Drive the Great Ocean Road with Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Adelaide
• 2 nights Kangaroo Island
• 1 night Robe
• 1 night Port Fairy
• 1 night Apollo Bay
• 3 nights Melbourne
• 3 nights Sydney

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Adelaide

On arrival in Adelaide, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city. There is so much to discover in Adelaide – little laneways filled with bars and heritage architecture that hints at the city’s history. Spend the rest of your day relaxing or exploring before an early night, as you’ll be flying out early in the morning.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 3 & 4: Adelaide

With two days to explore this friendly city, you’ll be spoiled for choice on how to spend your time. Why not head to the Oval to visit the iconic cricket ground – you can even walk along the roof if you choose on the iconic Roofclimb – if you’d like us to book this, just ask! Wander through the heritage architecture of Adelaide Central Market, stroll through the Art Gallery of South Australia or visit the National Wine Centre to taste some local vintages. We’ve included a short walking tour with a born-and-raised local, Katina, who will give you an orientation of the city, teaching a little about Adelaide’s history and showing off the best shopping areas and food spots.            

Included: Walking tour, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Drive to Kangaroo Island

Leaving Adelaide behind, this morning you'll pick up your hire car and drive south along the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jarvis. Spend the morning enjoying the drive - stopping in at one of the many cellar doors of the Mclaren Vale and enjoying the quaint beachside towns before arriving in Cape Jarvis, where you'll head over on the car ferry to Kangaroo Island. You'll be staying at Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park, in an eco-friendly luxury tent set amongst native bushland with gorgeous views of Hog Bay. 

Included: Car hire, ferry, Glamping accommodation

Day 6: Kangaroo Island

Spend today exploring this incredible island, making sure you don't miss some of the real highlights. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park to see the Australian sealions on a beautiful sandy beach. Watch pups nursing, or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology before heading towards Flinders Chase National Park. 

This vast area covers the entire west end of the island and is home to kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, echidnas, koalas, platypus and many birds. Look for wildlife as you explore - koalas in the blue gum trees and echidnas in the long grasses. Explore the huge natural granite sculptures known as the Remarkable Rocks, carved by relentless winds, rain and salt from the Southern Ocean. 

If you want to hear to the north coast, don't miss visiting the spectacular sands of Stokes Bay, a pretty stretch of beach that can only be accessed through a walkway through the boulders, from where you'll emerge onto a perfect sandy beach. Stop in at Kangaroo Island Distillery to buy a bottle of their famous gin for the rest of your trip before heading back to Penneshaw to enjoy your final night on the island at the nearby pub, meeting the friendly locals.

Included: Car hire, Glamping accommodation

Day 7: Drive to Robe

Hop on the first ferry back to the mainland this morning, before heading off along the road to Robe, around 5 hours drive. Stop in at Old Tailem Town, Australia's largest pioneer village that shows what was life was like for the early European settlers of South Australia, before heading down to the coast. Enjoy views of the saltwater lagoons as you drive along the road next to Coorong National Park before arriving Robe, the perfect stop for lunch. Enjoy the famous crayfish and a walk to the Obelisk Lighthouse before continuing on to Mount Gambier, where you'll check into your hotel for the night.

Once you’ve checked in, head to the Blue Lake or visit the top of centenary towers to get the best scenic views of the surrounding town & country landscapes.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Drive to Port Fairy

You have an almost 2-hour drive to Port Fairy today so leave Mount Gambier at your leisure. As you get close to Port Fairy there is so much to see and do - we always recommend a visit to the Crags, a wild coastal reserve with dramatic cliffs and a popular breeding place for seals. After checking into your hotel in Port Fairy you have the afternoon free to explore the town, visit the port to witness the local fisherman unloading their catch or take a stroll around the arts & crafts shops scattered throughout the town. Don't miss a visit to Port Fairy Lighthouse on Griffiths Island and a delicious afogato at Conlan's Wine Store.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Drive to Apollo Bay

After breakfast this morning, its time to move onto your next destination, Apollo Bay, a 2.5-hour drive away. It’s up to you how you time your drive today, the Twelve Apostles are located along the route approximately an hour from Apollo Bay, these iconic rocks are an amazing place to stop and take some pictures and are even more special at sunset! We recommend avoiding the middle of the day as this is when crowds are at their peak.

Stop in at Bay of Islands Coastal Park for views of the pretty rocks - it's often a lot quieter than the Twelve Apostles. In the evening you'll head out to Wildlife Wonders to enjoy a dusk wildlife spotting tour - looking for potoroos, bandicoots and pademelons as they wake up their day time snoozing. It's a fascinating insight into some of Australia's lesser known but just as adorable wildlife.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Drive to Melbourne

You have your final driving day today, a 2.5-hour journey to your final destination, Melbourne. Spend the day exploring the Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula, a chamring mix of coastal towns, outdoors adventures and scenic wineries. Visit the unique art at Geelong Gallery, sip cold chardonnay at Terindah Estate and stop into Portarlington to try their famous mussels. On arrival drop your car off at the downtown depot before heading to your hotel, located in the city. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Days 11 & 12: Melbourne

You now have two full days to explore Melbourne. Wander through the Laneways as you hop between coffee shops, tasting Melbourne famous flat white. Sample local craft beers, drool over the array of boutique cake shops and head out to dinner to one of Melbourne incredible array of restaurants. Take a ride up the Eureka Sky deck to experience uninterrupted 360-degree views of the skyline, you can even enjoy a cocktail at the top! Explore Chinatown for delicious Asian food and stop into Queen Victoria Market for the iconic hot jam donuts.

On your second day, we've included the Yarra Valley HOP, which allows you to explore the famous wine region at your leisure and without having to drive. You can hop between vineyards and distilleries, even the Yarra Valley Dairy to taste some local cheeses and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for some sweet treats. It's a brilliant way to spend the day at your own pace enjoy the wine region. 

Included: Yarra Valley HOP, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Fly to Sydney

Enjoy a final brunch in the cafes of Melbourne before being picked up and driven to the airport in time for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, you'll be met and taken to your hotel, checking in for three nights. Head straight out to discover Circular Quay and enjoy a beer as the sun sets over the harbour. 

Included: Transfers

Days 14 & 15: Sydney and the Blue Mountains

Spend the day exploring the iconic city of Sydney. Why not head down to the harbour and join one of the many boat cruises to see the Harbour Bridge at its best? Stroll through the Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best views of the Opera House and the bridge before heading to one of the city's interesting museums. Find the best street food in the markets of the Rocks, hop on a bus to Bondi Beach to walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Trail or take the ferry to explore the beach suburb of Manly.

On Day 15, we've included a day tour to the Blue Mountains, to give you the opportunity to explore this spectacular region. Heading out to explore the endless sandstone peaks, green valleys and blue eucalptus forests, you'll first stop off a Calmsley Hill, a working farm where you'll meet koalas and kangaroos as well as enjoying morning tea. From here you'll visit all of the highlights of the Blue Mountains, including the Jamison Valley and Eaglehawk Lookout, with your guide avoiding the more crowded areas as you go. Admire the iconic Three Sisters and marvel at the waterfall from Govetts Leap, enjoying a delicious lunch in the village of Blackheath during the day. You'll head back to Sydney by evening, ready to head out for your final dinner, where you can toast to your wonderful trip in Australia. 

Included: Blue Mountains tour, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Depart Sydney

This morning, you'll be picked up and driven to the airport, ready for your flight home. 

Included: Transfers, international flights

Day 17: Arrive UK