Australia Self Drive

The Great Ocean Road stretches out in front of you invitingly. To the right, shades of green hills roll inland. To the left, a rugged golden coastline etched from rock drifts by. You hear the sound of the sea spilling and crashing onto the stone walls. Over to the horizon, the sun melts red into the glittering sea, sending plumes of purple cloud streaming across the blue sky.



Welcome to Australia’s breathtaking southern coastline and to one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Put your car in cruise mode and discover the magnificence of Oz’s Southern Coast at your own pace.

You begin your journey in vibrant Melbourne famous for its art, cafe culture, theatres and shopping before driving west towards the equally sophisticated Adelaide - regarded as one of Australia's finest cities - all in the view of the beautiful Adelaide Hills.

Sample the many experiences that the Great Ocean Road has to offer, such as its tempting array of food and wine. The towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell are idyllic stop-off points where you can enjoy the region’s fresh produce. Fishing fleets based at coastal villages ensure a regular supply of fresh seafood. Visit one of the many wineries en-route on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula where excellent wines are produced along with high quality olive oils.

Absorb the surf culture at the hottest surf spots at Torquay. Visit the Great Otway National Park to see native animals and beautiful waterfalls. At the Otway Fly enjoy a 600 metre long tree-top canopy walk through the magnificent rainforest of the Otway Ranges. Visit Cape Otway Lightstation, climb to the top of mainland Australia's oldest lighthouse (1848) and experience the heart-pounding view from the balcony 90 metres above the surging waters of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.

The Shipwreck Coast is a rugged and aptly named portion of the Great Ocean Road where the natural monuments form a stunning panorama and include the famous Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. For a unique Aboriginal experience visit Tower Hill State Game Reserve where koalas, emus and kangaroos can be seen and Aboriginal guides explain the significance of the volcanic land formations.

Then cross the border into South Australia, a state of diverse and unique experiences from wine to wildlife. Cruise along the Limestone Coast, stopping at the wine region of Coonawarra, made famous for its terra rossa soil. Here you can sample the Coonawarra’s bold red wines and sparkling shiraz. Continuing your journey, a must see is the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves. From here make your way to the Coorong National Park, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the unique aboriginal Ngarrindjeri people, their stories and traditions first hand.

Towards the end of the route, Kangaroo Island sits supreme as Australia’s very own Galapagos. The wealth of wildlife there never fails to charm its visitors with koalas, seals, penguins, sea lions and, of course, kangaroos galore. Then take the short journey to the internationally acclaimed Barossa Valley, which is responsible for over half of Australia's wine production and home to the real Jacob's Creek!

Ease your shoulders back and relax behind the wheel. Let go of the road behind you and simply drift along taking in the glory and magnificence of Southern Australia. You have all the time in the world.

Please telephone 0844 472 3210 for details of Australia, South Africa and other fantastic Self Drive journeys.