The Southern Art And Nature Trail

Day 1

Home - Adelaide - Murray Bridge
Your tour begins with a flight to Adelaide where your crew will be waiting to greet you. Following lunch, we'll make our way to the vibrant Belair Painted Water Tower before a stop in the charming village of Hahndorf. After taking time to wander the main street with its artisan shops and German heritage atmosphere, continue on to Murray Bridge for our overnight stay.

Day 2

Murray Bridge - Naracoorte
After breakfast, depart Murray Bridge and journey through South Australia's Mallee region, stopping at the striking Karoonda Silo Art. Next, visit the vibrant Eastern and Western Painted Silos at Lameroo, before enjoying a picnic lunch beside the iconic Coonalpyn Silos - the first to be painted in South Australia. Crossing into Victoria, the trail leads to the bold Kaniva Silo Art and the charming painted silo at Dookie, each telling stories of local life and history. This afternoon, arrive into Naracoorte, where we'll settle into our accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 3

Naracoorte Caves National Park and Mary MacKillop Penola Centre
Today we discover a small part of the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves during a guided tour through the stunning Alexandra Cave. We then browse the displays at the Wonambi Fossil Centre, where prehistoric giants come to life. Continue on to the peaceful Father Woods Sculpture Park, home to a series of seven sculptures depicting the life of Father Julian Tenison Wood and Australia's own Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Enjoy time in Penola to purchase your own lunch and wander the main street before stopping at the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre. This afternoon a locally guided tour will highlight the town's history and character before a visit to Brand's Laira Coonawarra, an iconic winery with a long history. This afternoon, return to Naracoorte with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 4

Naracoorte - Halls Gap
Farewell Naracoorte as we travel through the sweeping landscapes of the Wimmera, stopping at the striking Goroke Silo. Continue on to Kaniva to see the Grain Corp painted silos along with the Sheep Art Trail which features over 40 painted sheep sculptures, entirely created and funded by the community. Next, stop at the shimmering Pink Lake near Dimboola, where the striking colour offers a unique photo opportunity. Here we'll also see the impressive Arkona Silo Art, featuring local, Roley Klinge. Our journey then travels into the rugged beauty of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, taking time to explore Zumsteins Historic Area and soak in breathtaking views from Reed Lookout and Boroka Lookout. As the day winds down, arrive in Halls Gap, nestled in the heart of the ranges, for our overnight stay.

Day 5

Halls Gap - Geelong
After breakfast, wander through the tranquil beauty of Halls Gap Botanic Gardens before setting off on the scenic Venus Baths walk, where rocky pools and native bushland create a peaceful escape. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region at Brambuk Cultural Centre Gardens, where traditional artworks, sculptures, and striking mixed media pieces, tell stories of Country and community. Continue on through the sweeping landscapes of the Grampians National Park to Dunkeld, pausing for lunch along the way. This afternoon, see the vibrant Lismore Water Tank Art and the Cressy Water Tank Art before finishing by the Geelong foreshore, where the famous painted bollards stand as colourful sentinels overlooking the bay.

Day 6

Geelong - Home
Our journey toward Melbourne will include two more stunning art projects. The Geelong Silo Art Project, where the towering grain silo captures Australia's unique flora in bold colour and scale. Continue on to Werribee Water Tower, where the largescale artwork stands as a testament to the town's long history. With the vivid impressions lingering of the magnificent scenery and the many artworks and sculptures witnessed on our travels, we make our way to Melbourne Airport where your Hostess will assist with your check in, ready for your flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner