Australia self-drive: Melbourne to Adelaide

Melbourne

Day 1: G'day, Australia!

Upon your arrival at the airport, a transfer will be waiting to drive you to your accommodation. Today is at leisure for you to enjoy however you wish, perhaps taking some time to explore Melbourne. If you do a bit of sightseeing, bookmark Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, and the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria.

Since Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, expect cool street art and bohemian coffee shops tucked in many corners of the city. For dinner, enjoy the lively atmosphere on the banks of the Southbank and visit Federation Square, where art and coffee culture come together.

Melbourne

Day 2: Marvellous Melbourne

Get your Melbourne adventure rolling with a relaxing bicycle ride, exploring key landmarks and hidden gems. A local guide will help you unravel Melbourne's history, from its Aboriginal roots to the Eureka Stockade, and its deep connection to sports.

After ticking off must-sees like Queen Victoria Market, St Paul's Cathedral and the Shrine of Remembrance, delve deeper into Melbourne. Stroll along the picturesque Yarra River, home to attractions like the Melbourne Aquarium and Federation Square.

Next, satisfy your appetite in Higher Ground, an architectural wonder doubling as a dining destination. Alternatively, walk down Bourke Street or explore vibrant Chinatown, both offering a mouth-watering array of culinary delights, catering to your tastes for Asian or Western cuisines.

Melbourne - French Island - Phillip Island

Day 3: Abundant island wildlife

Escape Melbourne for a day and dive into Australia's natural beauty. Board the Western Port ferry to French Island, a haven of blue gum forests, mangroves and wildlife. Spot koalas as you learn all about the island's ecosystem.

It's then on to Phillip Island to stroll through Cowes, the island's heart, before experiencing the day's highlight: the Penguin Parade, during which you'll get to watch these adorable creatures return to their burrows from the ocean for the night. After a day of excitement, return to Melbourne and relax at your hotel.

Melbourne - Lorne

Day 4: Your self-drive adventure begins

Take to the Great Ocean Road today! After picking up your rental car, ride the waves at Bells Beach near Torquay, known for hosting the world-famous Rip Curl Pro surfing competition. Dive deeper into surf culture at the Australian National Surfing Museum, and in the seaside gem of Aireys Inlet, stroll to the Split Point Lighthouse for photogenic views.

By early afternoon, land in Lorne and settle into your accommodation. Explore charming shops and cafés, soak up the views at Teddy's Lookout, and don't miss more splendid natural displays nearby: the waterfalls of Erskine, Henderson, Phantom, and Sheoak.

Lorne - Twelve Apostles - Port Fairy

Day 5: Fishing villages & iconic coastal sites

This morning drive to Apollo Bay, a charming fishing village with stunning beaches and lush hills. At Kennett River, say hello to adorable koala colonies. History comes alive at Cape Otway Lighthouse, the mainland's oldest.

Journey to the stars of the show – the Twelve Apostles, epic limestone stacks shaped by the sea, and of which only eight remain. Explore the Loch Ard Gorge, named after the ill-fated Loch Ard ship, and visit the London Arch, home to charming little penguins. Drive to the enchanting Grotto sinkhole, accessible via viewing platforms.

As the sun dips, reach Port Fairy, a historical fishing village whose bustling port offers fresh crayfish and abalone. Dive into local culture, visit boutique shops, and admire 1800s architecture on scenic walking trails. During winter, don't miss the breathtaking sight of breaching southern right whales, near Port Fairy's coast.

Port Fairy - Halls Gap

Day 6: Getaway to the Grampians

Today, the grand Grampians are on the agenda. Let these rugged mountain ranges welcome you and spend the day at your own pace. Explore countless walking trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls, spot captivating wildlife, and stop at awe-inspiring lookouts - the Grampians' landscapes will enchant and inspire you at every turn.

Don't forget to explore the ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings in various shelters throughout the park, a testament to the deep connection of Aboriginal people to the Grampians - notably, visit Billimina, Gulgurn Manja, and Manja Shelters. Gaze upon the stunning Grampians from numerous peaks, vantage points, and historic landmarks, with seemingly endless options available to help you find your new favourite view.

