Australia’s south in 10 days

Get to know the “local’s Melbourne” on a Hidden Secrets tour. Wind through bustling laneways and arcades, visit the city’s most elite coffee shops and sip cocktails on swanky rooftop bars with sweeping views over the city.

Make your way to Melbourne’s suburbs to enjoy quintessential Aussie beach life alongside the runners, swimmers and beach-goers that line the sand. Choose to visit the bustling sands of St Kilda or the brightly coloured bathing boxes of Brighton.

You could spend a whole week exploring Melbourne’s innovative food scene and still have more to enjoy. For something especially indulgent, savour the delights at the celebrated restaurant Attica, or take your pick from the city’s top restaurants.

Dance the night away to some of Australia’s best up-and-coming musicians in the funky suburb of Richmond. Haunts such as the Corner Hotel will have you rubbing shoulders with local fans as you acquaint yourself with Melbourne’s live music scene.

Start your day with a joyous walk along the wheelchair-accessible, elevated paths of the Koala Conservation Reserve. Wander among the canopy as you spot furry koalas hanging out in the branches of the plentiful gum trees.

Stop in for an al fresco tipple at Phillip Island Winery. As well as great food and local drops, the property houses The Yards, a petite store set in a converted shed where you can browse locally made treats and curiosities.

For a change of pace, climb aboard an eco-conscious Ocean Adventures jet boat and hold onto your hat as you’re whisked around the island’s coastline. Get up close to sheer granite cliffs and weave near the caves of Cape Woolamai.

Take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight around Phillip Island’s most spectacular sites – there are plenty! You’ll be awed by golden sand, blue water, rocky peninsulas and sheltered coves.

Phillip Island is home to a large colony of penguins, and each night, visitors can witness these adorable little birds waddle back to their burrows. Head to the sensory and mobility-inclusive site of the Penguin Parade to snag the best seat.

Start your final Melbourne morning with a plate of fluffy blueberry and ricotta hotcakes at The Kettle Black. If something savoury is more your style, you can’t go past the pastrami hash. Either way, the cafe’s celebrated coffee is a must.

Learn about the culture of the Kulin Nation during an Aboriginal-guided Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria. Feel a new connection to the land as your guide describes Aboriginal plant uses and customs.

Shopping in Melbourne includes a colourful combination of classy, up-market boutiques and quirky local vendors, making for an exciting way to acquaint yourself with local fashion and experience the city’s buzzing precincts.

Peruse the treasures on display at the National Gallery of Victoria. With a year-round, star-studded lineup of events and exhibitions alongside an impressive permanent collection including First Nations art, there’s something for everyone to adore.

Fill up a few bags around Adelaide’s top shopping precincts and chat to local vendors as you collect sweet treats and sample fresh produce at the popular Adelaide Central Market. There’s so much to taste – olives, cheese, coffee, nuts and more.

There are a host of wine regions within easy reach of Adelaide for an enriching day trip. Head to McLaren Vale to dine in the famous d’Arenberg Cube, or visit the Barossa Valley to sample drops from the extensive collection at Artisans of Barossa.

Adelaide Oval is a haven for sport and fanfare, with crowds often lining the stands to cheer on their local teams. You can journey across the cricket oval’s unique roofline during an Adelaide Oval RoofClimb, where you’ll enjoy brilliant views.

When the sun shines, the locals flock to Glenelg Beach for time spent frolicking along the sparkling shoreline. Pack a picnic for a day of relaxation, or grab a table at Moseley Beach Club for lunch on the sand during summer (December - February).

Before heading to Kangaroo Island, sit among the quaint gardens of Adelaide’s Peter Rabbit café to start your morning off on a high. Indulge in classic Aussie smashed avocado, or sit back amid the greenery with a refreshing tropical smoothie.

Once you arrive on Kangaroo Island, walk among the lounging Australian sea lions that bask on the shores of Seal Bay Conservation Park. This stretch of sand is often dotted with playful seals (and sometimes their pups!), so have your camera at the ready.

Join Gastronomo Wilderness Dining and take a seat below the branches of a 120-year-old fig tree, with the dappled sun peaking through the leaves. Learn the intriguing history of the tree and its fabled enchantment as you savour a delicious menu.

Spend your night at the luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge, with panoramic views of the glorious Kangaroo Island coastline. Join an intimate group guided tour of the island’s wonders or unwind in your villa as you soak in the gorgeous scenery.

