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Sydney to Adelaide via the Coastal Drive and Great Ocean Road

Sydney to Melbourne - 8 Days or

Sydney to Adelaide - 14 Days

Australia's Southern Explorer

This is a self-drive option for travelers who are a little adventurous, confident driving on the left side of the road and who want the freedom of exploring on their own. Visiting the most beautiful parts of the southeastern region of the country, this tour allows you to get off the beaten track while exploring the stunning Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive. This region is known for its natural beauty, friendly seaside towns and welcoming people. Go boating on the huge inland Gippsland Lakes, walk a small section of the huge Ninety Mile Beach and see fur seals and penguins on Philip Island. This drive is broken down into easy, manageable sections, requiring an average of 2-3 hours of driving per day and is a great compliment to a visit to any other part of the country.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive Sydney (3 nights)

Day 2 - Sydney City Tour

Day 3 - At Leisure in Sydney

Day 4 - Collect Rental Car, Drive to Batemans Bay

Day 5 - Drive Batemans Bay to Eden

Day 6 - Drive Eden to Bairnsdale

Day 7 - Drive Bairnsdale to Wilsons Promontory

Day 8 - Drive Wilsons Promontory to to Melbourne via Philip Island

Day 9 - Drive to Apollo Bay

Day 10 - Drive Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

Day 11 - Drive Port Fairy To Robe

Day 12 - Drive Robe to Barossa

Day 13 - Drive Barossa to Adelaide

Day 14 - Fly Home or Optional Extension

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Australia

Upon arrival at Sydney’s modern Kingsford Smith International Airport you will be met by your driver and escorted to your centrally located hotel by private vehicle. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, to recover from the long journey and get a first taste of this exciting city.

Day 2 - Sydney City Tour

This morning you will enjoy a guided tour of Sydney. After meeting your guide in your hotel, you will visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you will take a short stroll and learn about some of Australia’s native flora. From here you can take that perfect photo of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

After driving through the lively neighborhoods of Kings Cross and Woolloomooloo, you will explore some of the beautiful secluded bays and see where the locals hang out. No visit to Sydney would be complete without a visit to the iconic Bondi Beach where you will see surfers and enjoy the local beach vibe before returning to the city for a brief stop in Chinatown on the way back to your hotel.

Day 3 - At Leisure in Sydney

Feel the wind in your face as you breeze along Sydney’s easy to navigate bike paths, head to the world-famous Bondi Beach for a private lesson with a local surfing instructor, sample some of the city’s excellent restaurants, take in a show at the Sydney Opera House, or just relax by your hotel’s pool. Spend the day as you please, enjoying the delights of this world-class city.

Day 4 - Collect Rental Car, Drive to Batemans Bay (175 miles)

Driving south out of Sydney, you’ll enter the Royal National Park, the second oldest National Park in the world. Stop for a swim or a picnic lunch at Stanwell Tops and admire the spectacular coastal views from the cliff tops here. After crossing the dramatic 1495-foot-long Sea Cliff Bridge you’ll enter the scenic coastal town of Wollongong. Stop here for a coffee and take the short drive to Kiama where you can see the famous blowhole shoot water up to 200 feet in the air. Stop for a pub lunch in the pretty town of Berry, before visiting Jervis Bay to see the whitest sand in the world at Hyams Beach. Hire a kayak for an hour to paddle the calm waters of Honeymoon Bay. A little further on you can learn about Aboriginal history on the ‘One Track For All’ walk or see the resident kangaroos at Pebbly Beach. End your day with a feast of fresh oysters at Batemans Bay.

Day 5 - Batemans Bay to Eden (120 miles)

Browse the boutique shops and experience what life was like in a 19th century mining village at Mogo. Continue to Tilba to visit this pretty National Trust listed village and see craftspeople at work. The nearby Umbra Cultural Center is where you can learn to throw a boomerang, before traveling along the beach road to Mimosa Rocks National Park to swim in the lagoons and walk the coastline. Local delicacies abound, from the famous oysters at Pambula to the cheeses of Bega. Between May and November, you can watch southern right and humpback whales making their annual migration along the coast before spending the evening in the town of Eden.

Day 6 - Eden to Bairnsdale

Cross the state border into Victoria and see the pretty town of Mallacoota, on the shimmering, peaceful lakes of the Mallacoota Inlet. Rent a boat or canoe to explore the waterways to Gipsy Point where you can feed sea eagles and picnic while watching kangaroos. Nearby Gabo Island has one of the world’s largest colonies of little penguins and you can explore the delicate ecosystems of Croajingolong National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve. At Lakes Entrance you can sail on the Gippsland Lakes, the largest inland waterway in Australia.

