Adelaide

Activities

Spend your vacation doing something unique and unforgettable on an excursion that takes you out into the waters, and swim alongside wild dolphins. On this 3.5-hour tour, you are guaranteed to see dolphins, which are one of the Earth’s most fascinating and curious creatures. Meet at the Holdfast Shores Marina in Glenelg, a mere 15 minutes outside of Adelaide. From there, board the 'Temptation', a 58-foot colossal sailing catamaran. As the boat cruises, experience the beauty of Australia's southern coastline. Eventually, come to rest in the waters where the wild dolphins will come to greet you and play in the waters. Don your wetsuit, mask, and snorkel, and take the plunge into the waters. Experience the breathtaking moment when you see dolphins underwater for the first time. Watch and listen; their grace and playfulness is stunning and the sounds of their whistles and echo location noises are mesmerizing. Once your adventure comes to an end, you will be taken back to the marina. Spend some time checking out the many restaurants and shops that grace the shoreline.

Take the opportunity to paddle your way through a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest on a kayaking tour of a dolphin sanctuary. Amidst approximately 30 resident and 300 transient dolphins, enjoy a special experience that simply can’t be replicated. Take off with your lead guide Andro, a marine biologist who has over 5 years’ experience working with marine mammals and wildlife, and travel at a comfortable pace in your kayak. Paddle through creeks whilst listening to local Aboriginal stories. View the abundant birdlife, marine mammals, and other creatures that make up the intricate ecosystem. For those interested in bird watching, the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary shares a big part of the northern coastal habitat. Experience the sanctuary — part of South Australia’s largest port — with a rich Aboriginal and European cultural background and a number of noteworthy landmarks to explore. See the incredible mangrove forest that makes the ultimate feeding ground for dolphins due to its abundance of sea grass, salt marsh, and the tidal flats and creeks.

Head down to Glenelg’s Marina Pier where your catamaran for the evening awaits. Enjoy a warm welcome from the friendly crew, then take your seats as you set sail onto the open water. Out on the gulf, admire the picturesque view of Adelaide as night creeps in and the city comes to life with glistening lights. Then soak up the last of the day’s rays and enjoy a refreshing beverage while you watch an unforgettable Australian sunset.  Finally, return to Marina Pier, home to some of Adelaide’s best outdoor dining destinations. 

On this exhilarating 2-hour experience, you will climb along the impressive roofline of Adelaide Oval. Your guide will provide commentary covering a mix of local history, quirky facts and point out significant landmarks around Adelaide and surroundings. The tour begins on an open viewing deck, where you can take in the impressive vista. If you're more adventurous, you can try out the lean out point at 164-feet (50 meters) above the ground. Next you will visit the City View area, where you can take in amazing views of the city below. This tour runs throughout the day, including the early evening when you can take in the gorgeous setting sun and twinkling city lights below. After your rooftop tour, you will be gifted a group photo, a souvenir cap and an achievement certificate.

Enjoy a half-day cruise looking for some of the world’s most delightful creatures, departing from Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores, Glenelg. Dolphins are among the earth’s most curious mammals and you will get up-close-and-personal with the beautiful beasts from the decks of the Temptation catamaran. You will be welcomed on board the 58-foot sailing vessel by an enthusiastic crew. Sometimes you will see your first dolphins within minutes of cruising. They seem to come out of nowhere to play around Temptation’s hulls. But be assured they are not coaxed in any way. These are wild dolphins that simply know the vessel, and know that they are not in any danger. As the gulf is home to over 1,000 common and bottlenose dolphins, the cruise comes with a money-back guarantee of sightings. The dolphins are only just out of reaching distance from the deck, enabling you to capture their playful displays on film. Back on dry land, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the faculties at Holdfast Shores Marina, or wander down Jetty Road in Glenelg, enjoying the dozens of restaurants and shops.

After morning pickup from Adelaide and Glenelg, head towards the Barossa Valley to discover the region’s charming villages, vineyards, and German heritage. Stop in the historic village of Hahndorf, one of the most important German settlements in the region. Wander through the town and be charmed by its quaint 19th-century architecture. Afterward, take a scenic drive through the Barossa Valley, where you’ll stop in Lyndoch at the Kies Winery. Famed for its prolific production, enjoy a wine tasting alongside lunch at this family-run vineyard. With your palate piqued, head to more wineries and a chocolate factory, capping things off at Maggie Beer's Farm Shop. Return to your accommodation in Adelaide around 5:15 PM, just in time to reflect on the sights and tastes of the day over dinner.

