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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 craftsmanship homes. You'll also travel through the rolling vineyards of the fertile Barossa Valley, where 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 |
5 days Departs daily |
Accommodation |
Charming mid-class hotels/motels |
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Price |
£298 per person - based on 2 people sharing |
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. From 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 home to quite a few native Aboriginal art sites. 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 Gap - Barossa ValleyAfter a long drive west through hills and agricultural areas you'll reach Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf. The town still has an unmistakeably German appeal with its German bakeries, shops and architecture. You'll see the typical German craftsmanship displayed on Main Street along with beautiful art galleries and fine restaurants. Visit the Beerenberg farm near Hahndorf and pick your own strawberries or visit the vineyards of the Barossa Valley a little further on. Your total driving distance for today is 530km. |
Day 5: Barossa Valley - AdelaideThere will be plenty of time today to visit several vineyards in the Barossa Valley. 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. |
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