Travel Specials > Australia > Australia Independent Packages and Tours > Unforgettable Drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via The Great Ocean Road

6 Day Self Drive: Melbourne to Adelaide
6 Day / 5 Nights from $1385

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Package Name
Unforgettable Drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via The Great Ocean Road

Duration

5 Nights / 6 Days

Description

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most majestic places in the whole world. If you want to see the sunshine on the Twelve Apostles (even though four of them went swimming over the years and haven’t come back), feel the wind on your face and experience the most friendly locals downunder, take this trip. You will be more than ecstatic you did.  The drive from Melbourne to Adelaide is filled with amazing hikes, rainforests, picnic areas, national parks, winding cliff top roads and some of the most dramatic coastal landscape in the world.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne – Drive to Apollo Bay (95 Miles/2 hrs)

Upon arrival at the Melbourne Airport, you will be met by a helpful agent to assist in picking up your rental car.  As you make your way through Melbourne and out to the ocean take your first stop in Geelong.  It’s Victoria’s second largest city and noted for its sophistication and cosmopolitan feel.  If you’d rather keep on going and get to the coast, by all means drive on. Stop in the town of Torquay for a beach walk and a chance to see the talented surfers of Australia or break in the town of Lorne to take in Teddy’s Lookout and Erskine Falls where there is a great waterfall viewing platform.  On to your destination for the evening, Apollo Bay – known for Marriner’s Lookout giving you amazing views of the town and coastline, and it’s wide white-sand beaches. Your accommodations in Apollo Bay: Captains at the Bay

Day 2: Apollo Bay – Port Fairy (121 miles/2 1/4 hrs)

Start your morning with a lovely walk on the beach or a bit of exploring of Otway National Park.  You will drive over the Otway Ranges during your journey today and may find a brilliant place to stop for some photos.  The road heads inland for a bit to Lavers Hill and back out to the coast taking you to the most picturesque place along The Great Ocean Road – Port Campbell.  This national park offers sheer limestone cliffs, rock stacks, arches, blowholes and gorges, oh my!  Including the most sought after Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge. Plan to spend a good portion of your day just in this area. There are many viewing platforms and simple walks to get you out to the edge for a seat over the ocean.  After this day of fresh air, relax and get some good rest in Port Fairy.  Accommodations for the evening in Port Fairy: Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel

Day 3: Port Fairy – Robe (207 miles/3 1/2 hrs)

Wake up in the seaside town of Port Fairy and enjoy breakfast at your hotel.  This fishing town offers a nice stroll to stretch your legs before you settle in behind the wheel.  The day’s journey takes you through Portland, Lower Gleneig National Park and straight to the border of South Australia.  You could consider taking a cruise on the Gleneig River and a tour of the Princess Margaret Rose Cave along the way.  There are many shipwrecks to explore on this route. Check with the local tourism place in Port Fairy to learn more.  The road meanders through Grampians National Park offering diverse flora and fauna, Aboriginal rock art and interesting rock formations.  This full day of activity will inspire you and give you a good night sleep.  Your rest stop for the evening in Robe: Ann’s Place

Day 4: Robe – Adelaide (210 miles/3 1/2 hrs)

Start the day in Robe with a full belly of breakfast at your hotel. Robe is a cute little town sprinkled with limestone cottages and a great place for sailboarding and surfing.  As you head northwest towards Adelaide today, the road hugs the coast most of the way.  A must stop photo op (cause you’ll never see anything like it again) is in the town of Kingston, home of “Larry the Giant Lobster”.  A must see on this route are the Pink Salt Lakes.  The color of the water is caused by the algae and it definitely holds up to its name. You are in for another spectacular treat as you head north into the Coorong National Park full of freshwater soaks, dunes, lagoons, water birds and the mouth of the Murray River.  Here we suggest to venture out on a hike and enjoy a picnic.    Stroll into Adelaide for a 2 day rest.  Accommodations in Adelaide: North Adelaide Hertiage Apartments (2 Nights)

Day 5: Barossa Valley Winery Tour

Kick back as you enjoy someone else driving for the day. After breakfast, you will be picked up and whisked away to Barossa Valley for a day filled with laughter and a palate full of wine.  The vineyards in the valley have been around for nearly 160 years.  With such success, you will be sampling some tasty wine with a lot of history and tons of international awards.  What an excellent way to wind down from a couple of exciting days on the road. The rolling hills and scenic valley will fill you with comfort and relaxation. Enjoy your day.

Day 6: Depart Adelaide

We conclude this portion of your trip, but there is much more to choose from. Kangaroo Island is just outside of Adelaide and would be a nice addition to your trip or you might want to head up and over to Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef.  Whether you end your adventure downunder here in Adelaide or you’d like to continue on to another destination, our travel agents can assist you in planning a wonderful trip.

The Great Ocean Road is a memorable experience.  This is an excellent choice for a drive in Australia and a great way to really relax on your vacation.

Prices Start At:

Double              $1385

Single               $2269

Airfare, One-Way Car Rental Drop Fee and Mandatory 3^rd Party Insurance  are not included

Good through 31 March 2009

Looking for other options? Take a look at our other Self-Drive Tours: 

• 7 Day Self Drive: Sydney to Melbourne
• 6 Day Self Drive: Sydney to Brisbane

Pricing is also dependent upon travel dates and availability of hotels.  Please call a Travel Team agent for a price quote, including international airfare.  1.800.788.0829.