Katie’s Ultimate Aussie Adventure

I flew economy with Singapore Airlines for the first time and wasn't sure what to expect. The experience was great, with regular refreshments, a wide range of entertainment, and thoughtful touches like toothbrushes and toothpaste in the toilets. They provided us with blankets and pillows for added comfort, and the staff were incredibly polite and attentive, going out of their way to make the journey as comfortable as possible. I would definitely fly with them again!

After two flights, I finally arrived in Perth, where the rest of my group greeted me. We took a coach transfer to our hotel, Crown Metropol Perth, where we checked in for the night. The hotel is just five minutes by car from the city. It has a modern yet relaxed luxury feel, with plenty of dining options. It was the perfect place to start our trip.

We started the day with breakfast at The Atrium before heading to Kings Park for a guided tour with The Hike Collective. We learned about its Aboriginal heritage and historical significance and took in one of Australia's best skylines.

Next, on an Oh Hey WA tour, we explored Perth City, uncovering unique stories about its architecture, including the Post Office Building, where an underpaid architect positioned statues facing the wrong way in protest.

After lunch, we joined W3 for an Aboriginal tour near Optus Stadium. We heard personal stories and participated in a smoking ceremony, a vital cleansing ritual.

The highlight of the day was the Matagarup Bridge Climb and Zipline, an exhilarating experience made even better by the guides who shared the bridge's history along the way.

We ended the evening at Maali Perth Zoo with a private event featuring a buffet and roaming servers before returning to the hotel to rest for the next day.

We attended our last day of workshop meetings with suppliers from 9 am until 5:30 pm. Then, our transfers took us to Coast Port Beach for our final meal with everyone before we split into groups to go to separate destinations. We got there in time to see the sun setting, and it was an amazing view. The beach here was white sand and clear waters. We had plenty of food to choose from, with servers handing out picky bits and chefs cooking lobster in front of us. This place is a beautiful venue to rent out for an event or visit for a meal and a drink. After our farewell event ended, we returned to our hotel room for a few hours of sleep for our early flight.

We took a 3-hour Virgin Australia flight to Adelaide, which was smooth and restful. Upon arrival, we visited the Adelaide Oval to inspect its new hotel, an ideal spot for sports fans. The Oval offers unique experiences like a rooftop climb where you can watch games from above. The hotel promotes eco-friendly initiatives, rewarding guests with a $10 food credit for skipping housekeeping.

Lunch was a charcuterie board with local wines at the Oval before heading to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens for an Aboriginal history tour. The gardens on Kaurna Land differed from what I expected - less about flowers and more about ancient trees with deep cultural significance. A guided tour is a must to appreciate their history.

Next, we took a kayaking tour, which we were unsure about due to rain forecasts. Luckily, the weather held up, and we enjoyed an incredible experience. As a beginner, I felt reassured by the helpful guides, making it a great activity for anyone.

We had a tasting menu for dinner at Fino Vino, a fantastic spot to try local cuisine. We ended the night at Vibe Hotel, a modern stay with thoughtful touches like biscuits waiting for us in our rooms.

We took a 30-minute Qantas flight to Kangaroo Island, a small plane offering stunning aerial views. Upon landing, we transferred to Emu Bay to join the Sealink Ferries Tour, with our driver providing insights into the island's rare Australian sea lions.

At Seal Bay, we enjoyed a guided tour. We got close to the sea lions before heading to Vivonne Bay Bistro for a chicken salad and cheesecake lunch.

The tour continued with a visit to Remarkable Rocks, a breathtaking spot for photos. We then stopped at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, which rescues animals affected by the 2020 bushfires. Feeding kangaroos was a highlight, and an optional kangaroo holding experience was available for $40 AUD.

In the evening, we checked into the Aurora Ozone Hotel. We dined at the pub-style restaurant next door, which had a familiar feel to Wetherspoons. After dinner, we settled into our rooms for the night.

We started the day with a buffet breakfast before heading out on a tour with Kangaroo Island Touring Company. Our guide shared the island's history and personal stories, offering a glimpse of local life.

Our first stop was the Island Beehive, where we learned about Kangaroo Island's rare bees and tasted some fresh honey. Next, we visited the Emu Bay Lavender Farm, followed by a stop at Emu Bay itself, where you can drive along the beach or book a dolphin charter to swim with dolphins and see seals.

We enjoyed lunch at Stokes Bay, one of Australia's best-hidden beaches, which you can access by climbing a hilltop or going through caves. After lunch, we visited Ocean View Eco Villas, built with sustainability in mind.

Our final stop was Sea Dragon Lodges, a luxury eco-lodge where we saw wild kangaroos from our balcony. We had lunch at the lodge's restaurant, which had a pre-set menu—the fish curry was a hit, while the chicken option wasn't as popular. Afterwards, we returned to our lodges to relax before the next day.

We started the day with a buffet breakfast at the lodges before taking the Sealink ferry back to Adelaide. Upon arrival, we met Off Piste for a 4WD tour that took us to beautiful spots like Myponga Reservoir, Cactus Canyon, and Skelliks Beach, where we enjoyed a picnic and watched dolphins.

Knowing we were foodies, our guide added a stop at a farmer's house, where we tried fresh crops straight from the ground. He then took us to his home for a homemade lunch prepared by his wife, who is a chef. Afterwards, the guide played the didgeridoo and showed us his wine cellar.

Next, we met the winemaker at Dandelion Vineyard for a wine-tasting session. Then, we were dropped off at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, where we had free time to explore the Adelaide shopping district before heading to Paper Tiger for our final meal. The tasting menu at Paper Tiger offered delicious Asian cuisine.

Finally, we took a short walk back to the hotel, ready to head home the following day.

WHO WOULD THIS TYPE OF TRIP BE SUITED TO?

A range of different experiences can suit many, such as Backpackers, Honeymooners, Wildlife enthusiasts, Luxury Tailor-Made Customers, and customers who like to tour. This truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip, so if that sounds like your type of thing, definitely go!

FAVOURITE HOTEL VISITED?

My favourite hotel was the Crowne Hotel Metropol Perth; this was truly outstanding. I felt like I was in luxury every day waking up there. (Secondly, I would say the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel was a perfect

location.)

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

My favourite experience was the zip and climb. Although I was very nervous about it in the beginning, the workers there really made me feel calm and safe. I am happy to say I faced my fears with this one.

Favourite Restaurant Visited:

My favourite restaurant was Paper Tiger, even from the vibe the place has. It feels very upbeat and trendy. The food was amazing, and it has to be my favourite meal I had on my whole trip. I enjoyed every moment.

General Comments and Tips:

When going in Australia's spring, bring a range of clothing for all weather types because the weather is very unpredictable. It felt mild on some days and hot on others.