Adelaide to Melbourne

The Great Ocean Road Itinerary

• Day One: UK → Adelaide – Hotelmotel Adelaide

  Fly into Adelaide and check into your classic motel at the heart of South Terrace Precinct for a night in a King Room. Take time to enjoy the wonders of nature at Botanic Gardens of South Australia and Himeji Garden. Get up close to 2,500+ animals at Adelaide Zoo, shop at Rundle Mall and Adelaide Arcade, and take a ghost tour at Adelaide Gaol. Taste chocolate on a Haigh Chocolate Factory tour, explore wine-making at National Wine Centre, and meet the challenge of Adelaide Oval Roof Climb.

• Days Two to Eleven: Adelaide to Melbourne

  Pick up your camper van and set off on your ten-night adventure along the Great Ocean Road. Suggested itinerary comprises: Adelaide, Cape Jervis, Kangaroo Island, Robe, Mount Gambier, Port Fairy, Port Campbell, Apollo Bay, Lorne, Torquay, Mornington Peninsula, and Melbourne.

• Cape Jervis

  Cape Jervis is an 88km drive south from Adelaide and sits near the western tip of Fleurieu Peninsula and is perfect for wildlife-watching at Deep Creek National Park, walking the Heysen Trail, and visiting Cape Jervis Lighthouse. It’s also your gateway to Kangaroo Island via the SeaLink Ferry and a 45-minute crossing to Penneshaw – here you can get up close to the native wildlife, witness Remarkable Rocks wind-sculpted granite boulders and the natural Admirals Arch, and walk amongst the wild Australian sea lions at Seal Bay.

• Robe

  Robe leads to driving on 14km Long Beach, snapping selfies at historic Cape Dombey Obelisk, and sampling craft brews at Robe Town Brewery; while Mount Gambier is all about admiring Blue Lake’s vivid waters, exploring the Umpherston Sinkhole, and visiting the symmetrical, dormant Mount Schank volcano. Historic Port Fairy boasts boutique shops, galleries, and café and is an easy stroll from Griffiths Island Lighthouse and a short drive from spotting emus, kangaroos, and koalas at Tower Hill Game Reserve.

• Port Campbell

  Port Campbell is the gateway to the iconic Twelve Apostles and the dramatic landscapes of the Shipwreck Coast. Discover natural landmarks including Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and The Grotto, or take a scenic coastal walk to experience the rugged beauty of this unforgettable shoreline. Apollo Bay offers a perfect blend of rainforest and coastline. Take in sweeping ocean views from Mariners Lookout, wander the 800-metre Maits Rest Rainforest Walk beneath towering ancient ferns, or spend the day surfing, swimming, or simply unwinding on Apollo Bay Beach. Lorne combines coastal charm with spectacular natural attractions. Hike to the picturesque Erskine Falls, soak up panoramic views from Teddy's Lookout, relax on the golden sands of Lorne Beach, and finish the day at Lorne Pier, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant sunset views.

• Torquay

  Torquay is Australia's surfing capital, home to the world-famous Bells Beach and its legendary waves. Sample locally brewed craft beer at Bells Beach Brewing, discover Australia's rich surf culture at the Australian National Surfing Museum, or explore the stunning coastline along the Surf Coast Walk. As your journey continues along the Mornington Peninsula towards Melbourne, unwind in the natural thermal pools of Peninsula Hot Springs, glide above the treetops on the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola, and take in the dramatic coastal scenery of Point Nepean National Park, where the powerful waters of "The Rip" mark the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.

• Days Twelve to Fourteen: Arrive in Melbourne – Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands

  Arrive in Melbourne, return your camper van, and spend three nights in a Guest Room King in the city’s Entertainment Precinct. Wander laneways of boutique shops, street art, and hidden rooftop bars. Delve into indigenous Victoria at Federation Square’s Koorie Heritage Trust. Witness Eureka Skydeck 88 views. Meet animal and marine life at Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Zoo. And experience Melbourne Cricket Ground’s live sports, concerts, and events.

• Day Fifteen – Fly Back to the UK

  Fly back to London Heathrow via Doha with many happy memories to look back on of your Adelaide to Melbourne self-drive adventure along the iconic Great Ocean Road.