Australia is a diverse and stunning country and there is so much to see and do. To really get an insight into the country, you would have to spend at least a month here. If such a long trip isn’t feasible but you still want to explore some of this fantastic country, a fly-drive holiday in Australia could be the ideal solution. Travel from Melbourne to Adelaide and take in some fantastic sights along the way.
1 Night – Apollo Bay
Having explored the culture-filled city of Melbourne, collect your hire car in Melbourne and hit the road. The first stop of the route is the beautiful Apollo Bay, approximately 2.5hours drive away. The route sweeps around Geelong and once you reach Torquay, it becomes the Great Ocean Road. As the title suggests, the road tightly hugs the coast traversing rainforests as well as fantastic beaches and cliffs. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Once you arrive in the picturesque Apollo Bay found at the foothills of the Otways, there is plenty to enjoy. Explore the curious selection of shops, cool off with a swim in the clear waters or hire a kayak and paddle with the seals that live in the bay. Give surfing a go or head off for a hike into the hills to find Australia’s oldest lighthouse. The choices are pretty much endless so take your pick.
1 Night – Port Fairy
The next stop of the itinerary is Port Fairy and the journey there is unarguably one of the most spectacular stretches of the Great Ocean Road. Passing Port Campbell National Park you will enjoy fantastic views of the 12 Apostles as well as London Bridge, The Bay of Island and Loch Arch Gorge. Be sure to stop at some of the many vantage points and beaches en route. When you get hungry, there are plenty of free self-use barbeques sites that you can stop at along the way too; keep your eyes peeled for wild parrots and koalas! Continue past the city of Warrnambool to Port Fairy, one of the oldest Ports in Victoria. There are often festivals and events going on here but if there isn’t don’t worry, as there are many permanent activities to enjoy.
1 Night – Halls Gap
The next leg of the journey will take you away from the coastline heading inland, northbound to Halls Gap where you can explore the Grampians National Park. The Grampians are a haven for hiking, rock climbing and abseiling and having enjoyed an active day discovering all that the park has to offer, Halls Gap is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the evening. Be sure to buy an ice cream from Coolas Ice Cream parlour!
1 Night – Coonawarra
Departing Halls Gap, the next stop will be Coonawarra just over 3 hour’s drive away. The route will take you north-west before curving back down towards the coastline. The region surrounding Coonawarra boasts rich red soil which produces some of the best wines in the world. Perfect then, I hear you say, for some winery tours. There is no shortage of vineyards to choose from so take a detour and get the most from this famous area.
1 Night – Naracoorte
Having treated your taste buds to some exceptional wine tasting, Narracorte is the next destination of the route. This is the shortest journey of the fly drive so far and it’s a good thing too as there is much to be seen and enjoyed upon arrival. Soak up some South Australian culture at the Art Gallery and step back in history at the fascinating Naracoorte Caves National Park where you will be able to see the rich deposits of fossilised mammals. This is only natural World Heritage Site in South Australia and it’s highly regarded. It’s a very worthwhile experience.
2 Nights – Kangaroo Island
Get up bright and early the following morning and make your way to Cape Jervis; the gateway to Kangaroo Island. You will then have two nights to explore this large and fascinating island home to much Australian wildlife and captivating natural beauty. Spend time at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, Flinders Chase National Park and go caving amongst much more. You may find you don’t want to leave. Once you tear yourself away however, the last leg of the journey will be just over an hour to Adelaide where you can return your hire car and spend a few days exploring the city before it’s time to go home.
Australia is a wonderful country and best explored by car to really get a feel for it, no matter which part of the country you choose to discover.
Kangaroo Island & Apollo Bay seems interesting. I’ll be there soon for 2 months 🙂