At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Your journey takes you on the route between Melbourne and Adelaide. It is filled with unique Australian wildlife, scenic coastal drives, wineries, national parks, vibrant cities and more. Discover this fascinating route, together and enjoy the natural beauty of this part of the world.
Quick facts about this sample itinerary
- This itinerary will be customised to suit your individual wishes
- Best travel time is between October and April
- Stay with locals at 7 locations, away from the crowds
- Choose from a diverse mix of activities with locals
- Collect rental car in Melbourne and return in Adelaide
If you would like to book your holiday for you and your partner, contact one of our travel specialists, obligation free, to find out how you can travel the TravelEssence way. Below, you can discover our suggested locations. Feel free to discuss your comfort level, add activity packages along the route, and indicate whether you would like us to arrange your flights. The price indication is based on travel in the high season, so shoulder season travel will often give you a price advantage.
Route and Impressions
![australia](/img/maps/map-australia-fc.png)
![Flight from London to Melbourne](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/australia-melbourne-skyline-hot-balloons-credit_unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=a51aee22cb33ef7bbb1e519749f1cd2b 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/australia-melbourne-skyline-hot-balloons-credit_unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=c41f1872b0f8599d980eb7283cd0a0bb 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/australia-melbourne-skyline-hot-balloons-credit_unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=a9b4a2819c8600b23c1f6f13141b6bff 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/australia-melbourne-skyline-hot-balloons-credit_unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=5bd01e4475d88b0465e5e339f828787a 400w)
![Uncover Melbourne's world-class café culture with a local guide](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Melbourne-coffee-culture-walk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=13bce06bee319ff8c5adfbb7b4d37e5f 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Melbourne-coffee-culture-walk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=9db2d7032c9fb726b2071a9572586e11 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Melbourne-coffee-culture-walk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9ec49bee0f6acb0b3bc497965eb5b5ec 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Melbourne-coffee-culture-walk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=6b7acf3092d7c8ca6d7c19c67c5c4e44 400w)
![Discover one of Australia's most beautiful scenic drives](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/discover-page/regions/aus-vic-12-apostles-Great-Ocean-Road.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=b00588374cac72daad639d56329eb3a1 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/discover-page/regions/aus-vic-12-apostles-Great-Ocean-Road.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=161a0e52b87c6b1fafa7cb082691a599 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/discover-page/regions/aus-vic-12-apostles-Great-Ocean-Road.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=e236613e1137ba9b00d28f2237bdf91a 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/discover-page/regions/aus-vic-12-apostles-Great-Ocean-Road.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=59047cac3d122bac6e7819d135042c74 400w)
![Spot Australia's unique wildlife](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/solo/length/au-koala-tree-personal-landing-page-solo-length-of-holiday-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=45417967db4c596c3953fc95124ce9c4 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/solo/length/au-koala-tree-personal-landing-page-solo-length-of-holiday-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=3008e9c55a4044bd849eeecc315ee156 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/solo/length/au-koala-tree-personal-landing-page-solo-length-of-holiday-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=2eb3994db9bcf0bb39bec14c57bd6045 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/solo/length/au-koala-tree-personal-landing-page-solo-length-of-holiday-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=bc32278da18b2e55119fde3335d848b3 400w)
![Get in your 4WD and explore wide open roads, red dirt and big stations](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/AU062-Flinders-Ranges-Wilpena-Pound-Bush-Pilots-Scenic-Flight-126347-7747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=695716b4e1e250c34ebe1e3990818005 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/AU062-Flinders-Ranges-Wilpena-Pound-Bush-Pilots-Scenic-Flight-126347-7747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=23958118b5c99fce5bc4e406347c8449 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/AU062-Flinders-Ranges-Wilpena-Pound-Bush-Pilots-Scenic-Flight-126347-7747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=1fc8fe7007a875f1a1bcc0b86a5da143 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/AU062-Flinders-Ranges-Wilpena-Pound-Bush-Pilots-Scenic-Flight-126347-7747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=22c311ec05f5a1c61121ac02dedf79a4 400w)
![An Aussie 4WD adventure into the heart of Flinders Ranges National Park](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Flinders-Ranges-4-wd-tour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=b590860bd9a1651dc4ebeecbed2926df 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Flinders-Ranges-4-wd-tour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=4b272a01938c543222532be79cdd3e6b 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Flinders-Ranges-4-wd-tour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=59e0a55e68711248967d2d8e232e7e41 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Flinders-Ranges-4-wd-tour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=aade9f120e3eb2d5096ada176663f1f1 400w)
![Spot wildlife between the vines](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/aus-sa-Linfield-Road-Wines_Barossa-Valley_cSouth-Australian-Tourism-Commission_252771_200703_102628.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=2b914d6595a7651d7dc62047d321eeca 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/aus-sa-Linfield-Road-Wines_Barossa-Valley_cSouth-Australian-Tourism-Commission_252771_200703_102628.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=9dbf714f6397e6cd0d464112a046e02e 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/aus-sa-Linfield-Road-Wines_Barossa-Valley_cSouth-Australian-Tourism-Commission_252771_200703_102628.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9c351545a50d948269ae49d97641f26c 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/aus-sa-Linfield-Road-Wines_Barossa-Valley_cSouth-Australian-Tourism-Commission_252771_200703_102628.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=1d4e5348b37273f64d137a032698af5c 400w)
![Wine tastings and culinary experiences in Barossa Valley](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Barossa-Valley-e-bike-gourmet-wine-tour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=f0014f2f429068fb69ae37c05b85053c 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Barossa-Valley-e-bike-gourmet-wine-tour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=4a6a7f61d5dcb2c4d5f72a958f713704 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Barossa-Valley-e-bike-gourmet-wine-tour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=35169f63f436ba89d5237e8c60ac244f 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Barossa-Valley-e-bike-gourmet-wine-tour.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=e19da12ef0ade78a58e8240ebc5876e0 400w)
![Stroll along the Esplanade](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/Glenelg-Adelaide-SA_cTourism-Australia_630117-3_200703_102718.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=45c48aad8eb84921f70bbf31723c0e39 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/Glenelg-Adelaide-SA_cTourism-Australia_630117-3_200703_102718.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=e347d0ccec1cb1b61b61e72b7d44ce97 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/Glenelg-Adelaide-SA_cTourism-Australia_630117-3_200703_102718.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=afe93c6e4b090dec25337615f6aca528 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/Glenelg-Adelaide-SA_cTourism-Australia_630117-3_200703_102718.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=617fbdb637a03cca9956a6fa00ef9787 400w)
![Say G’day to seals sunbathing on the beach](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/aus-sa-Kangaroo_Island_Wilderness_Tours_Seal_Bay_200703_102909.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=cb57135a039b379fca48cf6128edba41 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/aus-sa-Kangaroo_Island_Wilderness_Tours_Seal_Bay_200703_102909.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=aa2753bb4dd058af6f105ed59ff329b7 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/aus-sa-Kangaroo_Island_Wilderness_Tours_Seal_Bay_200703_102909.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=e4a0a6451a88c8217552cde80587b886 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/example-itinerary/aus-sa-Kangaroo_Island_Wilderness_Tours_Seal_Bay_200703_102909.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=b9916a4f83581e3ae37541ecc12bca21 400w)
![Close encounter with wildlife on Kangaroo Island](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Kangaroo-Island-Tour.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=7f4f539d3a4d0d5d5d2400c274094da6 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Kangaroo-Island-Tour.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=0dde40b0dff60e700910665bb8be51f0 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Kangaroo-Island-Tour.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=235e1d29e74002c3d006d0b2b2154948 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Kangaroo-Island-Tour.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=126b5ee33a5c0b940db6ca9e96927919 400w)
![Enjoy a lovely final evening in Adelaide](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Adelaide-Mount-Osmond-Sunset.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=d2e6ebcfdc17c3f392f832d0359c31c1 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Adelaide-Mount-Osmond-Sunset.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=cd579728ed812142e06727959ca9ff99 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Adelaide-Mount-Osmond-Sunset.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=bcebfda94b6f2e1d4d67a1888de617d3 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/AUS-Adelaide-Mount-Osmond-Sunset.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=6640ca129879939e92b2a22d9d082bc1 400w)
![Make your way to the airport and fly home](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/london-heathrow-airport-gate.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=2696addaab9698c5b6807d84017d5e59 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/london-heathrow-airport-gate.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=4f620fb48a1fa4ce415fac5fafa7828a 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/london-heathrow-airport-gate.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=ffa48b344d5978fc1370a8fa6fb4999b 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/london-heathrow-airport-gate.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=dc9c6934545d2cc1967acc8ed1c930be 400w)
£4,700 Per person
- Return economy flights
- Wine tastings and culinary experiences in Barossa Valley
- Intermediate SUV for 11 days, full insurance
- Close encounter with wildlife on Kangaroo Island
- 14 nights (7 locations) staying in B&Bs, hotels and (eco-) villa's
- Fully CO2 compensated travel
- Uncover Melbourne's world-class cafe culture with a local guide
- 24 hour local support while you travel
- An Aussie 4WD adventure into the heart of Flinders Ranges National Park
More sample itineraries
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.