After boarding at Elder Park Landing there will be an opportunity to purchase food and beverages from the deckhand. The captain will take time to deliver a safety talk and introduce the crew before beginning commentary of the local area and wider South Australia.   Once seated, the cruise will commence by heading toward the Torrens River Weir Gate while passing the Adelaide Festival Centre, SAHMRI, and Adelaide Gaol. Enjoy 30 minutes of commentary before arriving at Adelaide Zoo where you will have the option to disembark and explore the zoo, Botanic Garden its and surrounds. The last 15 minutes of the tour will be relaxed, allowing you a great chance to ask questions, take photos with the crew, and get some advice on what to see and do once you disembark.

Explore the McLaren Vale wine region in the comfort of a small-group guided tour that visits five to six wineries, cellar doors, gin rooms, and/or breweries during your day trip.  Depart on a 45-minute journey to the McLaren Vale wine region in the air-conditioned comfort of a luxury Mercedes Benz. Arrive in McLaren Vale in time for the opening of wineries and underground cellars throughout the area. Enjoy the pportunity to do tastings at iconic and boutique wineries, some of which are off the beaten track, selected especially to suit your tastes.  Learn about viticulture and how to identify your favorite wine during tasting sessions with the region’s winemakers. Savor a delicious regional lunch platter, served at a local cellar, comprising of local cheeses, meats, salads, and breads. After lunch, you will continue to visit the remaining wineries, gin rooms, and breweries on the itinerary, before departing back to your accommodation at around 4:30 PM.

On the day of your flight, your pilot and crew will meet you approximately 2 hours before sunrise - the time varies throughout the year - at the reception center. Once everybody is assembled and signed in, your pilot will give you a briefing before you board a comfortable 4WD towards the best launch site for the morning. Don't forget to bring your cameras as there will be some amazing photo opportunities along the way. The Barossa Valley is famous for having some of the most gorgeous landscapes in all of Adelaide. Once you arrive at the launch site, your pilot and crew will inflate the balloon ready for take-off. You are welcome to join in with the preparation. This whole process takes about 30-40 minutes. Jump on board, and after one last briefing and then it’s up, up and away! Wave goodbye to the crew, they will follow on the ground and meet you when you land. Time to relax and take in the amazing 360⁰ views. Experience the peace and beauty of floating over the countryside as the sun is rising. You will fly for about 1 hour before landing somewhere downwind. Once you have landed your crew will meet you and it’s time to pack the balloon away. Feel free to join in the fun, or stand back and take the opportunity to take a few more photos. Hop back in the comfy vehicles and head back to the reception center for breakfast. The morning ends with a delicious Barossa breakfast back at the reception center with a view over Penfolds Stonewell vineyards. Relax and chat with your fellow passengers and pilot about the morning's events, whilst sipping sparkling wine and indulging in the best Barossa produce.

Get picked up from your accommodation in Glenelg at 9 AM or Adelaide at 9:20 – 9:30 AM for a full day of sightseeing around the gorgeous Fleurieu Peninsula.  Enjoy the scenic drive from Adelaide through the Adelaide Hills before arriving in the historic German village of Hanhdorf. Treat yourself to morning tea at The Haus, visit the Antique Clock Museum, or shop around in the village's boutique stores. Travel on to the old paddle steamer port of Goolwa for a stroll along the beach where the Murray River meets the sea. Make a short stopover at South Australia's greatest surfing beach before continuing on to Victor Harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for whales as you pass Basham Beach during whale season.  Next, explore the seaside town of Victor Harbor where you can visit the Whale Center and Museum. Take advantage of the chance to visit Granite Island and check out the fairy penguins or ride the famous horse-drawn tram. Purchase lunch from one of the many quaint restaurants and pubs. Your last stop of the day will be McLaren Vale, one of Australia's oldest and finest olive, wine, and almond-growing regions. Taste some of the area's best wines, purchase some locally-grown, homemade delicacies before returning back to your accommodation at around 5:30 PM.