Australia 2027 23 Night Knit Retreat Itinerary

Tuesday, 06 July 2027 

We have not arranged a group arrival transfer today as guests will be arriving from many different destinations at different times. Please make your own way to your accommodation. 

The wine and festival capital of Australia, Adelaide/Tarndanya is a place to experience the buzz, culture, and convenience of a city without the frustrations. The River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri cuts through the city. The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a charming blend of historic buildings, wide streets, groovy shops, and a huge variety of street cafes and restaurants. Visit the largest undercover market in the southern hemisphere and taste the best of South Australia at the Adelaide Central Market, or enjoy a ride on Adelaide’s tram from the city centre to the historic yet vibrant beachside suburb of Glenelg. The city also provides a great launching point to the many attractions surrounding Adelaide, including world class wine regions, the Australian Outback, Kangaroo Island, the Eyre Peninsula, and much more. 

Meal – Welcome Dinner 

Koomo @ Crown Plaza Adelaide 

This evening we will gather at the Koomo restaurant at the Crowne Plaza.  We’ll have an opportunity to meet our fellow knit retreaters. 

Accommodation at Crowne Plaza Adelaide 

This property is located in between North Terrace and Rundle Street in the city centre, in Adelaide’s premier entertainment and cultural hub in the East End precinct. The hotel is part of the 36 storey Frome Central Tower One, which also features residential apartments and ground floor retail and dining options. Guests enter the hotel via the porte-cochere entrance at street level before taking an elevator to the hotel’s lobby which is on the 10th Floor Skydeck, offering panoramic views. The spacious guest rooms are located from level 3 to level 20 within the building. All guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and been carefully designed with zones to enable both comfort and connectivity. 

Premium Room for 2 Nights 

Includes:  2 x Full Breakfast 1 x Porterage 

In: Tuesday 06 July 2027 Out: Thursday 08 July 2027 

Wednesday, 07 July 2027 

This morning we will be transported to/from Yarn Trader, a yarn shop in Port Adelaide. 

Once we return to the hotel, you will have free time until our first knitting workshop takes place in the conference room of the Crowne Plaza.  Lunch is on your own arrangements. 

Afternoon Knitting workshop – Crown Plaza Hotel 

Conference room for 3 hours (2.00 – 5.00 pm) 

Tea / coffee and afternoon tea 

Thursday, 08 July 2027 

Kanga Coachlines Coach Charter - Charter 

This morning we will board our coach for the start of our Australian Knitting adventure.  We will travel by road to Cape Jervis where we will board a ferry to Kangaroo Island. 

Cape Jervis to Penneshaw Ferry – approximately a 45 minute crossing 

Kangaroo Island 

Includes: Touring with knowledgeable local driver/guide, 4WD Touring vehicle, home baked morning tea, quality picnic lunches with South Australian wines, beer and soft drinks and all admission fees – a shearing demonstration, Kangaroo Island Wool tour.  Dinner at Kangaroo Island Providore. 

On arrival into the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal, we depart for our first day of touring. We’ll learn about farming on Kangaroo Island including sheepdog mustering, yarding and shearing of sheep.  We’ll watch a demonstration of wool classing and hand spinning. 

 
We’ll visit the shores of the white sands and blue seas of Antechamber Bay. Here we’ll'll stop for lunch and enjoy a delicious picnic featuring fresh, local produce, handmade condiments and dressings and South Australian beer, wines and soft drinks. 

 
Afterwards, we’ll make our way to False Cape Wines. The Cellar Door is made from recycled wood, jetty timbers and limestone sourced on the property. They offer a great range of local family grown and produced wines in a fantastic setting. 

 
We’ll then explore Kangaroo Island Wool, where a co-operative venture that brings together a selection of the Island wool growers, KI Wool aims to provide a closed loop from the sheep to the chic! Small batch processing of the finest wool results in elegant, lightweight clothing - shawls, scarves, beanies and sweaters, all produced on site with micro-mills. 

 
Just around the corner is Kangaroo Island Providore at the Kangaroo Island Airport where we’ll enjoy a three course meal before being taken to your accommodation. 

