12 Day Great Ocean Road & Tasmania Fly/Drive Itinerary

Crowned "The World's Most Liveable City" for seven years in a row, friendly Melbourne is the perfect place to begin your Australian self-drive adventure.

This compact, diverse metropolis is begging to be explored after settling into your comfortable accommodation. There are hidden charms around every corner, beautiful Botanic Gardens, and chic city squares where you can soak up the atmosphere to your heart's content.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Melbourne: - Lose yourself in cobbled laneways lined with tempting coffee shops, chic boutiques and cozy bars. - Admire the always-evolving street art covering every inch of Hosier Lane - Take a tram to St Kilda beach's historic esplanade and drop into Acland St's irresistible cake shops. - Make a sporting pilgrimage to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground - Grab a bite to eat at Queen Victoria Market - it's the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere - Choose from a dizzying array of restaurants & eateries — you're in Australia's foodie capital.

Accommodation: Melbourne - 1 Night

Collect your rental car and get ready embark on one of the world's greatest coastal drives: the Great Ocean Road.

The Great Ocean Road Touring Route has a number of scenic lookouts from Torquay all the way to the border of Victoria and South Australia. Make your way along the coast to Bells Beach to check out the amazing surf and capture some spectacular views of the coastline and the Southern Ocean.

Be sure to stop at the town of Anglesea and visit the golf course: it's famous for the kangaroos lounging under the trees and hopping across the greens!

Apollo Bay

Tonight you will stay in the beautiful village of Apollo Bay. The Bay is referred to as the “Paradise by the Sea” and is a great place for those who love the beaches and water sports.

Accommodation: Apollo Bay - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 199 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 38 mins

Continue along the Great Ocean Road for a scenic 3-hour drive, through the lush Otway National Park, pausing at Port Campbell to view the magnificent 12 Apostles.

Scenic Flight over the 12 Apostles

The 12 Apostles are giant limestone rock stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean and are considered the most beautiful of all Australia's natural wonders.

The best way to enjoy the rugged splendour of these famous rock formations is by helicopter.

A 25-minute scenic flight allows you to get up close and personal with Victoria's dramatic coastal beauty.

Onwards to Port Fairy

The coastline is dotted with many plaques and signs that mark the places where more than 160 ships sank along the aptly named Shipwreck Coast. Wreck Beach, just beyond the Twelve Apostles, marks the start of a trail where the anchors of two ships, the Marie Gabrielle (1869) and Fiji (1891), are embedded in the beach.

Tonight you can discover more about maritime history by staying at the busy fishing port of Port Fairy.

Accommodation: Port Fairy - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 187 km | 116 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 41 mins

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.
   

Crossing the state border into South Australia, your journey continues to Coonawarra, home of Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visit Mt Gambier

The geological wonders of Mt Gambier are well worth exploring on your way to Coonawarra. This dormant volcano houses the mysterious 70-metre-deep Blue Lake: its waters appear steel grey during winter, turning a startling shade of cobalt blue in the summer months.

The Umpherston Sinkhole may not have the prettiest name, but don't be put off: it's a spectacular sunken garden filled with flowers and greenery, hidden in a giant crater in the centre of Mt Gambier town. Created from a collapsed limestone cave, it must be seen to be believed.

Coonawarra

South Australia is home to 18 wine regions, one of which will be your home tonight. Coonawarra is the country's top producer of premium red wines, and it's affectionately known as "Australia's Other Red Centre". You'll find tantalizing local produce here too, from native preserves and pickled walnuts to mettwurst and wagyu beef.

Accommodation: Coonawarra - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 219 km | 171 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 28 mins

From Coonawarra you'll drive to South Australia's capital: Adelaide, the "City of Churches".

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.

Adelaide

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.

Accommodation: Adelaide - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 374 km | 232 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 1 min

Today is yours to explore Adelaide however you desire. 

History buffs will love the exquisite churches around every corner, many dating back to the 19th century. The variety of architecture is simply staggering.

For a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, head to Glenelg beach and join a cruise in search of wild dolphins — you can even swim with them if they are in the mood!
Adelaide Central Market is filled with over 80 stalls including cheese shops, seafood, patisseries and artisan produce. This bustling hub is a fantastic place to grab lunch and indulge in a spot of people-watching.

If Coonawarra whetted your appetite for wine, The iconic Penfolds vineyards and Magill Estate cellar door are a mere 15 minute drive from town.

