12 Day The Very Best of South Australia

img
Flinders
Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley
Kangaroo Island
ITINERARY
START PLANNING

12 Day The Very Best of South Australia

South Australia's contrasts come to life on this 12-Day Luxury privately guided holiday. Wander Adelaide's boulevards, enjoy an Ikara-Flinders Ranges bush retreat and blend your very own wine in the beautiful Barossa Valley. From bushland to wine country, with sensational cuisine and world-class wines, this region is foodie heaven. Staying in handpicked luxe accommodation, you won't lose your creature comforts, even when you're in the wilds of the outback.

Duration: 12 days

Starts: Adelaide

Finishes: Adelaide

+ Absolute Privately Guided Inclusions:
  • Dedicated Travel Designer
  • Full In-Country Support
  • Professional Driver Guide
  • Specialist private guides on chosen experiences
  • Your choice of boutique accommodation
Your Locations:
  1. Adelaide (SA)
  2. Barossa Valley (SA)
  3. Flinders Range (SA)
  4. Kangaroo Island (SA)
VIEW ITINERARY

Day By Day Tour Itinerary

Expand all
DAY 1
Welcome to Adelaide

A vibrant city framed by hills and sea

Upon arrival at Adelaide Airport, you’ll be transferred to your luxury accommodation in South Australia’s cosmopolitan capital. Nestled between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Gulf St Vincent coastline, Adelaide blends relaxed sophistication with cultural richness. Explore leafy boulevards, lush parklands, and a thriving arts and dining scene. Surrounded by world-class wine regions, this elegant city is the perfect gateway to your South Australian adventure.

Adelaide
DAY 2
Discover Adelaide

Heritage, markets, and local flavour

Adelaide presents a wealth of sights and delights for visitors. History buffs will love the exquisite churches around every corner, many of which date back to the 19th century. Meanwhile, the Adelaide Central Market is a great spot to grab some farm fresh fare and indulge in some people-watching. More than 80 mouth-watering stalls offer local cheese, seafood, patisserie and locally-grown produce.

Suggested Experience: Private Adelaide Walking Tour

Experience Adelaide through the eyes of a born-and-raised local on this private walking tour designed for those who prefer a more personal experience. Avoid the crowds as you explore a curated route that introduces you to the city’s highlights and deeper stories beyond its nicknames like the City of Churches or Radelaide. Stroll through bustling Rundle Mall, admire the heritage of Adelaide Arcade, and marvel at iconic sites such as Parliament House and Town Hall. Learn about the significance of the Riverbank precinct and conclude your journey outside the vibrant Adelaide Central Market, a hub of local culture and cuisine.

DAY 3
Into the Flinders Ranges

Rugged beauty and outback charm await

Journey north to the Flinders Ranges, a land of dramatic gorges, ancient landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Marvel at Wilpena Pound’s natural amphitheatre and explore valleys carved over millions of years. Tonight, settle into Arkaba Homestead, an exclusive retreat offering an intimate rural experience with exceptional hospitality and thoughtful touches.

Flinders Ranges National Park

400 km | 248.5 mi north of Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges is the largest mountain range in South Australia. Picture pink-red peaks, towering cliffs, ancient redgums and wedge-tailed eagles soaring above. The Flinders Ranges National Park occupies much of the central Flinders Ranges and features rugged mountain scenery, peaceful timbered gorges, and a wealth of wildlife, vegetation, and history. Picture-perfect Edeowie and Brachina Gorges, Aroona and Bunyeroo valleys and
stunning Wilpena Pound are the park’s major attractions. Wildlife can be observed throughout the park.

 

DAY 4
Arkaba Homestead's untouched Wilderness

A day of serenity and discovery

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges. Join a guided bush safari to spot kangaroos and emus, or simply relax on the homestead veranda with sweeping views of red-rock ranges. As the sun sets, enjoy sundowners and stories under a vast outback sky ablaze with stars.

DAY 5
Explore the outback landscapes

Ancient trails and timeless landscapes

Spend another day uncovering the secrets of the Flinders Ranges. Drive along the Aboriginal Dreaming Trail, visit rock art sites, and discover the region’s rich geological and cultural heritage. Stargazing here is unforgettable – watch the Milky Way stretch across the night sky in this pristine wilderness.

DAY 6
Barossa Valley Beckons

A journey into Australia’s wine heartland

Travel south to the Barossa Valley, a region synonymous with world-class wines and gourmet indulgence. Rolling hills, manicured vineyards, and charming villages set the scene for your stay at The Louise, a luxury lodge offering refined comfort and exclusive access to the region’s best experiences.

Barossa Valley

Renowned as Australia’s premier wine region, the Barossa Valley is a landscape of rolling vineyards, charming villages, and rich heritage. Just an hour from Adelaide, it’s home to world-famous Shiraz and elegant Rieslings, alongside family-run wineries producing exceptional small-batch vintages. Beyond the cellar doors, discover locally crafted delicacies, acclaimed restaurants, and a vibrant community that celebrates its European roots.