Ellson Hotel – Kangaroo Island 

Accommodation for 2 Nights 

Includes:  2 x Full Breakfast 1 x 3 course dinner 

In: Thursday 08 July 2027 Out: Saturday 10 July 2027 

The Ellson Hotel - KI / Ocean View Room 

Friday, 09 July 2027 – Kangaroo Island Touring Continues 

Includes: Touring with knowledgeable local driver/guide, 4WD Touring vehicle, home baked morning tea, quality picnic lunches with South Australian wines, beer and soft drinks and all admission fees. 

Pickup from your accommodation. 

Today we’ll travel to the South Coast of Kangaroo Island to Flinders Chase National Park where we’ll find Admiral's Arch & Cape du Couedic, showcasing evidence of the power of the Southern Ocean swell.  Admiral’s Arch is a coastal grotto which provides a haul out for a large colony of Long-nosed fur seals which swim effortlessly through crashing waves. Nearby is the stunning Cape du Couedic lighthouse, built in 1909 using local limestone in response to several catastrophic shipwrecks in the 19th century.
Continuing on, we'll arrive at Remarkable Rocks. Explore the massive shapes of Remarkable Rocks, a natural sculpture perched impossibly on top a granite dome plunging into the ocean. This cliff-top sculpture park is a favourite for photographers, nature-lovers and art enthusiasts. 

 
We’ll take a break for an al fresco lunch at a private bush camp. Enjoy a meal of grilled King George whiting (local sea fish), potatoes, and halloumi, served with a fresh garden salad, homemade condiments, and a selection of local wines, beer, and soft drinks. 

 
The journey continues to Seal Bay Conservation Park, where at Seal Bay Conservation Park, we’ll take a private tour with our guide among Australian sea-lions on a beautiful sandy beach – an experience similar to that of the Galapagos. Watch pups nursing or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology. 

Our day concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation 

Dinner – Ellson Hotel 

Three Course dinner at our hotel tonight. 

Saturday, 10 July 2027 

Exceptional Kangaroo Island Continues 

Includes: Touring with knowledgeable local driver/guide, 4WD Touring vehicle, home baked morning tea, quality picnic lunches with South Australian wines, beer and soft drinks and all admission fees 

We’ll be picked up from our accommodation and on to explore Stokes Bay Beach. Walk through a secret tunnel in the rocks to reach a hidden beach with crystal-clear waters, a natural rock pool and open bay that is a local favourite. 

 
Explore the Stokes Bay Valley, which is home to kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and a range of birdlife including the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo. 

 
We’ll meander back to Penneshaw for our departure ferry, with opportunistic wildlife encounters along the way. 

Penneshaw to Cape Jervis Ferry 

Once we disembark we’ll make our way to McLaren Vale.   

Located 40 minutes south of Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers some of South Australia's finest coastal, scenic and culinary experiences. Spend quality time in nature’s playground discovering charming towns including Victor Harbor, Willunga, Normanville, Goolwa, Yankalilla and Rapid Bay. The region is home to the internationally renowned McLaren Vale - the home of sustainable wine production, world-renowned labels and unparalleled gastronomic experiences. Dig in to 3D printed food in a giant rubik's cube or head Down “The Rabbit Hole” and taste Mclaren Vale's renowned wines. 

McLaren Vale has the warmth and feel of a country town, with the distinct advantage of being 45 minutes from South Australia’s Capital city, Adelaide. McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s renowned wine regions, famous for producing some of the best wines in the world with over 65 cellar doors. The region is thriving, and the energy and passion of the local community is infectious. The region’s artisans are passionate about the food, wine and culture of the area, and this is evidenced in the genuine hospitality offered by McLaren Vale’s tourism operators. The area is also only minutes away from stunning coastlines and beaches. 

South Australia Fleurieu Peninsula 

Accommodation at McLaren Vale Motel & Apartments 

This motel is located in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region, only 5-minute drive from the beach. It is ideally situated as a base for visiting local wineries or touring the Fleurieu Peninsula. The property offers spacious accommodation with modern appliances. 

