South Australia: Wildflowers, Wines and Wildlife
Adelaide - Clare Valley - Flinders Ranges - Adelaide Hills. Optional extension to Kangaroo IslandWipe off the winter cobwebs and join gardening enthusiast Julie Kinney on a glorious springtime meander through a kaleidoscope of hills, gardens and valleys of South Australia.
Beginning in the Clare Valley, one of South Australia’s most picturesque areas, visit a number of private gardens, homesteads, wineries, artists’ studios and sheep stations. In the Flinders Ranges, explore the diverse natural landscapes and flora and fauna of the region and also discover more about the area’s fascinating pastoral history.
In Hahndorf, visit the historic house and working studio of famous Australian landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen, and see through our own eyes some of the artist’s favourite painting sites.
Before ending the tour in Adelaide, visit a number of private gardens in the McLaren Vale and the rolling Adelaide Hills.
But why stop there – see even more of South Australia at its springtime best with an optional three-day extension to Kangaroo Island’s stunning Southern Ocean Lodge.
At a glance…
• Visit private gardens, artists’ studios, historical wineries and sheep stations of the Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills
• Explore the dramatic Flinders Ranges with its spectacular rock formations, gorges, flora and fauna
• Be taken on a guided walk of the Old Wilpena Station, one of South Australia’s oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements
• Visit the historic house, estate and working studio of Australian landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen
• Join an optional three-day extension to lovely Kangaroo Island and stay at the fabled Southern Ocean Lodge
Heritage Garden, Clare Valley
ITINERARY:
Sun 09 September 2012: Arrive Adelaide
Arrive Adelaide and check-in to your hotel. This evening join Julie Kinney and fellow garden lovers for a welcome briefing and dinner. (D)
Mon 10 Sep: Adelaide – Clare Valley
After breakfast depart Adelaide and journey to the Clare Valley, one of South Australia’s most picturesque regions, set in a landscape that combines Australian bush, charming vineyards and a rich history evident in quaint towns and stately homesteads.
Visit Anlaby Station, one of Australia's great homesteads and one of the first grand rural properties of South Australia, Anlaby was settled in 1839 by Frederick Dutton and reached its heyday in the Edwardian era when it hosted the Prince of Wales. Take a tour of the house through the principal rooms, kitchen, scullery and butler’s pantry. There are approximately 10 acres of garden. A guided walk through these historically listed gardens include the shade house, glass house, walled vegetable garden, rose gardens and terraced lawns.
Enjoy lunch at the Skillogalee Winery Restaurant. Finish with a visit to Wolta Wolta historic homestead and garden before checking-in to the Clare Country Club. Evening at leisure. (BL)
Tue 11 Sep Clare Valley
After a leisurely breakfast visit private gardens in the area including Heritage Garden at Sevenhill. See the traditional veggie garden, the wonderful Souvenir de la Malmaison rose arbour, the quince orchard and the wisteria arbours. All set among a backdrop of gum trees and the rolling hills of the beautiful Skilly Valley.
Continue to Sevenhill Winery for a guided tour and wine-tasting. Sevenhill was established by Austrian Jesuits who fled their country to escape political and religious oppression. Step back in history on a tour taking in Sevenhill’s significant wine and spiritual sites, including the Underground Cellar, old-vine vineyards, St Ignatius of Loyola Shrine and St Aloysius’ Church with its underground crypt.
After free time in the town of Clare for lunch (at own expense) finish the day with a visit to Bungaree Station. Established in 1841, it became the headquarters of an extensive sheep station with 100,000 merino sheep by the 1880’s, and was rather like a small village. On a guided tour explore the station complex, with its beautiful sandstone buildings and gain an insight into 19th century station life. Visit sites including St Michael’s Church, the homestead gardens, the woolshed and the station store followed by dinner. (BD)
Wed 12 Sep: Clare Valley – Wilpena Pound
Depart the Clare Valley for a day’s journey to the Flinders Ranges. Stop in nearby Burra, one of the most beautifully preserved towns in South Australia. Discover this former copper mining town on a tour including sights such as the Redruth Gaol, the Monster Mine and "Creek Street", where 1600 people lived in dugouts along the riverbank.
After a break for lunch (at own expense) travel to Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges (approx. 250KM / 3.5hrs). The Flinders Ranges feature some of the oldest mountain ranges on earth where towering rock walls, spectacular gorges and wildlife abound. Arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort late in the afternoon. Dinner at the resort. (BD)
Thu 13 Sep: Wilpena Pound
This morning take a ‘Corridors through time’ tour by 4WD - a geological and botanical journey through the Flinders Ranges National Park. You will enjoy the beauty of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges and the Aroona Valley, see views that have inspired artists such as Sir Hans Heysen and observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby. In September, the Flinders Ranges are usually peppered with colourful wildflowers and pretty flowering weeds.
Optional tour: Many say that the best way to see Wilpena Pound and its environs is from the air, where you can really appreciate the vastness of this spectacular part of Australia. An optional 1-hour flight will take you soaring over Wilpena Pound, Arkaba Station, Elder Range, Edeowie Gorge, Heysen Range, Lake Torrens, Bunyeroo Gorge, Brachina Gorge, The Backbone of the Flinders, St Mary’s Peak and the Pound Gap. Continue over Western Plains to Lake Torrens, Parachilna Township, Parachilna Gorge, Blinman Township and Copper Mine as well as the ‘Great Wall of China’. (Not included in tour cost, subject to availability and minimum numbers, approx cost $275 per person).
