13 days / 12 nights from £1,059* per person

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s ‘must-do’ self-drives. Australia’s most popular coastal route takes in stunning scenery, quaint coastal towns & leading wine regions. This two week itinerary combines a short stay in Sydney, before flying to Melbourne to begin a self-drive tour along the Great Ocean Road, including a three night stay on Kangaroo Island, where there is an incredible range of wildlife thanks to its isolation from the mainland. This is one of the best places in Australia to view native animals in their natural environment. We have also included a day trip out to the Blue Mountains and a full days wine tour out to the Yarra Valley in Victoria, and the Barossa Valley in South Australia.

Day 1 - Sydney

Sydney is a year-round destination, with warm summers and cool winters. Vibrant, dazzling & full of life, Sydney is an incredible city built around one of the world’s most incredible harbours. As Australia’s oldest city, Sydney has a laid back, outdoor lifestyle. All of it’s attractions lie within easy reach of the city centre, which is dominated by the harbour. Discover Sydney’s colorful convict history in the harbourside quarter where it all began. Just five minutes from Circular Quay, in the historic Rocks area you can wander the weekend markets or climb the span of the Harbour Bridge. In amongst the maze of sandstone lanes and courtyards, you’ll find historic workman’s cottages and elegant terraces, art galleries, hotels with harbour views and Sydney’s oldest pubs.

Or you might choose to sail past the Opera House on a chartered yacht or paddle from Rose Bay in a kayak. Take a scenic cruise from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, past waterfront mansions, national parks and Shark, Clark, Rodd and Goat islands. Watch the harbour glitter from the green parklands of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which curves around its edge.

Hotel Hyde Park is a great value hotel ideally located in the CBD opposite Hyde Park and Oxford Street. The Hotel is surrounded by everything you could want including great shops, restaurants, Olympic Pool, Gym, jogging track, parks gardens and galleries. You can also walk to Darling Harbour, China Town, City Shops, The Opera House and Rocks.

Day 2 - Blue Mountains Day Tour

Today we explore a natural wonderland of untamed bush, spectacular rock formations, native wildlife, picturesque towns & villages, boutiques, art galleries & cafes. On a day tour to the Blue Mountains visit the award-winning Featherdale Wildlife Park - pat a cuddly koala, and see amazing Australian animals including kangaroos & crocodiles.

Enjoy fantastic photo opportunities and the chance to feed and interact with the animals. Relax on a gentle bushwalk at Govetts Leap - breathtaking views from the lookouts. We visit the historic township of Katoomba, taking in spectacular scenery of Jamison and Megalong Valleys. Opportunity to take a ride on the world's steepest railway (own expense). View the Three Sisters rock formation & discover the delightful village of Leura - exploring the antique shops. On return to Sydney we visit the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour.

Day 3 - Melbourne

Fly from Sydney to Melbourne (not included as this can normally be booked as part of your international ticket).

Melbourne is a maze of hidden laneways, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. Here you can soak up culture, hit the sporting grounds, taste the dynamic food and wine scene, dance ‘til dawn or wander the parks and leafy boulevards.

Located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, the Pensione Hotel is the perfect base to discover all of Melbourne! Modelled on the grandeur of the original European pensione hotels, the Pensione Melbourne combines original turn of the century building features with modern design and soft tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Overnight here for three nights.

Day 4 - Melbourne

Free Day to explore Melbourne. You may like to visit Federation Square, the city’s landmark cultural space, and enjoy a sunset beer on the St Kilda promenade. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or upmarket Chapel Street. Wander Southbank’s cafes, bistros and bars and get a world tour of cuisines in Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy. Take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and cheer with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Day 5 - Yarra Valley Winery Tour (with lunch included)

Today travel into the Dandenong Ranges, driving through lovely Ferntree Gully. Enjoy free Billy Tea, home-made Lamingtons & Aussie Vegemite amongst crimson rosella birds in the tallest forest. Enjoy a delicious spit roast lunch with wine tasting and tea/coffee at Fergussons Winery before visiting three of Victoria's premier wineries of the Yarra Valley - all with wine tasting included. Enjoy personalised wine tastings, with wine appreciation and a guided tour. There is also the chance to purchase your favourites at all three wineries, and we include tastings and a cheese platter at Domaine Chandon. Return to Melbourne via Yarra Glen and the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Day 6 - Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy

Pick up your rental car from downtown Melbourne for your self-drive journey along the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road hugs the contours of Victoria's rugged south west coast and offers visitors one of Australia's greatest and most spectacular coastal drives.
Start your journey in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and discover beautiful beaches, great eateries, and a fascinating heritage. One of the most visited stretches of the road is Port Campbell. Buffeted by wild seas and fierce winds, the coastline around Port Campbell has been sculpted over millions of years to form a series of striking rock stacks that rise out of the Southern Ocean. Known as the Twelve Apostles, they are one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Victoria.
The Best Western Ashmont Motor Inn & Apartments is very centrally located in historic Port Fairy, and offers motel suites and newly built apartments to suit every need. After travelling the Great Ocean Road, relax, leave your car behind and walk to specialty shops, cafes and restaurants or wander along the Moyne River wharf to the stunning beaches of Port Fairy.

