6 Day Great Ocean Road & Beyond – Guided Tour

Depart Southern Cross Coach Terminal at 8:30am and head west through Melbourne and over the West Gate Bridge, crossing vast volcanic plains en route to Geelong.

The scenic Great Ocean Road begins with a stop at the Memorial Arch, where you’ll hear the story behind this remarkable feat of engineering. Enjoy a stroll and time to browse the shops and cafés in seaside Lorne, then continue along the coast to Wye River for a relaxed lunch with ocean views.

Keep an eye out for wild koalas and native birds at Kennett River before travelling through Apollo Bay and into the lush Otway Ranges. Here, take a guided rainforest walk among towering eucalypts and ancient ferns.

In the afternoon, arrive at the world-famous 12 Apostles, just as the afternoon sun lights up the dramatic limestone stacks—an unforgettable photo opportunity.

Tonight’s stay is in the coastal village of Port Campbell. Enjoy dinner at one of the many local eateries (own cost).

Meals:
Lunch – Wye River Café
Accommodation:
Parkview Port Campbell Motel (or similar)
Dinner not included – plenty of great local options for everyone to enjoy

This morning is a true highlight—enjoy the iconic 12 Apostles in the peaceful morning light, before the crowds arrive. After breakfast at a local café, we revisit this stunning coastline, exploring Loch Ard Gorge and hearing the dramatic tale of the shipwreck, then on to London Bridge and the Bay of Islands.

We then head inland through lush dairy country to Warrnambool, one of Victoria’s major regional centres and our lunch stop today.
A guided walk at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve offers insights into Aboriginal history, local geology, and native wildlife—an unforgettable experience.

Our day ends in the charming seaside village of Port Fairy. You’ll have time to explore the town before choosing from a great selection of local restaurants for dinner (own cost).

Meals:
Breakfast – Alcove Café
Lunch – Warrnambool RSL
Accommodation:
Ashmont Inn and Apartments, Port Fairy (or similar)
Dinner not included – plenty of great local options to choose from.

After breakfast at the café next to our accommodation, head to Portland for sweeping coastal views at Cape Bridgewater’s Petrified Forest. A scenic drive through pine forests and across the Glenelg River brings us to Mount Gambier, where we stop for lunch.

Mount Gambier’s famous Blue Lake, which turns a brilliant cobalt blue each summer, is perfect for a photo stop. Visit the Umpherston Sinkhole – a dramatic sunken garden nestled inside a collapsed limestone cave.

Next, we continue to Penola, rich in heritage and closely linked to Australia’s only saint, Mary MacKillop. We stroll past the school where she taught and down charming Petticoat Lane. Then it’s through the Coonawarra wine region, where we enjoy a tasting at one of its top wineries.

Finish the day in Naracoorte, home to the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves. Our overnight stay is at the William Macintosh Motor Lodge. You may opt for a country walk or unwind at the lodge before dinner at the on-site restaurant (own cost).

Meals:
Breakfast – Rebecca’s Café
Lunch – Limestone Coast Café
Inclusions:
Winery visit with tasting
Accommodation:
William Macintosh Motor Lodge, Naracoorte (or similar)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves. This fascinating site showcases dramatic limestone formations and the fossilised remains of long-extinct megafauna.

We then journey through South Australia’s rural heartland—open landscapes, wide skies, and classic country charm. In Coonalpyn, stop to admire the striking silo art before crossing the mighty Murray River by ferry at Wellington.

Lunch is at Bremerton Winery in the Langhorne Creek wine region, where you can sample award-winning wines in a beautifully restored 1866 ironstone barn.

The scenic drive continues through the Adelaide Hills, passing through the heritage town of Strathalbyn and on to historic Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Enjoy free time to explore the charming main street with its boutiques, galleries, and traditional German fare.

We finish with a panoramic view from Mt Lofty Summit, overlooking the city of Adelaide. Arrival at your accommodation is around 6:00pm, marking the end of your enriching 4-day journey.

Meals:
Breakfast – Hotel
Morning Tea – Warm muffins from William Macintosh
Lunch – Bremerton Winery, Langhorne Creek