Great Ocean Road & Beyond: Melbourne to Adelaide Discovery
Journey through Australia’s most iconic southern landscapes on this immersive 9-day adventure. From vibrant laneways and rich Aboriginal heritage to dramatic coastlines, world-class wine regions, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this itinerary blends culture, nature, and flavour into one seamless Australian experience.
9 Day Great Ocean Road & Beyond: Melbourne to Adelaide Discovery
Melbourne (Narrm) to Adelaide (Tarndanya)
This thoughtfully curated journey showcases the very best of southern Australia, beginning in Melbourne’s dynamic cityscape before venturing along the legendary Great Ocean Road. Discover ancient rainforests, rugged limestone coastlines, charming seaside towns, and UNESCO-listed natural wonders. Along the way, connect deeply with Aboriginal culture, sample exceptional regional wines, encounter native wildlife, and enjoy relaxed stays in carefully selected accommodations. The adventure concludes in Adelaide, South Australia’s elegant capital, renowned for its markets, festivals, wine regions, and coastal charm.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Melbourne (Narrm)
• Guided Lanes & Arcades Shared Tour, exploring hidden laneways, heritage architecture, local designers, and specialty stores
• Discover Aboriginal history and living culture on the Birrarung Wilam Walking Tour, led by Koorie Heritage Trust
• Phillip Island & Moonlit Sanctuary Shared Tour, featuring native wildlife encounters and the iconic Penguin Parade
Port Campbell
• Travel along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives
• Visit the legendary Twelve Apostles, an iconic symbol of Australia’s natural beauty
• Explore dramatic coastal landmarks including Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and the Bay of Islands
Port Fairy
• Visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, learning about local Aboriginal culture, volcanic landscapes, and native wildlife
• Enjoy time in the historic fishing village of Port Fairy, known for its charming streets and relaxed coastal atmosphere
Naracoorte
• Guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Naracoorte Caves, one of the world’s most important fossil sites
• Explore spectacular limestone formations and learn about Australia’s extinct megafauna
• Scenic drive through South Australia’s pastoral landscapes and the nearby Coonawarra wine region
Adelaide (Tarndanya)
• Guided Adelaide Central Market Food Walking Shared Tour.
• Afternoon McLaren Vale Wine Tasting & Coast Shared Tour, visiting boutique wineries and enjoying coastal scenery
• Visit the historic village of Hahndorf and take in panoramic views from Mount Lofty Summit
ACCOMMODATIONS AND OTHER INCLUSIONS
• Melbourne: Clarion Suites Gateway – Standard Room, River & Southbank View (3 nights)
• Port Campbell: Parkview Port Campbell Motel (or similar) (1 night)
• Port Fairy: Ashmont Inn & Apartments (or similar) (1 night)
• Naracoorte: William Macintosh Motor Lodge (or similar) (1 night)
• Adelaide: Oval Hotel – Parkland King Room (2 nights)
• Transfers between airports, hotels, and some tour locations.
Thoughtfully paced and deeply immersive, this journey invites you to experience Australia beyond the postcards, connecting you with its landscapes, stories, flavours, and people.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
This itinerary is just the beginning of what we can create for you. Think of it as inspiration for your next adventure—our experts are here to customize every detail to match your unique preferences and travel dreams. Whether you want to adjust the destinations, experiences, or pace, we’ll craft a journey tailored exclusively to you.
Day 1: Melbourne (Narrm)
Arrive Melbourne. Afternoon walking tour.Accommodations: Clarion Suites Gateway
Includes: Private Car/Driver International Airport (Tullamarine) to City Hotel. Afternoon guided walking tour with seated drink, chocolate tastings, info pack with map.
There is a lot to love about Melbourne/Narrm - just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, the curves of Yarra River/Birrarung intertwines between skyscrapers and parklands. Melbourne/Narrm is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks, and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne never sits still. Its modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture, and ensure the skyline is constantly changing. The area around Melbourne, including the Yarra River/Birrarung, holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the Kulin people, who have cared for this region for over 40,000 years, with numerous sites of importance along the river and surrounding land.