Day 7 - Great Ocean Road, Robe

This morning depart Port Fairy following the coastline crossing the state border into South Australia. This area of South Australia forms part of the largest volcanic plain in Australia. Many fascinating, subterranean caves and intriguing sink holes are open to visitors. The area also incorporates the Coonawarra and Padthaway wine growing districts, producing some of Australia's finest table wines. It is worth spending time exploring Mt Gambier with it's famous 'Blue Lake' in the crater of an extinct volcano (pictured). Continue on taking the coastal loop via Beachport and and on to delightful seaside town of Robe for the night.

A historic crayfishing village, Robe boasts hidden beaches, cliffs and rocky lookouts which lead to stimulating walks and superb views. Sun, sea and surf surrounds the village with vineyards and cellar door sales on the edge of town. Fresh seafood, wine and even coffee, are some of Robes self produced culinary delights available at Wine Bars, Restaurants and Cafes.

The Melaleuca Motel and Apartments is located just 150 metres from the town centre, providing convenient access
to beaches, restaurants and shops.

Day 8 - Adelaide

Small & elegant, Adelaide is surrounded by scenic parkland. The climate is Mediterranean, the dining is superb & the lifestyle is relaxed & indulgent. This elegant city is known for its colonial stone architecture, expansive parklands, lively festivals and incredible sense of space. Explore the museums and libraries of North Terrace, dine on dedicated ‘eat streets’ or picnic in gardens that sprawl over almost half the city. Go bike riding in Botanic Park or row past rose gardens in Rymill Park. swim with dolphins or learn to sail in Glenelg or fish from the jetty in Henley. Just beyond the city centre you’ll find the picturesque Adelaide Hills and the world-class wineries of the Barossa Valley.

Drop off your rental car in downtown Adelaide, before your over night stay at the BreakFree Directors Studios neighbouring Adelaide's CBD and within short walking distance from Chinatown, Central Markets, Rundle Mall, the Convention Centre, Casino, Festival Theatre & close to restaurants, cafes and bars.

Day 9 - Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Depart Adelaide at 6.45am for a scenic drive through the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis where we’ll board the SeaLink ferry for the 45 minute cruise to Kangaroo Island. Our first stop on the island is Clifford’s Honey Farm, where you can sample the honey from only the purest strain of honeybee. This afternoon we visit the Parndana Wildlife Park to gain an overall perspective of the island’s wildlife and its story as a sanctuary for endangered species. This award-winning park is famous for its birds but it also features kangaroos which you can feed, koalas, emus, crocodiles and more. We then travel on to Seal Bay for a guided beach walk among a breeding colony of Australian sea-lions. Our last stop today is Kingscote to see the daily pelican feeding.
Two night stay at the Ozone Seafront Hotel, Kangaroo Island.

Day 10 - Kangaroo Island

This morning we travel to the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, a marvellous example of Australian bush ingenuity. We travel on to Kelly Hill Caves where a National Parks Guide will escort us deep into this fascinating cave system. The caves are lit using ground breaking fibre-optic ‘white light’ technology, which allows visitors to see the stunning natural colours. This afternoon we’ll head to Flinders Chase National Park, renowned as a sanctuary for a host of native Australian animals. You’ll walk along the rugged southern coastline to the spectacular Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. From Flinders Chase we’ll visit the Island Pure Sheep Dairy where can watch sheep being milked to make delicious yoghurts and various cheeses, with tastings included.

Day 11 - Kangaroo Island to Adelaide

An early start this morning for our journey back to Adelaide where the tour concludes, arriving at approximately 11.30am.
Two night stay at the Breakfree Directors Studios.

Day 12 - Barossa Valley Wine Tour with lunch

Journey to the Barossa Valley, home to traditional music, arts and crafts and, of course, wine. Savour the Barossa’s world-class wine at four premium wineries. Sample a glass of shiraz from some of the world’s oldest vines, learn about viticulture and discover the acoustic secrets of the Whispering Wall. Enjoy a delightful morning tea. This tour includes a delicious two-course lunch at a winery restaurant.

Day 13 - Adelaide

Depart Adelaide for your onward arrangements.