Sealink SA Victor Harbor & Southern Highlights

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Visit South Australia's most popular tourist region, the Fleurieu Peninsula, for its beaches, award-winning wines, fresh local produce and some of the region's best loved tourist experiences.

Days

8 hours, full day

Age

Not recommended for children

Group size

Max 46

Start / finish

Adelaide / Adelaide

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Driver-guided tour with Adelaide hotel pick-up and set down

Meals

No meals are listed as included; morning tea and lunch at own cost

Route

Map of Sealink SA Victor Harbor & Southern Highlights

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Included experiences

Strathalbyn — morning tea stop
Goolwa — where the Murray meets Lake Alexandrina
Port Elliot — photo stop at Horseshoe Bay
Victor Harbor — free time and lunch
Encounter Bay and Rosetta Head — whaling history
McLaren Vale — vineyards and olive groves

Sealink SA Victor Harbor & Southern Highlights

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: THE ADELAIDE HILLS TO STRATHALBYN

After a morning pick-up in Adelaide, the coach climbs into the Adelaide Hills and over the ranges to Strathalbyn. Scottish settlers founded the town on the Angas River in 1839, and its stone streets and the tall spire of St Andrew's Church still look the part. You stop on the main street for morning tea (at your own cost), with time for the antique shops and bakeries. Your guide talks through the history and the country along the way, from the dairy farms of the hills to the drier plains running south.

LATE MORNING: GOOLWA AND PORT ELLIOT

At Goolwa the Murray, Australia's longest river at about 2,500 km, reaches the end of its journey through Lake Alexandrina to the sea. In the 1800s this was a busy paddle steamer port, and a short tour takes in the old wharf and the barrage, a set of gates built to keep seawater out of the lake. Along the coast at Port Elliot, Australia's first public railway, horse-drawn, ran from Goolwa to the town's jetty in 1854. You stop above Horseshoe Bay for photos of its curved beach and granite headland.

MIDDAY: FREE TIME IN VICTOR HARBOR

Victor Harbor is yours for lunch and a wander (lunch at your own cost). The big draw is Granite Island, linked to the town by a causeway and a horse-drawn tram that has run since 1894. You can walk out and around the island's granite boulders, or stay in town for the cafés and craft shops on the main street. Between June and October, southern right whales often come into Encounter Bay to calve, so keep an eye on the water.

AFTERNOON: ENCOUNTER BAY TO MCLAREN VALE

The coach then takes you around Encounter Bay, named for the 1802 meeting here of the explorers Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin, whose countries were rivals in the race to chart the coast. Below Rosetta Head, the granite bluff at the bay's western end, whalers worked from shore stations in the 1830s and 1840s. The road home heads north into McLaren Vale, a wine region between the ranges and Gulf St Vincent where sea breezes cool the vines. Look for ironstone cottages, olive and almond groves, then it's back to Adelaide for an evening drop-off.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Morning pick-up and evening set down at selected Adelaide hotels.
Suits: Generally not recommended for children. Infants 0-2 travel free if they don't occupy a seat; let us know when booking.
Please note: Itinerary subject to change, and some inclusions may be replaced temporarily without notice.

What is included

Morning pick-up and evening set down at selected Adelaide hotels
Commentary by a local driver-guide
Photo stop at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot
Free time in Victor Harbor

Not included

Morning tea
Lunch

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.