Embark on an Australian Great Ocean Road journey

Itinerary insights

Melbourne | Lorne | Apollo Bay | Port Fairy | Mount Gambier | Adelaide

Among the highlights of this marvellous itinerary, heading to the Kennett River near Lorne and looking up into the trees to spot wild koalas ranks pretty high. You will also visit the glorious viewpoints of the 12 Apostles between Apollo Bay and Port Fairy. And if you have more time, you can incorporate the Barossa Valley and taste some of the region’s delicious wine.

Hit the road

Before you leave Melbourne, you’ll pick up your Suzuki Balen and drive to Lorne, where you’ll spend two nights in the central Cumberland Lorne Resort with its mix of contemporary and nostalgic seaside charm. Lorne sits in the middle of the surf coast stretching from Torquay to Cape Otway, with both gentle waves for beginners and competition swells, plus a museum on the history of surfing.

Next up is Apollo Bay, an unspoilt hamlet halfway along the Great Ocean Road, with lovely views and plenty of birds and other wildlife to keep a lookout for – including the occasional koala right outside the front door of your base for two nights: Captain’s at the Bay. With only 12 rooms, this is a charmingly and intimate modern B&B. Within an hour’s drive of Apollo Bay are waterfalls, the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures (a 600 metre-long, 25-30 metre-high elevated walkway through the rainforest), and world-class hikes for different levels.

Your fabulous trip will end in Adelaide, with two nights at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel – where you can sit out on the seventh floor absorbing the views over the Adelaide Hills and the city’s East End – and the chance to see all the attractions of South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital, including the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum.