STUART S COACHES presents a 15 DAY ADELAIDE & KANGAROO ISLAND TOUR Tuesday 4 March Tuesday 18 March 2014 Day 1 (LD): HOME TO BALRANALD: Tuesday 04 March 2014 Welcome to our 15 day tour to Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. Today we depart the depot at 6.30am and travel west through Goulburn and Yass on to our lunch venue at the William Farrer Hotel in Wagga Wagga. We continue our travels via Hay on to our overnight stop in Balranald (lunch William Farrer Hotel, dinner in motel). Balranald Motor Inn, Balranald 03 5020 1104 Day 2 (BLD): BALRANALD TO ADELAIDE: Wednesday 05 March 2014 Following a hearty breakfast we begin our day s travels. Joining the Mallee Highway we make our way through Ouyen and onto Pinnaroo where we stop for our lunch break. This afternoon we continue via the district town of Lameroo before joining the Princes Highway at our comfort stop in Tailem Bend. Travelling through to Adelaide Hills and into the city of Adelaide itself, where we have booked central accommodation at the elegantly furnished Stamford Plaza Hotel. After checking in, we have time to freshen up for dinner after our travel day (breakfast & dinner in hotel / lunch at Hotel). Day 3 (BD): ADELAIDE: Thursday 06 March 2014 This morning we meet our local guide and begin our touring of Adelaide. Making a stop at Montefiore Hill we can see the spot where Colonel Light planned a great city of the future in the sweeping valley below. Nearby is one of the city s most prominent landmarks - St Peters Cathedral, overlooking the city from North Adelaide. We then head into The Central Market which has over 80 stalls and is South Australia's most visited tourist attraction. It trades largely in fruit, vegetables, small goods, and café food and is divided into a colourful array of lanes and broadways. The Central Markets remain the Heart of Adelaide! We farewell our guide and have the chance to purchase lunch before our next visit. We now head to Haighs Chocolate Factory, just on the fringe of the city. They produce a wonderful range of handmade chocolates that will be hard to resist! From here we return to our accommodation and relax prior to dinner (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at own cost). Day 4 (BD): ADELAIDE: Friday 07 March 2014 We have the opportunity to enjoy a free day in Adelaide today. Explore the main shopping precinct of Rundle Mall or take a tram out the front of the hotel and head to Glenelg, the popular beachside suburb. We meet up again this evening for dinner, ready to share our stories and adventures from the day (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at own cost).
Day 5 (BLD): ADELAIDE TO KANGAROO ISLAND: Saturday 08 March 2014 We have a very early start to the day to travel through to Cape Jervis, at the foot of the Fleurieu Peninsula, to board our Sealink Ferry Service to Kangaroo Island. It takes just 50 minutes to complete the crossing to Penneshaw. Upon arrival we head to the centre of the Island to Parndana. This is where the Andermel Marron Farm is located. Here we will be introduced to marron at close quarters in aquaria or holding tanks so we can fully appreciate the physical characteristics of this wonderful freshwater crayfish. We will also enjoy lunch here. On the farm are a native food orchard and vineyards so we have the chance to taste Two Wheeler Creek wines from the vineyard. For the creative cooks the farm produces several native food plants used as condiments such as lemon myrtle and mountain pepper. This afternoon we visit a couple of unique ventures. The first is Clifford s Honey Farm home to Kangaroo Island s own population of Ligurian bees (the only pure strain in the world) producing 10,000 kilograms of delectable honey each year. The bees were imported in 12 hives from the Italian province of Liguria in the 1880s, and remain protected from other breeds of bee by the island s isolation. Next is a stop at Cygnet River and South Australia s first sheep milking dairy and cheese factory Island Pure. After a great day we head to Kingscote and settle into our accommodation for the next 2 nights (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at Marron farm). Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kangaroo Island 08 8553 2011 Day 6 (BLD): KANGAROO ISLAND: Sunday 09 March 2014 There are two major wildlife areas we have planned to visit today Seal Bay and the Flinders Chase National Park. Our locally based guide will join us on the coach as we travel to the famous Seal Bay for a chance to walk on the beach amongst the colony of Australian Sea Lions who live here all year round. It is an unforgettable experience to be guided by a National Parks Ranger, along the beach, within metres of the bulls, cows and sea pups as they rest on the beach. We then head towards the south western end of Kangaroo Island to Flinders Chase National Park. We enjoy our lunch at the Chase Café then visit Remarkable Rocks, Cape du Couedic and Admirals Arch where, via a spectacular board walk, we can see close up a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals who live in the sea and the rocks just below us. At Rocky River we should see plenty of Cape Barren Geese and maybe a Tamar Wallaby or two. From here we head back to Kingscote for our final night on the island (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at café). Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kangaroo Island 08 8553 2011 Day 7 (BLD): KANGAROO ISLAND TO MURRAY BRIDGE: Monday 10 March 2014 We rejoin the ferry service this morning and travel back to Cape Jervis. From here we drive to Victor Harbor, or Victor as the locals call it. The town was originally a whaling centre with three whaling stations. Fortunately this ceased in the mid 1800s when bigger profits were made from boats carrying wheat and wool down the Murray River to the Port of Goolwa. We board the horse drawn tram for a unique ride across the causeway to Granite island. The island was once used as a main port for vessels travelling overseas with cargo brought over by horse-drawn vehicles. We have a look around then return to the mainland for lunch. This afternoon we head to the 1,000 hectare free range sanctuary that is Monarto Zoological Park. On arrival our friendly guide joins us for an informative guided tour of the park. We relax and enjoy the tour in our comfortable air conditioned coach. We have time to browse the gift shop and