Queen Room for 2 Nights 

Includes:  2 x Full Breakfast 

In: Saturday 10 July 2027 Out: Monday 12 July 2027 

Sunday, 11 July 2027 

d’Arenberg - Half Day Blending Bench & Degustation 

Includes: Entry to d'Arenberg Cube Alternative Realities Museum, wine blending class, sample bottle of your blend, 8 course degustation with matching wines. 

The d’Arenberg Cube is a five storey multi-function building set among Mourvèdre vines. The building has the optical illusion of floating in a vineyard, each level with spectacular views over-looking the rolling hills of Willunga. Our 1.5 hour experience begins in the Alternate Realties Museum on the ground floor of the d’Arenberg Cube, where a self-guided exploration will take you through a space filled with wall to wall art installations designed to excite and awaken your senses. Next enjoy “The Blending Bench”, which is a hands-on, interactive experience where we play winemaker. A palette of wine parcels, each with distinctive flavours and textures, are melded in search of balance, fullness, and finesse. They did the physical work – picking, crushing, fermenting, foot treading, basket pressing and barrel ageing, and we get to create a wine that is truly unique. We’ll then bottle, name and label a 750ml sample to take home and show off to our friends (or drink while on tour). Following our blending session, indulge our taste buds with an eight-course degustation in the restaurant, overlooking the rolling hills of McLaren Vale. This is d’Arenberg’s very favourite way of eating and their homage, if you like, to the old adage ‘variety is the spice of life’. The resultant combination of flavours and textures created between the food and wine pairings makes for an experience that will linger. At the completion of our experience, we’ll make our way to our accommodation. 

Monday, 12 July 2027 

This morning we depart McLaren Vale for the drive to Mount Gambier 

Lunch is included enroute 

Accommodation at The Barn 

This property is located 10 minutes drive the centre of Mount Gambier and within 10 minutes drive to Blue Lake. It is set on 5 acres of manicured, English style gardens, boasting historic ornamental trees in a lush rural setting. The majority of the stylish contemporary accommodation has been constructed from Mount Gambier Limestone. You may want to dine at the award winning Barn Steakhouse (own expense). 

Deluxe King Suite for 1 Night 

Includes:  1 x Full Breakfast 

In: Monday 12 July 2027 Out: Tuesday 13 July 2027 

Tuesday, 13 July 2027 – Mount Gambier to Warrnambool 

The Barn 

Morning Knitting workshop in the Oak Room at The Barn 

Lunch is included 

In the afternoon, we’ll depart Mount Gambier for the short drive to Warrnambool (around 2.5 hours). 

The only city on the rugged Shipwreck Coast, Warrnambool has had a long and colourful history linked with the sea. Much of this history is on show at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. Original buildings, a lighthouse and a recreated port complete with ships provide a fascinating insight into the city's nineteenth century life. Its location on the wide sweep of Lady Bay gives Warrnambool marvellous beaches that heave with beach goers over summer. Explore coastal reserves and walking tracks with secluded beaches and rocky points, penguin colonies, and some good places for fishing and bird watching. The city has a thriving art and events scene, excellent restaurants serving the best and freshest local produce, and a relaxed cafe scene. 

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs  

We’ve included a Hot spring pass/one per person – 7.30pm to 9.30pm Session 

Dinner not included – at own expense 

Accommodation at Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs 

This property is located at the idyllic Warrnambool foreshore, on a peninsula between Lady Bay and Stingray Bay. It is surrounded by extensive walking and cycling trails and some of the Great Ocean Road's best beaches including Warrnambool's main beach and Middle Island. 

Premium Studio King for 1 Night 

Includes:  Breakfast 

In: Tuesday 13 July 2027 Out: Wednesday 14 July 2027 

Wednesday, 14 July 2027 - The Great Ocean Road – Warrnambool to Apollo Bay 

Drive one of the world's most scenic coastal touring routes, the Great Ocean Road, which spans 243 kilometres along the stunning coastline of Victoria's south-west. Take in the panoramic views as the road winds along cliff tops, through picturesque sea-side towns, up to breathtaking headlands, down onto the edge of beaches, across river estuaries and through lush rainforests. 

