Great Ocean Explorer

The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.

Day 1: Adelaide

On arrival you will be greeted by a REST Australia representative who will welcome you to Adelaide and answer any questions you may have. You will be transferred to your accommodation where the rest of the day is at leisure. Adelaide is recognised as one of the great food and wine capitals of the world with a plethora of eateries and cafes to explore. Spend the afternoon visiting the renowned Barossa Valley, located just a one hour away or closer still, you have the beautiful white sandy beaches of Glenelg and the abundant vineyards of the Adelaide Hills to explore.

Day 2: Adelaide - McLaren Vale - Kingscote (Kangaroo Island)

(Average driving time: 3.5 hours)
This morning collect your rental car from the Adelaide depot and travel south through the suburban landscape towards the wine lovers paradise of McLaren Vale, known for its Shiraz, rich Cabernet Sauvignon and fresh Grenache. Visit the cellar doors and purchase some local produce for later in your trip. Later, continue south to Cape Jervis to catch the short ferry across to Kangaroo Island. Rich in native Australian wildlife this magical Island epitomises the true identity of the real Aussie landscape – an utterly unique and completely diverse island.

Day 3: Kingscote - Flinders Chase National Park (Kangaroo Island)

(Average driving time: 3.5 hours)
With more than a third of the land dedicated to national parks, Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in Australia to witness wildlife at play in their natural environment. Home to a huge variety of land and marine based wildlife such as echidnas, wallabies and possums as well as sea lions, fur seals and countless pods of dolphins, the wildlife on Kangaroo Island is simply spectacular. Today, drive to Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch deep within Flinders Chase National Park, one of Kangaroo Island’s most scenic areas. Spend the day exploring the park before retiring to your accommodation located just outside the park boundary, giving you the opportunity to see wildlife on your doorstep as the sun sets on another beautiful day.

Day 4: Flinders Chase National Park - Hahndorf

(Average driving time: 5 hours)
Rise early this morning and head towards Vivonne Bay, once rated Australia’s best beach. Here you can spend time with the inquisitive seals that call this bay home, a fitting end to your time on Kangaroo Island. Once on mainland Australia make your way to Hahndorf, the nation’s oldest German settlement and spend the rest of the day exploring this historic town and the abundant vineyards that surround this charming area.

Day 5: Hanhdorf - Halls Gap

(Average driving time: 5.5 hours)
Travelling east from Hahndorf you will soon reach the Murray Bridge overlooking Australia’s longest river – The Murray River. Explore this picturesque town and admire the old paddle steamers and houseboats that ply the calm waters before continuing along the Limestone Coast towards the state of Victoria. Your destination today is the town of Halls Gap situated in the heart of the Grampians National Park. Steeped in Aboriginal history, ancient mountains ranges, flora and fauna, waterfalls and endless views, the Grampians are regarded as one of the most scenic areas of Victoria and one you will revel in exploring.

Day 6: Halls Gap - Port Fairy - Port Campbell

(Average driving time: 4 hours)
This morning travel south through the Grampians, past Dunkeld and onto the charming fishing village of Port Fairy, one of Victoria’s busiest fishing ports. Spend time in this picturesque coastal town exploring the variety of boutiques, antique shops and art stores it is well known for, before commencing the most iconic drive of your holiday – The Great Ocean Road. Voted one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, The Great Ocean Road is home to the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge – some of Australia’s most impressive natural rock formations. Spend time admiring the sensational views before continuing to the colourful village of Port Campbell – a seaside settlement which offers visitors dramatic cliff top scenery and an extensive variety of regional produce to sample and activities to enjoy.

Day 7: Port Campbell - Twelve Apostles - Otway - Torquay

(Average driving time: 3 hours)
This morning, rise early and return to The Great Ocean Road. Admire the sensational coastal scenery as you hug the coast all the way to Torquay. Pass through Great Otway National Park, home to Australia’s oldest lighthouse as well as the incredibly beautiful, Blanket Bay. Visit the wildlife haven at the Centre for Conservation, and see a huge array of native Australian wildlife before continuing to Torquay to enjoy dinner at one of the atmospheric beachside restaurants.

Day 8: Torquay - Mornington Peninsula

(Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours)
The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its innovative local cuisine and relaxed alfresco settings, and it is a playground for Melbourne’s city dwellers. Drive to Queenscliffe and join the ferry to Sorrento but keep an eye out for the resident dolphin and seal colonies that call the waters of the bay home. Arriving in Sorrento, your choice of activities in the peninsula are in abundance. Whether it be visiting award winning wineries and sculpture parks or sampling the local produce, bathing in hot springs or simply relaxing on the beach – the Mornington Peninsula has something for everyone.

Day 9: Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne

(Approximate driving time: 1 hour)
This morning spend time at leisure in the Mornington Peninsula before returning your hire car to nearby Melbourne and continuing with your onward journey.