Arrive in Adelaide for a leisurely two night stay in the heart of this fine city. Its centre is surrounded by beautiful parkland, where there are museums, galleries and the excellent National Wine Centre.

Adelaide is easy to explore on foot, or climb aboard the popular tram from Victoria Square to the lively beachside suburb of Glenelg, renowned for its ‘cappuccino strip’.

Your chosen Adelaide hotel

Pick up your car this morning and head to the hills. To the north of Adelaide is the picturesque Barossa Valley, home to the famous wineries of Rockford, Penfold and Jacobs Creek, as well as many boutique vineyards, many of whom offer tastings, wine tours and superb local food.

Enjoy a bottle of your favourite before an overnight stay in the heart of the Barossa.

Adelaide > Barossa Valley | 80 kms

Standard: The Wine Vine Hotel

Deluxe: The Lodge Country Hotel

Leave the rolling hills of the Barossa behind as you head inland to the banks of the mighty Murray River at Mannum, one of the earliest settlements in South Australia. Follow the river south before turning towards the coast and Coorong National Park.

The drive through the dunes and wetlands of the park is one of the most beautiful in Australia and takes you to the pretty coastal town of Robe, your home for the night.

Barossa Valley > Robe | 350 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Robe House B&B

Continue along the coast today before heading west to the town of Mt. Gambier. The town was built on the slopes of an extinct volcano and the collapsed crater in its centre contains a lake that changes colour from a winter grey to a vivid blue colour every summer.

Return to the coast at Portland, the oldest permanent settlement in Victoria. From here there is a short detour to see the blowholes at Cape Nelson and the petrified forest at Cape Bridgewater, before continuing on to your overnight stay in Port Fairy.

Robe > Port Fairy | 290 kms

Standard: Seacombe House

Deluxe: Merrijig Inn

After a stroll round the delightful fishing port of Port Fairy, rejoin the Great Ocean Road for a day exploring the “Shipwreck Coast”. Before you reach Port Campbell you will be able to stop to view London Bridge, the now broken natural rock arch.

Further along the Southern Ocean coast are the iconic rock pillars of the Twelve Apostles rising from the surf. The ocean views are awesome as you travel along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay.

Port Fairy > Apollo Bay | 185 kms

Standard: Comfort Inn The International

Deluxe: Captain’s at the Bay

Continue along the Great Ocean Road this morning towards the popular seaside and surfing resorts of Lorne and Anglesea, before heading to the Victoria state capital of Melbourne.

You have two nights here, soaking up the cosmopolitan vibe of this exciting city. There are parks, gardens, museums and galleries to explore or head to the beachside district of St Kilda aboard the famous Melbourne trams. In the evening you can dine by the Yarra River at one of the many restaurants along lively Southbank.

Apollo Bay > Melbourne | 195 kms

Your chosen Melbourne hotel

Leave the bustle of Melbourne behind as you make the easy drive to Phillip Island. The ‘island’ is actually connected to the mainland and is home to a superb koala and wildlife centre, a marvellous coastal nature reserve and the famous Fairy Penguins.

Your hotel is on the island and, at dusk, you will be able to see these amazing little creatures as they waddle up the beach to their burrows in the sand.

Melbourne > Phillip Island | 145 kms

Standard: Kaloha Resort Phillip Island

Deluxe: Oak Tree Lodge

Travel east this morning through the small towns and communities of southeast Victoria. Be sure to stop at the Gippland’s Heritage Park in Moe and, if time permits, detour to the historic old goldmining town of Walhalla.

The popular holiday town of Lakes Entrance is at the entrance to Australia’s largest inland waterway system and a two night stay here allows you to explore the area. There are beaches nearby, and the shores of the coastal lakes are dotted with marinas and jetties, where local fishermen land their catch. You can take to the water on one of the many sightseeing cruises or even hire your own kayak.

Phillip Island > Lakes Entrance | 310 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Waverley House

Enjoy magnificent forest scenery as you cross into New South Wales. The road travels inland for a while, before returning to the coast at the seaside resort of Merimbula, where you will stay overnight.

There are lots of things to do here, including an excellent wildlife sanctuary, an aquarium, whale watching and walking trails, or simply head down to Merimbula’s Main Beach to watch the local surfers.

Lakes Entrance > Merimbula | 260 kms

Standard: Fairway Motor Inn

Deluxe: Robyns Nest Guesthouse

He scenery changes today as you pick up the Snowy Mountain Highway to Canberra. The mountain and forest views are spectacular as you head towards the nation’s capital for your overnight stay.

This elegantly laid out city boasts plenty of national museums and galleries, as well as the impressive National War Memorial and a unique grass-covered parliament building, well worth a visit. Head to Mt Ainslie for some stunning views over the city.

Merimbula > Canberra | 245 kms

Standard: Rydges Canberra

Deluxe: Hotel Kurrajong Guesthouse

Take the highway to Sydney, but bear north before you reach the city, and you will find yourself in the beautiful Blue Mountains.

Your home for two nights is at Katoomba, at the heart of this world famous National Park. From here you can view the much photographed Three Sisters Rocks or take the Scenic Cableway or Scenic Railway to the forested valley floor beneath. Or head out on one of the many rainforest trails past tumbling waterfalls and over crystal clear streams. It is hard to belief the bright lights of Sydney are less than two hours away.

Canberra > Blue Mountains | 330 kms

Your chosen Katoomba hotel

Take a last look around Katoomba and its pretty twin town of Leura before returning your car to Sydney.

Enjoy a three-night stay in a central Sydney hotel or apartment to explore the many iconic places and attractions of this dazzling harbourside city. From the Opera House to Bondi Beach, Hyde Park to Harbour Bridge, you will find so much to see and do. Your FREEDOM consultant can arrange some experiences and day tours for you.

Blue Mountains > Sydney | 80 kms

Your chosen Sydney hotel