Included lunch – Port Campbell 

2 course lunch / tea or coffee 

Accommodation at Apollo Bay Motel & Apartments (Was BW Apollo Bay Mot & Apt) 

This property is 50 metres from the Great Ocean Road and Apollo Bay beach foreshore and a 20-minute drive from the Otway National Park. Offering well-appointed motel style accommodation. 

Run of House for 2 Nights 

Includes:  2 x Buffet Breakfast 

In: Wednesday 14 July 2027 Out: Friday 16 July 2027 

Thursday, 15 July 2027 

Today spend the day exploring the surf coast portion of the Great Ocean Road.  Enjoy the spectacular scenery where the road hugs the coastline all the way from Apollo Bay to Torquay.  Travel through the scenic town ships of Wye River, Kennett river and Lorne.  Outside Apollo Bay the road winds through the centre of the Great Otway National Park with its beautiful untouched rainforests, before returning to hug the coast for the entire length of Port Campbell National Park. This is the most famous section of the Great Ocean Road, featuring an amazing collection of rock formations known as the 12 Apostles which have been carved out of the headland by the fierce waves of the Southern Ocean. 

Friday, 16 July 2027 – Travel Day Apollo Bay to Bendigo 

Bendigo is a charming and elegant regional city. The discovery of gold in the soils of Bendigo during the 1850's made it one of the most significant Victorian era boom towns in Australia. News of the finds intensified the Victorian gold rush bringing an influx of migrants to the city from around the world. Within a year it was transformed from a sheep station to a major settlement in the newly proclaimed Colony of Victoria. In the centre of town, gold era architecture nestles among century-old gardens, sidewalk cafés, contemporary art galleries and antique stores. 

We are in Bendigo for the Australia Sheep & Wool Show where we will have two days to explore: 

🧶 Woolcraft and fibre arts 

🧥 Australian wool fashion and fashion parades 

🐑 More than 3,000 sheep and 35+ breeds 

✂️ Shearing and wool-handling demonstrations 

🐕 Working-dog trials 

🛍️ 400+ exhibitors and trade stalls 

🍖 Festival of Lamb and food demonstrations 

🧺 Wool and handmade products 

🌾 Australian rural lifestyle and agricultural displays 

🎨 Competitions and exhibitions 

👩‍🌾 Educational and interactive experiences  

Accommodation at Lakeside Hotel 

Executive Twin Room for 3 Nights 

Includes:  1 x Dinner – 3 course / Breakfast daily 

In: Friday 16 July 2027 Out: Monday 19 July 2027 

Saturday, 17 July 2027 

Coach transfer to/from Bendigo sheep show. 

Sunday, 18 July 2027 

Coach transfer to/from Bendigo sheep show. 

Monday, 19 July 2027 – Travel Bendigo to Melbourne 

This morning we depart Bendigo and make our way to Melbourne.  There is a lot to love about Melbourne/Narrm - just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, the curves of Yarra River/Birrarung intertwines between skyscrapers and parklands. Melbourne/Narrm is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks, and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne never sits still. Its modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture, and ensure the skyline is constantly changing. The area around Melbourne, including the Yarra River/Birrarung, holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the Kulin people, who have cared for this region for over 40,000 years, with numerous sites of importance along the river and surrounding land. 

The Meat & Wine Co - 3 Course Dinner 

​Would it be fair to say you’d be missing the point if you came to the Meat & Wine Company to try the salads? Australian Angus beef cuts are the house specialty, with super-aged meat the order of the day. Vegetarian options available. 

Accommodation at Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders, an IHG Hotel 

This property is located in the city centre, 290 metres from Southern Cross Station, 1.2 kilometres from Bourke Street Mall and 1.3 kilometres from Federation Square. It is close to shops, restaurants, Southbank and in the free tram zone. The hotel takes inspiration from internationally-acclaimed and controversial fashion photographer Helmut Newton. Newton became one of the most famous fashion photographers in the world, and was known for his edgy work that featured the likes of Grace Jones, David Bowie and Andy Warhol. The property showcases some of Newton's work and a wealth of commissioned pieces from local artists to pay tribute to fashion, art and runway photography in all its forms. The ‘lights, camera, action’ themed design by Australian firm Suede Interiors continues throughout the guest rooms, with some featuring floor to ceiling windows. 

