Beyond the Court: The Australian Open & Down Under Escape

Upon arrival in Adelaide, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to the Vibe Hotel Adelaide. Check-in will be available based on your arrival time and room availability.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Why not explore Adelaide’s vibrant neighborhoods, stroll through the Botanic Gardens, or unwind at a local café.

In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail and group introduction, followed by our first dinner together at Von Thai Restaurant. It’s a relaxed and flavorful start to the adventure ahead.

Today, we embark on a full-day adventure to Kangaroo Island, one of South Australia’s most breathtaking and iconic destinations.

The journey begins with a private transfer from your hotel to the ferry terminal, where you’ll board the 10:00 AM ferry for a scenic one-hour cruise. Upon arrival, we dive into a guided exploration of the island’s dramatic landscapes, local wildlife, and artisanal delights.

Our first stop is Pennington Bay, a windswept stretch of coastline perfect for soaking up the views and snapping some photos. Then it’s on to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour and a hearty BBQ lunch featuring steak, fresh salads, bread rolls, cake, and bottled water.

In the afternoon, we visit Clifford’s Honey Farm to learn about the island’s unique Ligurian bees, then head to Emu Bay Lavender Farm for a peaceful stroll and refreshments in a fragrant, flower-filled setting.

Before the day winds down, we explore the charming town of Penneshaw with a relaxed sculpture walk along its scenic coastal trail. As the sun sets, we’ll savor a delicious dinner at Sunset Food & Wine, known for its local flavors and beautiful views.

Then it’s back to the ferry for a 7:20 PM departure to Cape Jervis, where a private transfer will return you to your Adelaide hotel around 10:00 PM. A day full of discovery, fresh flavors, and island magic.

Our journey begins with a scenic drive from Adelaide into the heart of the Barossa Valley, a region famed for its world-class wines, rich heritage, and vibrant arts scene.

We’ll start the day at Jacob’s Creek with the exclusive Double Barrel Signature Experience & Harvest Kitchen Lunch. Enjoy a guided tasting of their Double Barrel range, learning about the unique aging process that sets these wines apart. Then sit down to a ‘Feed Me Like a Barossan’ lunch at Harvest Kitchen, where each course is perfectly paired with two glasses of Jacob’s Creek wine—a true celebration of regional flavors.

In the afternoon, continue exploring with a visit to the 1837 Barossa Art Trail, a striking collection of outdoor sculptures nestled among the vineyards. Then head to the Barossa Sculpture Park at Mengler Hill, where sweeping 180-degree views of the valley offer the perfect backdrop for photos and a moment of reflection.

We’ll return to Adelaide in the early evening. Dinner tonight is at Storehouse, the Vibe Hotel’s inviting in-house restaurant, known for its fresh, locally inspired cuisine. After a delicious meal, enjoy a restful night—you’ve earned it.

Depart Adelaide this morning and journey southeast toward the scenic Limestone Coast. Your first stop is Coonalpyn, where a coffee break comes with a view—the striking Silo Art, a large-scale mural featuring portraits of local children that brings the town’s spirit to life.

Continue to Naracoorte Caves National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive limestone formations and ancient fossil deposits. You’ll explore one of the caves on a self-guided tour, stepping back into a prehistoric world.

Next, head to the charming town of Penola, closely linked to Saint Mary MacKillop. Enjoy lunch at a cozy country pub, then wander the Penola Heritage Walk lined with historic cottages, galleries, and rich local history.

In the afternoon, savor a wine tasting in the famed Coonawarra region, known for its terra rossa soil and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

Arrive in Mount Gambier by evening for dinner at The Barn Steakhouse, a local favorite, before settling in for a well-deserved rest. Our accommodation for the night will be at The Barn. Today’s journey covers approximately 435 km of South Australian beauty and discovery.

Begin your day with a guided tour of Mount Gambier’s iconic natural landmarks. First, visit the Blue Lake—an ancient volcanic crater that turns a striking cobalt blue in summer. Then, head to the Umpherston Sinkhole, a dramatic sunken garden where cascading greenery creates a peaceful, almost otherworldly setting.

From Mount Gambier, cross into Victoria and continue to the coastal town of Warrnambool. En route, stop at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, nestled in an extinct volcano. Here, a Worn Gundidj guide will lead an Aboriginal cultural and nature tour, sharing stories of the land’s Indigenous heritage and pointing out local wildlife and native plants.

Arriving in Warrnambool in the afternoon, unwind with a rejuvenating two-hour soak at the Deep Blue Hot Springs. Spa treatments are also available for those who’d like a little extra indulgence. Rejuvenate and rest tonight at The Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs. 

In the evening, enjoy a relaxed group dinner at Tide’s Restaurant & Bar, known for its fresh, locally inspired fare. After dinner, settle in for a restful night—you’ve earned it.

Today, we'll set off on the legendary Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives. Our first stop is the iconic Twelve Apostles—dramatic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, offering a breathtaking start to the day.

We'll continue to the rugged beauty of Loch Ard Gorge, where shipwreck history meets stunning seascapes, followed by a visit to the striking London Bridge rock formation. These unforgettable natural landmarks are perfect for soaking in the views and capturing some incredible photos.

