The Great Ocean Road

Days 1-2  Fly to Melbourne

Days 3-5  Melbourne  
Welcome to Melbourne. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel. Enjoy the next couple of days exploring Australia’s cultural capital, the perfect place to start your Great Ocean Road adventure. Join a small group tour to familiarise yourself, including a visit to the colourful Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, a guided walk through Melbourne’s iconic laneways and arcades, and a relaxing Yarra River cruise to take in the scenery from the water. The next day, perhaps wander the lush botanic gardens or hop on the tram to the trendy St Kilda beach suburb.

Days 6-7  Melbourne to Apollo Bay  
Collect your motorhome and leave the city behind as you begin your adventure along this scenic coast. Join the Great Ocean Road at Torquay and stop at the world-famous Bells Beach, known as the ‘Surf capital of Australia’. Snap a picture at the iconic Memorial Arch to commemorate your journey along this brilliant road before heading to the golden sands of Apollo Bay, passing charming seaside towns with breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. Spend a day exploring this impressive coastline and sampling the tasty local seafood. Perhaps travel inland to Great Otway National Park, where this ancient rainforest offers beautiful walks through towering eucalypts and fern gulleys. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for koalas perching in the trees.

Days 8-9  Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
Today, visit Port Campbell National Park, set along a breathtaking stretch of coastline. Here, the waves have sculpted stunning shapes into the limestone cliffs, creating natural arches and offshore stacks including the iconic Twelve Apostles. Explore meandering boardwalks and rugged paths and look out for some of these geological marvels. Perhaps spend the following day on Griffiths Island with its striking lighthouse and abundance of native animals surrounded by beautiful views.

Days 10-11  Port Fairy to Grampians NP
Head to the mountainous Grampians National Park, watching the landscape change from windswept beaches to dramatic sandstone canyons. Spend the next couple of days uncovering all that the Grampians have to offer. Spot wildlife on a bush walk, explore hiking trails and discover Aboriginal rock art that dates back over 20,000 years.

Day 12  Grampians NP to Robe
Cross the border into South Australia as you drive to the seaside town of Robe. En route, perhaps visit the prehistoric caves at Naracoorte, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site where you can see fossils and skeletons of ancient Australian megafauna. Reaching the coast, stop off at the sweeping sands of the aptly named Long Beach.

Days 13-14  Robe to Barossa Valley    
Head north along the coast until you reach the rolling vineyards of the Barossa Valley.  Spend the next couple of days visiting beautiful wineries, sipping on world-class wines and enjoying your time to relax. With quaint historic villages, and upscale restaurants, there is no shortage of delicious experiences in this verdant region.

Days 15-16  Barossa Valley to Adelaide    
Take the short drive back to Adelaide and drop off your motorhome. Spend your final two nights exploring the bustling city of Adelaide. Take advantage of its cosmopolitan foodie scene and trendy boutiques before enjoying the sunset from the charming Glenelg beach. Perhaps opt to visit stunning Kangaroo Island, known as the ‘Australian Galápagos’ due to its multitude of native wildlife, including species of Kangaroo that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.  

Days 17-18  Fly home