Double Standard City View Room for 5 Nights 

Includes:  5 x Full Breakfast 1 x Porterage 

In: Monday 19 July 2027 Out: Saturday 24 July 2027 

Tuesday, 20 July 2027 - Melbourne 

This morning you have the opportunity to enjoy a sleep in or take a short wander across to Southbank or wander the CBD ahead of our afternoon tour. 

Afternoon Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour 

Includes: Hotel Meet & Greet, seated drink (non-alcoholic) and chocolate tastings, one course lunch. 

Step into the enchanting laneways and hidden corners of Melbourne with this immersive 3 hour tour, guided by passionate local hosts. Embrace the city’s unique blend of history, culture and creativity, where every turn reveals something new. Explore local designers and speciality retailers, many of which are exclusive to the city. Soak in the rich history and stunning architecture that make Melbourne truly special. Plus, enjoy a delightful stop at a local chocolate salon for a sweet indulgence that’s sure to elevate your experience! This tour offers a fresh perspective and a deeper connection to Melbourne’s soul. At the conclusion of our tour, make your own way back to our nearby accommodation. 

Remainder of the day at leisure. 

Wednesday, 21 July 2027 

We didn’t want you to miss out on a visit to Tarndwarncoort.  We’ll travel to Tarndie’s for a a tour of the homestead and Polwarth sheep story, a dye workshop with customised yarn to take as a souvenir and bbq lunch.  Tarndie’s will be at the Australia Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo – but we will visit the actual farm today. 

Thursday, 22 July 2027 

Today we will travel through the beautiful Mornington Peninsula for lunch before making our way to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade. As the penguin experience is a dawn/evening experience, this will be a long day, but very much worth it! 

Jackalope – Rare Hare Restaurant. 

Share platter lunch with one glass of wine 

Enjoy Penguins Plus, Koalas and Churchill Island 

 
Koala Conservation Reserve: Explore the treetop boardwalks and see koalas up close and in their natural habitat. 

 
Churchill Island: Step back in time and explore the historical grounds and take in the tranquil scenery. 

As a group, we will enjoy the Penguin Parade Penguins Plus experience: Watch the penguins from the viewing platform that mirrors the coves of Phillip Island’s spectacular southern coastline and offers up-close viewing of the little penguins as they waddle along the most popular pathway at the Penguin Parade. 

Friday, 23 July 2027 - Melbourne 

This morning is free to relax or explore on your own. 

Afternoon Knitting Workshop – at the nearby Holiday Inn Express / Little Collins Street 

Includes Tea/Coffee and Afternoon Tea 

Saturday, 24 July 2027 – Travel Melbourne to Sydney 

Today we will be transferred from our hotel to the Melbourne Airport for our flight to Sydney. 

Your flight today is not included in Australia Retreat Price – SPJ Retreats will provide group pricing at a later date. 

Soak in the beauty and spirit of Sydney/Gadigal Country, a city defined by its iconic harbour, relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and natural charm. Cruise beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge or catch a ferry to Manly, passing the world-renowned Sydney Opera House along the way. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach, explore the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, or enjoy a peaceful swim at Coogee. Wander through the cobblestone lanes of The Rocks or explore the markets, boutiques, cafés, and pubs of Paddington. With more than 70 sparkling beaches, a vibrant food scene, lively festivals, and round-the-clock energy, Sydney/Warrane offers something for everyone. This stunning city sits on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who have cared for this Country for tens of thousands of years. Their deep spiritual connection to the harbour and surrounding landscape continues to shape the identity and cultural fabric of this city today. 

Once we arrive in Sydney, we will be met on arrival by our guide for en route sightseeing and transfer to our hotel. 

