THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Introduction

This iconic self-drive holiday begins in the vibrant city of Melbourne, where a full day tour of Phillip Island to watch the nightly penguin parade is the perfect start to this adventure. Marvel at the dramatic coastline with its gravity defying rock formations, The Twelve Apostles, then relax on Bells Beach while the surf pros hit the waves. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Apollo Bay and see the sinkhole garden and mesmerizingly blue lake at Mount Gambier. A full day amongst the varied wildlife on Kangaroo Island will be a highlight of the trip, and the final day on a Barossa Valley wine tour is the perfect end. 

Day-by-Day

Day 1 - 3: Melbourne

Your journey begins in the sophisticated and vibrant city of Melbourne, on Australia’s south-east corner. Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is vibrant, filled with spacious parks and café-lined lanes, art galleries, fashion boutiques, trendy bars and restaurants.  A guided city tour reveals Melbourne’s fascinating history and a full day tour to Phillip Island provides the opportunity to witness the evening ritual of the penguin parade on the floodlit Summerland Beach.

Day 4: Apollo Bay

Collect your rental car and head out of the city towards Apollo Bay, stopping at Torquay, which marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Capture the spirit of surf culture and visit Bell’s Beach and the Surf World Surfing Museum. Stroll along the sandy beaches of the Surf Coast Walk then stop for an ice-cream at the Great Ocean Road Chocolatery. Arrive at Apollo Bay in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring this laid-back town, taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of its crescent shaped beach.

Day 5: Port Fairy

Head west towards Port Campbell and stop at Maits Rest for a walk in the cool temperate rainforest, renowned for its natural beauty. The next stop is the famous Twelve Apostles, a group of magnificent rock stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Continue towards Warrnambool, passing the London Arch and the Bay of Islands Lookout to get the perfect photograph of the southern stacks. At Tower Hill State Game Reserve, keep an eye out for the kangaroos, koalas, and emus as they roam freely among the lake-filled craters of this extinct volcano. Arrive into Port Fairy, a charming fishing village with several antique and craft shops to explore.

Day 6: Robe

Take the Princes Highway northwest to Mount Gambier to discover the geological wonders of the town, including the 72-metre-deep Blue Lake with mysterious colour changing water, and the Umpherston Sinkhole which has been cultivated into a beautiful sunken garden. Back on the Princes Highway, stop by Millicent to visit the award-winning museum and spot the murals on George Street depicting the diverse history of the town. Arrive at Robe, an historic seaside resort with a seafaring past.

Day 7 - 9: Adelaide - Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley

Today’s recommended stops include the Coorong National Park, with its shallow salty lagoons, perfect for birdlife and an important area for Aboriginal communities. Visit the Murray Bridge exhibitions highlighting the areas unique culture, and a stop in Hahndorf reveals the towns distinctly German roots. The Mount Lofty Botanic Garden in Adelaide Hills is well worth a visit on the way into Adelaide before dropping the car and checking into your hotel. The next morning, depart for a full day tour to Kangaroo Island, a spectacular wildlife haven where striking rock formations and magical animal encounters will leave lasting memories. Your final day in Adelaide is spent in the picturesque surroundings of the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s renowned wine regions, adorned with stunning vineyards and historic townships.

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to the airport for the return flight home.

Prices

From £2,849 per person

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• Domestic flight to Kangaroo Island
• 9 nights accommodation 
• Rental Car with unlimited milage, GPS, zero excess
• Phillip Island, Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley full day tours
• Private airport transfers
• Documents, vouchers and information pack

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!