Adelaide is known as the Festival Capital of Australia - from comedy and cabaret to food and fashion, there's always something on no matter when you visit.

Board your flight to Launceston, Tasmania. One of Australia's oldest cities, it's a charm-filled place with Colonial and Victorian heritage buildings in abundance.

Enjoy the afternoon in this cultural hub by taking a walk along the waterfront. Immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage and enjoy a thriving food and wine scene amongst the backdrop of vibrant Georgian streetscapes.

The boutique riverside city is located at the head of the picturesque Tamar Valley and boasts magnificent natural attractions including the spectacular Cataract Gorge Reserve and beautiful parks & gardens.

Accommodation: Launceston - 2 Nights

While in Tasmania you can sit back and relax: with three guided full-day coach excursions, you will experience the island's premier attractions without lifting a finger, beginning with the stunning Cradle Mountain National Park.

Cradle Mountain Day Tour

Cradle Mountain National Park is an area of iconic scenery with a huge variety of walking trails to choose from. With around 5 hours to spend in this World Heritage Listed area, your local guide will advise on the perfect trails for all weather conditions and fitness levels.

After departing Launceston enjoy a short stop in Sheffield – The Town of Murals. In this small and quirky village Cradle Mountain's history is depicted in artworks across the buildings throughout the town.

We continue our journey into the mountains and arrive at Cradle Mountain to begin a series of short walks to Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls. From here you can choose from the gentle and iconic Dove Lake Circuit an easy 2 hour walk with amazing mountain views. For the more active, we offer the chance to climb to the loftier heights of Marion’s Lookout.

Enjoy lunch by a quiet stream, watch the famous and friendly Cradle wombats in their natural habitat, or enjoy the many photographic opportunities that abound. Visit Weindorfer’s Chalet and see the ancient King Billy Pines on Weindorfer’s Forest Walk.

You'll return to Launceston via the award-winning Ashgrove Cheese Factory where you can sample the local varieties on offer.

Today's full-day tour explores the delights and highlights of the East Coast before ending the day in picturesque Hobart.

Freycinet National Park

At Wineglass Bay pink granite mountains form the backdrop for secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife and walking trails. Consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world, it is truly a slice of paradise.

Wineglass Bay Guided Walk

On arrival at Freycinet, your guide will take you to the Wineglass Bay Lookout and help you take those sought-after photographs. From the Lookout, you have the option to return to the start of the walk with your tour guide or hike down to Wineglass beach (2.5-hours return). Those who choose to return with the guide will explore more of the National Park and visit Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay and Cape Tourville lookout.

After 4 to 5 hours at Freycinet National Park you will then continue your journey onto Hobart enjoying a stop at Kate’s Berry Farm along the way.

Accommodation: Hobart - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Take an early start from Hobart and head to the stunning Tasman Peninsula, home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Enjoy panoramic views of the area from Pirates Bay Lookout and the short but spectacular Waterfall Bay Clifftop Track. This is one of Tasmania’s “Great Short Walks," around 45 minutes, ending at the remarkable rock formations of Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen.

Meet the Tasmanian Devils

Next stop is the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo to witness the startling sight of Tasmanian Devils feeding. Watch the snarling, fighting and bone crushing in a spectacle of devilish behaviour. Hand feed the wallabies and walk amongst the local fauna and flora in the charming “Unzoo” setting.

Port Arthur: The Inescapable Prison

Just a short drive down the road, we enter the Port Arthur Historic Site. Enjoy a Harbour Cruise around the Isle of the Dead and discover the grim and violent history of the early Australian Penal system with Port Arthur's expert guides. As you tour the prison building you'll get a real sense of the isolation experienced by the convicts in this “inescapable prison”.

Before returning to Hobart you'll make a stop at Federation Chocolate to sample the incredible flavours on offer. Further along we arrive into historic Richmond Village where you can walk across Australia’s oldest bridge still in use — a convict built sand-stone bridge, reported to be haunted!

Last but not least, before re-entering Hobart you'll stop for a fabulous view across Hobart from a local lookout. A picturesque way to return to the city.

Your 12 day Australian adventure ends here in Hobart. Spend the day exploring the waterfront or the market of Salamanca Place on a Saturday Morning. For those with energy to burn, climb to the summit of Mount Wellington for panoramic views over the city of Hobart, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula. Make your way to Hobart airport for your departing flight.