information centre before we continue to Murray Bridge for our overnight accommodation (Breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch en route). Adelaide Road Motor Lodge, Murray Bridge 08 8532 1144 Day 8 (BLD): MURRAY BRIDGE TO MT GAMBIER: Tuesday 11 March 2014 Today we head to the South East of South Australia. We ll travel along The Coorong via townships Menningie, and Kingston SE to arrive into Penola. This small village is the site where Mary MacKillop, Australia s first Saint, set up her church and schoolhouse. On arrival we enjoy lunch followed by a tour of the centre before making our way to our destination of Mount Gambier. We check into our accommodation and settle in for dinner. (Breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at Penola) Quality Inn Presidential, Mt Gambier 08 8724 9966 Day 9 (BLD): MT GAMBIER: Wednesday 12 March 2014 Our first visit this morning is at the Blue Lake Visitors Centre where we will meet our guide for a tour of the Blue Lake Pumping Station. We hear a fascinating story with comprehensive information about this most unique volcano, its folklore & legends, mysterious annual colour change, wildlife and facts about the water supply of the city of Mt Gambier. We will even hear about the antics of Adam Gordon Lindsay a well know national poet who was also an accomplished horseman and leading steeplechase jockey. He almost came to grief one day at the Blue Lake! From here we visit Umpherston Cave - a sinkhole that has been landscaped with terraced gardens close to the city centre. It is an impressive garden with palm trees reaching to the sky and plants hanging over the edges of the sinkhole. We then head into town for some free time and lunch. This afternoon we visit the Lady Nelson Tourist Centre which contains the Discovery Centre. Interactive exhibits display a history from the explorers and local aboriginal people to our country as it is today, unfolding some of the mysteries of our history and our geology. We now make our way back to our motel to enjoy some free time before dinner (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch en route). Quality Inn Presidential, Mt Gambier 08 8724 9966 Day 10 (BD): MT GAMBIER TO HALLS GAP: Thursday 13 March 2014 From Mount Gambier this morning we take the Glenelg Highway into Victoria. We pass through Casterton and then make a stop at Coleraine. There is a small enterprise here called Glenelg Fine Chocolates. The chocolates are made at the back of the shop the smell as we enter is amazing! On arrival into Hamilton we have an early lunch before we take a look around the town. The Hamilton Art Gallery is famous for its outstanding collections of historic and contemporary paintings and decorative arts including the fabulous Shaw bequest. Silver, glass and porcelain, oriental ceramics, furniture, paintings and prints, including Australian art, are featured in six modern galleries. We then re-join the coach and drive into the Grampians National Park and check into our accommodation in Halls Gap (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch en route). Grampians Motel Halls Gap 03 5356 4248 Day 11 (BLD): HALLS GAP: Friday 14 March 2014 Our motel is just outside the township of Halls Gap Nestled in a peaceful valley it has views of natural bushland and is central to the spectacular National Park. Kangaroos and native wildlife are often seen in close proximity to the motel. We have a leisurely start to the day before making our way to the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This is the best place to begin our tour of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park as it
explains the Park s exceptional environment and Aboriginal Culture. At the National Park Visitors Centre we are joined by our local guide for our day s touring. We travel through the main scenic areas including Boroka Lookout, Mt Victory Road (passing scenic rock formations such as the Elephant s Hide), spectacular views at Reids Lookout and McKenzie Falls. We enjoy our picnic lunches during the day at a comfortable spot. Our final visit of the day is to The Wander Inn. This Artists studio will be a delightful end to a picturesque day. We then return to our motel (breakfast & dinner in motel / picnic lunch en-route). Grampians Motel Halls Gap 03 5356 4248 Day 12 (BLD): HALLS GAP TO BENDIGO: Saturday 15 March 2014 This morning we head via Ballarat onto Daylesford for a tour and morning tea at the Convent Gallery an iconic landmark nestled on the crest of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. The gallery, boasting expansive views of the countryside and township below, is a haven of fine art in an historic 19 th century mansion. We have plenty of time here to purchase lunch and enjoy the many craft shops and cafes along the main street. This afternoon we continue through to Castlemaine where we visit Buda Historic Home & Garden. This historic homestead