Later in the day enjoy a guided walk (approx. 3KM / 2hrs) to the Old Wilpena Station, one of South Australia's oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements. Walk along Wilpena Creek past magnificent stands of river red gums with stunning views of the Pound wall in the distance. As you pass through the station gate you'll step back 150 years to the early days of pastoral runs.
Learn how the land changed with European settlement and how present-day pastoralists and park managers are dealing with those changes. Enjoy a cuppa and cake on the verandah of the old Homestead or "Government House" as the early homesteads were known. Return to the resort for dinner. (BD)
Fri 14 Sep: Wilpena Pound
Today travel back in time on the full day ‘History and Heights’ tour to the early European settlement at Appealinna which provides a rich insight into the rigours of pastoral life when the Flinders Ranges were first settled. Then join the famous Skytrek track on Willow Springs Station which includes breathtaking 360 degree views from the highest vehicle point in the Flinders Ranges (Mt Caernarvon).
Later this afternoon enjoy another leisurely walk ‘Remarkable Reds’ (approx. 2KM / 2hrs). Red is the signature colour of inland Australia. Red sand, red soil and red rocks define more than half of the Australian continent. Join your guide for an exploration of the Flinders Ranges reds - red gums, red kangaroos, red sandstones and red sunsets. Then over a glass of South Australian red wine, enjoy the Flinders sunset at day’s end! (BLD)
Sat 15 Sep: Wilpena Pound –Hahndorf
Depart Wilpena Pound Resort after breakfast for the journey to Hahndorf located in the Adelaide Hills (approx. 420KM / 5hrs).
Stop at Reillys Wines for a wine tasting at the cellar door followed by lunch at the restaurant which was built in 1856 and originally owned by Irish shoemaker, Hugh Reilly. It is built from local slate and, along with the entire township of Mintaro, is heritage listed to preserve its unique history.
After lunch head to the nearby township of Mintaro for a visit to Irongate Gallery. It is the working studio and gallery of multi award winning contemporary artist Jen Penglase-Prior. The elegant contemporary inspired interior of the gallery features a stunning range of Jen's distinctly unique work in addition to an impressive display of glass, sculpture and ceramics by some of South Australia's most talented artisans.
Continue to Hahndorf arriving late in the afternoon. Evening at leisure. (BL)
Sun 16 Sep: Hahndorf
Morning visit to the Hans Heysen Gallery. See the historic house and working studio of Australian landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen. The Cedars is a gracious old home surrounded by a rambling cottage garden. It houses a fine collection of paintings and drawings displaying Heysen's remarkable versatility in subject and medium.
A walking trail is also featured on the 60 hectare property and directs visitors to favourite painting sites used by the artist. Time at leisure to explore Hahndorf and for lunch (at own expense).
In the afternoon visit some of the private gardens in Stirling. Return to Hahndorf for dinner at the hotel. (BD)
Mon 17 Sep: Hahndorf / McLaren Vale
Full day exploration of McLaren Vale including visits to two private gardens. Located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the McLaren Vale wine region is a great place to start discovering the wine and food of the area. Celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell lunch at d’Arenberg . (BL)
Tue 18 Sep Depart Adelaide
8AM transfer to Adelaide airport for domestic flights departing at 10AM or later. (B)
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO KANGAROO ISLAND:
Tue 18 Sep: Adelaide – Kangaroo Island
8AM transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Kangaroo Island (09.30-10.05hrs / approx. AUD300 return, not included in tour price). On arrival in Kingscote, transfer to Southern Ocean Lodge for a 3 night stay including luxury accommodation, all meals and beverages as well as a wide range of excursions.
Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia's first true luxury lodge, offering a unique and exclusive travel
experience on Kangaroo Island. Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxe, Kangaroo Island style.
Sample itinerary:
After lunch, take a scenic walk starting right on the doorstep of the Lodge atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk affords a bird’s eye view of thundering waves crashing along the coastline.
Tonight enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapes in the Great Room with its open bar, fireplace and sumptuous lounge followed by dinner focusing on local produce and South Australian wines. (BLD)
Wed 19 Sep: Kangaroo Island
After breakfast depart on the ‘Wonders of KI’ tour, a spectacular introduction to Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a unique Fur Seal Colony are some of the highlights.
Return to the Lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Later soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic island property reached by a short drive from the Lodge where kangaroos and wallabies congregate to graze. South Australian wines and canapés are served whilst the sun goes down. (BLD)
Thu 20 Sep: Kangaroo Island
Morning at leisure. Why not go on one of the easy to medium grade treks or pamper yourself at the Southern Spa (additional charges apply).
After lunch explore Seal Bay, home to a large colony of Australian sea lions. Join a naturalist guide for an exclusive tour on the beach with these wild animals. On return to the Lodge join fellow guests for drinks from the open bar followed by dinner. (BLD)
Fri 21 Sep: Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
After breakfast, transfer to Kingscote Airport for flight to Adelaide (10.30-11.05hrs / not included in tour price), connecting with flights home. (B)
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