Embark on an unforgettable journey along one of Australia's most breathtaking coastal routes, the Great Ocean Road. Starting from vibrant Melbourne, you'll traverse scenic landscapes, hugging the rugged coastline of the Southern Ocean. Along the way, marvel at iconic landmarks like Bells Beach and the majestic 12 Apostles, while keeping an eye out for native wildlife roaming the pristine surroundings. After your scenic adventure, immerse yourself in Melbourne's vibrant culture and explore its eclectic neighbourhoods, trendy cafes, and world-class attractions. With a perfect balance of thrilling road trip experiences and urban exploration, this tour offers an unforgettable Australian adventure.
Classic driving toursNational parksWildlife & natureSelf Drive Tour
This suggested tour costs from AUD$1,492 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Melbourne, finishes in Melbourne
5 days/4 nights
Motels
Rental car included
Viewed 200 times in the last 7 days
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Melbourne accommodation.
Join a local tour guide for a delightful stroll through Melbourne’s famous arcades and secret laneways as you discover the beautiful chocolatiers and pâtissiers tucked away down the back streets of Melbourne sampling chocolates and sweet treats along the way!
Visit five of the most secret chocolatiers and dessert bars in Melbourne. They are all exclusively Australian, and many are unique to Melbourne, all with their unique tastings and experiences. While the specific spots you visit will vary from tour to tour, amazing food and incredible experiences are guaranteed on every tour.
Experience the best of Melbourne in just three hours. This “complete” experience is meant to tell the whole story of Melbourne in an economical time - from how we got to be known as the world’s coffee capital, to where the find the best street art.
Your guide will entertain you with stories of Melbourne’s humble beginnings to the Gold Rush era that changed everything. Explore Chinatown and discover Melbourne’s multicultural edge. Hear the guide brag about the Melbourne cafe scene and then deliver the goods, as they buy you a famous Melbourne coffee! Finish up like a “fair dinkum” Aussie – at a pub of course! Let your guide grab you a cold beer (or soda/cider) and take questions and give advice on other Melbourne highlights.
Your accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
In the heart of Melbourne with its chic boutiques, cool laneways and trendy bars sits the Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne. Located on Queen Street, minutes from Bourke Street Mall, the Old Melbourne Gaol and the National Gallery of Victoria, this location is unbeatable.Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. From economy hatchbacks to SUVs, we can help you decide on a car suitable for this leg of your trip. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.
Begin your journey by heading south to the picturesque town of Torquay, recognised as the surfing capital of Australia, thanks to the famous Bells Beach. Follow the coast from Anglesea to Lorne, here we recommended a short detour to Erskine Falls. You can park close to the 30 metre cascading waterfall, or take a walk through the lush rainforest to stretch your legs.
The final stretch of your journey from Lorne to Apollo Bay has been described as one of the most beautiful and breathtaking drives in the world.
Your destination, Apollo Bay is the starting point for some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day walks and is the perfect base to explore the Great Ocean Walk and surrounding Otways rainforest. Take a swim in the waters of the southern ocean, wander along the coast and explore rainforests and waterfalls, ferns and crystal clear streams.
Apollo Bay is the starting point for some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day walks and is the perfect base to explore the Great Ocean Walk and surrounding Otways rainforest. Take a swim in the waters of the southern ocean, wander along the coast and explore rainforests and waterfalls, ferns and crystal clear streams. Sit and watch the whales travel along the coast in migration season or gaze at the glow worms at Melba Gully. Apollo Bay has a reputation for the freshest seafood which you can enjoy in a range of restaurants, or check out the local distillery and brewery for a refreshment.
Your accommodation: Comfort Inn The International
The Comfort Inn The International is centrally located in the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay. A popular stop along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is home to the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse and a range of natural sights, including the dramatic Great Ocean Road.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 161 kms / 100 miles : 2.4 hours
The first part of your drive today will take you to the iconic Twelve Apostles, perhaps the most famous landmark on the Great Ocean Road, and stopping here is a must. You can park at the carpark and follow the paved path to the lookout, or to take some time and stretch your legs take the path down Gibson's steps to the beach. Descending down these 86 stairs carved into the cliff face, reaching the beach you are treated to a closeup view of these incredible rock formations. 3 minutes further along what is known as the Shipwreck Coast, you will find the stop-off point for Loch Ard Gorge, a glistening inlet of striking blue water surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs. Beyond the town of Port Campbell, stop at the London Bridge and The Grotto for more stunning sights and photo opportunities.
Explore the coastal city of Warrnambool where you might be lucky enough to spot southern right whales calve off Logan Beach if you are travelling between May and October. From here, it's a 30-minute drive to your destination of Port Fairy.
The last destination on Victoria's famed Shipwreck Coast, Port Fairy is home to wide streets lined with nineteenth-century cottages, old stone churches, and great Norfolk pines. Here, you can have the opportunity to see native animals in the wild - from southern right whales, seals and dolphins to wallabies, kangaroos and emus. Tower Hill, Victoria's first ever National Park, is the ideal place to get up close and personal with some of these native animals. Enjoy a relaxing swim at the local beaches or catch a wave at The Passage point break, before relaxing over dinner and a drink at any of the numerous bars and restaurants in town.
An energetic, 15 minute flight that packs in the must-see Great Ocean Road sights. Catch the highlights of the Shipwreck Coast from a luxury helicopter. See the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and more from breathtaking heights. London Bridge is a thrilling addition to any Great Ocean Road tour.
Embark on a thrilling guided walk through the mesmerising landscapes of the Otways. Traverse lush tree fern gullies, and majestic eucalypt woodlands, and take in the breathtaking ocean vistas. Led by a knowledgeable conservationist guide, you'll delve into the secrets of the diverse plants and animals that inhabit this stunning region. Each nature tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience, where you'll encounter Australia's beautiful wildlife living freely in their natural habitat. You're almost certain to see koalas, and with a bit of luck, you might also spot potoroos, bandicoots, and many other incredible Australian animals that call Wildlife Wonders home. This adventure is perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking to connect with the wonders of the natural world.
Your accommodation: Ashmont Motor Inn and Apartments
Port Fairy is a historic seaside fishing village set on the Moyne River, located on the Princes Highway at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. On one side you will find what is known as the rugged shipwreck coastline and on the other, the picturesque East Beach which has the added bonus of being patrolled by lifesavers over summer.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 184 kms / 114 miles : 2.5 hours
This route to Melbourne is the most direct at around 280km (174 miles) and takes around 3 hours. A little over an hour into your journey, you can take a short detour to Camperdown, to stretch your legs on a walk up Mt Sugarloaf or grab a coffee.
From here, you will continue through rural farmlands before reaching the city of Geelong. Take a stroll on the waterfront to see the Bollard Trail, with over 100 painted pollards, each depicting a different person from the past who added to the making of Geelong.
From Geelong, it is just an hour's drive to the Melbourne CBD, your destination for the day.
Within moments of Melbourne’s cultural Arts precinct, you are cruising through Melbourne’s picturesque gardens, parkland’s and some of the city's famous sporting arenas.
Your accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
In the heart of Melbourne with its chic boutiques, cool laneways and trendy bars sits the Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne. Located on Queen Street, minutes from Bourke Street Mall, the Old Melbourne Gaol and the National Gallery of Victoria, this location is unbeatable.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 275 kms / 171 miles : 3.1 hours
Explore more of Melbourne before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.
Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consult about planning your next stop!