GREAT SOUTHERN TOURING ROUTE & BEYOND
Routing: Melbourne to Adelaide
Duration: 11 Days
Code: M21
From AUD$1,840.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 10 nights’ accommodation, 11 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, Sorento-Queenscliff ferry, ferry to/from Kangaroo Island and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
From AUD$2,455.00* per person, based on superior double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 10 nights’ accommodation, 11 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, full breakfast in Apollo Bay & Port Fairy, Sorento-Queenscliff ferry, ferry to/from Kangaroo Island and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
DAY 01: Melbourne to Phillip Island (140 km)
Take the short journey to Phillip Island. It is only a 2 hour drive through the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Philip Island is home to Australia’s famous Little Penguins; however there are many other sights to see such as the Grand Prix circuit and Fur Seal colony at Seal Rocks. The famous `Penguin Parade’ occurs each evening at sunset and should not be missed.
DAY 02: Phillip Island to Apollo Bay (280 km)
Depart Phillip Island heading west around the bay along the Bass Highway and South Gippsland Highway to the heart of the Mornington Peninsula. Stylish Sorrento and Portsea are filled with antique shops, galleries, cafes and numerous walking trails along the ocean-facing coastline. At Sorrento, take the Sorrento Queenscliff Ferry to Queenscliff, a seaside resort and enjoy the 45 minute ride to the other side of the Port Phillip Bay. Follow the Bellarine Highway to Torquay, the start of the Great Ocean Road, and recognised as the surfing capital of Australia. Stop at the nearby famous Bells Beach. The scenic coastline from Lorne to Apollo Bay has been described as one of the most beautiful and breathtaking drives in the world.
DAY 03: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy (190 km)
Depart Apollo Bay this morning and travel along the fabulous Great Ocean Road to Port Campbell. See the amazing rock formations of the Twelve Apostles, which are huge stone pillars sticking out of the surf, carved over time by the crashing Southern Ocean waves with the opportunity to see this by helicopter as well. Travelling on past Port Campbell you will see London Bridge – the broken arch. Continuing the ‘Shipwreck Coast’ begins, from Port Campbell and Warrnambool and on to Port Fairy.
DAY 04: Port Fairy
Day at leisure to explore the region, maybe visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve which sits inside an extinct volcano and is a beautiful haven for wildlife such as koalas, emus and kangaroos.
DAY 05: Port Fairy to Halls Gap (158 km)
Drive north today to the amazing Grampians National Park with its woodland walks, waterfalls and rock formations. Your journey will take you via Penhurst to Dunkeld, just south of the Grampians. From here a scenic drive will take you through the Grampians National Park to Halls Gap. Highlights include McKenzie Falls, Reids Lookout and the Balconies. The Grampians offer some of the best bush walking, mountain biking, rock climbing and abseiling in Australia.
DAY 06: Halls Gap
Explore the spectacular scenery that is the Grampians National Park. Take one of the many walks and remember your camera.
DAY 07: Halls Gap to Penola (221 km) or Coonawarra (231 km)
From Halls Gap return to Dunkeld and travel through the towns of Hamilton, Coleraine, Casterton before reaching Penola, in South Australia where you can visit the surrounding crater lakes and the Sunken Garden. Penola known for its association with Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint or travel further to Coonawarra, known for its wine.
DAY 08: Penola to Victor Harbour (414km); from Coonawarra (424km)
This morning head west until you reach the coast before travelling along the Coorong National Park skirting Lake Albert and Lake Alexandria. Just before the town of Tailem Bend detour south east towards the Fleurieu Peninsula. At Victor Harbour walk across the Causeway or take the horse drawn tram to explore Granite Island.
DAY 09: Victor Harbour to Kangaroo Island (62 km to Cape Jervis) Penneshaw (at Ferry terminal) to American River 40km
Make you way to Cape Jervis and take the passenger and vehicle ferry to Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is the largest island off the South Australian coast and shows nature at its wildest and most majestic in a magical combination of sun and sea, native flora and fauna. The coastline of the island changes from the attractive curved beach at Emu Bay to the rugged cliffs and roaring surf of the south. On the west are two of the island’s natural wonders; Admirals Arch, a huge arch where stalactites are silhouetted against the afternoon sun, a magnificent sight. The other is Remarkable Rocks, huge unusually shaped granite boulders.
DAY 10: Kangaroo Island
There is a never ending list of things to do and see on Kangaroo Island and today you have time to explore the natural beauty of this island and discover Australian wildlife – in the wild! Highlights include Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Caves, the “Koala Walk” and the seals at Seal Bay.
DAY 11: Kangaroo Island to Adelaide (from Cape Jervis: 107 km) Penneshaw (at Ferry terminal) from American River 40km
Depart Kangaroo Island today, taking the ferry from Penneshaw back to Cape Jervis. It is approximately two hours drive directly back to Adelaide, or if time permits, stop along the way to explore more of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Your car is booked until tomorrow and should be dropped off at the city or airport, by the same time as it was picked up on Day 1, to avoid any additional charges.
*Prices are subject to availability and conditions apply. Valid until 31 March, 2021. For dates after this or if you would like to make any changes, please contact us direct for a quote.