Great Ocean Road to The Grampians

Duration: 7 days

Highlights: -Explore at your leisure on a week-long self-drive getaway
-Discover the coastal attractions of the Great Ocean Road
-Check out the swell at Bells Beach
-Marvel at the Twelve Apostles
-Breathe in the crisp mountain air in the heart of the Grampians

Embark on one of the country’s great road trips when you head for Victoria’s Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road. Head to legendary Bells Beach, and take a breather in charming Captains at the Bay in Apollo Bay. Hug the spectacular coastline journeying through Port Campbell and the historical maritime hub of Warrnambool, on the Shipwreck Coast with the opportunity to admire the revered Twelve Apostles, before relaxing in picturesque Port Fairy at chic boutique bolthole the Drift House. Head inland to the breathtaking Grampians where the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel is your base for discovering rare mountain wilderness and a culinary celebration of local produce.

Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne - Apollo Bay 

Collect your hire car* and drive west towards the waterfront city of Geelong and onwards to the Great Ocean Road. This Australian National Heritage listed 243-kilometre stretch of tarmac is one of the world’s most iconic road trips and is one of the most scenic coastlines in the country. Travel at your own pace, stopping along the way in coastal gems like Anglesea, one of the regional vineyards or at an award-winning restaurant to refuel. Reach your resort in good time to explore the beachfront town of Apollo Bay.

Captains at the Bay is a contemporary B&B in the seaside village of Apollo Bay. The five spacious rooms and two lofts are decorated with coastal style and modern flair and offer privacy and comfort. Great service that is friendly and non-intrusive allows the freedom to enjoy a peaceful stay with the advantage of being centrally located by the beach, restaurants, Visitor Information Centre and the busy shopping centre.

Overnight: Captains at the Bay

Day 2: Torquay

Wake early for a bracing walk along the beach or an invigorating dip in the ocean. Plan your day to suit: perhaps a rainforest hike or a treetop adventure on the Otway Fly; a picnic on the shore at Lake Elizabeth; or a day relaxing on the beach, grabbing a board and taking to the waves.

Overnight: Captains at the Bay  

Meal Plan: B

Day 3: Apollo Bay - Port Fairy

The next leg of the trip takes you via the Shipwreck Coast all the way to Port Fairy with opportunities to discover charming seaside towns and inspiring natural wonders along the way. Pause to admire the rugged splendour of the Twelve Apostles, the iconic rock stacks which rise out of the Southern Ocean. Consider a helicopter ride over this famous natural wonder for a bird’s eye perspective. Onwards to the coastal city of Warrnambool with its rich maritime history and excellent whale viewing in season (June-September). Arrive at Port Fairy, an historic fishing town, and check in to your boutique hotel. Dine out at one of the town’s delightful restaurants.

Overnight: Drift House

Meal plan: B

Day 4: Port Fairy

The day is yours to plan. Wander down to the Moyne River, just steps from your hotel, for a walk to the lighthouse or along spectacular East Beach. Admire the historic buildings and whaler’s cottages which line the main street, peruse the shops or pack a picnic and head for the beach. Consider timing your visit with the vibrant Port Fairy Folk Festival (March), when the town comes alive with hundreds of artistic performances, workshops and street events.

Overnight: Drift House

Meal Plan: B

Day 5: Port Fairy - Dunkeld

Today you leave the ocean behind and journey inland to the spectacular Grampians National Park and your award-winning hotel. Consider a stop at a local biodynamic vineyard along the way and perhaps take in the view from the summit of Mount Rouse at Penshurst. Arrive at the Royal Mail Hotel where the superb views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt will leave you breathless. After checking in there’s time to explore the extensive kitchen garden, take a lazy stroll through town or hike one of the many nearby mountain trails.

Overnight: Royal Mail Hotel 

Meal Plan: B

Day 6: Dunkeld

Soak up the views from your room before a hearty breakfast in readiness for a day’s exploration. Venture into the national park on a self-guided hike. In springtime, the wildflowers are heavenly and keep an eye out for wildlife in any season - kangaroo, wallaby, emu and native birds. Go in search of some of the area’s important Aboriginal rock art and admire the panoramic views from the summit of Mount William or The Pinnacle. Back at the hotel, book in for a tour of the 28,000 bottle wine cellar, and consider a degustation dinner at Wickens, an unforgettable culinary experience.

Overnight: Royal Mail Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 7: Dunkeld - Melbourne

Take your time getting back to Melbourne driving through the rich pastures and cropping country of the Western District. Break the journey in Ballarat, a thriving hub of contemporary arts, events, food, artisan brews and wine, with a rich heritage of the Gold Rush era. Visit the Ballarat Art Gallery, the oldest and largest in regional Australia. Step back in time to the 1850s at award-winning Sovereign Hill or visit the impressive Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Wendouree. Return your hire car where the journey ends.

Meal Plan: B

Note

*Car hire not included.