Along the Great Ocean Road

Melbourne

Your Australian holiday starts in style in Victoria’s cosmopolitan capital. On arrival, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel, which is perfectly located in the centre of the city directly opposite the local landmark, Flinders Street Station. After you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore. Embrace all Melbourne has to offer as you explore the maze of boutiques, bars and cafés of the laneways; just a stone’s throw from your hotel. Hire a bike and discover Melbourne’s multicultural neighbourhoods, admire the colourful street art and take the tram to cosmopolitan St Kilda for a sunset cocktail. Your journey also includes a chance to visit regional Victoria with a sensational Yarra Valley Wine Experience. Admire the views as you wind through rolling hills lined with grapevines and soak up the relaxed vibe of Victoria’s food and wine hub. Spend the day visiting cellar doors and trying some of Victoria’s famous wines before indulging in fantastic long lunch.

Lorne

This morning you’ll pick up your hire car and start the scenic drive south, joining the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road at Torquay. Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery as it unfolds before you, punctuated by lighthouses, surf spots and lookout points. You will wind up at the pretty coastal town of Lorne, packed with galleries, boutiques and plenty of places to indulge on fresh seafood. Venture into the lush rainforest of the Great Otway National Park which includes walking trails, waterfalls and glow-worms among its many attractions.

Port Fairy

Besides the sweeping coastal scenery, the Great Ocean Road is one of the best places in Australia to spot koalas in the wild, so as you continue your drive keep an eye out for these beautiful creatures – you’ll most likely spot them curled up in a tree. As the road draws on you will approach one of the must-see sights for anyone travelling to Australia: the Twelve Apostles. These dramatic limestone rock stacks jut out of the crashing ocean to create a stunning vista, best enjoyed at sunset. The final stop for the day is the attractive fishing town of Port Fairy, which boasts plenty of historical charm as well as being home to native wild animals, from whales and seals to wallabies and emus.

Robe

Continue along the picturesque coastal road lined with pines that leads you to the pretty fishing port of Robe. Boasting an enviable seaside location, Robe is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun on the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the sand dunes or one of the pretty coastal trails. While in Robe, make sure you taste the local specialty in one of the superb restaurants – freshly caught crayfish.

Adelaide

It’s time for the final stretch of your Great Ocean Road drive – and it won’t disappoint. The road will skirt the wetlands of Coorong National Park before taking you inland via a section of the mighty Murray River – Australia’s longest. Before arriving into Adelaide, spend some time exploring the beautiful McLaren Vale, best known for its sensational vineyards and delectable restaurants. Arrive in Adelaide where you’ll drop off your car hire and start exploring this elegant city. Situated between the hills and the ocean, the small city of Adelaide is fast becoming the lifestyle capital of Australia. Stroll around the spacious green parklands, shop in the bustling central markets, dine on dedicated ‘Eat Streets’, sample sensational local wines and soak up the laid-back vibe.