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

Comfort Inn The International or similar

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

Seacombe House or similar

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

Robe House B&B or similar

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

The Wine Vine Hotel or similar

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