The Great Southern Touring Route Self-Drive

On this memorable adventure, you’ll drive along sensationally beautiful stretches of coastal roads, explore the cosmopolitan cities of Melbourne and Adelaide, venture into the Grampian mountains, learn why Kangaroo Island is considered the Galapagos of Australia, and enjoy the region’s exceptional farm-fresh food and delightful wines.

Tour type Self-drive, Itinerary

Duration 13 nights

Visiting Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Dunkeld, Robe, Victor Harbour, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide

Interest Multi Centre, Self-Drive, Selfdrive

Keen road-trippers who want to experience one of the best journeys in the world.

Recommended itinerary

Days 1-3

Melbourne

Shake off your jetlag (trying one of the city’s legendary flat whites might help — Melbourne is a place that takes its coffee seriously) and get to know downtown Melbourne. Perhaps you’ll explore Federation Square, the South Bank, and the famous Laneways. Take your time — you have two full days here, so you can also venture further to see Little Penguins on Phillip Island or enjoy the beaches of Wilsons Promontory.

Day 4

Apollo Bay

After a few days acclimatising in the city, it’s time to set off. Collect your hire car and hit the Great Ocean Road. Choose the route around the Mornington Peninsula and take the ferry across Port Phillip Bay from Sorrento to Queenscliff before joining the Great Ocean Road proper for the dramatic journey onto Apollo Bay. You’ll check into Captain’s at the Bay, a sweet B&B where the odd koala can be spotted outside.

Day 5

Port Fairy

The Great Ocean Road snakes around Cape Otway, bringing you past the iconic Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks rising from the ocean. Continue to Port Fairy for your overnight stop at a small and smart hotel.

Days 6-7

Dunkeld

Head north and inland to the Grampians National Park, dominated by Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt. You have time here to explore the region's renowned scenery, with many options for walking and adventure. Check into the Royal Mail Hotel, a gorgeous spot with award-winning dining that sources ingredients from its abundant kitchen garden.

Day 8

Robe

Continue west, crossing the state border from Victoria to South Australia on a three-hour drive via Mount Gambier to the sleepy seafront town of Robe.

Day 9

Victor Harbor

Follow the coast road and Coorong National Park, then pivot around Lake Alexandrina at the mouth of the famed Murray River. The McCracken Country Club awaits — perfect if you fancy a round or two. There are also wineries and the Granite Island penguins to find if you want to get out and about.

Days 10-11

Kangaroo Island

Continue across the Fleurieu Peninsular to Cape Jervis, from where you catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island. You’ve got a whole day to explore Kangaroo Island, famed for its diverse wildlife and nicknamed Australia’s Galapagos. Witness natural regeneration in Flinders Chase National Park as the area recovers from the savage bushfires of 2020. For the ultimate Kangaroo Island experience, choose the Southern Ocean Lodge, one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia and a magnificent place to stay.

Days 12-14

Adelaide

Return by ferry to the mainland and head north through the McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills wine regions. The day is yours to get to know Adelaide or visit more of the nearby wineries.

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