Clarion Suites Gateway: This all-suite property is located in the city centre, overlooking the Yarra River and The Crown Entertainment Complex. The spacious studio rooms and suites are well appointed and feature contemporary decor in neutral tones. The studio rooms have kitchenettes and the suites have kitchen and laundry facilities.
Afternoon Lanes and Arcades Shared Tour: Step into the enchanting laneways and hidden corners of Melbourne with this immersive 3 hour tour, guided by passionate local hosts. Embrace the city’s unique blend of history, culture and creativity, where every turn reveals something new. Explore local designers and speciality retailers, many of which are exclusive to the city. Soak in the rich history and stunning architecture that make Melbourne truly special. Plus, enjoy a delightful stop at a local chocolate salon for a sweet indulgence that’s sure to elevate your experience! This tour offers a fresh perspective and a deeper connection to Melbourne’s soul. At the conclusion of your tour, make your own way to your accommodation.
Day 2: Philip Island
Full Day TourAccommodations: Clarion Suites Gateway
Includes: Breakfast. Hotel pick up and drop off selected hotels in city centre, Southbank and Docklands, entry to Moonlit Sanctuary, entry to Phillip Island Nature Park.
This morning is free to relax and explore on your own.
Phillip Island & Moonlit Sanctuary Shared Tour: Your 7 to 8 hour tour provides you with the opportunity to travel to Phillip Island to witness the evening ritual of the Penguin Parade. Stop at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. Travel onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and our famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the island, depending on the time of year and your particular interests, you will visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. From here, you go to the western corner of the island to enjoy magnificent views of Bass Strait and the Nobbies, which is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. Witness the natural phenomena of the Penguin Parade on floodlit Summerland Beach. You will head to the Visitor Centre to shop, and meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform where you will see the little penguins come ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows. Return to Melbourne, where you will be transferred to your Melbourne city accommodation.
Day 3: Melbourne (Narrm)
Afternoon Walking TourAccommodations: Clarion Suites Gateway
Includes: Breakfast. 1 hour guided cultural tour.
This morning is free to relax and explore on your own.
Afternoon Birrarung Wilam Walking Shared Tour: This 1 hour walking tour takes you through Federation Square and down to the Birrarung Wilam (Common Ground) Aboriginal art installations, experiencing the Aboriginal history of the Birrarung Marr (Beside the river of mists) and Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation. With your experienced Koorie guides, you will learn how the land on which Melbourne is located has changed over time and about the significance of the Birrarung Wilam to the local Kulin peoples. You will gain a deeper and more meaningful understanding of this incredible location; an important gathering place for the Kulin Nation and one of Melbourne’s most popular meeting hubs. At the completion of your tour, make your own way to your Melbourne accommodation.
Day 4: Melbourne (Narrm) to Port Campbell
4 Day/3 Night Great Ocean Road & Beyond ExperienceAccommodations: Parkview Port Campbell Motel (or similar)
Includes: Breakfast. Over the next few days you'll enjoy 3 nights accommodation, 3 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, entry to Naracoorte Caves, wine tasting, national park fees, hotel drop off in Adelaide city centre or Glenelg.
Start the journey along the Great Ocean Road at Torquay. Witness stunning coastal views and lookouts and visit such places as the famous Bells Beach. Turn your gaze inland and see incredible native Australian wildlife including the Eastern Grey Kangaroos as they graze in the wild. Visit ‘Memorial Arch’ and hear the intriguing story of this incredible road, before arriving in Lorne, the largest of the seaside townships with its abundance of cafes and restaurants, and the perfect place for lunch. From Lorne, you’ll continue along this spectacular road, visiting many scenic spots where you can see koalas and many colourful native birds in the wild. Travel into the Great Otway National Park (Otway Ranges) and enjoy a guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully to see the world’s tallest flowering plants, prehistoric trees and ferns and many other unique features. Next stop is the 12 Apostles, undoubtedly one of the most iconic vistas within Australia and truly representative of Australia’s natural beauty. Wander around the boardwalks before we head off.