Day 7 - Bairnsdale to Wilsons Promontory (155 miles)

Get an early start for today’s three-hour drive to Wilsons Promontory. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for photos, refreshments and to chat with the friendly locals. Wilsons Promontory is Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness area and is one of the state’s best loved parks. This 125,000-acre reserve is boasts a labyrinth of walking trails that showcase abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, wombats and a huge variety of birdlife. These animals are very friendly and will literally eat out of your hands. The beautiful beaches of this region are great for a refreshing afternoon swim.

Day 8 - Wilsons Promontory to Melbourne via Philip Island (180 miles)

This morning an easy one-and-a-half-hour drive will take you to the amazing Philip Island. Today’s fascinating drive has a particular focus on wildlife, conservation and breathtaking scenery. Start with a visit to Churchill Island where you will gain an insight into the lives of the first settlers of this remote island. Next, visit to the Koala Conservation Centre where you are guaranteed close-up encounters with these marsupials in their natural habitat.

On the island’s south coast, you will be able to appreciate the full force of the southern ocean and possibly spot some penguin nests. A visit to the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre allows you time to walk to the penguin viewing platform to witness the animals surfing in on the waves.

Leave Philip Island in time to start the two-hour drive to Melbourne, where upon arrival you will check into your centrally located hotel.

Day 9 - Melbourne to Apollo Bay (115 miles)

The Great Ocean Road is arguably one of the most stunning coastal drives in the world and you’ll enjoy traveling this route at a leisurely pace to explore the natural beauty of the area, as well as the quaint seaside towns along the way.

Today you’ll travel to Torquay and the start of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at the famous Bells Beach and the beautiful nearby Erskine Falls. This drive towards Apollo Bay is absolutely spectacular.

Day 10 - Apollo Bay to Port Fairy (120 miles)

Today, you’ll enjoy a leisurely drive from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell. You’ll see the amazing rock formations of the world-famous Twelve Apostles and London Bridge. In this area, you’ll see some diverse landscapes from the rainforest covered Otway Ranges to the beautifully rugged coast. Stop in the seaside town of Port Campbell for a fresh seafood lunch with the locals at one of the restaurants there before continuing along the ‘Shipwreck Coast’ to Port Fairy, a charming coastal town where you can shop in the local art and craft shops.

Day 11 - Port Fairy To Robe (190 miles)

Departing Port Fairy, you’ll follow the coastline and cross the state border into South Australia. The area you’re driving through forms part of the largest volcanic plain in the country, where you’ll find interesting subterranean caves and sinkholes that you can visit. The Coonawarra and Padthaway wine regions are also near here, which produce some of Australia’s best table wines. At Mt Gambier, take time to explore the ‘Blue Lake’, a water filled crater of an extinct volcano.

Arriving in Robe for your overnight stay, you’ll find a town filled with a rich history of being one of the country’s most important ports in the 1800s. The town is now a delightful seaside resort, popular with Australian tourists.

Day 12 - Robe to Barossa (220 miles)

You’ll continue along the coast, making your way past the town of Kingston and on to the wetland areas of the Coorong National Park, known for its lagoons and diverse birdlife. After crossing the Murray River, you'll continue to the world-famous Barossa Valley. Barossa is South Australia’s gourmet capital. With quaint rural villages, beautiful scenery of farmland, rolling hills and vineyards there’s a lot of stunning scenery to appreciate. Enjoy this afternoon at your leisure, perhaps indulging in gourmet food in a farm-to-table restaurant and excellent local wines from one of the 150 wineries in the area. Alternatively, for something different visit the beautiful Lyndoch Lavender Farm to stroll through acres of blossoms filled with butterflies, or simply relax with a spa treatment at your hotel.

Day 13 - Barossa to Adelaide (50 miles)

This morning explore the Barossa Valley, perhaps visiting some of the famous local wineries including Orlando, Yalumba and Penfolds. Visit the German town of Tanunda and spend some time exploring the many local craft shops, before driving up to Menglers Hill for unsurpassed views of the valley. Visit some of the nearby farms that specialize in fine dried fruits, award winning cheeses and other fresh farm to table produce. Arriving in Adelaide, spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying one of the many fine restaurants.

Day 14 - Fly Home or Optional Extension

This morning you will be escorted by private vehicle to Adelaide’s airport for your flight home, or to continue to another exciting part of Australia.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Sydney - Parkroyal Darling Harbour - 4 Star - Luxury

Located on Darling Harbour, the Parkroyal offers premium accommodation within minutes of the city’s most well-known sights and attractions. Many of the hotel's rooms enjoy views over Darling Harbour and nearby landmarks such as Cockle Bay, King Street Wharf and the Sydney Convention Centre. Hotel facilities include a gymnasium and business center as well as a choice of dining options including 24-hour room service.