Grab a board and hit the slopes of Little Sahara’s sand dunes. Climb to the top of the towering sand hills, strap in and ease yourself off the summit for a day of laughs, thrills and, of course, the occasional tumble – it’s all part of the fun.

The island’s amazing wildlife is only rivalled by the island’s dramatic scenery. Experience them both during a full-day tour, where you will explore the island’s spectacular east end, meeting kangaroos and sipping wines along the way.

For refreshing cocktails and friendly service, you can’t miss a visit to Kangaroo Island Spirits. The bright and modern cellar door not only offers a creative selection of gin, vodka and liqueurs, but also a variety of hands-on experiences.

Over millions of years, wind, salt and water have created an unusual spectacle in Flinders Chase National Park, called the Remarkable Rocks. The precarious cluster of boulders makes for a spectacular photo opportunity, especially during sunset.

Rev up your engine and head out on a quad bike adventure with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action. Feel the wind in your hair and watch dramatic landscapes pass you by as you whiz along tracks – spying wildlife and listening to local knowledge as you go.

Swimming with Australia’s marine life is a truly magical experience, and one that you will never forget. With Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures, you can take to the clear waters surrounding the island to join a pod of friendly dolphins as they play.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is home to around 500 animals, from adorable koalas to scaly reptiles. Join a tour of the park to meet the local animals before visiting the wildlife hospital to learn about the rehabilitation of the island’s wildlife.

With clear, turquoise water and white sandy shores, Vivonne Bay is often regarded as one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. The gentle waves are perfect for a relaxed swim before you head to Hobart.

Explore Hobart waterfront’s markets and galleries, stopping to savour crispy seafood from Flippers Fish and Chips. Sit on the water’s edge and watch rustic fishing boats drifting in and out of the harbour.

A must-see in Hobart is the spectacular Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). The scene is set as you board a ferry adorned with funky animal sculptures. Once you reach the gallery, explore the marvellous (and sometimes controversial) collection.

Feast your eyes on incredible views at the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, breathing in the crisp mountain air. For an extra special moment, climb to the peak during sunrise and watch the colours of the landscape transform.

Splash about in Hobart’s tranquil harbour on a Roaring 40s kayaking tour. Feel the calming qualities of the ocean as you take in the sights of the city from a new perspective, better acquainting yourself with the laid-back waterfront.

Stop in at one of Hobart’s restaurants to indulge in a well-deserved meal. At local favourite Peppina, you can expect authentic Italian dishes starring fresh Tasmanian produce in a fun and sophisticated setting.

No trip to Bruny Island is complete without ascending the stairs to the spectacular lookout at The Neck. Gaze down towards a thin, grassy stretch, lined on either side by pristine white sand shores and vibrant blue waters.

Embark on an ocean adventure with Bruny Island Cruises. Climb aboard a yellow vessel and gear up to witness Bruny Island’s rugged coastline and sheer cliff faces. Keep your eyes open for whales, dolphins and albatross amid the swells.

Taste traditional Tasmanian cheese and artisan beer at Bruny Island Cheese Co., widely celebrated for its perfected take on classic treats. While you’re there, be sure to sample the innovative raw milk cheeses as well as the sweet honey pale ale.

Spend a full day exploring the marvellous array of wildlife throughout Bruny Island with Inala Nature Tours. Enjoy the freedom of a personalised experience, hitting all the Insta-worthy spots you’ve dreamed of while spotting rare birdlife.

Check in for a night of bliss at Saffire Freycinet, an all-inclusive resort set in the breathtaking wilderness of Freycinet National Park, with unrivalled views over Coles Bay. Expect glorious meals and unforgettable tailored experiences.

The jewel in the crown of Freycinet National Park is Wineglass Bay, where a perfect arc of white sand acts as a border between vibrant blue water and thick green bushland. Hike to the top, or join Wineglass Bay Cruises to witness it from the water.

Pull on a pair of waterproof waders and walk through the water to reach your dining table in the heart of a working oyster farm. Learn from the farmer, then indulge in your own plate of delicacies with a glass of Champagne.

Witness a new side of the magnificent national park aboard a thrilling scenic flight with Freycinet Air. Take in Wineglass Bay from above, snap photos of the dusty pink Hazards Mountains and gaze in awe at the rugged coastline as you soar.