Aussie Road Trip Adventures Part 2

We begin this one in Melbourne...

Melbourne is a city made for lingering...The perfect gateway city to begin your road trip. It's a stylish, culturally rich city where it's bustling café culture meets world class sport and coastal scenery. There's a creative energy that runs through a city filled with wondrous architecture and art where you will find yourself getting lost in the many laneways and historic arcades! There's an electric atmosphere surrounding the Yarra river and you can enjoy dinner in one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants on an evening. Further afield, coastal suburbs such as St Kilda provide the opportunity for gentle seaside strolls and the Mornington Peninsula tempts with vineyard wine tasting and lazy lunches. I suggest spending at least 3 or 4 nights in Melbourne at the beginning of your holiday to really get a good feel for the city and it's surroundings, splitting 1/2 nights in the city and then 1/2 nights in either the Mornington Peninsula or the Yarra Valley, depending on your interests. Collect your car from one of the many local operators before setting off on the Great Ocean road...

Melbourne to Adelaide: Ocean Roads & Wine Country 

This road trip will take approximately 10-14 days depending on how long you would like to spend in each destination. The trip could be shorter if needed but with less time spent in locations such as the Great Ocean Road and Grampians. 

Day 1: Melbourne to Ballarat (Approx driving time 1.5 hours)

The first stop takes us to the historic gold rush town of Ballarat to explore the beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. Take the time to visit the immersive open air gold-rush museum Sovereign Hill. Take dinner in one of the many heritage pubs or contemporary restaurants on offer in the town. The short driving time allows you to adjust to life on the road in Australia whilst providing some historic and architectural interest.

Day 2: Ballarat to Apollo Bay via inland to coast (Approx driving time 3.5 hours)

First, head south west to Colac then link up with the Great Ocean road near Skenes Creek before arriving in Apollo Bay. Welcome to this relaxed coastal town that makes a great base for exploring the Eastern section of the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy a beach walk or enjoy a short rainforest stroll at the foot of the Otways.

Day 3: Explore the Great Otway National Park & Apollo Bay

Staying a second night in Apollo Bay gives you time to explore the Great Otway and it's great waterfalls and lush rainforests. For wildlife lovers, head to Marengo to see the local seal colony. Take a boat trip to get closer to the sea animals before heading back to enjoy a relaxed dinner in Apollo Bay. Taking an extra day at this point allows you to enjoy the Great Ocean Road area, rather than simply driving through. 

Day 4: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (The 12 Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast) (Approx driving time 3 hours)

There are many stops to see along this route that will give you the full Great Ocean Road Experience. Take your time to explore and really take in the sights of this beautiful coastal route. Stop at Gibson Steps, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Tom and Eva Lookout and The Razorback. Continue on to Port Campbell for your evening stay, a cute and small village close to all the lookouts. 

Day 5: Port Campbell to The Grampians (Approx driving time: 3.5 hours)

An early start for this day will ensure that you have time to explore the Shipwreck coast sights such as The Arch, London Bridge and The Grotto before heading inland. You will drive north from here to Halls Gap, the gateway village to the Grampians National Park. Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for wild kangaroos in this area and there are plenty of trails and hikes to choose from. The village also features an array of restaurants and is close to local wineries to enjoy a late afternoon/early evening treat. 

Day 6: Grampians to Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast (Approx driving time: 4 hours) 

Today you cross from Victoria into South Australia. If you are up for an early start, begin the morning with a short trail hike and depart late morning. You will drive via Penola and the Coonawarra wine region- a beautiful spot to take a tasting stop and lunch at one of the many cellar doors. You will then continue on to Mount Gambier to see the beautiful Blue Lake and sinkholes such as the Umpherston Sinkhole. If you don't mind a slightly longer drive for the day, continue from here on to Robe and the Limestone Coast. Choose to stay in either Mount Gambier or Robe for the evening. For wine lovers, you might want to consider a night's stay in the Coonawarra wine region to make the most of the local flavours. 

Day 7: Limestone Coast to Victor Harbor (Approx driving time: 4.5 hours from Robe)

Today is time to really enjoy the scenery of the Limestone Coast with many seaside town stops along the way. Arrive on the Fleurieu Peninsula, one of Australia's most exquisite coastal regions and stay the night in the picturesque Victor Harbor. 

Day 8: Fleurieu Pensinula to McLaren Vale & Adelaide (Approx driving time: 2.5 hours)

Leaving the coast today you head into McLaren Vale wine country, an area well known for it's boutique wineries and food. Enjoy visiting a few cellar doors and enjoy a relaxed vineyard lunch. From here, take the short drive to Adelaide in the mid afternoon. For your first evening in the city, enjoy the Central Market and small laneway bars.

Day 9: Kangaroo Island  (Self drive or tour)

Having a car means a self-drive to Kangaroo Island is a must for wildlife enthusiasts. From Adelaide, you will drive just under 2 hours to Cape Jervis and catch the ferry to the island (approx 45 minutes crossing) . If you don't fancy driving there are of course many day trip options that depart from Adelaide that you can book onto. Key highlights of the island include the Seal Bay Conservation Park, The Flinders Chase National Park and the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. There's quite a lot to fit in to the island so if choosing the self drive option I would strongly recommend staying the evening in Kingscote for ease of getting to some of the key island attractions. 

Day 10: Adelaide 

Spend your final day really and enjoy exploring the city centre and sights such as the Botanical Gardens or the North Terrace Cultural Precinct. Attractions such as the Art Gallery of South Australia beckon and an evening dinner at the Marina Pier will make for the perfect end to your road trip. 

If you are wanting to extend your stay post-Adelaide and are a fan of good wine and food, I highly recommend adding a day or two in the Barossa Valley region or in the Adelaide Hills to enjoy the best flavours of the region. Town's such as Tanunda in Barossa are at the very heart of the action, offering easy access to the wineries and restaurants. 

In just 2 week's you have experienced the best that two states have to offer in Australia. Some of the finest scenery and wildlife in the country are in abundance and it's easily done at your pace. The journey can be longer or shorter to your choosing (head inland rather than coastal to Adelaide for example). A must do road trip for wine and wildlife lovers alike with rich cultural and historical experiences to uncover along the way. 

If your ready to start planning your very own Aussie road trip please do reach out to me. As your very own qualified Aussie Specialist and as someone who has lived and has family in the country, I am well matched to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Stay tuned for part 3!