Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Great Ocean Road, VIC. Credit: Tourism Australia
GREAT OCEAN ROAD LOOP
Aboriginal Guide at MacKenzie Falls, Grampians National Park, VIC. Credit: Tourism Victoria
SOUTHERN COAST DISCOVERY
5 days from Melbourne
6 day Self Drive Melbourne to Adelaide (or vice versa)
INCLUDES: 4 nights accommodation as shown | Mid-size rental car on an all-inclusive basis & unlimited kms | Breakfasts daily
INCLUDES: 4 nights accommodation as shown | Mid-size rental car on an all-inclusive basis & unlimited kms | Breakfasts daily
DAY 1: Melbourne, Apollo Bay (190km) (B) - Collect your car and head out of the city towards Apollo Bay. On the way you will pass through the picturesque town of Lorne with its buzzing arts community and mediterranean atmosphere. Once in Apollo bay you will be treated to a choice of galleries, tea houses and of course plenty of restaurant’s offering locally caught seafood. Stay: Captains At The Bay
DAY 1: Melbourne, Apollo Bay (190km) (B) - Collect your car and travel around the shores of Port Phillip Bay to Torquay, the start of the Great Ocean Road. On the way you will pass through the picturesque town of Lorne with its buzzing arts community and mediterranean atmosphere. Apollo Bay is a small fishing village named after a local schooner and is famous for being the resting place for many shipwrecks. Stay: Captains At The Bay
DAY 2: Twelve Apostles, Port Fairy (190km) (B) - Enjoy spectacular scenery as you pass through the Great Otway National Park and the Twelve Apostle rock formations. Continue along the beautiful shipwreck coast to the charming fishing village of Port Fairy. Stay: Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel DAY 3: Dunkeld, Grampians National Park (100km) (B) - Spend a morning enjoying the diverse array of boutiques, antique stores and craft shops that Port Fairy has to offer. Why not take a walk down to the port and watch as the fishermen unload their catch of crayfish & abalone. Head inland this afternoon to the twin peaks of mounts Sturgeon and Abrupt in Dunkeld, gateway to the southern Grampians. Stay: Royal Mail Hotel (2 nights) DAY 4: At leisure in the Grampians National Park (B) - The Grampians offer a wide range of outdoor recreational activities that can be explored by foot or bicycle. There is also a wealth of aboriginal rock art in the area. DAY 5: Ballarat, Melbourne (260km) (B) - Today head back towards Melbourne and pay a visit to the historic gold mining town of Ballarat. The town is the site of the worlds largest deposit of alluvial gold. You can still pan for gold today and experience an authentic 1850’s gold mining settlement. Return your hire car before continuing with your onward journey.
DAY 2: Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy (190km) (B) - View some spectacular scenery as you pass through the Great Otway National Park and twelve apostle rock formations. Continue along the beautiful shipwreck coast to the charming fishing village of Port Fairy, located at the far end of the Great Ocean Road. The town boasts wide streets lined with 19th century cottages that overlook the busy harbour, great Norfolk pines and old stone churches. Stay: Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel (2 nights) DAY 3: Explore local surrounds (B) - Enjoy a day at leisure to explore all that this area has to offer. See native animals in the wild, venture into the Grampians National Park or simply relax and enjoy the local arts scene by visiting the open studios and galleries scattered throughout the town. DAY 4: Mt Gambier, Robe (285km) (B) - Explore South Australia’s magnificent limestone coast today as you head towards the historic seaside resort of Robe. Immerse yourself in the seafaring history of the town and explore its many historic buildings and sites. Stay: Robe House DAY 5: Fleurieu Peninsula, Victor Harbour (350km) (B) - Make your way along the South East Coast past Kingston and on through the wetland areas of the Coorong. Cross the Murray River at Wellington and head through Strathalbyn to the Langhorne Creek wine region and the historic river port of Goolwa before driving into Victor Harbor. Stay: Mcracken Country Club DAY 6: McLaren Vale, Adelaide (85km) (B) - Discover the attractions of the Fleurieu Peninsula on your drive into Adelaide. Perhaps take a horse-drawn tram to Granite Island to see little penguins or watch for migrating whales between June and October in Encounter Bay. Or travel through the rolling green hills of Mount Compass and Yankalilla to the McLaren Vale wine region. Return your rental car on arrival into South Australia’s capital city.
Aboriginal Guided Hike on Mount William . Credit: Visit Victoria
Per person twin share from Apr 19 – Sep 19 Oct 19 – Mar 20
Per person twin share from
£501 £519
Apr 19 – Sep 19 Oct 19 – Mar 20
£636 £636
Twelve Apostles - Port Campbell National Park Credit: Visit Victoria
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VICTORIA | INDEPENDENT TOURING
The Australia Book 2019 - 20 | UK Sterling
