Custom Adventures
Arctic Circle: Herschel Island
Discover the magic of Herschel Island located on the Arctic Circle ~ a land that is famed to explorers worldwide. Enjoy the excitement of boating in The Mackenzie Delta and on the Arctic Ocean!
Argentina Patagonia Explorer
Patagonia encompasses some of the most spectacular mountain, glacial, and coastal scenery in the world.
Argentina to Chile The Northern Route
The colours and intriguing landscape of Northern Argentina and Chile are worth the visit as you discover ancient culture, infinite deserts, arid altiplano and mult-hued gorges.
Argentina to Chile: Southern Route with Patagonia Cruise
This 18 day nature lover's adventure is an opportunity to experience the extraordinary landscapes, and unusual floral and fauna of the region - by land and by sea.
Great Barrier Reef & Atherton Tablelands Tour (6 days/5 nights)
This 6-day Queensland adventure includes the Great Barrier Reef, the Kuranda Rainforest rail, and 3 days in the wildlife rich habitats of Atherton Tablelands.
Great Ocean Road Australia
A heritage coast road between Adelaide and Melbourne to see unique scenery, small towns and wildlife along the Great Ocean Road.
This 3-day journey starts with the discovery of ancient Australian animals, visits to some of our best wineries and continues through to Australia's famous coastal road. Along the way you will enjoy great food, stunning views and memorable experiences with a small group, and experienced local escort.
2021 - 2022 Departure Dates & Cost
Adelaide to Melbourne: departures every Wednesday
Reverse itinerary Melbourne to Adelaide: departures every Saturday
Tour cost: $ 1,495 CAD / $ 1,225 per person based on twin share
NOTE: Wildlife emphasis for the above tour Mondays and Thursdays
Add $ 100 CAD /$ 80 USD per person
Consider an add-on Sydney to Melbourne
Other add-ons available in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
Itinerary
Day 1: Adelaide to Mt Gambier (D)
8:30 am you will be picked up at your hotel and start by traveling into the Adelaide Hills. Here we explore Hahndorf, a traditional German town in the Adelaide Hills and Mt Lofty Summit with sweeping views of Adelaide. Our journey then takes us through grain and stock lands towards the town of Keith, where we have lunch and turn south towards wine country.
We travel through a relatively new wine region of Padthaway towards the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves to learn of the fossil discoveries of Mega Fauna that make this site so internationally important. We then travel into the scenic Coonawarra wine region recognized as one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon regions of the world. After sampling some local wines from this highly awarded region we continue on to out overnight destination, Mt Gambier. Tonight we are accommodated in luxurious rooms at ‘The Commodore’ which also houses an award winning restaurant for dinner and breakfast.
Day 2: Great Ocean Road (B,D)
After breakfast we travel on toward the Shipwreck coast. We start with a visit to the ‘blue’ crater lake in Mt Gambier then drive on to Port Fairy before visiting Tower Hill Reserve where we are likely to see Emus, Koalas, Kangaroos and Echidnas. Our journey then takes us through Warrnambool and Allansford in the heart of diary country and home of Australia’s oldest diary processing plant.
We then start the Great Ocean Road with the impressive limestone stacks of the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. We then visit London Bridge and ‘Loch Ard Gorge’, the site of the most famous 19th century Australian shipwreck. We retell the entire story from the calm voyage, the tragic wreck, the courageous survivors and their ultimate fate. While hearing the tale you will be able to see and hold some original artifacts, photos and documents from the ‘Loch Ard’ contained in our treasure chests.
We then discover one of Australia’s icons, the Twelve Apostles. We explain the creation of these limestone stacks and the constant wearing away of this coastline. Load your camera – there will be plenty of photo opportunities! You will also have the opportunity to fly high above the coastline, viewing the apostles from a helicopter (own expense).
Our journey then takes us into the Otway National Park and through to Apollo Bay. Here we have dinner at the Apollo Bay Hotel. This is a very popular restaurant with a very extensive menu. We then arrive at your 4 star accommodation set high on a hill with great views overlooking the Southern Ocean. These private villas set within native forest offer the perfect environment to relax and unwind.
Day 3: Great Ocean Road to Melbourne (B)
The third day sees us leave our tranquil overnight setting to have breakfast at the Bay Leaf café in Apollo Bay. Our first stop is within the Otway National Park at ‘Maits Rest’. This is a 1km walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully discovering trees and ferns that date back millions of years to times when dinosaurs roamed this part of the world. We then turn towards Melbourne and travel along a very scenic section of the Great Ocean Road en-route to Kennett River for a fantastic viewing of wild Koalas in their native setting. We also visit many scenic spots for photos and tell numerous stories behind the making of the road. We stop for lunch at the largest of the seaside villages, Lorne. This popular tourist town is full of restaurants and cafes and boasts great shopping and swimming beaches. After lunch we drive along the surf coast and take in the surf culture of the region with a visit to Torquay and Bells Beach. We also visit Anglesea Golf Club where we will hopefully see Kangaroos in their natural environment. Our journey then takes us through the historic gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Geelong. We have some afternoon tea along the re-designed waterfront before turning to Melbourne. Our journey into Melbourne takes us from the west over the ‘West Gate Bridge’, famous for its grandeur and checkered history. We will then escort you to your hotel and welcome you to Melbourne. Trip ends approximately 5:00 pm.
Hotel in Melbourne not included but can be requested
Tour includes
- 3.5 - 4 star accommodation
- 2 dinners
- 2 breakfasts
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Cave tour
- Driver / guide for small group
- Transportation in Tour van
Kangaroo Island: Wildlife Highlights
This 2 or 3-day tour begins in Adelaide and can be join in coach or private touring.
Australia Outback Tour (6 days/5 nights)
An incredible journey to the majestic landscape of the red centre - Ayers Rock, the Olga's, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, and the Western MacDonnell Ranges.
Australia Wildlife Tour
Join our annual Australia Natural History Adventure. Australia, a country that is a continent, offers visitors a wealth of natural, cultural and adventure activities.
Belize Culinary & Cultural
Explore the culture and culinary delights of the Toledo District in southern Belize staying at Chaab’il B’e Jungle Lodge.
Belize Nature and Archaeology
This Belize journey departs any day, year round for 2 or more persons with our local nature specialist.
Bhutan Fall Festivals
Each month a festival heralds a new season or marks a significant occasion with music, dance and social gaiety. This is part of the magical charm of Bhutan. Fall festival features Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Bhutan Nature & Culture for Independent Travellers
Tours of Exploration has organized journeys to Bhutan for over 25 years. Let us customize your adventure to the Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom for culture, nature, spiritual, birding, or trekking.
Bhutan Spring Festivals
Spring festivals in the Bhutan Himalaya mark a time of great beauty, and cultural intensity. After nearly two decade of sending travellers to Bhutan, we can say with confidence - this is one great trip!
Bhutan Treks
Trekking in Bhutan offers unparalleled variety with low density and pristine opportunities for the active adventurer. Tours of Exploration has been organizing programs through our local Bhutan company for 25 years.
Birds of Costa Rica
Natural History organizations, Junior Naturalist clubs, extended families, photographers are invited to call us to set up your own exclusive itinerary escorted by our fully qualified local ornithologists.
Bolivia Best of Bolivia
Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Sucre and Madidi rainforest are included on our best of Bolivia tour - for those with a sense of adventure and a desire for unique discoveries with past and present day cultures of the Andes and Amazon.
Bolivia Carnival in the Andes and Uyuni Salt Flats
Bolivia's Ururo Carnival is a unique and rewarding pre-Easter celebration.
Bolivia Uyuni Salt Flats Adventure
Salar de Uyuni is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Bolivia. t is isolated, well-preserved and intensely beautiful.
Borneo Birds and Wildlife
For nature lovers, we begin with a visit to Sabah, Borneo which contains the best-protected areas on the island.