Ocean's Twelve

Ocean's Twelve

Travelling west of Melbourne brings you to one of the world's most spectacular driving routes.

The Great Ocean Road is the Australian equivalent of America’s famous Route 66, and forms part of the famous Great SouthernTouring Route.The road winds its way along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean, taking in deserted beaches, historic ports, dramatic mountain ranges, rain forests, vineyards and national parks. The famous Twelve Apostles, a formation of craggy limestone rocks, rise majestically from the ocean.

Seaside resorts such as Port Fairy and Apollo Bay offer stunning beaches, excellent restaurants and heritage hotels as well as the dramatic Shipwreck Coast.

Our flexible car hire route links the cities of Melbourne and Adelaide and can be tailored to suit your individual requirements with city stays at the beginning and end of your holiday.

What's Included:

• 5 days' compact car hire.
• 4 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar).
• Unlimited mileage
• Travel Kit, including maps

Day 1: Melbourne - Apollo Bay (116 miles)

Head out of the city and you will soon be following the curve of Port Phillip Bay, en route for the pretty port of Geelong, Victoria’s second city. Drive to waterfront Geelong then walk around Corio Bay following the unique painted wooden sculptures called “The Bollards “. Just beyond Geelong is the start of the most spectacular part of the route and the surfing paradise of Torquay. Take time to visit Surf World Museum or ‘catch a wave “ at the iconic surf spot Bells Beach. With a Mediterranean feel, the seaside town of Lorne enjoys a great café culture and has a host of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. From here it’s a short drive to Kennett River. The Koala Walk gives you the chance to meet some of Victoria’s most famous residents and the Otway National Park itself is home to kangaroos, wallabies and possums. Apollo Bay showcases some of Australia’s freshest and finest seafood so look for Southern Rock Lobster on the local menus.
Overnight - Port Fairy

Day 2: Apollo Bay - Port Fairy (117 miles)

After leaving Apollo Bay, visit the 150-year old Cape Otway Lighthouse, considered to be the best historic lighthouse building in Australia. An overnight stay in the keeper’s quarters can be arranged as an alternative to your first night’s hotel accommodation. This section of the journey is known for waterfalls and rainforest so be sure to visit Triplet Falls or stroll along the Otway Fly Treetop Walk. As you continue along the coast you’ll soon spot the craggy limestone towers of the Twelve Apostles. Two walkways give you the opportunity to photograph the stunning views. Continue along The Shipwreck Coast, known for the wild seas that sent more than 700 ships crashing on the rocks. Whale watching trips are available from the town of Warambool, which also serves as a whale nursery each winter, when the southern right whales come to Logan’s Beach to give birth to their calves. The day ends in the pretty village of Port Fairy, where you can see Australia’s largest fur seal colony.
Overnight - Port Fairy

Day 3: Port Fairy - the Grampians (105 miles)

Today leave the coast behind and head inland towards Halls Gap and the majestic peaks of the southern Grampians. The Grampians National Park has been 400 million years in the making and is home to the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art in southern Australia. Follow one of the many walking trails through the park and make time to visit Mckenzie Falls, a rare year round waterfall. There is an abundance of wildlife, and twilight bush walks offer the chance to see more than 200 species of birds, as well as emus and kangaroos. Fine local food and wine is also a key feature of the region and there is a great choice of restaurants in Halls Gap.
Overnight - the Grampians

Day 4: The Grampians - Naracoorte (127 miles)

Continue your journey towards Coonawarra, often called Australia’s other “red centre” due to its award winning premium red wines. En route, stop at the town of Dunkeld and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt, the highest peaks in the southern Grampians. Coonawarra is home to more than 24 wineries, which are close together and well signposted. Why not take the opportunity to make your own blend of wine on a unique winemaking experience. Driving north from Coonawarra, visit the World heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves National Park, where the 26 limestone caves house the fossilised skeletons of giant marsupials.
Overnight - Naracoorte

Day 5: Naracoorte - Adelaide (207 miles)

Just over an hour’s drive will bring you to the seaside town of Robe, situated along South Australia’s magnificent Limestone Coast. Discover the town’s pioneering history by visiting the historic buildings, which have lovingly been restored to their original glory. Follow the coastline towards Adelaide and take time to stop at the Coorong Wilderness Lodge to learn about the local Aboriginal culture. Crossing the famous Murray River will bring you to the Fleurieu Peninsula, a mecca for antique lovers.