Great Ocean Road Journey Itinerary

After planning your personalised journey with one of our Travel Designers, your Aussie adventure begins today. On arrival in Melbourne, a private transfer can be arranged to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel so you can settle in comfortably after your flight.

With time to relax this afternoon, start discovering the Melbourne's hidden gems, lush Botanic Gardens, and stylish squares to explore. 

Must-do activities include: wandering cobbled laneways with coffee shops, boutiques, and bars; admiring street art in Hosier Lane; visiting St Kilda's esplanade and cake shops; experiencing the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground; and enjoying Queen Victoria Market, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. With a dazzling array of restaurants, Melbourne truly earns its title as Australia's foodie capital.

Every First Light Travel itinerary is fully customisable. Speak with one of our expert Travel Designers to tailor this journey to your interests, travel dates and travel style.

Accommodation: Melbourne - 2 Nights

Melbourne has long been hailed as the foodie capital of Australia, and its cuisine is as diverse as the city itself. You have a walking food tour included today. Discover Melbourne's best restaurants, coffee shops and street food vendors with a local expert. Along the way, explore the city's narrow laneways, historical arcades and vibrant street art -- and, of course, sample a variety of delicious foods.

Collect your rental vehicle and set out on one of the world’s great coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road, with scenic lookouts stretching from Torquay to the Victorian–South Australian border. Stop at Bells Beach to admire world-famous surf breaks and sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, then continue to Anglesea, where kangaroos are often seen resting under trees on the golf course. Arrive in Apollo Bay, the “Paradise by the Sea,” a charming coastal village perfect for beaches and water activities. As evening falls, join a twilight Otways walking tour with a conservation guide to spot native wildlife emerging at sunset in a protected sanctuary.

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Apollo Bay - 1 Night

The 12 Apostles are towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, among Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. The best way to appreciate their dramatic beauty is from above on a scenic helicopter flight. Soar over the Great Ocean Road on a Bay of Islands helicopter tour, taking in not only the Apostles but also rugged cliffs, sea stacks, hidden bays and the powerful coastline from a unique aerial perspective. Continue along the Shipwreck Coast, where more than 160 ships have been lost. Near Wreck Beach, anchors from the Marie Gabrielle and Fiji remain embedded in the sand, marking this dramatic maritime history.

Approximate Distance: 185 km | 115 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Port Fairy - 2 Nights

At the end of the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy is one of the state’s earliest settled coastal villages, with more than 50 nineteenth-century buildings classified by the National Trust.

This charming fishing village boasts wide streets lined with nineteenth century cottages, stone churches and huge Norfolk pine trees.

Here are some great ways to enjoy your day in Port Fairy:

• Spend some time on the wharf and watch the fishermen unloading freshly-caught abalone and crayfish.
• Take to the water: try a surfing lesson, a guided fishing trip or take a cruise to the seal colony on Lady Julia Percy Island.
• Explore Port Fairy's wealth of boutiques, antique stores, and art shops dotted throughout the town.
• Learn about the local maritime history on the Port Fairy Maritime and Shipwreck Heritage Walk.

Included Meals: Breakfast

On the way to Coonawarra, explore the striking geological sights of Mt Gambier, a dormant volcano region best known for the mysterious Blue Lake. This 70-metre-deep lake shifts from steel grey in winter to brilliant cobalt blue in summer. Nearby, the Umpherston Sinkhole offers a surprising highlight—a lush sunken garden filled with flowers and greenery, formed from a collapsed limestone cave in the heart of town. Continue into Coonawarra, one of South Australia’s premier wine regions and home to exceptional red wines. Known as “Australia’s Other Red Centre,” it also showcases delicious local produce including preserves, wagyu beef and cured meats.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 215 km | 134 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Coonawarra - 2 Nights

Enjoy a private tour of the Coonawarra wine region, blending iconic wineries with charming family-owned estates. This experience showcases the passion of local winemakers and offers a chance to enjoy a stunning set menu luncheon at the award-winning Ottelia restaurant, nestled in the heart of Coonawarra. Designed for intimacy and uniqueness, the tour allows guests to either choose their own itinerary or have all the planning taken care of. It’s the perfect way to explore the region’s rich winemaking heritage while enjoying personal attention and memorable moments. A truly special experience awaits.

Included Meals: Lunch

The drive from Coonawarra to McLaren Vale is a scenic journey through South Australia’s celebrated wine regions and rural landscapes. Leaving the famed Coonawarra vineyards, known for their red terra rossa soils and premium Cabernet Sauvignon, the route passes farmland, grazing country and small country towns. As you travel west toward the Adelaide Hills, the scenery becomes greener and more undulating, with orchards, forests and boutique wineries along the way, perfect for a relaxed stop. Arriving in McLaren Vale, you reach a renowned coastal wine region famous for Shiraz, rolling vineyards and outstanding food and wine experiences, ideal for a leisurely exploration.

Approximate Distance: 390 km | 242 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: McLaren Vale - 2 Nights

The d’Arenberg Cube is a striking five-storey building set among Mourvèdre vines in McLaren Vale, appearing to float above the vineyard with views over the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges. Inside, visitors explore a cellar door, casual dining restaurant and curated artworks by Chester Osborn. At Level 4, the Blending Bench experience offers a hands on introduction to winemaking by blending wine parcels, bottling and labelling a 750mL creation to take home. Further exploration of the Cube includes the Alternate Realities Museum, a self guided immersive art space enhanced by audio commentary from Chester Osborn. The visit combines interactive wine experiences with immersive storytelling and contemporary art throughout the building.

From Coonawarra you'll drive to South Australia's capital of Adelaide. En route, an optional stop at the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves is well worth the admission price. The 800,000-year-old caves feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and are a must-see. 

You can choose between walking, dry cave tours or try something more adventurous.

Cosmopolitan Adelaide is filled to the brim with culture, flavours, events, and entertainment. With spacious boulevards and vibrant inner-city districts, sophisticated architecture and lush gardens, South Australia's capital has it all.

Tonight you are spoiled for dining options: Adelaide's reputation as a foodie destination is well deserved. Famous for culinary creativity and blessed with outstanding local produce, there truly is something for everyone.

Approximate Distance: 375 km | 233 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Adelaide - 2 Nights

Adelaide invites you to explore the city's relaxed charm. Start by strolling through lush gardens and serene parks, where locals gather to unwind or enjoy a picnic in the shade. Art lovers can wander through the heart of the city, discovering street art and free galleries. For a taste of local life, visit vibrant markets brimming with fresh produce and homemade goods. As the day winds down, head to the coast for a sunset walk along the beach or enjoy the laid-back vibe of a riverside café. Perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and culture seekers alike.

Say farewell to Adelaide today as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your time in Australia and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.