The Grampians

Day 7: Grampian grandeur

Prepare for another day of natural wonders in the Grampians. Drive just 30 minutes along the scenic Mount Victory Road to reach the car park for MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria's largest waterfalls.

Maximize your adventure by exploring the Grampians National Park on foot. Trails for all fitness levels and timeframes await: start with the 1.5-mile Venus Baths Loop Walk, beginning in the heart of Halls Gap and crossing over Stony Creek. In warmer months you'll discover rock pools, perfect for a refreshing swim and a picnic. For an iconic Grampians experience, tackle the Pinnacle Walk & Lookout. This 1.3-mile trail from Wonderland Car Park is steeper and rockier but promises the ultimate hiking adventure.

Halls Gap - Coonawarra

Day 8: Welcome to the Coonawarra wine region

Bid the mountains farewell after breakfast and head west. Just beyond the Victoria-South Australia border, Penola beckons. Nestled in the heart of the renowned Coonawarra wine region, this charming town offers more than just excellent food and wine – it's a slice of history, too!

Coonawarra

Day 9: Delightful dining

Get ready to savour Coonawarra in style. This intimate tour leads you to four or five of Coonawarra's finest cellar doors where you'll meet winemakers and enjoy exclusive private tastings. Lunch in town provides a perfect break, and you'll soak in the local sights along the way.

Then, embark on a gastronomic journey at the famous Mayura Station dining room in Millicent. As the largest exporter of Wagyu beef outside Japan, Mayura Station promises unmatched quality. Relish a four-course dining experience at the chef's table, including three Wagyu dishes and a dessert, perfectly paired with museum-release Coonawarra wines.

Coonawarra - Mclaren Vale

Day 10: Journey to the Fleurieu Peninsula

It's time to hit the road from Penola to the Fleurieu Peninsula. McLaren Vale, nestled in one of Australia's most esteemed wine regions, awaits. For wine enthusiasts and food-lovers, this place is a dream come true. With over 80 vineyards and an abundance of culinary treasures, it's a paradise for your taste buds. Explore renowned wineries like d’Arenberg, Coriole and Wirra Wirra, and don't miss the latest sensation in town, Down the Rabbit Hole, a cellar door that's making waves!

Mclaren Vale - Kangaroo Island - Mclaren Vale

Day 11: Wildlife-spotting on Kangaroo Island

Today you'll travel down to Cape Jervis and take a ferry over to Kangaroo Island, known for its breathtaking landscapes, natural marvels, and abundant wildlife.

Explore the western end, home to Flinders Chase National Park, one of South Australia's oldest and most significant parks. Your next stop is Admirals Arch, a stunning geological formation; observe a thriving colony of long-nosed fur seals at Cape du Couedic and take a stroll to the historic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Weirs Cove.

Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch paired with Kangaroo Island wines in a secluded spot. Look up, and you'll find koalas peacefully dwelling in the treetops. In the afternoon, explore Kangaroo Island's most stunning beaches and soak up the beauty of its coastlines, before hopping on the ferry back to Cape Jervis. From there, spend the rest of the day visiting a selection of charming towns.

Mclaren Vale

Day 12: On the McLaren Vale wine trail

Embrace the essence of McLaren Vale's wine, food, art, and nature on the Shiraz Trail. Nestled between the Mount Lofty Ranges and Gulf St Vincent beaches, this region boasts a rich heritage as South Australia's wine birthplace and home to ancient grapevines. Explore this area on foot or bike along the eight-kilometre (five-mile) Shiraz Trail, tracing an old railway line from McLaren Vale to Willunga. Relish the signature Shiraz at wineries like the world-famous Wirra Wirra.

Mclaren Vale - Adelaide

Day 13: Adelaide, unveiled

Bid farewell to the Fleurieu Peninsula and make your way to Adelaide, the vibrant capital of South Australia. This city has reinvented itself, emerging as the lifestyle hub of Australia. Once known for its tranquillity, Adelaide now boasts a thriving small-bar scene, world-class art, music, and an unbeatable festival calendar. Drop off your rental car and set out to explore the city's hidden gems in its charming laneways, before immersing yourself in the lush flora of the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Adelaide

Day 14: Goodbye, Australia!

It’s time to say goodbye to Australia today. A driver will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport to catch your flight. We hope you enjoyed your time down under!