Get ready to enjoy a wonderful South Australian holiday; this State was originally settled as a free “Christian Colony” and its capital, Adelaide, is still known as the “City of Churches”.

We fly into Adelaide and come together tonight with our fellow travellers to enjoy our first Group Dinner and get to know one another.

Overnight: Adelaide

3 NIGHTS

This morning, we share worship at Trinity Church, South Australia’s pioneer church with close links to the history of South Australia and the development of BCA; the church initially struggled and the small city congregation barely survived the first hundred plus years but its members became strong supporters of the Church Missionary Society and the Bush Church Aid Society, and sent a number of missionaries to work with these agencies.

We travel to historic Victor Harbor, a favourite seaside holiday destination for South Australians since the late 1800s. Enjoy one of the world’s last Horse-Drawn Tram routes as we travel out along the Granite Island Causeway before lunch.

We drive to Cape Jervis to join our Kangaroo Island ferry for the short crossing to one of Australia’s most unique destinations, Kangaroo Island (or KI as it is known to the locals). The island was used from the early 1800s by European whalers and sealers before a few hardy settlers established small sheep and cattle holdings in the 1830s. Post WWII the population doubled with the Soldier Settlement scheme and today its human population stands at 4,900, of which almost half live in the biggest town of Kingscote, our home for the next three nights.

We stop off at Kingscote’s historic Anglican Church which Bush Church Aid has supported for over 20 years.

Overnight: Kingscote

Whilst only 150km long, KI is home to large numbers of incredibly varied wildlife and diverse landscapes; separated from the mainland 10,000 years ago, today it is something of an Australian Galapagos as the home to many rare and endangered species. Key species that are regularly encountered are the KI Kangaroos, Tamar Wallabies, Koalas, short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals. There are 266 bird species sighted around KI including the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo. If KI wasn’t unique enough, more than 50 of its plant species cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This is a nature lovers paradise!

Time to take a walk on the wild side and get up close to nature when we visit the Sea Lion colony at Seal Bay. Join a National Parks Ranger to walk along the beach amongst these magnificent creatures; it is a truly unforgettable experience to be within metres of the bulls, cows and seal pups as they rest on the beach.

We visit nearby conservation centre, Raptor Domain to enjoy seeing Birds of Prey demonstration – learn about these different birds and watch them soar in free flight.
After lunch we head towards the southwestern end of Kangaroo Island to Flinders Chase National Park. This part of the Island was devastated by the 2019 bushfires and most of the vegetation and local infrastructure was either lost or badly affected – see first-hand the impact of the fires and the re-growth that has commenced. Be amazed by the aptly named Remarkable Rocks – these enormous boulders have been carved into strange shapes over millennia. Get your cameras ready! Nearby rock bridge of Admiral Arch often plays host to basking New Zealand Fur seals. A day of natural wonder!

Tonight, we will be joined for dinner by BCA Field Staff Mary & Owen Lewis.

Overnight: Kingscote

At the heart of the Kangaroo Island community and its economy is Agriculture and Primary Industry with two-thirds of the Island farmers involved in wool production. At Kangaroo Island Wool we tour the wool mill and enjoy a spectacular 360° cinema experience before browsing their showroom.

Then it is off to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery; once one of KI’s major industries, Eucalyptus Oil distilling began in the 1880’s and reached its peak by the 1930’s when 48 stills employed over 600 people. After a BBQ lunch we cap off our day with a visit to Emu Bay Lavender Farm, the realisation of a dream for owners Maria and Tony. Looking to diversify their property their idea literally grew from a small lavender garden to 7500 plants (12 varieties of lavender) covering 51 acres. Enjoy an informative talk and some unique lavender treats.

In Penneshaw, KI’s second largest town, we meet up with a local church group and the BCA Field Staff for a shared dinner, fellowship & Bible study – a wonderful end to a delightful day!

Overnight: Kingscote

Declared a bee sanctuary in 1885, Kangaroo Island safeguards the purest strain of Ligurian bees remaining in the world. Enjoy a sweet start to our day at Clifford’s Honey Shop to taste their delicious products, uniquely flavoured by the local native plants. We visit South Australia’s oldest lighthouse at Cape Willoughby; erected in 1852 it lights the Backstairs Passage between Kangaroo Island and the mainland.

Savour some delicious wines and an early lunch at False Cape Wines before we farewell KI and take the ferry back to the mainland. Enjoy a truly unique experience when we do a Sunset Wildlife Safari and stay overnight at Monarto Safari Resort.
Time to go wild at the largest open-range safari experience outside of Africa, home to more than 50 species of exotic and native animals.

Overnight: Monarto Safari Resort

Wake up to the sounds of the many animals and enjoy a 90-minute tour of this 1,500-hectare open-range zoo. What a way to start the day!

We return to Adelaide via historic Carrick Hill House, a 100-acre estate in the Adelaide foothills. This English style manor is Australia’s most intact period mansion and offers one of Adelaide’s greatest private collections of pictures, sculptures, furniture & decorative arts. Wander the glorious and enjoy spectacular views stretching to the ocean – it’s time to stop and smell the roses!

Back in the city centre we check in, relax and enjoy some free time before our last Group Dinner.

Overnight: Adelaide

Take some time for some last-minute shopping in Rundle Mall, Adelaide’s premier shopping district and pedestrian precinct. You may wish to stop in at the well-loved Haigh’s Chocolates, the oldest family-owned chocolate maker in Australia, to get some sweet sustenance for your flight. We return home feeling blessed by time shared with like-minded people with memories of new friendships and BCA connections, of wonderful fellowship and unique experiences.