GirlsTrek will collect you from a lunch time flight arrival into Adelaide airport. We whisk you instantly away to Hans Heysen's home "The Cedars" and enjoy walking in the gardens and a tour of his home and art studio. We are nourished by a packed lunch on route.

Once we have completed our tour of The Cedars, we continue our trip down history lane to the small town of Hahndorf. Settled in 1839 by Lutheran refugees from Prussia, it’s known for its original German-style architecture and artisanal food. The main street is littered with fabulous coffee houses, gorgeous boutiques and many eateries.

Tonight we celebrate Italian style at a fun authentic trattoria serving delicious risottos.

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Peramangk Country

Trek: Heysen and Pioneer Womens Trail 18 kms 7 hours

The first settlers of Hahndorf lived life hard. The men mostly worked for the wealthy landowners of the area to earn wages pulling virgin scrub and building fences. The women were left to labour on their small farms raising animals and vegetable gardens as well as making butter and cheese. These enterprising women found a ready market in Adelaide for their wares. They would set off at midnight and follow the 35 km trail to Adelaide Markets arriving at 4 o'clock in the morning.

With their produce sold they would return home with money and other sugar, tea, coffee, needles and sewing and tobacco for their men.

70 kms for the day is long trek! We will only be doing a portion from Hahndorf to Mt Lofty Summit for spectacular views of Adelaide.

We will depart early to commence our trek today, stopping in Stirling for breakfast.

Later in the afternoon we visit a local award winning distillery for a delicious tasting before heading back to Hahndorf.

Dinner tonight is at a local and casual restaurant, that celebrates the townships German heritage.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Kaurna Country

Kayak: Mouth of the Murray, Coorong

We depart Hahndorf early today and make our way down to the historic town of Goolwa. After a walk around this old port town marveling at the gorgeous old buildings we settle in for a delicious breakfast at Mother Ducks.

Today's kayak is a wonderful experience with passionate local guides on the Coorong. The 46,745 hectare Coorong National Park includes a magnificent coastal sand dune system and a complex wetland habitat which supports an abundance of birds, ground-dwelling animals and fish. The park was dedicated in 1966 to conserve this distinctive landscape of natural beauty. It is a key environmental success story and supports the global migratory bird population.

Our local guides share knowledge from first nation stories as well as the Colin Thiele research for "Storm Boy" and current ecological breakthroughs in the area.

You will not be spending all day in a kayak! There are many shore visits exploring this stunning park.

We depart mid afternoon for Port Willunga.

Tonight we enjoy a casual dinner at our beach house and home for the next three nights.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Kaurna, Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri Country

Trek: Heysen Trail, Parsons Beach Road to Victor Harbour Pub 20 km 7 hours

After breakfast at our private beach house we drive to the trail head of today's day hike along the southern coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. This is a stunning walk and a personal favourite to GirlsTrek's founder, Frith.

The trail is named after German born Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968), a well-known Australian artist, particularly recognised for his watercolours of the Australian bush and his strong associations with both the Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges. His house, “The Cedars“, is located on the trail near Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. We will past by here on Day 5 of our itinerary.

The trail is 1200 km in length commencing in Cape Jervis and stretching up in to the Flinders Ranges. was named after him.

The section we walk today includes the dramatic landscape of the Waitpinga cliffs and a coastline carved by the pounding southern ocean. Farmland fences meet the sea and the high point of the Bluff is a focal point for the "close to end" point for our trekking day.

We finish at Victor Harbour pub for a well earned GnT before returning to our accommodation.

Dinner tonight is at the Hortas in near by Port Noarlunga a short 10 minutes drive from our beach house overlooking Port Noarlunga beach. This stylish, relaxed restaurant is known for its seafood dishes.

Meals: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch and dinner

Kaurna, Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri Country

After an early morning beach walk and maybe a swim we travel a few minutes down the road to Aldinga and Maxwells Grocery for breakfast and a good coffee! From here we drive a further 10 minutes to the McLaren vale Information centre

At 9:30 am we collect e-bikes, helmets and maps!

Our day today will be cycling the Shiraz trail calling in to the historic Willunga township, and wineries including Ortus, a 100% female wine business! The terrain is quite gentle and when there is a rise the ebike engine kicks in to gear and makes you feel like a cycling pro! This is a great way to round out our experience in the McLaren Vale.

During the day we stop for lunch and we finish up our day with a ride back through the McLaren Vale town.

Later in the afternoon we return to our accommodation and prepare for dinner out at the wonderful Star of Greece.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Kaurna, Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri Country

Trek: Marions Coastal Track 12 km ( 3 hours)

For those keen we take an early morning walk on the beach and maybe a swim in the Vincent Gulf! It's pack up time at the house before driving a short distance to Hallets Cove for a yummy late breakfast at the Boatshed Cafe.

Our final trek for the week is along the Marion Coastal Track to Glenelg. This is a stunning way to finish our time in South Australia as we meander along the coastline with the ocean water twinkling alongside us as we go.

From Glenelg it is a short journey to the airport or you can arrange a taxi or uber to take you in to the Adelaide CBD if you wish to stay on for a night in the city.

Meals: Brunch

Price includes

Private transfers from Adelaide Airport

6 days guided trekking and experiences fully hosted by GirlsTrek

Average 4 - 8 hours trekking per day

Guided tour of Hans Heysen House

Cycling in McLaren Vale

Canoe on the Coorong guided trip

Restaurant dinners

All meals as per itinerary

All accommodation (on a twin share basis)

Premium Australian sparkling wine celebration

Private information get together to detail the trip and answer any of your questions

Trip specific packing list

Expert advice and great discounts on trek gear

At home training programme to prepare you for your trek

Exclusive GirlsTrek gift

Price excludes

Travel to/from destination

Travel insurance, which is highly recommended

Beverages, optional and personal expenses

*Single supplement available on request at an additional cost

Compulsory gear

Daypack - 24-34 L with rain cover

2-3L water bladder

Good trekking shoes

Waterproof rain jacket with hood

Hat and sunglasses

Buff or kerchief for neck protection

600ml water bottle (for travelling on bus)

Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent

Tissues & hand sanitiser

Personal first aid kit (Travel calm, band aids, pain relief tablets)

Recommended gear

Walking poles

Earplugs

Electrolyte - SOS or similar

Clothing for trek

3 walking shorts, leggings or long pants

3-4 short sleeve walking shirts - we recommend Icebreaker merino 120 - 150 gsm

1 light, long sleeve shirt for sun protection - we recommend CAMIXA

1 long sleeve warm layer - we recommend Icebreaker merino 150 - 200 gsm

3-4 walking socks (merino wool)

Fleece, wool or down vest

Small ankle gaiter to keep out dirt, sand & gravel

Clothing for kayak

Water shoes (closed toe)

Clothing for trip

Warm jacket, casual, fleece or puffer

Casual wear for travel, sightseeing & dinners

Sleepwear & underwear

Toiletries

Swimmers & thongs

Note: There are excellent washing and drying facilities on the final 3 nights. Luggage is transported between accommodation, as required