DAY 7
Uncork the Barossa

Boutique wineries and culinary delights

The Barossa Valley is Australia’s most celebrated wine region; it’s a haven where rolling vineyards meet a rich European heritage. Known for its bold Shiraz and elegant Rieslings, the Barossa offers more than just exceptional wines; it’s a destination of regional delicacies, signature dining experiences, and warm hospitality.

 

Suggested Experience: Small Batch Wine Tour

Uncork the historic Barossa with your local guide, discovering boutique wineries that are big on character. Visiting at least three craft winemakers in a day, our professionally trained guides will create a unique and engaging wine experience for your group – they will even tailor the vineyards to include your top picks if you prefer. Avoiding the crowds with our minimal group size, you’ll visit mainly small family-owned wineries, which will have you tasting some of the best wines available in the region. Your tour experience also includes a fabulous chef’s menu lunch at a popular Barossa restaurant. Accompanied by a glass of local wine or beer, it’s the perfect way to break up a big day of wine tasting. This intimate experience reveals the soul of the Barossa and its enduring legacy of craftsmanship.

DAY 8
Indulgence at The Louise

Relax, recharge, and savor the view

Wake to a gourmet breakfast overlooking vine-clad hills. Spend the day as you please: perhaps an e-bike ride along the Barossa Trail, a private wine blending session, or simply unwinding by the infinity pool. Tonight, enjoy a multi-course degustation menu at Appellation, the Louise’s award-winning restaurant, where seasonal produce meets fine wine in perfect harmony.

The Louise Activities
DAY 9
Journey to Kangaroo Island

From Adelaide’s elegance to Kangaroo Island’s untamed beauty

After a scenic drive back to Adelaide, board your short flight to Kangaroo Island, Australia’s own wildlife sanctuary and a haven of rugged coastal landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your luxurious lodge perched above the Southern Ocean. Here, dramatic cliffs meet turquoise waters, and nature thrives in its purest form. Settle in and savour the anticipation of unforgettable encounters.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is the epitome of pristine wilderness, where dramatic coastal cliffs meet untouched beaches and native wildlife roam free. Often called Australia’s Galápagos, the island is home to kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions, alongside rare bird species and untouched bushland. Beyond its natural wonders, Kangaroo Island offers world-class luxury lodges and stunning local hospitality, creating a perfect blend of wilderness and indulgence. It’s a destination that promises unforgettable encounters and serene moments in one of Australia’s most fascinating environments.

Kangaroo Island Rocks
DAY 10
Wild Island Adventures

Wild beauty and curated experiences

Explore Kangaroo Island’s natural wonders from your luxurious base. Join guided walks along coastal cliffs, spot koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat, and discover hidden caves and sinkholes. Indulge in South Australian wine tastings and savour gourmet dining inspired by the island’s bounty.

Kangaroo Island
DAY 11
Kangaroo Island Discovery

Australia’s Galápagos revealed.

Today, immerse yourself in Kangaroo Island’s pristine wilderness. Visit Flinders Chase National Park, marvel at Remarkable Rocks, and watch sea lions bask on secluded beaches. This is a land where nature reigns supreme—every moment offers a new encounter with Australia’s wild heart.

Kangaroo Island wildlife
DAY 12
Farewell South Australia

A final taste of island serenity before your onward journey

This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the ocean before bidding farewell to Kangaroo Island. You’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to Adelaide, where your South Australian adventure concludes. From here, connect with your onward departure flights, carrying memories of vibrant cities, world-class wine regions, and the raw natural splendor of Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island
Heidi Absolute New Zealand
Heidi Gillingham, OUR ABSOLUTE AUSTRALIA TRAVEL DESIGNER SAYS: “South Australia just has so much to offer! Gourmet food, endless starry skies over ancient vistas filled with shared history, and world class red wines - my personal favourite. Add stunning boutique accommodations and you have a luxurious getaway in truly unforgettable surroundings.”

Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!

ENQUIRE

Make This Itinerary Yours

Like what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. Each Absolute Australia tour is tailored to who you are and what you want to do.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    12 Day The Very Best of South Australia

    img
    Privately Guided
    img
    Self Drive
    ENQUIRE
    img
    Itinerary Map
    VIEW LARGER MAPOPEN MAP
    Share This Tour
    • img
    • img
    • img
    Journey Planning

    Our team has access to Australia's most unique accommodation, superb activities, and flight specials. Contact us for a personalised Australia experience.

    Other Itineraries to Inspire Your Journey

    Dreaming of your next escape?

    Get curated itineraries, travel inspiration and insider tips delivered to your inbox.

    Inspire Me