Day 5: Port Campbell to Port Fairy
Great Ocean Road & Beyond ExperienceAccommodations: Ashmont Inn and Apartments (or similar)
Includes: Breakfast and Lunch. Tours, entry fees and transportation.
This morning, head back out to the 12 Apostles and take in the view during the morning sunlight without the crowds. Spend time visiting the unique formations of Loch Ard Gorge and immerse yourselves in the harrowing story of the wreck of the Lock Ard. Then it's onto London Bridge and then The Bay of Islands before saying goodbye to this amazing stretch of coastline. Then head inland through Australia’s premier dairy country before arriving in one of Victoria’s largest regional towns of Warrnambool for your lunch stop. Explore Tower Hill Wildlife Park where you can learn about the local Aboriginal history, geology, flora and fauna. Next arrive into the quaint fishing village of Port Fairy with enough time to enjoy a stroll around this beautiful township before enjoying dinner (at your expense) at the many local restaurants, café’s or pubs.
Day 6: Port Fairy to Naracoorte via Penola
Great Ocean Road & Beyond ExperienceAccommodations: William Macintosh Motor Lodge Naracoorte
Includes: Breakfast and Lunch. Tours, entry fees and transportation.
After a relaxing breakfast, head towards Portland there’s time for panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations and over the picturesque Glenelg River. Continue onto Mount Gambier for lunch. Mount Gambier is also home to the famous Blue Lake which occupies a crater of the ancient volcano which gives this city its name. A photo stop at the Blue Lake is a must and so is a visit to the Umpherston Sinkhole, a collapsed limestone cave that has been transformed into a magical sunken garden. Take a walk along its terraced flower beds and behind the hanging vines deep down to the floor of this extraordinary natural wonder. Next stop is Penola, arriving early enough to explore its abundant historical attractions. Penola played a central part in the life of Mother Mary MacKillop (St Mary of the Cross) Australia’s only saint. Drive through the Coonawarra vineyards where Australia’s most illustrious Cabernet Sauvignon vines thrive on the famed rich red “terra rossa” soils and arrive at Narcoorte this afternoon.
Day 7: Naracoorte to Adelaide (Tarndanya)
Great Ocean Road & Beyond ExperienceAccommodations: Oval Hotel
Includes: Breakfast. Tours, entry fees and transportation.
After breakfast this morning, take a guided visit to the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves takes you to one of the world’s most important fossil sites. View a dazzling array of stalactites and stalagmites as well as the bones and skeletons of giant, long extinct animals. Take a leisurely ferry crossing of the mighty River Murray, the largest inland waterway in Australia. Then it is onto lunch at Bremerton Winery in the acclaimed Langhorne Creek wine region. You are welcome to sample their wines in the restored iron stone barn dating from 1866. Continue into the Adelaide Hills and enjoy the lovely scenery before arriving at the historic German village of Hahndorf. You can enjoy a stroll along its bustling main street of historic buildings, gift shops, arts and crafts galleries. Final stop is Mt Lofty Summit, where you can see the city of Adelaide spread out on the plains below. At the conclusion of this afternoon, you will be transferred to your Adelaide accommodation.
Adelaide/Tarndanya: The wine and festival capital of Australia, Adelaide/Tarndanya is a place to experience the buzz, culture, and convenience of a city without the frustrations. The River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri cuts through the city. The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a charming blend of historic buildings, wide streets, groovy shops, and a huge variety of street cafes and restaurants. Visit the largest undercover market in the southern hemisphere and taste the best of South Australia at the Adelaide Central Market, or enjoy a ride on Adelaide’s tram from the city centre to the historic yet vibrant beachside suburb of Glenelg. The city also provides a great launching point to the many attractions surrounding Adelaide, including world class wine regions, the Australian Outback, Kangaroo Island, the Eyre Peninsula, and much more.