 

Sydney - Shangri-La Hotel Sydney - 5 star - Deluxe

The Shangri-La’s location offers stunning views of Sydney’s spectacular harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Sydney Opera House. It is positioned in an elevated location overlooking the interesting, historic Rocks district and offers spacious and inspired luxury guest rooms and suites, with the city center’s largest accommodations among Sydney hotels. In addition, the hotel offers some of the city’s best dining, including the Altitude Restaurant and Blu Bar, both offering spectacular views of the city.

Sydney to Melbourne and Melbourne to Adelaide self-driving routes offer a wide selection of intimate boutique accommodation options. Please ask our travel professionals for more information.

 

Barossa - Novotel Barossa Valley Resort - 4 Star - Luxury

Nestled among the vines of Australia’s oldest and finest wine region, the Barossa Valley Resort offers a restful haven. Located adjacent to the 18 hole Tanunda Pines Golf Course, the hotel boasts panoramic views across the beautiful Barossa Ranges and world-famous Jacobs Creek Vineyards. The hotel features a variety of modern, stylishly furnished accommodations with all the facilities, comforts and services one would expect from a 4 star hotel, including tennis courts, heated swimming pool, a gym and day Spa.

 

Barossa - The Louise - 5 star - Deluxe

Staying at The Louise is sure to be a memorable experience. Positioned atop a gentle hill with panoramic vistas across thousands of acres of vineyards, The Louise is home to the internationally acclaimed restaurant ‘Appellation’.

Rooms are absolutely beautiful and luxurious, with inspired design, extensive private spaces and private terraces overlooking the vineyards. The restaurant’s featured 10-course Wine Flight Tasting Menu and creative à la carte menu combines the freshest seasonal cuisine with excellent service and a world-class wine list.

 

Adelaide - Crowne Plaza Adelaide - 4 Star - Luxury

Conveniently located in Adelaide’s central business district on Hindmarsh Square, the Crowne Plaza offers recently refurbished, contemporary and stylish accommodations within easy walking distance to shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Deluxe rooms feature floor to ceiling windows and great city and park views from high floors.

The hotel’s Redsalt Restaurant specializes in the best of contemporary South Australian cuisine, featuring locally sourced produce and fresh, healthy menus.

 

Adelaide - InterContinental Adelaide - 5 Star - Deluxe

Situated in one of the city’s best locations, right on the River Torrens the award-winning Intercontinental is one of Adelaide’s finest luxury hotels. Rooms are spacious, averaging over 400 square feet and feature all the luxurious that travelers have come to expect from one of the world’s leading luxury hotel groups, including with separate walk-in shower and bath as well as generous work areas. The Riverside Restaurant features excellent cuisine from locally sourced produce, while the Shiki teppanyaki restaurant is an excellent ethnic alternative.

 

Optional Extensions

Kangaroo Island (2-3 nights)

This beautiful island in South Australia has a huge variety of different landscapes and environments. It’s also Australia’s leading wildlife destination and a fantastic place to experience some soft adventure while you walk amongst fur seals on the beach at Seal Bay, see koalas up close and marvel at the large numbers of kangaroos. This is a wonderful destination for any nature lover.

Tasmania (3-4 nights)

Located in far south-east Australia the island of Tasmania could practically qualify as a separate continent in itself due to its unparalleled diversity. The pristine serenity, spectacular beauty and clean air of its rugged coastlines and mountains make it a destination like no other. There’s amazing wildlife here, great food and wine and a rich history, as well as beautiful beaches, stunning scenery everywhere you look and some of the best walks in the world.

Uluru / Ayers Rock (2-3 nights)

A visit to this iconic destination is a must. In addition to seeing this awe-inspiring monolith up close, you can connect with the world’s oldest culture on a guided Aboriginal cultural tour. Your Aboriginal guide will give you a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Australia’s first people sharing with you stories of dreamtime legends. Dine under the stars with the backdrop of Uluru in the peaceful surroundings of the desert or take an unforgettable hot air balloon or helicopter ride over the area for a truly unforgettable view.

Great Barrier Reef (3-7 nights)

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Australia’s Tropical North. Relax on beautiful palm-fringed beaches, sample the most delicious fresh seafood or indulge in spa treatments in this idyllic paradise. This region is one of Australia’s most diverse, with reef, rainforest and outback all close by. The main attractions though, are the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree - the world’s oldest rainforest. Stretching more than 1500 miles along the coast, the reef is easily accessible and it’s an incredible experience to snorkel or dive here and see the huge variety of tropical fish and coral. For a completely different perspective, take to the skies for a scenic flight to appreciate the spectacular hues of blue - an unforgettable experience.

Fully guided, private tours are priced from:

Luxury - US$3995 per person (4 star hotels)

Deluxe - US$6350 per person (5 star hotels)

Ultra-Luxe - US$9995 per person

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double room in low season.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of our representatives while in Australia
Rental car
Meals as described in the itinerary

Price Excludes:

International flights
Insurance, fuel, road tolls or other expenses for rental car
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.)