Great Ocean Road Adventure

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.

Melbourne is the cool, artsy capital of the state of Victoria. Renowned for its laneway art, cafes, bars, restaurants and museums, there is no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink. Grab a coffee on Degraves Street, see the murals on Hosier Lane or Blender Lane, pop over to St Kilda and stroll along the promenade or visit one of the many museums. For a spot of retail therapy, catch the 86 or 96 tram from the CBD to the bohemian Brunswick Street shopping district for an eclectic mix of second-hand vintage and high-end boutique stores. On the opposite side of the city, the Docklands open-air entertainment precinct boasts a myriad of public artwork, family fun activities such as glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and a variety of dining options lining the marina. Get there easily on the free City Circle tram, or wander over the Bourke Street footbridge. To make the most of your time in Melbourne, we recommend taking a city tour to get true local insight into this vibrant city.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.

Begin your journey by heading south to the charming town of Torquay, renowned as Australia’s surfing capital and home to the iconic Bells Beach. From there, follow the coastal road to Anglesea and Lorne, where a short detour to Erskine Falls is highly recommended. You can park near the 30-meter cascading waterfall or enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush rainforest to stretch your legs.

The stretch of road from Lorne to Apollo Bay is often described as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, with stunning ocean views and dramatic scenery at every turn. Apollo Bay, your destination, is the gateway to some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day hikes, including the Great Ocean Road and the enchanting Otways rainforest. While in Apollo Bay, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Ocean, stroll along the scenic coastline, or explore the rainforests, waterfalls, ferns, and sparkling streams that make this region so captivating.

Join a thrilling guided walk through the stunning landscapes of the Otways, where lush tree fern gullies, towering eucalypt woodlands, and breathtaking ocean views await. Led by an expert conservationist guide, you’ll uncover the fascinating secrets of the plants and animals that thrive in this incredible region. Each tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat, including almost guaranteed sightings of koalas. With a bit of luck, you might also spot potoroos, bandicoots, and other amazing Australian animals that call Wildlife Wonders home. Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure promises an unforgettable connection to the wonders of the natural world.

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 these 86 stairs carved into the cliff face, and 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

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.

Discover the rich history and culture of the Gunditjmara people on the Tae Rak Guided Cultural Walk at the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. This enlightening experience takes you through significant Aboriginal heritage sites, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage area. Led by expert Gunditjmara guides, you’ll learn about the innovative aquaculture systems, the ancient eel traps, and the deep connection the Gunditjmara people have with the land. As you walk through this stunning volcanic landscape, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, stories, and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. The Tae Rak Guided Cultural Walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the past and engage with one of the world’s oldest living cultures. This enriching experience is perfect for those looking to connect with Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.

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.

Explore Melbourne through its flavours, stories and streets on a guided Foodie Culture Tour with Foodie Trails. This four-hour walking journey is more than just a tasting experience, it’s an invitation into the heart of Melbourne’s diverse communities, historic laneways and culinary secrets. Wander through the city’s famous arcades and hidden alleyways, discovering vibrant street art, boutique cafes and local haunts loved by those in the know. Along the way, your expert guide will share insights into Melbourne’s multicultural history, weaving in tales of migration, architecture and culture that have shaped the city’s dynamic food scene. From the Immigration Museum to tucked-away tastings, this immersive experience showcases the rich tapestry of flavours and heritage that make Melbourne one of Australia’s most exciting food destinations. The rest of the day is yours to relax or continue exploring the laneways at your own pace.

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 consultant about planning your next stop!