Holiday Overview
Beginning in cosmopolitan Melbourne, this carefully crafted self drive threads its way along one of the world's great coastal roads before venturing deep into the raw, ancient heart of the Australian outback. The Great Ocean Road delivers its drama in spectacular fashion, with the brooding Southern Ocean crashing beneath the Twelve Apostles whilst charming towns like Apollo Bay and Port Fairy offer fresh seafood, boutique accommodation and a welcome change of pace. Leaving the coast behind, the route winds through the celebrated vineyards of Coonawarra and the Clare Valley, where world class reds and crisp Rieslings demand unhurried exploration, before the landscape shifts completely as you enter the otherworldly Flinders Ranges. Here, ancient russet gorges, vast skies and the extraordinary natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound serve as a humbling reminder of just how old, and how breathtaking, this continent truly is, before a well earned finale in the elegant city of Adelaide.
Great Ocean Road and Outback includes:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Car Hire
- Day tours as listed
Day 1 - Melbourne
Arrive in Melbourne and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to join an optional sightseeing tour, please speak to your travel consultant for recommendations and available excursions.
Featured accommodation
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto
Day 2 - Melbourne
Discover Melbourne's famous café culture on a guided small-group walking tour. Explore hidden laneways, historic coffee houses and local favourites, while learning about the city's history and multicultural heritage. Includes tastings, a non-alcoholic drink, tram travel and a café lunch.
Featured accommodation
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto
Unmissable Experiences
Great Ocean Road
Day 3 - The Great Ocean Road
Collect your hire car (we suggest an intermediate model or above) Follow the iconic Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, potential en route stops include Geelong to discover Aboriginal culture at the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and or Torquay, Australia's surfing capital and gateway to this spectacular coastal route. Travel on through stunning ocean scenery, passing famous surf beaches and dramatic coastline, before arriving in the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay
Featured accommodation
Captain's at the Bay
Day 4 - The Great Ocean Road
Continue along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to the iconic 12 Apostles, where dramatic limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean. Follow the rugged Shipwreck Coast to Warrnambool, keeping an eye out for whales in season. End the day in the charming seaside town of Port Fairy, known for its historic cottages and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Featured accommodation
Merrijig Inn
Day 5 - Coonawarra
Turn inland and head North to Coonawarra. Famed as South Australia's red wine capital, Coonawarra is renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and premium cellar doors. Explore this celebrated wine region, enjoy tastings at acclaimed wineries such as Brand's Laira, and savour the gourmet flavours that make this a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Featured accommodation
Punters Vineyard Retreat
Day 6 - The Frames
Journey onwards to one of South Australia’s most exclusive luxury retreats with a two-night stay at The Frames, an award-winning collection of private villas set on the tranquil banks of the River Murray near Renmark. Designed exclusively for couples, these architecturally striking retreats combine contemporary luxury with exceptional personalised service, creating the perfect setting for a romantic escape. Relax in complete privacy, soak up the river views and enjoy superb facilities, with every detail thoughtfully curated to deliver an unforgettable stay.
Featured accommodation
The Frames
Day 7 - The Frames
Your experience includes a range of carefully selected inclusions that showcase the best of the Riverland region. Across the 2 nights, enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by an in-house chef, a sunset gondola cruise along the Murray River, and a Wetlands & Wildlife Safari offering the chance to discover the region’s unique landscapes and native wildlife. Back at your retreat, indulge in a premium BBQ dinner, complimentary mini-bar stocked with local wines and beers, gourmet breakfast provisions and freshly ground coffee. With e-bikes available for exploring the surrounding area, The Frames offers the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury and authentic South Australian experiences.
Featured accommodation
The Frames
Day 8 - Clare
The Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most picturesque wine regions, famed for its world-class Riesling, charming heritage towns and relaxed country atmosphere. Cycle or walk along the scenic Riesling Trail, explore historic cellar doors, and enjoy exceptional local food and wine surrounded by rolling vineyards and beautiful rural landscapes.
Featured accommodation
Clare Country Club
Day 9 - Flinders Ranges
This evening, enjoy a memorable two-hour 4WD sunset tour in the Flinders Ranges. Savour local wines and gourmet canapés while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Wilpena Pound, as the landscape transforms with the rich colours of dusk. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience some of South Australia’s most spectacular outback views.
Featured accommodation
Rawnsley Park Station, Eco-Villa Luxury
Day 10 - Flinders Ranges
Discover the dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife and ancient geology of the Flinders Ranges National Park as you journey through the spectacular Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges. Enjoy lunch at the historic Blinman Hotel before delving beneath the surface on a fascinating tour of the Heritage Blinman Copper Mine, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich mining history.
