Great Ocean Road Adventure

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Melbourne accommodation.

Welcome to Melbourne, a city that thrives on creativity, diversity, and an undeniable energy. Stroll through its laneways, where vibrant street art and tucked-away cafes create a buzzing atmosphere, or step into historic arcades like the Block Arcade, offering boutique shopping with a touch of old-world charm. The city’s dining scene is legendary, from multicultural precincts like Lygon Street to the bustling Queen Victoria Market, where fresh produce and artisan treats tempt every palate. Outdoors, Melbourne provides riverside walks along the Yarra, the tranquillity of the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the beachside vibe of St Kilda. 

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with modern and Indigenous Australian art. As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars and world-class restaurants are just the beginning!

Take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne from the Melbourne Skydeck, located on the 88th floor of the iconic Eureka Tower. From this elevated vantage point, you can admire the city’s stunning skyline, the Yarra River, and a sweeping panorama of the surrounding areas. At Melbourne Skydeck, you’ll discover interactive displays that offer fascinating insights into the city’s history, landmarks, and modern developments. This experience offers a unique and memorable way to see Melbourne from above. It’s the perfect spot for incredible photos and to take in the full scale and beauty of the city. With panoramic views all day and night, you can relax and enjoy all of Melbourne’s legendary views with a delicious snack and cool drink.

Embark on the Flavours of Melbourne Night Trail for an unforgettable culinary adventure in one of the world's most vibrant and diverse cities. Melbourne, celebrated for its cultural fusion, offers a dynamic food scene where global culinary traditions converge. This evening tour will lead you through Melbourne’s eclectic cuisine and the lively Chinatown. Enjoy a progressive meal of an array of cultural tastes, mouth-watering desserts, and the city's renowned coffee, ideal for a decaf nightcap.

Explore the best of Melbourne in just half a day with the Melbourne City Sights Tour by Australian Natural Treasures Touring. This guided tour takes you to iconic landmarks, including Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the bustling laneways, offering a perfect introduction to the city’s vibrant culture and stunning architecture. With an expert guide sharing insights along the way, you’ll experience Melbourne’s charm and beauty in comfort, all within a relaxed and enjoyable half-day itinerary.

Melbourne is the cool, artsy capital of the state of Victoria. Renowned for its laneway art, cafes, bars, restaurants and museums, there is no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink. Grab a coffee on Degraves Street, see the murals on Hosier Lane or Blender Lane, pop over to St Kilda and stroll along the promenade or visit one of the many museums. For a spot of retail therapy, catch the 86 or 96 tram from the CBD to the bohemian Brunswick Street shopping district for an eclectic mix of second-hand vintage and high-end boutique stores. On the opposite side of the city, the Docklands open-air entertainment precinct boasts a myriad of public artwork, family fun activities such as glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and a variety of dining options lining the marina. Get there easily on the free City Circle tram, or wander over the Bourke Street footbridge. To make the most of your time in Melbourne, we recommend taking a city tour to get true local insight into this vibrant city.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.

Head to the Melbourne CBD depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

Begin your journey by heading south to the charming town of Torquay, renowned as Australia’s surfing capital and home to the iconic Bells Beach. From there, follow the coastal road to Anglesea and Lorne, where a short detour to Erskine Falls is highly recommended. You can park near the 30-meter cascading waterfall or enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush rainforest to stretch your legs.

The stretch of road from Lorne to Apollo Bay is often described as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, with stunning ocean views and dramatic scenery at every turn. Apollo Bay, your destination, is the gateway to some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day hikes, including the Great Ocean Walk and the enchanting Otways rainforest. While in Apollo Bay, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Ocean, stroll along the scenic coastline, or explore the rainforests, waterfalls, ferns, and sparkling streams that make this region so captivating.

Join a thrilling guided walk through the stunning landscapes of the Otways, where lush tree fern gullies, towering eucalypt woodlands, and breathtaking ocean views await. Led by an expert conservationist guide, you’ll uncover the fascinating secrets of the plants and animals that thrive in this incredible region. Each tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat, including almost guaranteed sightings of koalas. With a bit of luck, you might also spot potoroos, bandicoots, and other amazing Australian animals that call Wildlife Wonders home. Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure promises an unforgettable connection to the wonders of the natural world.

The first part of your drive today will take you to the iconic Twelve Apostles, perhaps the most famous landmark on the Great Ocean Road, and stopping here is a must. You can park at the carpark and follow the paved path to the lookout, or to take some time and stretch your legs take the path down Gibson's steps to the beach. Descending these 86 stairs carved into the cliff face, and reaching the beach you are treated to a closeup view of these incredible rock formations. 3 minutes further along what is known as the Shipwreck Coast, you will find the stop-off point for Loch Ard Gorge, a glistening inlet of striking blue water surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs. Beyond the town of Port Campbell, stop at the London Bridge and The Grotto for more stunning sights and photo opportunities.
Explore the coastal city of Warrnambool where you might be lucky enough to spot southern right whales calve off Logan Beach if you are travelling between May and October. From here, it's a 30-minute drive to your destination of Port Fairy

An energetic, 15-minute flight that packs in the must-see Great Ocean Road sights. Catch the highlights of the Shipwreck Coast from a luxury helicopter. See the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and more from breathtaking heights. London Bridge is a thrilling addition to any Great Ocean Road tour.

This route to Melbourne is the most direct at around 280km (174 miles) and takes around 3 hours. A little over an hour into your journey, you can take a short detour to Camperdown, to stretch your legs on a walk up Mt Sugarloaf or grab a coffee. From here, you will continue through rural farmlands before reaching the city of Geelong. Take a stroll on the waterfront to see the Bollard Trail, with over 100 painted pollards, each depicting a different person from the past who added to the making of Geelong. From Geelong, it is just an hour's drive to the Melbourne CBD, your destination for the day.

Discover the rich history and culture of the Gunditjmara people on the Tae Rak Guided Cultural Walk at the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. This enlightening experience takes you through significant Aboriginal heritage sites, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage area. Led by expert Gunditjmara guides, you’ll learn about the innovative aquaculture systems, the ancient eel traps, and the deep connection the Gunditjmara people have with the land. As you walk through this stunning volcanic landscape, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, stories, and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. The Tae Rak Guided Cultural Walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the past and engage with one of the world’s oldest living cultures. This enriching experience is perfect for those looking to connect with Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.

Explore more of Melbourne before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!