Kangaroo IslandLife Time Private RetreatsThese three secluded and beautiful havens teeter onrugged cliffs overlooking dramatic empty beaches,visited only by dolphins and seals. The rich curves ofthe Cliff House encourage complete surrender torelaxation, with a glass-walled tower bedroom filledby stunning ocean vistas. The Sky House, with itsprivate stone courtyard and star-gazers bed, isdangerously romantic, as the coastline recedes tothe horizon on every side. Breakfast and dinner areincluded in your stay and served either under theboughs of a 150-year-old fig tree or in the charactersetting of a restored shearing shed, cobbled togetherfrom iron bark trees and corrugated iron.tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.SOUTH AUSTRALIA61Stranraer HomesteadWildlife andNatural WondersExplore the carefully preserved wilderness andwildlife of Kangaroo Island with a professional small-group tour onboard a luxury 4WD vehicle, speciallydesigned to take you off the beaten track for apersonal experience of the unique wild animals andwonderful landscapes of this unspoilt island.Day 1:Venture down to Seal Bay ConservationPark and walk amongst a colony of sea-lions. Visit the spectacular sand dunes ofLittle Sahara before heading to PardanaWildlife Park and the Northern beachesfor a nature walk.Day 2:Visit Rocky River and watch kangarooshopping about amongst flocks of grazingCape Barren geese. Explore this coast'sstunning limestone formations and theand famed Remarkable Rocks.Day 3:Look out for pelicans and the glossy blackcockatoo at America River, climb theoldest lighthouse in South Australia andhave cameras at the ready forpicturesque Pennington Bay.EXTENSIONSIf you have a particular interest in wildlife orphotography, a private charter can help you get the most from your visit. Keen divers can spend an extra day on the island to venture below thesurface: unforgettable dives often see leafy seadragons, meet dolphins and presents the chance to swim with sealions.ADVENTURE CHARTERSOF KANGAROO ISLANDMuch of Kangaroo Island is preserved inNational or Conservation Parks, allowing wildlifespecies to thrive, and many of the plants andanimals here have been isolated on the islandfor over 10,000 years. Adventure Charters isowned by Craig Wickham, a conservationistwho operates environmentally sensitive smallgroup tours that focus on wildlife, heritage andcontemporary Australian lifestyles. Scheduledand customised itineraries include wildlife, birdwatching, hiking and photographic safaris, buttravelling is in modern 4WD vehicles and mealsare of the highest quality, with food and wineserved in exclusive locations. This experienceallows visitors an in-depth view of KangarooIsland, its wildlife and its people.Stranraer Homestead,Kangaroo Island A 3,000 acre property in the sheep pastureland ofKangaroo Island may not be where you expect tofind stylish and sophisticated accommodation, butStranraer Homestead is an unusual haven. Datingback to the 1920s, Stranraer has been fully restoredinto an elegant retreat, especially welcome after aday spent touring the island. There are fourguestrooms, each with a cosy log fire, and thedelicious, dinner prepared by your hosts Lynne andGraham is a glorious highlight to end each day.WallabyThe Sky House, Life Time Private Retreats

Clare ValleyMURRAY RIVERThe Murray River is Australia's Mississippi, withpaddle-steamers passing riverside towns such asSwan Reach, with its clifftop views, andMannun, with its relics of the pioneer days. Thefirst river crossing was made at Murray Bridge,which is where many cruises start. Aboriginallegends surround this treasured water supply,which attracts a wealth of wildlife includingyellow-billed spoonbills, fat-tailed dunnarts andpossums. Walking trails line the banks anddisappear deep in to the bush. An array ofcruising options - from cruises to rentalhouseboats - enable you to meander along theriver amongst the red gums which line its banks. Odyssey Murray RiverCruisingCruise the river in style onboard a delightful smallcraft where a friendly and knowledgeable crewentertain a maximum of eight guests on three orfour day cruises, or longer private charters. This is acomfortable way to get upstream to explore ancientlimestone cliffs, deep lagoons and the prolific arrayof wildlife that inhabits the area. Sunset and sunrisepresents nature at its best, and frequent stops allowyou to delve into the bush in the company of a crewmember, scratching the surface of the tranquilAustralian bush at a relaxed, gentle pace.62Kangaroos at the edge of the Murray RiverBAROSSA VALLEYSet in a gentle hollow amidst rolling wheatfields and vines, the Barossa Valley was originallysettled by German Lutherans whose smalltownships and church spires still survive today.Vineyards, often with names such as 'KaiserStuhl', are set amongst delicatessens whoseshelves groan under Germanic delicacies. Wineis showcased in more than 50 local cellars, butthe valley holds a special appeal that extendsinto stately homes, seasoned by meals inrestaurants where European traditions areleavened with modern-day cuisine. Less than anhour's drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valleycan be explored on a tour or in your own car.Abbotsford Country HouseAbbotsford Country House,Barossa Valley In the corner of the valley surrounded by acres offarmland this colonial Georgian-style homestead isblessed with magnificent views of the vineyards,framed by sun-baked ranges. Eight guest suitesreflect Australian country style, uniquely decoratedand furnished with antiques, where each is asindividual as its prominent Barossa family namesake.Owners Jane and Julian are excellent hosts, andidyllic days end with a game of croquet on thesunken lawn, a glass of wine on the veranda andsupper, beautifully prepared from local produce.CLARE VALLEYCombining Australian bush and well-keptcharming vineyards, Clare is a lesser-knownwine region but perhaps the most beautiful ofall. Sevenhill is an excellent place to start yourexploration: established by the three Jesuitpriests who fled here in 1851 this is the region'soldest winery, and much of the original stonearchitecture remains today. The Riesling Trail is apicturesque route ideal for walkers and cycliststhat leads to the small town of Auburn, wherethe vines are complemented by fragments ofmining and settler history. Clare is within easyrange of Adelaide or an excellent place to breakyour journey on the way to the Flinders Ranges. Thorn Park,Clare ValleyThis gracious 1850s homestead with mellow stonewalls and shady verandas is set in lovely landscapedgardens amidst acres of majestic countryside -elegant country living at its best. Your hosts, Michaeland David, have a nationwide reputation for lavishbreakfasts and exquisite dinners, accompanied by awonderful selection of fine local wines. The warm,spacious, ensuite guestrooms continue the traditionof charm and if you are looking for privacy, twosuites are available in the converted 'Old Barn' andthe 'Coachhouse'.Thorn ParkOdyssey River Cruise