20 Nov – Met up group at the Qantas ticket desk, host Gemma Pinder introduced the group and checked in economy. Very easy check in with baggage checked through to Melbourne as flight via Hong Kong.
Through security took approximately 45 minutes and into duty free shops and refreshments.
Qantas Business lounge at Terminal 3, which we did not get to sample.
At gates for flight - music to our ears – Have just been upgraded to Business Class!
Once onboard the aircraft I sat in the Upper deck and the configuration was 2 x 2 and on main deck 2 x 3 x 2 for Boeing 747.
Very comfortable lumbar seats that recline to 170 degrees, (virtually flat) with personal entertainment system. Hostess took the order for breakfast and lunch from an extensive carefully selected menu, and asked if this was required at any specific time. Time to relax and enjoy the long flight to Melbourne with a short stopover in Hong Kong, barely got time to stretch our legs and were on board the plane again.
21 Nov – Arrive in Melbourne at 2150 hrs, and it is raining heavily.
Very swiftly and easily through customs and met by local transfer company Sunbus and transferred to The Mantra Hotel for overnight stay, reached the hotel at 2330.
The Mantra is a comfortable 3-4 Star accommodation in the heart of the city with a choice of restaurants and bars nearby. Too late to venture further, just time for a quick night cap in one of the local bars.
22 Nov – Following breakfast checked out and met by Natural Treasures guide for the Great Ocean Road trip on route to Adelaide. Still raining and got a short city tour of Melbourne as we exit the city in a North Western direction and onto the Great Ocean Road. We travel through vast volcanic plains passing through the small towns of Geelong and Bells Beach and observe Eastern Kangaroos in the wild as our journey continues along the scenic cliff hanging section of the ocean road and are enlightened by the history.
We stop for lunch at Lorne, a small quaint sea side town and cruise along the spectacular road passing Kennett River where we got to see some Koalas in the wild. Onwards to Great Otway National Park, where we have a guided walk in the rainforest.
We arrive at Beach Point self contained Ocean Villas with spectacular views over Apollo Bay for our evening accommodation. These self contained villas are a great place to relax and unwind for a couple of days. The accommodation is basic but clean. (Website http://www.beachpoint.com.au/) No restaurants on site but there are several available a short drive from the villas.
23 Nov – Following breakfast we carry on along the Great Ocean Road through The Otway Ranges onto the Shipwreck coast where the 12 Apostles are. These are icons of Australian natural beauty and we saw the stacks as they are lit by the morning sun. Highlight was taking a short helicopter ride over the Apostles with some breathtaking views. We proceed to Loch Ard Gorge site of the famous shipwreck site. After lunch in a small fishing town of Port Campbell we see the limestone formations of London Bridge, Bay of Islands and Martyrs.
Our journey continued through Warrnambool and onto a visit to Tower Hill Game reserve to see Kangaroos and Emus living within an extinct crater. Our day ends when we arrive at Chardonnay Lodge, a vineyard that offers some fine Wine sampling and overnight stay, which is basic and clean. The restaurant offers some fine cuisine and for the more adventurous some Kangaroo meat.
24 Nov – Following breakfast we take a long drive through the Coonawara Wine region stopping briefly for lunch in a small town called Keith. This is a long tiring day as we drive towards Adelaide as we finally arrive in the evening and check in at The Majestic Roof Garden hotel. This is a 4 star hotel in the heart of the city close to the Business District. Good, clean comfortable accommodation for regular travellers and offers plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
25 Nov – Following breakfast and check out we are collected at the Hotel by APT Tours for a day tour of the Barossa Valley wine growing region and get to sample some fine wines at various vineyards in the area including Wolf Blass. We get a little insight into how the wines are made and a small tour of the Vineyard. Our day ends and accommodation at the Mercure Grosvenor Adelaide for a 2 night stay. Hotel is very basic and is more suitable to a budget traveller. Rooms do need refurbishment but the location is good on North Terrace, opposite the train station and close to malls for shopping.
26 Nov – Following breakfast we are picked up by APT tours for a half day city tour and some chocolate sampling at Australian fine chocolatiers, Haig’s.
We have a hosted dinner at The Intercontinental, opposite the Mercure. This is a 5 star deluxe property next to the convention centre and opposite the Adelaide Cricket ground.
27 Nov – Picked up at the hotel by Smartcar Australia and transferred to Adelaide airport for a short 20 minute flight to Kangaroo Island. On arrival we are met by APT Tours for a guided tour of the island in search of some fascinating wildlife. We have a guided beach walk at Seal Bay where we get to see some seals at close range. We have a gourmet picnic in the wild bush, which was an experience, trying to dodge the ants and other insects while trying to enjoy our lunch. After lunch we explore the North coast but due to weather conditions did not get to see much.
Overnight accommodation at The Kangaroo Island Lodge, a 3 star property that offers good clean basic accommodation and has a lovely restaurant that offers some fine dining which was sampled by all.
28 Nov – Following check out and we discover the natural wonders of Flinders Chase National Park and get to see the unique geological formation of Admirals arch, a spectacular archway formed by the sea. Enjoy another bush picnic and explore the Rocky River region and Hanson Bay in search of more Koalas and Wallabies in the wild. Our tour concludes with a hairy Ferry crossing back to Cape Jarvis on the mainland and then a 2 hour coach ride to Adelaide where overnight accommodation is at The Grand Chancellor.
This is a 4 star property in the heart of shopping district and offers a good standard of accommodation with large rooms, within proximity of restaurants and bars and is of very good value.
29 Nov – Following check out and luggage storage time for some last minute shopping and transfer back to the airport for the long haul back via Melbourne and Hong Kong for London. Economy for the short flight to Melbourne and thankfully got upgraded all the way back to London which was more than required for some good rest after a hectic week living out of a suitcase.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Australia with a fantastic group, and would like to thank QANTAS for the upgrades!!!
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