Great Ocean Explorer

Great Ocean Explorer
from £1,224 excluding flights
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Highlights

Discover the rugged and unspoilt beauty of Kangaroo Island

Soak up the alfresco lifestyle of the Mornington Peninsula

See the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road

Admire the rolling hills and vineyards of South Australia

Stroll around the city and beautiful botanical gardens of Adelaide

Explore the historic German settlement of Hahndorf
Why this trip...

Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Well-researched route
We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy
Overview
Journey through the wildlife hotspots, striking outback landscapes and best known wine regions of Victoria and South Australia on this brand new self-drive.
Not only will you witness the very best of Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat, you will also drive the world famous Great Ocean Road, explore diverse Kangaroo Island and discover the diverse state capitals of South Australia and Victoria.
Itinerary
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 arrive in Adelaide
On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of your day is free to explore. 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.
On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of your day is free to explore. 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)
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. 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.
Average driving time: 3.5 hours
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. 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.
Average driving time: 3.5 hours
Day 3 Kingscote - Flinders Chase National Park (Kangaroo Island)
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.
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.
Average driving time: 3.5 hours



Day 4 Flinders Chase National Park - Hahndorf
Rise early 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.
Average driving time: 5 hours
Rise early 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.
Average driving time: 5 hours
Day 5 Hanhdorf - Halls Gap
Travelling east from Hahndorf 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 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.
Average driving time: 5.5 hours
Travelling east from Hahndorf 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 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.
Average driving time: 5.5 hours

Prices and Departures
Price from £1,224 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £730 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- 4 breakfasts (standard tour), 7 breakfasts (superior tour)
- Car rental with fully comprehensive insurance
- Return gondola for Arthurs Seat Eagle
- Return ferry Cape Jervis to Penneshaw
- One way ferry Queenscliffe to Sorrento
- Arrival transfer from airport to hotel
- Meet and greet on arrival
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
This itinerary starts from £1,224 per person, based on 2 sharing a room in standard accommodation, and intermediate vehicle rental.
Prices may vary depending on departure date, or should you prefer alternative categories of accommodation or vehicle size. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
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