast a 360m Back to our accommodation at Ceduna and enjoy fresh local
boardwalk and viewing platforms with wheelchair access to the seafood from the Ceduna Hotel on the seafront. B/L/D
fore dune. Like many stretches of the Eyre Peninsula coastline,
this is a significant breeding habitat for raptors such as the Day 13, Thursday June 24
southern osprey, white-bellied sea eagle and peregrine falcon. Port Augusta - Gawler Ranges
Next drive is the Point Labatt Sea-Lion Drive. Point Labatt Today we commence our return to Adelaide for your flight back
Conservation Park offers a unique opportunity to observe these home. We leave the coast and travel through some real
rare and endangered marine mammals from a viewing platform outback settlements and landscapes. Breakfasted, packed and
on the cliffs, 50 metres above the beach. You will also be able on the road by 8.00. It is about 800km back to Adelaide but we
to observe the sea-lions along with New Zealand Fur seals will do this over two days. But first, there are a few interesting
dozing in the sun on the beach and rocks. If we’re lucky we things to see along the way. Our first stop will be Gawler
may even see playful young pups learning to swim or Ranges National Park. The park has a spectacular volcanic
scampering along the beach. Pups are born every eighteen geological history. It’s incredible landscape include some of the
months; mid-winter one year, then mid-summer the next. Pups oldest rock formations on the planet. The Park features ancient
weigh around 7kg at birth. They depend entirely on their ranges, deep gullies, seasonal waterfalls and rocky gorges. It
mother’s milk for the first year. After that they start chasing and is a majestic, natural wilderness famous for the magnificent
occasionally catching fish. At about four weeks of age, baby Organ Pipes,
sea-lions take to the sea for the first time, sometimes with help formed over 1500
from their mothers. Young seal-lions play and frolic in this million years ago
aquatic reserve protected by the offshore reefs.We return to as a result of
Streaky Bay for a lunch at the Bayfunktion Cafe before driving volcanic eruptions.
on to Ceduna for our two night stay at the Ceduna Foreshore On this diversion
Motel and Hotel. B/L/D we will visit the
Organ Pipes,
Day 12, Wednesday Pildappa Rock (a
June 23 wave-like granite
Eyre Peninsula - formation - similar
Ceduna to Wave Rock in
Another early start in WA) and the old
order to travel to Paney Homestead before returning to the main road at
Fowlers Bay for our Wudinna for lunch. After lunch we drive on to Port Augusta for
whale watching an overnight stop at the Majestic Oasis apartments. We will
cruise (breakfasted, have a casual dinner close to our apartments. B/L/D
and on the road by 8
am for a 10 am Day 14, Friday June 25
cruise - we will be Departure
returning to the same motel in the evening). Southern Right Breakfasted, packed and on the road by 8 am. It is about
Whales visit the upper reaches of the Great Australian Bight 350km from Port Augusta to Adelaide airport, and the main
each year to give birth, mate and socialise. They arrive in May route is quite flat and dull. So we will drive through the scenic
and depart around October. They spend the rest of the time route climbing into the Southern Flinders Ranges and onto the
travelling to or feeding well offshore in the Southern Ocean. In beautiful wine region of the Clare Valley. We will stop in the
June and July most of the whales you will see are adults. You Clare Valley at a winery for a farewell lunch before driving onto
may be lucky enough to observe these 70 tonne mammals the airport or your CBD hotel if you are staying longer in
mating (look for groups rolling around on the surface). By late Adelaide. Aim for flights between 4 and 6 pm (5pm is perfect!).
August you can commonly see the mothers swimming along B/L
the cliffs with their young calves at their side. At this time there
are often 70 or more whales in the area. By the time the
whales leave in October the calves have grown and have
become strong enough to join their mothers on the long
migration south. Our tour will be taking in the rugged cliffs and
magnificent little coves of Point Fowler. You’re likely playful
interactions of the Australian Sea Lions. Fowlers Bay is home
to an abundance of endangered, vulnerable and protected
species of marine mammals and oceanic bird life including:
Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Common
Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, New
Zealand Fur Seals, Little Penguins, Albatross, White Bellied
Sea Eagles. In this interactive and informative cruise, you'll
(expectedly, hopefully) see pods of whales, discover the
fascinating yet brutal history of Fowlers Bay, learn about Whale
Baleen Plate, hold some very rare Ambergris and listen to
realtime underwater acoustics - sing along to the Humpback
Whale Song if you know the tune. On our return to Ceduna we
will take a short detour to Lake Macdonnell. The lake is famous
for its half pink half green water. High in salt concentration, the
lake gives the impression of a salmon pink lake on clear days.
One side of the causeway is Pink Lake, the other side is Green
Lake and further down over the small bridge is the Blue Lake.
Itinerary correct as at Jan 20, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
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