Featured accommodation
Rawnsley Park Station, Eco-Villa Luxury
Day 11 - Flinders Ranges
A day at leisure at Rawnsley Park offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the spectacular landscapes of the Flinders Ranges. Choose from a range of walking trails, from gentle strolls to Alison Saddle or Clem’s Corner, where you may spot kangaroos, emus and native birdlife, to the more challenging Rawnsley Bluff hike, rewarded with stunning views across Wilpena Pound and the surrounding ranges. It's a short drive to visit nearby Arkaroo Rock to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art. Perhaps end the day at Station Hill Lookout, where the changing colours of Rawnsley Bluff and the Elder Range create an unforgettable outback sunset.
Featured accommodation
Rawnsley Park Station, Eco-Villa Luxury
Day 12 - Adelaide
The final stretch of this self drive takes you to Adelaide, you can easily break the journey in the rustic outback town of Hawker, or take a small diversion through the famous Barossa Valley
Featured accommodation
Majestic Roof Garden
Day 13 - Adelaide
Spend a day discovering the best of Adelaide, options include a visit to the vibrant Adelaide Central Market, where fresh local produce, artisan food and multicultural flavours showcase South Australia’s renowned food scene. You could stroll along North Terrace to explore the city's cultural heart, before enjoying a relaxing walk through the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Featured accommodation
Majestic Roof Garden
Unmissable Experiences
Uncork the Barossa Valley
Day 14 - Adealide
Transfer to the airport for your homeward (or onward) flight
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto Melbourne Holidays
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto is geared to give you memorable, authentic local experiences. A lifetime's experience in luxury, housed in a much-loved Melbourne landmark. This luxury Melbourne hotel features a Venetian Gothic façade while the modern interior translates the building into the 21st century.
Captain's at the Bay, Apollo Bay Holidays
Captains at the Bay B&B is located in the heart of Apollo Bay, nearby many delicious restaurants, trendy cafes and designer shops. The accommodation offers a free cooked breakfast and Free WiFi.
Merrijig Inn
Nestled in the historic town of Port Fairy, the Merrijig Inn is Australia’s oldest continually licensed inn, offering a truly unique and intimate experience. This charming heritage property dates back to 1842 and boasts an unbeatable location just steps from the Moyne River and a short walk to the picturesque beaches of Port Fairy. With its warm, welcoming ambiance and a focus on relaxed luxury, the inn perfectly blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy beautifully restored rooms with period furnishings, each offering a cozy retreat that celebrates the inn’s rich history.
Punters Vineyard Retreat
Set amongst the rolling vineyards of South Australia’s renowned Coonawarra wine region, Punters Vineyard Retreat offers a peaceful adults-only escape surrounded by some of the country’s finest wine estates. This architect-designed retreat combines contemporary style with a stunning rural setting, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, sun-drenched timber floors and panoramic vineyard views from each of its four spacious ensuite bedrooms. Centrally located near Penola and the region’s celebrated cellar doors, it provides the perfect base for exploring Coonawarra’s renowned food and wine scene.
The Frames
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a luxury escape to experience the Australian outback, The Frames is the perfect place. Beautifully designed for couples and built for discerning travellers, this award winning, 6-star luxury accommodation, set on the peaceful banks of the Murray River, offers world class accommodation packages, more luxury, and personal hospitality.
Clare Country Club
Clare Country Club is a premier retreat located in the heart of South Australia's renowned Clare Valley wine region. Set amongst rolling vineyards and picturesque countryside, the property offers a relaxing escape with comfortable accommodation, modern facilities and stunning views across the surrounding landscape. Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, a golf holiday or a wine country adventure, the club provides the perfect base to experience the region's charm.
Rawnsley Park Station, Eco-Villa Luxury
Nestled at the foot of Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station is a 12,000-hectare working sheep station in the Flinders Ranges. Offering a variety of accommodation, it features an on-site restaurant and an outdoor pool. A must stay on your Australia holiday.
Majestic Roof Garden, Adelaide
The Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, located in the lively East End of Adelaide, is a chic and stylish accommodation choice for visitors looking to explore South Australia’s capital. This four-and-a-half-star hotel combines modern design with comfortable luxury, offering spacious rooms that feature plush bedding, elegant decor, and contemporary amenities to make guests feel right at home. Its central location places guests within walking distance of Rundle Street's vibrant dining and shopping scene, as well as nearby cultural attractions like the Art Gallery of South Australia and Adelaide Botanic Garden, making it a perfect base for city exploration.
Image Gallery
Great Ocean Road
Flinders Ranges
Emu
Murray River
Outback Road Sign
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2026, 2027 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Perth's Road to Margaret River Fly Drive Holiday
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- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
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Australia's East Coast In Style
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Great Ocean Road and Outback
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- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
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South Australia Luxury Holiday
- Adelaide
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- Clare Valley
- Wilpena Pound
- Barossa Valley
- Kangaroo Island
- Amazing Boutique Accomodation
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- Receive a free case of wine
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- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
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Luxury Australia
- Perth
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- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
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