We’ll visit the Rocks - Sydney's birthplace with fascinating relics and buildings of the city's turbulent past. Pass the picturesque Botanical Gardens, the Conservatorium of Music, Art Gallery and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, stopping for spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House. Then it’s back to the city’s commercial centre, Darling Harbour and Chinatown before travelling through Kings Cross and the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay, Rose Bay and finally Watson’s Bay for a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean from The Gap. Arrive at famous Bondi Beach for a relaxing lunch before returning to the city via Paddington to view its restored 19th Century Colonial Terraces.   

North Bondi Fish- Lunch 

Located a few short steps from the sand and surf of one of the world's most famous beaches, North Bondi Fish is Bondi at its best. The casual restaurant is a relaxed space, which personifies beach-side chic and is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner and everything in between. Owned by Matt Moran (former Masterchef Australia Judge) and Bruce Solomon, and with Head Chef Zac Sykes at the helm, the kitchen opens at midday and the full menu is available all day and late into the evening. Specialising in fresh, high-quality seafood as well as serving amazing steak, salads, sliders and more, it's the perfect beach-side escape. 

Accommodation at Parkroyal Darling Harbour 

This property is located on the city-side of Darling Harbour, a short distance from the restaurants and bars of Darling Quarter, and 2 kilometres from Circular Quay. The spacious guest rooms and suites have a contemporary design, with cityscape or Darling Harbour view. 

Superior Room for 5 Nights 

Includes:  5 x Full Breakfast 1 x Porterage 

In: Saturday 24 July 2027 Out: Thursday 29 July 2027 

Sunday, 25 July 2027 

Full Day Unchartered Blue Mountains 

Includes: Guided bush walk, all entries including Wildlife Park & National Parks. 

Our 11.5 hour tour travels to the amazing Blue Mountains. On the way you will visit Featherdale Wildlife Park for a hands-on Australian wildlife encounter with the chance to feed kangaroos and take a photo with a koala. Then it is off the beaten track to show you the Blue Mountains from an insider’s perspective. Our experienced guide knows all of the most secluded lookouts, fascinating rainforest bush tracks and pristine valleys. While lunch is not included, our guide can help you with plenty of suggestions while exploring a relaxed mountain village on the way. From epic views at Pulpit Rock to Hargraves Lookout and Lincolns Rock, we will be taken to some of the most awesome locations including the main sights, like the fascinating Three Sisters. 

Monday, 26 July 2027 

Morning Knitting workshop – Parkroyal Hotel 

Tea/Coffee and Afternoon Tea 

After our workshop, we will be transferred to a Dulwich Hill Pub for a Counter Lunch.  After lunch we will walk to Skein Sisters, one of Australia’s premier yarn shops. 

Tuesday, 27 July 2027 

The morning is yours to either sleep or explore Sydney at your leisure. 

Lunch is not included and at your own expense. 

Early this afternoon, we will meet in the Lobby to walk to Circular Quay as a group.  We will enjoy a one hour tour of the Sydney Opera House.  Note that this is a 25 minute walk from our hotel and the Opera House Tour involves a total of 300 steps. 

For those of us who want to visit a beautiful Opal Jeweller located steps away from Circular Quay, Michelle will take a group for a walk to Altmann & Cherney.   

The rest of the day is at your leisure.  Make your own way to our accommodation. 

Wednesday, 28 July 2027 

Today is our last day in Sydney and Australia.  Take this opportunity to explore the Rocks by foot, the Royal Botanical Gardens, a drink at a café, a ferry across to Taronga Zoo, walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge or many other fun and exciting things to do in Sydney. 

Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney - Dinner Cruise 

Includes: 3 course dinner, beer, wine and soft drinks 

Thursday, 29 July 2027 

We have not arranged a group departure transfer today as guests will be departing on different flights at different times.  Please make your own way to the Sydney Airport (own expense). 

Safe onward travels. 

Disclaimer: SPJ Retreats reserves the right to make amendments where necessary due to operational changes or circumstances beyond our control. Should a change to the itinerary, routing, or experience become necessary, we will make every effort to minimize the impact and will only do so when there is no reasonable alternative.