Oval Hotel: This property is set at the iconic Adelaide Oval, wrapping itself around the exterior Eastern facade, and is Australia's first Integrated Stadium Hotel. The property has been designed to blend into the existing structure while retaining magnificent city skyline views. The unique address places guests within minutes of the vibrant city centre, while enveloping them in the tranquillity of the surrounding parklands. The main entrance is discreet, to the right of the East Gate, where an elevator whisks guests to the level three reception lobby, a floating lounge that links the two wings. This chic space is delineated by a curved sweep of glass offering lovely views across trees to St Peter’s Cathedral and the Adelaide Hills in one direction, and over the river to the city in the other. The guest rooms are across five floors, featuring contemporary interiors, natural timbers, custom furnishings, a relaxed colour scheme and are thoughtfully appointed.
Day 8: Adelaide (Tarndanya)
Morning & Afternoon ToursAccommodations: Oval Hotel
Includes: Breakfast. Local guide, samples including tasting native foods platter, cheese, boiled lolly, bliss ball, South American empanada. Wine Tasting.
Morning Adelaide Central Market Food Walking Shared Tour: This 1 hour walking tour of the Adelaide Central Market provides context of the market’s 150-year history, local produce and international flavours. This easy introduction to the market will showcase numerous stalls and reveal their stories as you take in a precinct with more than 150 years of history. Visit the oldest remaining stall and learn how the market came to exist; discover local delicacies and explore how multiculturalism fits into the area today. Sample tasty morsels to kickstart your morning while being shown the market by a local guide. Be sure to bring a shopping bag – you will want to go back and make purchases at our stops after finishing your tour! At the completion of your tour, make your own way to your accommodation.
Afternoon McLearn Vale Wine Tasting & Coast Shared Tour: Your 5 hour tour commences at Bus stop T1 in front of the Hilton Hotel, Victoria Square. Climb aboard and sit back, relax, and enjoy the short and incredibly scenic drive through the beautiful Adelaide Hills on route to the iconic wine tasting region of McLaren Vale. Once in McLaren Vale your first stop is the stunning Chapel Hill Winery. Have your taste buds primed and your camera poised as your host at Chapel Hill tantalizes you with a wonderful structured wine tasting experience in their picturesque cellar door. You will then travel to your next winery - the quaint Haselgrove Winery. On this incredibly relaxed tasting you will enjoy a structured tasting of Haselgrove's finest wines, and if you are peckish, you can purchase a cheeseboard to enjoy with your wine. It is now time to hop back on the bus as you travel back towards Adelaide, taking the scenic route, as you journey towards your final featured destination of the day Adelaide's beautiful seaside suburb of Glenelg - where you will have a choice of two options.
Day 9: Adelaide (Tarndanya)
End of TourIncludes: Breakfast. Private Car/Driver Adelaide City Hotel to International Airport.
This marks the end of your tour.
Terms & Conditions
All rates will be quoted in the applicable currency and will be valid for travel during the seasonality dates booked. Should existing Government charges change or new charges be introduced prior to travel, we reserve the right to requote. International airfares may be subject to fuel surcharges at the time of booking. Rates are not valid over special event periods when surcharged rates and/or minimum stays may apply. All tours must be started and completed within the validity dates of the rates shown for the specific rate to be applicable. Travel that crosses between rate validity, or where there is a seasonality note, will be subject to a special quotation. All prices are subject to the availability of the specified services and contracted rates at the time of booking. COST EXCLUDES • Internal Australian flights (unless otherwise specified) • Internation flights • Supplier surcharges when date/time of service required occurs on a public holiday or outside of standard hours • Optional tours and services • Meals other than those specified above • Beverages • Gratuities • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone calls, mini bar, laundry, etc.) • Travel insurance (cancellations, loss of deposits, delays, etc.). For Bluey's World The Supplier is Andrew Kay Events Pty Ltd. Supplier hereby grants to Southern World a limited, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use all logos, names or marks pertaining to “Bluey’s World: Brisbane” (the “Event”) for the purpose of merchandising and promoting the Event.