Arrive into Melbourne International Airport, and transfer independently to your downtown hotel.

Over the next two days you can explore the art lined laneways, learn about the city’s past at the Melbourne Gaol and Immigration Museum, or venture further afield to Phillip Island and watch the spectacle of the nightly penguin parade.

Collect your rental car and head west from Melbourne across the West Gate Bridge to the provincial town of Geelong, and from there on to Torquay, acclaimed surfing capital of Australia and the start of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at the nearby Bells Beach to look for professional surfers riding the waves.

This part of the journey offers breath taking ocean views, as the road hugs the coastline. You will pass through the delightful resorts of Anglesea and Lorne on your way to your overnight stop at Apollo Bay.

Melbourne > Apollo Bay | 195 kms

This morning, continue along the Great Ocean Road, skirting Great Otway National Park, towards Port Campbell. You will pass the famous rock formation of the Twelve Apostles, huge stone pillars sticking out of the surf, carved over time by the Southern Ocean. You can also view the London Bridge archway along this ‘Shipwreck Coast’.

Stop at the holiday town of Warrnambool before reaching Port Fairy. This delightful little fishing port at the mouth of the Moyne River is one of the oldest settlements in Victoria, with over 50 buildings classified as historic by the National Trust.

Apollo Bay > Port Fairy | 185 kms

Follow the coast to Portland today, a busy deep-water port that is the oldest permanent settlement in Victoria. To the southwest are the spectacular seascapes of Cape Nelson and the blowholes and petrified forest of Cape Bridgwater.

Turn inland to Mt. Gambier, which is located on the slopes of an extinct volcano and is famous for its Blue Lake and Cave, both in the centre of the city. Finally, head on to Robe, a picturesque seaside resort on South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

Port Fairy > Robe | 290 kms

Head north this morning through the lakes and dunes of the stunning Coorong National Park. On reaching Lake Albert, the road turns inland again to Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge and Mannum, early pioneer towns on the mighty Murray River.

Your route bypasses Adelaide and heads straight to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine producing areas. It is a warm and intimate place of charming old towns, the vineyards spreading across undulating hills in well-tended, precise rows. Enjoy a glass of wine here to celebrate today’s long drive.

Robe > Barossa Valley | 350 kms

Enjoy time to explore the Barossa Valley this morning. There are many famous wineries to visit, including, Yalumba, Orlando and Penfolds, plus many boutique ones to discover. Some wineries are still run by members of the same families that established them last century and many offer cellar door tasting, as well as gourmet food products and local delicacies, for which the region is famous.

This afternoon travel south through Gawler to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia and the end of your Great Ocean Road self drive.

Barossa Valley > Adelaide | 80 kms

Adelaide is a city full of attractions and experiences waiting for you to explore. Wander through the picturesque Adelaide Botanic Garden and explore the treasures of the Art Gallery of South Australia. Visit the lively Adelaide Central Market for local flavours or take in history at the South Australian Museum. Don’t miss Rundle Mall for shopping or the historic Adelaide Arcade for unique finds. The city’s vibrant laneways, filled with cafes and street art, offer endless discoveries.

Adelaide plays host to the third, and potentially most important, test in the series within one of the world’s most picturesque stadiums – the Adelaide Oval.

Your Ashes cricket package includes hotel accommodation and tickets to every day of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match (All Day 5 tickets will include General Admission only, with unreserved seating).

Freedom Destinations is a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. Licence no. CATO2526/005

Hopefully after an England win, this part of your holiday comes to a close, return to Adelaide Airport in time to check-in for your onwards flight.

Maybe you are returning home, or maybe you are continuing your Australia holiday. Your FREEDOM consultant will be pleased to arrange this for you.