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A Coastal Journey

Adelaide to Melbourne

Take a spectacular drive along one off the most scenic coastal routes on the planet. This journey takes in several of the surf and seaside resorts between Adelaide and Melbourne.

Days 1 and 2: Kangaroo Island

After collecting your car in Adelaide you’ll head down to Cape Jervis (a 1½ hour drive) to catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island (45 minutes). Australia’s third largest island, KI is a microcosm of different landscapes and environments - stunning beaches, forests, desert dunes and farmland, as well as home to amazing native wildlife.

Must do’s on the island include the Seal Bay Conservation Park, where guided tours offer the closest possible encounter with the sea lions, at rest after days fishing in the Southern Ocean, the caves at Kelly Hill Conservation Park, and the dramatic coastal formations of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park. This is a haven for wildlife, and has numerous walking trails. En route you must stop off for a view of Vivone Bay known as the ‘Best Beach in Australia’.

For a deeper understanding of the island Bridge & Wickers can arrange a small group or private four wheel drive tour that will take you to some of the islands hidden gems and ensure you have the best wildlife encounters.

You’ll stay at Stranraer, a family run 1920s farmhouse with a wrap around veranda and a spread of 5000 acres. It’s very traditional in style, with open fires in all four bedrooms and lots of little comforting touches. You might also consider upgrading to the new luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge, located on the island’s south coast, with stunning views of the ocean an a perfect location for all the sights of KI.

Day 3: Kangaroo Island - Robe (approx 4 hours)

This morning make your way to Penneshaw for the return ferry journey to the mainland and continue to Robe. You’ll drive through the heritage river port of Goolwa and the wine region around Langhorne Creek, with time to stop off in Strathalbyn, a great place for antique shopping, before continuing through the Coorong National Park, a narrow stretch of shallow lagoons separated from the Southern Ocean by a long peninsula. The park is also of archaeological significance, with Aboriginal middens and burial sites dotted throughout as well as abundant birdlife in the lagoons.

Robe is a picturesque fishing village well known both for seafood and beaches. Laze on Long Beach or indulge in the distinctive local wines, fresh seafood and regional produce. Robe, with its heritage buildings and seafaring past, is surrounded by conservation parks and offers outstanding off-road experiences. Drive along the famous 17 kilometer Long Beach, a fantastic spot for fishing, swimming and surfing.

You’ll stay at one of the Robe Lifestyle Properties, a collection of charming beachfront self catering cottages.

Day 4: Robe - Port Campbell (approx 5 hours)

Today you’ll travel towards Port Campbell along the coast stopping off at the fishing ports of the Limestone Coast. Beachport is a tranquil lobster-fishing township, which at the height of summer becomes a bustling holiday spot. Mount Gambier, South Australia’s second largest city, is built on the site of an extinct volcano and is surrounded by ancient crater lakes including the Blue Lake.

We highly recommend stopping off in the charming old fishing village of Port Fairy whose wide streets are lined by nineteenth century cottages and old stone churches (more than 50 buildings are classified by the National Trust). At the local port, one of the busiest in Victoria, fishermen unload their catch of crayfish and abalone at the dockside. There’s also a range of boutiques selling antiques, arts and craft shops.

Overnight at Southern Ocean Villas, contemporary self catering apartments close to the centre of Port Campbell.

Day 5: Shipwreck Coast - Apollo Bay (approx 1 ½ hours)

The Port Campbell National Park is the home of the famous Shipwreck Coast including the Twelve Apostles, one of the most iconic and photographed rock formations in Australia. You can drive yourself, stopping off at the many viewing platforms along the way; however we recommend a small group half day tour to explore some of the lesser known coastal formations.

You’ll walk on the beach at Loch Ard Gorge and learn about the tragic history and hazards of the Shipwreck Coast to early shipping, see the Twelve Apostles and view the little penguin breeding colony. Walk down the Gibson’s Steps onto one of the most spectacular beaches, with sixty metre vertical cliffs and one kilometre of sandy beach.

As you drive away from this dramatic part of the coast the road takes a gentle detour through the Great Otway National Park. We recommend two more short sidetrips, to see the tops of some of Australia’s tallest trees at the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, and the 360 degree view from the Cape Otway Lightstation on your way to Apollo Bay.

You’ll stay at Beacon Point Ocean View's 1 and 2 bedroom villas, with spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding countryside, each with a separate kitchen, living space and outdoor BBQ.

Day 6: Apollo Bay - Melbourne (approx 3 hours)

Located at the foothills of the Otways and in the heart of the Great Ocean Road region, Apollo Bay has been called "Paradise by the Sea". Discover the town's wide, crescent-shaped sandy swimming beach, backdrop of rolling green Otway hills and relaxed lifestyle.

Leaving Apollo Bay the road clings to the edge of the Southern Ocean with stunning views of the coast around every corner. You’ll pass through the cosmopolitan town of Lorne and then along the shoreline to Torquay, Australia’s surf capital. Nearby Bells Beach is the venue for the world’s longest running professional surfing tournament, the Rip Curl Pro.

From here you’ll cut inland and through Geelong en route to Melbourne where your drive ends.