Murray River, Barossa, Kangaroo Island & Adelaide
Days:
9 Days
Activity:
3. Active Moderate
Transport:
Drive
$5,185.00
Tour description
Dates: 17–25 April 2026
Discover South Australia in comfort on this unforgettable 9-day escape combining the mighty Murray River, the gourmet Barossa, the wild beauty of Kangaroo Island and the elegant charm of Adelaide
Fly into Adelaide and head straight for the Adelaide Hills, taking in panoramic views from Mount Lofty Lookout and strolling through the stunning Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the storybook villages of Crafers, Stirling and Bridgewater before arriving in Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, for lunch and time to browse boutique shops, crafts and galleries.
Next, slow the pace with a two-night Murray River cruise aboard the Proud Mary. Settle into your river-view cabin, dine onboard and watch the riverbanks glow under evening lights. Wake to tranquil scenery and abundant birdlife, then enjoy time in Mannum before a guided eco-cruise past towering sandstone cliffs and serene waterways. A classic Aussie BBQ under the stars, live music and a campfire round out the experience.
From the river, travel to the Barossa Valley for two nights of heritage and flavour. Visit the Barossa Chateau for Devonshire tea and gardens, browse Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, explore Tanunda, and savour a tasting at a local winery.
Cross to Kangaroo Island for three nights based in American River. Meet rare Australian sea lions at Seal Bay, marvel at Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase, and enjoy encounters with koalas, kangaroos and birds of prey. Sample local produce including eucalyptus products and famous island honey.
Return via McLaren Vale for wine tasting, then finish with Adelaide highlights, botanic gardens and relaxed time by the sea at Glenelg before flying home.
Itinerary
This morning we depart Sydney on our flight to Adelaide, arriving late morning. Upon arrival, we travel into the Adelaide Hills for a stop at Mount Lofty Lookout, offering sweeping views across Adelaide and the coastline. We then enjoy a visit to the beautiful Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens.
Continuing through the charming townships of Crafers, Stirling and Bridgewater, we make our way to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. After lunch, there will be time to browse the village’s boutiques, craft shops and galleries.
In the afternoon we travel to Murray Bridge to board the MV Proud Mary for our two-night Murray River cruise. Relax as you settle into your river-view cabin, enjoy welcome drinks at the bar, and dine onboard while the riverbanks are softly illuminated by floodlights.
Overnight: Proud Mary Cruise
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Awake to the tranquillity of the Murray River as we enjoy breakfast while cruising upstream through spectacular scenery. With more than 320 species of birds in the region, the river environment is alive with wildlife.
We disembark in Mannum for a relaxed stroll or morning coffee before continuing along the river past Younghusband and Teal Flat. In the afternoon, we join a guided eco-cruise aboard a small boat for a close-up exploration of the stunning sandstone cliffs and natural river habitat.
Tonight, enjoy a memorable Aussie BBQ dinner under the stars, followed by live music and a campfire experience.
Overnight: Proud Mary Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast as we cruise downstream back toward Mannum. On arrival, join a guided historic tour, including the Mannum Dock Museum and the Shearer steam car exhibit.
After lunch onboard, the Proud Mary returns to Murray Bridge in the late afternoon, where we disembark and travel to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich heritage.
We check in for two nights at our Barossa accommodation and enjoy dinner in-house.
Overnight: Barossa Weintal Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we visit the elegant Barossa Chateau, featuring a remarkable collection of antiques and fine art. Enjoy morning Devonshire tea and a guided tour, followed by time to explore the beautiful rose garden.
We then visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, where you may browse and sample from her gourmet range. Lunch today is at your leisure in Tanunda, with time to explore the local shops.
This afternoon we enjoy a scenic tour of the Barossa region before stopping at a local winery for a tasting of the area’s renowned varietals. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Barossa Weintal Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we travel south through the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula, passing coastal townships and stopping for lunch along the way.
We continue to Cape Jervis, where we board the SeaLink ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Kangaroo Island. Upon arrival in Penneshaw, we travel to American River to check in for our three-night stay. Dinner is served in-house this evening.
Overnight: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we begin our day at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where we can choose to join a guided beach walk among the colony of rare Australian sea lions.
We then travel to Vivonne Bay for lunch before continuing to Flinders Chase National Park, home to Kangaroo Island’s most iconic natural landmarks. Highlights include the dramatic Remarkable Rocks and the boardwalk at Admirals Arch, where long-nosed fur seals can be spotted around the rugged coastline.
Return to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we visit the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where you may feed kangaroos and see koalas up close. We then continue to Raptor Domain for an entertaining and educational birds-of-prey presentation.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch and a tour at the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, followed by a visit to a local honey producer to sample Kangaroo Island’s famous honey products.
Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing final evening on the island.
Overnight: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we check out and travel to Penneshaw to board the morning ferry back to Cape Jervis. Once on the mainland, we continue into the renowned McLaren Vale wine region.
After lunch in historic Willunga, we will visit a local winery for a tasting. We later continue to Adelaide, checking in for our final night. Dinner is served in-house.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel Adelaide
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we embark on a city highlights tour of Adelaide, exploring landmarks along North Terrace including the cultural precinct, Parliament House, and the historic university buildings.
We continue to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, where we pause for morning tea. Afterwards, we travel to the seaside suburb of Glenelg for free time to enjoy the beach, browse shops, or purchase lunch at your leisure.
In the afternoon we travel to Adelaide Airport for our return flight to Sydney.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity Levels
-
1. Easy
-
2. Moderate
-
3. Active Moderate
-
4. Adventurous
Testimonials
Re: Batemans Bay Hi Debbie, We have just returned from a 4-day trip to Bateman’s Bay with with Jimmy as our driver. I wanted to email to tell you how good he was. He was so friendly and pleasant, nothing was too much trouble, and his help / support of our older Ex-Servicemen and their wives was outstanding. He was also very interested in out stories which was lovely. I know we always get that level of service from OnCourse, and wanted you to know that it continued with Jimmy. He was so articulate on the microphone and always had some interesting bits of information about where we were or where we were near. The weather on our trip could have been better, but he did his best, moved things around, found places for us to stop in the rain, and always with a smile on his face and made the trip so enjoyable. His handling of the coach was also something we all commented on. Once again, another lovely trip away, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go on any trip Jimmy was involved in.
TH
Ladies and Gentlemen, Our recent tour to Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast was enjoyable. We wish to have recorded our special thanks to John T, the driver of the week. Not only steered us through thick and thin but changed his hat throughout the days to become maitre de plaisir, Tea and Coffee director, Seniors supervisor, time keeper, convenience spotter, luggage handler and so the list goes on and on. John is a credit to the Company !!
