MELBOURNE TO ADELAIDE (3-DAY)
AN UNRIVALLED JOURNEY BETWEEN AUSTRALIA’S SOUTHERN CAPITALS TAKES YOU FROM THE ECLECTIC STREETS OF MELBOURNE PAST WINDSWEPT BEACHES, RAINFORESTS AND NATURAL WONDERS TO ADELAIDE ALONG ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST INCREDIBLE COASTAL DRIVES.
DAY ONE: MELBOURNE - PORT CAMPBELL
Meet your local guide at 08:00am at your nominated Melbourne hotel then commence your journey tracing the length of one of the world’s most spectacular coastal touring routes, the Great Ocean Road.
From Torquay to Apollo Bay the road hugs forested coastal cliffs as it twists and turns past white sand surf beaches and through picturesque seaside villages. The hinterland of towering gum trees provides the perfect habitat for koalas, kangaroos, and colourful native parrots. Indulge in a lunch of locally sourced seafood in the quaint coastal township of Apollo Bay
The road then turns inland through lush green, semi-temperate rainforest featuring ferny gullies, moss-covered timber, and freshwater cascades. Enjoy a rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park before arriving at the scenic highlight of the Great Ocean Road – the iconic Twelve Apostles. Battered by the fierce waves of the Southern Ocean, the dramatic coastline has been relentlessly carved into limestone towers, gorges, and caves. Stroll cliff-edge boardwalks for the perfect vantage point with the option to view from above with a short helicopter flight.
Check into your accommodation for the evening and freshen up prior to dinner. Your guide can transfer you to a relaxed dinner (own expense) at a classic Australian pub where you may meet some of the locals and sample the regions produce.
DAY TWO: PORT CAMPBELL - MOUNT GAMBIER
Following a comfortable nights sleep, you may wish to wake early to catch sunrise at the Twelve Apostles or perhaps a morning at leisure before exploring some of the less visited wonders of the Port Campbell National Park such as London Bridge, The Grotto and Bay of Islands.
Continue west to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Tower Hill is home to some of Australia’s best loved wildlife including Emus, Kangaroos, Koalas and more. Join a local Indigenous guide for the exclusive opportunity gain insight to traditional Aboriginal lifestyles as well as learning how to identify native plants for food and medicinal purposes. You will also have an opportunity to try your hand at throwing a boomerang.
Lunch will be in the charming maritime village of Port Fairy. Take some time to wander wide streets lined with nineteenth century cottages, great Norfolk pines and old stone churches before continuing your journey to cross the state border from Victoria to South Australia.
Late afternoon you will arrive into Mount Gambier where you will check into your accommodation for the evening. Your guide can assist with dinner plans and transfers (own expense).
DAY THREE: MOUNT GAMBIER - ADELAIDE
Meet your guide for the final day of the journey (09:00am) through to Adelaide. As volcanoes rocked the region over 5,000 years ago, lava caves formed, an array of sinkholes developed, and breathtaking lakes established within the limestone foundation of the region. This morning you will visit geological wonders such as the garden veiled Umpherston Sinkhole and Blue Lake.
Departing Mount Gambier, continue on to the Coonawarra Wine Region – perhaps Australia’s most famous terroir. Coonawarra’s agricultural history began in the mid-1800’s and thanks to the work of pioneering efforts of people like David Wynn and Bill Redman, today Coonawarra is Australia’s foremost cool-climate region for Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit some of the regions famed vineyards for wine tastings followed by lunch at a leading vineyard restaurant.
En-route to Adelaide, break at the world heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves. Formed some 500,000 years ago, The Naracoorte Caves are recognised as one of the world’s most complete fossil site preserving the bones of megafauna that became extinct around 40,000 years ago. Join a guided tour offering the opportunity to analyse complete skeletons of megafauna species.
Relax as you travel through the Tatiara region to Adelaide. Tatiara was the name given by the Aboriginals to this patch of “good country”. Settled by pastoralists in
1846, the region is renowned for sheep, wheat, Lucerne, and includes the Padthaway wine region.
Late afternoon (Approx. 06:00pm) you will conclude your Melbourne to Adelaide tour.
INCLUSIONS
Private tour hosted by an expert local guide
Luxury vehicle with bottled water & travel snacks
Tower Hill Aboriginal Guided Tour
Coonawarra Wine Tastings
Naracoorte Caves Tour
MEALS
Morning or Afternoon tea (Daily)
Lunch with beverages (Daily)
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Night One: Port Campbell
Luxe Anchors Villas (Twin-Share with B’fast)
Signature: Southern Ocean Villas (3-Bedroom villa with B’fast)
Own arrangements
Night Two: Mount Gambier
The Barn Deluxe King Suite (Twin-Share with B’fast)
Own arrangements
We welcome requests to tailor tour itineraries and inclusions to suit specific needs, interests and budgets, so please contact us to discuss options.
