Ocean to outback in South Australia

South Australia based company Big Blue Air Touring (bigblueairtouring.com) has created an exclusive two-centre luxury experience called ‘Ocean to Outback’ featuring Southern Ocean Lodge and Portee Station.

Starting and finishing in Adelaide, the round trip itinerary highlights the coastal beauty of Kangaroo Island, contrasting it with the rugged Outback scenery of the Murray river. Spectacular pristine landscapes, free roaming native wildlife, luxurious accommodation and fine wining and dining are all top of the agenda.

Touring options of three, four or five days feature a private light aircraft flight to the luxurious newly opened eco-wilderness property, Southern Ocean Lodge (southernoceanlodge.com.au) located on Kangaroo Island, renowned as Australia's Galapagos. Activities include a personalised private tour of the island in order to see the amazing flora and fauna featuring koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, fur seals, sea lions, penguins and dolphins.

A low level scenic flight in a private biplane over the McLaren Vale vineyards preceeds arrival at chic Portee Station Homestead (portee.com.au), a 23,000 acre fine wool sheep station set in landscaped gardens with four kms of private Murray river frontage. Afternoon tea on the Station’s lawns is followed by a sunset champagne, wombat and kangaroo tour, gourmet BBQ and outdoor concert by award-winning singer/songwriter John O’Dea.

An early night will prepare guests for the final day which features a hot air balloon flight over the Barossa Valley at sunrise, before returning to Adelaide.

Other itinerary features includes executive car hotel pick up and drop off and a seafood lunch on a secluded Kangaroo Island beach.

The fully inclusive price (flights, meals, accommodation, hotel transfers) for the three-day Ocean to the Outback “gold” itinerary is AU$5,367 per person (£2,611), whilst the five-day “platinum” option is AU$11,486 per person (£5,588).

For further information on South Australia, see Southaustralia.com.