is one of the great heritage assets of the goldfields region and is surrounded by one of the most important large 19 th century suburban gardens surviving in Victoria. The house was built in 1861 and from 1863 it was the home of noted gold and silversmith Ernest Leviny and his family. Complete with the family s art and craft collections, furnishings and domestic effects, Buda is a unique record of this creative family who occupied it for a period of 118years. We enjoy a guided tour here then make our way to Bendigo, for the next two nights (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch en route). Quality Inn Colonial, Bendigo 03 5447 0122 Day 13 (BLD): BENDIGO: Sunday 16 March 2014 We are in for something a little different this morning as we board the Talking Tram for an interesting ride through the main areas of Bendigo to learn a little about the history of the Goldfields as well as see some of the stunning historical buildings such as the Shamrock Hotel and the magnificent Sacred Heart Cathedral. We also step back into the Golden Era and experience one of the most remarkable boom time buildings in Victoria. Bendigo Town Hall's stunning interior features elaborate plasterwork, extensive hand painted decoration and delicate gold leafing. Our next stop is the Golden Dragon Museum. Here we enjoy lunch followed by a tour. On our tour we will hear and see the story of the impact and contribution made by the Chinese people of Bendigo - from the Gold Rush of the 1850s to the present day. One permanent display is Sun Loong the longest Imperial dragon in the world and Loong the oldest Imperial dragon in the world. The Yin Yuan Chinese gardens (Garden of Joy) are based on the Imperial Palace in Beijing and whilst we wander we ll see the Reflection Wall and murals of the Taoist Eight Immortals who together represent different conditions of life; poverty, wealth, aristocracy, plebeianism, age, youth, masculinity and femininity. The Immortals encourage laughter, banish worries and help enliven the struggle for existence. We also stop by the Chinese Joss House - the oldest Joss House still in use in the area. Built in 1860 it fell into disrepair but was restored by the National Trust and reopened in 1972. It is made up of three buildings - a caretakers residence, temple to Guan Kung and an ancestral hall with alters to several other gods and brilliant banners. After our interesting day, we return to our motel and freshen up for dinner (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at museum). Quality Inn Colonial, Bendigo 03 5447 0122
Day 14 (BLD): BENDIGO TO ALBURY: Monday 17 March 2014 Prior to departing town we drop in to Bendigo Pottery for a self -guided tour of the Interpretative Centre. We step back in time here and learn about the production processes, machinery, working conditions and traditional skills of Bendigo Pottery from its beginning in 1858 to the present. We then travel via Seymour and Benalla onto Wangaratta where we stop to stretch our legs and have some lunch.this afternoon we continue through to Chiltern and visit the National Trust property of Dow s Pharmacy Museum. Built in 1859, the pharmacy remained open until 1968, operated by Hilda and Roy Dow from 1929. Many of the original shop fittings, records and pharmaceutical equipment are now on display and the extent to which retailing and the science of pharmacy and medicine have changed is well highlighted! It will be an interesting visit. Our last leg today sees us arriving into Albury for our final overnight stay at the Quality Resort Siesta. We ll check in and relax prior to dinner (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch en route). Quality Resort Siesta, Albury 02 6025 4555 Day 15 (BL): ALBURY TO HOME: Tuesday 18 March 2014 Our final journey takes us along the Hume Highway as we make our way back to the South Coast of NSW. We arrive home later today to complete our fabulous 15 day tour to Adelaide and Kangaroo Island (breakfast in motel / lunch en-route). All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc. Deposits Due upon booking $500 per person. Full payment due 15 th January 2014 Booking Conditions Accommodation is on a share room basis in Motels, Hotels and the like. Single Supplement will apply if no twin share is available. The accommodation named may be altered without notice. The right is reserved to amend or modify the itinerary at any time without notice for unpredictable weather or road conditions or for any other reason beyond our control. Cancellation Fees: In the event of the cancellation of a tour the following fees apply; 60 days or more prior to departure, loss of deposit. Between 7 and 59 days prior to departure, 50% of tour price. Less than 7 days prior to departure, 100% of tour price. Refunds: No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour after departure. Responsibilities: Please label luggage clearly. Stuarts Travel advises that the service it provides is for the booking and packaging of goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, motels, and transportation companies. Passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Stuarts Travel will not be responsible and will be excluded from any liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by the operators of airlines, coach lines, rail travel, hotels / motels or attractions used in connection with the tour. Passengers rotate in the Coach, giving every one forward and window seating. Min. No s do apply. B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner Insurance is recommended Payment to Stuarts Travel acknowledges that you have read, understand and accept these booking conditions.