Sydney to Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road
self drive tour
On this journey, you’ll experience some of Australia’s most popular yet varied regions. Start in Sydney the cosmopolitan city of Sydney where you will see iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visit stunning Jervis Bay with its crescent of white sand clear water and friendly dolphins. Stunning scenery, cute penguins, the mesmerising city of Melbourne, and the delights of the vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley are just some of the highlights in store on this adventure as you journey southwest along the coast. Seeing the penguins of Phillip Island waddling up the beach after a day’s fishing is sure to be a highlight of your trip – make sure you’re there before sunset! After time exploring Melbourne embark on one of the world’s most spectacular drives, the Great Ocean Road as it winds its way along the wild and windswept coast to Adelaide. Experience a seascape like no other; deserted beaches, historic ports and the famous Twelve Apostles rising majestically from the ocean. Complete your journey in the National Park City of Adelaide with nature and wildlife on its doorstep, located between the beach-fringed coastline and the vineyard-dotted Adelaide Hills, making it the perfect setting to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle the state is famed for.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1-2
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Day 3&4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10&11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20-21
Day 1-2 : Depart UK - Arrive Sydney
Leave the UK for your overnight flight Down Under.
On arrival in Sydney a private transfer will take you to your downtown hotel and the remainder of the day is free. Enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty, from unspoilt beaches to public gardens and the sparkling harbour. With an abundance of fresh produce, great seafood and multicultural influences, Sydney’s restaurants and cafés cater for a range of tastes and budgets. You’ll find plenty of accommodation choices, too. Shopping is a delight, with international brands available in modern shopping malls, the grand Queen Victoria Building, stylish boutiques and markets.
Day 3&4 : Sydney
Two days to enjoy everything that this cosmopolitan city has to offer. An included City Tour will showcase the highlights, from the historic Rocks district to Darling Harbour, the Circular Quay and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the botanical gardens to the wonders of Bondi Beach. The rest of your time is free to explore the city at your own pace – perhaps take a harbour cruise, climb the bridge or visit the Opera House. Walk in pretty parks and gardens, stroll along beaches, and marvel at Australia’s unique native animals and marine life at Taronga Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium year-round. Enjoy some superb cuisine in restaurants in the Surry hills area and explore the nightlife. Beyond Sydney there are many great destinations to explore in regional New South Wales, from some of the world’s best surfing beaches and national parks to wonderful wine regions. The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains are two hours from the city centre by train.
Day 5 : Jervis Bay (125 miles)
Collect your Avis rental car and drive south from Sydney to Jervis Bay famed for its white sand, clear water and friendly dolphins.
Day 6 : Jervis Bay
Free day to relax on the beach.
Day 7 : Gipsy Point (235 miles)
Travel through central Tilba Tilba, an area renowned for its clean uncrowded beaches, beautiful, forested mountains and perfectly preserved heritage villages and continue to Mallacoota and Gipsy Point. Nestled in the heart of Croajingalong National Park, this amazing getaway is thought to be the first land on the east coast of Australia to be sighted by Europeans.
Day 8 : Bairnsdale (130 miles)
Continue to Bairnsdale, gateway to the Gippsland Lakes.
Day 9 : Phillip Island (187 miles)
Head to Phillip Island today, famous for the daily penguin parade at Summerland beach. Be sure to get there before sunset and see the penguins waddle up the beach after a day’s fishing.
Day 10&11 : Melbourne (88 miles)
It’s an easy drive to scintillating Melbourne. Then you’ve a couple of days to explore. Bursting with history and culture, Melbourne was once Australia’s capital and still lays claim to be its cultural capital and most liveable city. With a 175 year history it’s a cultural melting pot, sophisticated, elegant and cosmopolitan; a centre of arts, culture, fashion and sport. Tree lined boulevards, spacious parks, an eclectic mix of boutiques in little alleyways and Victorian arcades; a remarkably European café culture and restaurant scene and on the banks of the Yarra River, the fabulous Southbank entertainment area.
Day 12 : Apollo Bay (114 miles)
Today you’ll and head for the Great Ocean Road. This magnificent road offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in Australia. Travel past famous Bells Beach and enjoy the scenery as you pass wide beaches, dramatic cliffs and idyllic coves.
Day 13 : Apollo Bay
The day is free for you to explore Apollo Bay, set on the coast with excellent surfing and swimming beaches and the Otway Ranges as a backdrop.
Day 14 : Port Fairy (118 miles)
After crossing the spectacular Otway Ranges you’ll arrive at Port Campbell National Park. See the power of the ocean at work at the Twelve Apostles. See the remains of London Bridge. Travel past Warrnambool, arriving at the historic fishing village of Port Fairy this afternoon.
Day 15 : Port Fairy
The day is free to explore this former whaling port located at the estuary of the Moyne River.
Day 16 : Coonawarra (140 miles)
Travel west towards the South Australian border and up the Limestone Coast to the Coonawarra wine district where there are fine vineyards to explore.
Day 17 : Coonawarra
A free day to explore Coonawarra and the surrounding area famous for its premium wines. Together, the landscape, people and passion work in harmony to create a signature wine region that delivers on a myriad of levels.
Day 18 : Adelaide (240 miles)
Head towards Adelaide today, travelling via Keith, Murrays Bridge enroute to Adelaide and check into your hotel. Return your car to the Avis city office.
Day 19 : Adelaide
A free day to explore on your own. Adelaide is a captivating city, a city of churches and gardens and the food and wine capital of Australia. Don’t miss the iconic St Peter’s Cathedral or the Botanical gardens as well as the many historical buildings.
Day 20-21 : Depart Australia - Arrive UK
Transfer to the airport in time for your return flight.
