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Ocean DriveThis laid-back Melbourne - Adelaide self-drive itinerary can be done in the comfort of your own hire car. You'll see the most spectacular landscapes as you travel through these two fascinating Australian cities. You'll cruise along the famous Great Ocean Road, you'll visit the beautiful Grampians and you'll even visit the very German-like town of Hahndorf with its typical German architecture. Travelling through the rolling vineyards of the fertile Barossa Valley you'll have plenty of time to go wine tasting. Eventually you'll steer towards Adelaide, the capital of Southern Australia, an excellent place to start off another trip to the Red Heart of Australia. |
| Duration |
6 days Departs daily |
Accommodation |
Charming mid-class hotels/motels |
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Price |
Please see our Contact us page for more details |
Includes |
Car hire for 5 days and accommodation |
| Compact hire car (based on 2 passengers) |
Excludes |
Surcharges or car hire upgrades: see car hire rates and terms & conditions |
Day 1: Melbourne - Apollo BayToday you'll start off by picking up your hire car at the airport or at the city office. Once you have your car, you'll head west towards the historic town of Ballarat. The gold fever of the past is still tangible in this small mining town. Afterwards you'll drive past the Otway Ranges and past the estates and weekend homes in the cosy beach town Apollo Bay. This is where you'll spend the night. Your total driving distance today is approximately 200km. |
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Day 2: Apollo Bay - Port FairyToday you'll drive along a scenic coastal route known as the Great Ocean Road. Most of this road runs along a remarkably rugged coastline. One particularly interesting part of the coastline that you'll want to see is where 12 rock formations rise up from the sea. These rock formations are known as the Twelve Apostles. Afterwards you'll drive on towards the unique fishing village Port Fairy; this is where you'll spend the night tonight. Port Fairy is one of the top dining destinations along the Great Ocean Road. There's something for everyone; old fashioned and romantic and even modern restaurants. Since this is a seaside village, you may want to try some fresh seafood while you’re here or maybe even some fish and chips on the beach at sunset! The Aussie pubs are a great place to have a pint and some fun in the evening. Your total driving distance today is approximately 190km. |
Day 3: Port Fairy - Hall's GapThis morning you'll steer north past the sheep farms towards Grampians National Park, the foothills of the Great Dividing Mountain Range. The Grampians are a series of five sandstone ridges running north to south. There are several lookouts that you can visit, each offering a stunning panoramic view. There are also quite a few walking tracks that lead up to picturesque waterfalls. Leave your car at the parking lot this afternoon and go for a short trek through the park. Tonight you'll spend the night in a motel with swimming pool in the heart of the park. Your total driving distance for today is approximately 190km. |
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Day 4: Hall's GapFrom August through October the park becomes a colourful canvas filled with wildflowers; however the park is equally beautifully during the rest of the year. There are kangaroos, koalas, emus, wedge-tailed eagles and other animals in the park for you to spot. Zumstein picnic ground is probably the best place to spot kangaroos. The park is also one of the richest indigenous rock art sites in south-eastern Australia. Paintings in the numerous caves include depictions of humans, human hands, animal tracks and birds. Tonight you'll spend the night in the same motel with swimming pool. |
Day 5: Hall's Gap - RobeToday you'll drive west for about 4 hours (330 km) to the picturesque fishing town of Robe. While in Robe, you'll stay in our comfortable motel with panoramic views overlooking the marina and the stunning Guichen Bay.For the nature lovers, why not check out the Little Dip Conservation Park, part of a series of coastal lakes which have been recognised because of their global importance for waterbirds. If birdwatching doesn't take your fancy then how about a romantic walk on one of the many great beaches in the area? There are also a handful of good restaurants here for you check out in the evening. |
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Day 6: Robe - AdelaideWhen you're on the road today, we recommend you visit the vineyards in the Barossa Valley before you reach Adelaide. Barossa Valley is a major wine-producing region, but it's also a very relaxed and friendly place to visit. The valley is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the world; it produces award-winning Rieslings and other major wine brands. This is the place to be for wine-tasting and perhaps you may even want to buy a bottle or two for back home. The Barossa Valley is a gourmet-lover's paradise, so before the wine starts to make you woozy... be sure to have lunch at one of the valley's cosy restaurants. By late afternoon you'll only have a short drive left to Adelaide, where you can drop of your hire car at the airport or city office. Your total driving distance for today is 50km. |