ANZCRO Pacifica - Australia

Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road
Regarded as one of the World’s greatest drives, this itinerary offers the very best of coastal scenery, seaside communities, history and heritage, all in one flexible touring package.

Day 1: Adelaide to Robe, 345 kms

Collect your rental car and take the Princes Highway west to Murray Bridge, crossing the mighty Murray River and following the edge of Lake Alexandrina to the Coorong National Park, an inland sea of shallow lagoons and significant habitat for more than 200 species of waterbirds. Follow the coastline southeast to Robe, famous for excellent fishing and succulent seafood including lobsters.

Overnight: Option 1: Best Western Yellow; Option 2: Ann’s Place B&B, Robe.

Day 2: Robe to Port Fairy, 350 kms

From Robe continue southeast via Millicent home to the Tantanoola Caves which lie inside an ancient marine cliff. 50 kms further on is Mt Gambier built on the site of an ancient volcano and well known for its mysterious Blue Lake which changes colour each November. Cross into Victoria near Nelson and take time out to visit the Princess Margaret Rose Cave with its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. 90 kms further on is Cape Bridgewater, a popular holiday spot with beautiful sweeping beaches. Portland, once a whaling station has an excellent Maritime Discovery Centre complete with a 15 metre long sperm whale skeleton. Port Fairy, located on the banks of the tranquil Moyne River has an olde world charm having retained many of its original whalers cottages and historic buildings.

Overnight: Option 1: Best Western Yellow;Option 2: Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel (B&B).

Day 3: Port Fairy to Apollo Bay, 200 kms

No matter what the weather, today’s drive can only be described as spectacular. Starting with the Bay of Islands Coastal Park and continuing on to Port Campbell National Park, home of the famous 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Well placed board walks and viewing platforms provide excellent vantage points of these much photographed icons. Complete the day with a drive through Otway National Park equally famous for its magnificent fern gullies and thick rainforests.

Overnight: Option 1: Best Western Yellow; Option 2: Captains At The Bay (B&B).

Day 4: Apollo Bay to Melbourne, 180 kms

Plenty of time to take a stroll around pretty Apollo Bay before continuing northeast. Lorne, 1 hours drive along the coast is a popular holiday destination as is Anglesea, a further 40 mins towards Melbourne. Torquay is the home of the Bells Beach with its world famous surfing. Leave the coast and head inland to Geelong and back to Melbourne.

Overnight: Own arrangements.

Includes: 4 days hire of a Hertz 1.6 litre, automatic with unlimited kms and basic insurance (excess applies), see page 14 for more details. 3 nights twin share accommodation as specified.

Price from $276 per person