Next, we’ll head inland for a guided walk through the lush Great Otway National Park. Wander among towering eucalyptus trees and ancient ferns, experiencing the park’s peaceful rainforest setting and rich biodiversity.

We’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch in Apollo Bay, a charming seaside town known for its fresh seafood and laid-back vibe—an ideal spot to recharge before continuing our scenic journey.

We'll make a brief stop at the Memorial Arch, honoring the soldiers who built this iconic road, and pass by the region’s famed surf beaches before arriving in Melbourne.

Check in at the stylish Ovolo South Yarra and unwind before a memorable dinner at Lona Misa, the hotel’s celebrated restaurant. With bold, Latin-inspired flavors and creative plant-based dishes, it’s the perfect way to toast the day’s adventures.

We’ll start the day with a half-day guided tour of Melbourne’s iconic attractions. Departing from the hotel at 9:00 AM and returning by 1:30 PM, we’ll visit significant landmarks like St Patrick’s Cathedral, the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, and Captain Cook’s Cottage, which offers a glimpse into Australia’s early European history. We’ll also explore Melbourne’s vibrant Street Art & Laneways, a unique cultural experience, and take in the colorful Brighton Beach Boxes, one of the city’s most photographed sites. The tour continues through the lively St Kilda and Port Melbourne precincts, before stopping at Albert Park Lake and the famous Racetrack, known for hosting the Melbourne Grand Prix. During the morning, we’ll enjoy a refreshing tea break, complete with a hot beverage and a selection of cakes or biscuits.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time to relax and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, get ready for the highlight of the day—the Australian Open Women’s Semi-Finals! At 3:00 PM, a private transfer will take us to the Rod Laver Arena. Our tickets include a reserved table and dinner at the venue, access to the VIP Hospitality tent along with a great baseline seat for the match, which begins at 7:00 PM. After a truly thrilling evening, we’ll transfer the group back to the hotel.

We’ll begin the day with a private Ultimate Foodie Tour of Queen Victoria Market, where we’ll explore the vibrant food halls, taste local produce, and meet top traders. The two-hour tour includes generous tastings and a market shopping bag to take home.

Afterwards, we’ll head to Phillip Island, starting with the Koala Conservation Centre to see koalas in their natural habitat. If time allows, we’ll visit highlights like Cape Woolamai, the Grand Prix Track, Pyramid Rock, The Nobbies, and Summerland Wildlife Drive for a chance to spot native wildlife.

The evening culminates with the Penguin Parade (Penguins Plus Passes), where we’ll witness little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk. After a final dinner together on Phillip Island, we’ll return to the hotel, with an estimated arrival time of 11:30 PM.

Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast and bid a fond farewell to newfound friends cherishing the memories created during our stay.

Check out from the hotel with a transfer to Melbourne airport. For those leaving the trip we'll say our fond farewells, for those wishing to venture on to discover the beauty of Sydney and environs we'll carry on with a short flight to the capital city.  

Today, we'll depart from Melbourne to Sydney via air. Upon arrival at Sydney Airport, our guide will be waiting for us. 

Following check-in at the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney we'll go on an easy walking excursion through The Rocks' historic precinct, discovering its rich cultural and architectural heritage.

We'll return to our hotel to freshen up before going for a delightful contemporary Asian dining experience at the Luna Lu Restaurant. 

After a leisurely breakfast, commence a full day of exploration in Sydney's central business district (CBD).

We'll tour the iconic Sydney Opera House and learn about its architectural and cultural significance which will be followed by a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney.

Then, we'll take a break for lunch at the Botanic House, Farm Cove Eatery, amidst the serene surroundings of the gardens.

We'll then visit renowned landmarks, including Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, and the NSW Art Gallery. 

In the afternoon we'll go back to our hotel for a refreshing break before an all-inclusive dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. 

This is an opportunity for us to enjoy amazing cuisine while being treated to panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the captivating Sydney skyline, all set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the ocean.

After breakfast, today's itinerary involves exploring Sydney's picturesque coastal suburbs. We'll embark on a private water taxi cruise from Circular Quay to Watson's Bay. Enjoy the scenic vistas along the journey.

We'll visit the famous Bondi Beach, where an easy coastal walk to Tamarama awaits us. 

We'll enjoy a light lunch at the Icebergs Bistro, enjoying culinary delights while overlooking the famed ocean pool and the Bondi Beach surfers. 

In the afternoon, we'll venture across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to the affluent North Shore, specifically to the coastal haven of Manly. Here we can stroll along the vibrant Corso before taking a ferry ride back to the city.

As we return to our hotel, we have time to freshen up for the evening's culinary delight. Tonight, we'll gather for our last group dinner to enjoy a delicious Middle Eastern fusion feast at Tayim Restaurant. 

Start your day with a delicious breakfast while you share fond memories with your fellow travelers. 

Take your time to check out and transfer to Sydney Airport. As you relax in the comfortable vehicle, enjoy the scenic views of the beautiful city of Sydney.