Travel Detail

This morning we pop back out to the 12 Apostles and take in the view during the morning sunlight and/or take a helicopter flight (at own expense) over this amazing coastline. We spend time visiting the unique formations of Loch Ard Gorge and immerse ourselves in the harrowing story of the wreck of the Lock Ard. It's onto London Bridge and then The Bay of Islands before saying goodbye to this amazing stretch of coastline.

We explore one of Victoria's largest regional towns of Warrnambool before having lunch in the township of Koroit at a quaint Aussie eatery.

We explore Tower Hill Wildlife Park where we take an interactive tour learning about the local Aboriginal history, geology, flora, and fauna.
We arrive at the quaint fishing village of Port Fairy, our destination for the night. We arrive early enough to enjoy a stroll around this beautiful township before enjoying dinner (at your expense) at the many local restaurants, café's or pubs.

Today we're bound for South Australia. In Portland there's time for panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations to our lunch venue in the pretty riverside village of Nelson.

After lunch we cross the state border and continue on to Mount Gambier which is home to the famous Blue Lake.
The Blue Lake occupies a crater of the ancient volcano which gives this city its name and early each summer, in a remarkable quirk of nature, the colour of the water in the lake changes from its winter hues to an intense cobalt blue. A photo stop at the Blue Lake is a must and so is a visit to the Umpherston Sinkhole, a collapsed limestone cave that has been transformed into a magical sunken garden. We take a walk along its terraced flower beds and behind the hanging vines deep down to the floor of this extraordinary natural wonder.

Our next stop is Penola, arriving early enough to explore its abundant historical attractions.
Penola played a central part in the life of Mother Mary MacKillop (St Mary of the Cross) Australia's only saint. We pass the school house where she taught the poorest children of the district and take a walk along Petticoat Lane, a charmingly preserved group of mid eighteenth century cottages and gardens.

After Penola we travel to our overnight destination, The William Macintosh Motor Loddge in Naracoorte. For dinner look no further than the award-winning Highlander Restaurant. Located on the William Macintosh grounds. The Highlander restaurant also has a fully licensed bar where you can sit and have a quiet glass of wine before dinner.

Rest and explore from the William MacIntosh Motor Lodge, Naracoorte, just inland from Mount Gambier on the South Australian - Victorian border. In the heart of the Limestone Coast region lays a district that is clearly a destination in itself. The rooms are nestled in Naracoorte amongst 2 acres of lawns, native shrubs, trees and fruit orchards. William MacIntosh Motor Lodge is the perfect place to stay when visiting Naracoorte. All rooms are on the ground floor and set in a tranquil garden setting all with a spectacular Golf course directly across the road.

Another exciting and diverse day of discovery on this Great Ocean Road itinerary, starting with a drive through the Coonawarra vineyards where Australia's most illustrious Cabernet Sauvignon vines thrive on the famed rich red "terra rossa" soils.

A guided visit to the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves takes us to one of the world's most important fossil sites.
Our tour of the Victoria Fossil Cave features a dazzling array of stalactites and stalagmites as well as the bones and skeletons of giant, long extinct animals.

After a rest break and morning tea at the iconic Keith bakery, we begin a picturesque drive through some of South Australia's farming and grazing heartland. With a population of around one person to one square kilometre, this is the real Australian countryside and you can relax and enjoy all the colours and textures of these rural landscapes in the comfort of our luxury, air-conditioned bus.

In Coonalpyn the five towering grain solos that dominate the township have been transformed into a monumental work of public art that is a visual showstopper.
From here, Ki Ki, Yumali and Coomandook disappear almost as quickly as we encounter them and at Wellington, where road meets river, we take time out for a leisurely ferry crossing of the mighty River Murray, the largest inland waterway in Australia.

Our itinerary takes us to lunch at Bremerton Winery in the acclaimed Langhorne Creek wine region. You are welcome to sample their wines in the restored iron stone barn dating from 1866.

The southern Adelaide Hills leads us to Strathalbyn, on the banks of the Angas River.

Originally a farming community of Scottish immigrants, it's now a classified heritage town and a thriving centre of all things antique and collectible.
You can forage for some serious vintage purchases or just enjoy the lovely scenery before we continue through the rolling hills and valleys to the historic German village of Hahndorf.

Founded by German settlers fleeing religious persecution in the late 1830s, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest German settlement and one of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations. You can enjoy a stroll along its bustling main street of historic buildings, gift shops, arts and crafts galleries and food outlets.

Our final stop is both spectacular and surprising.
From Mt Lofty Summit the whole of South Australia's capital city of Adelaide is spread out on the plains below. We will drop you at your accommodation in this wonderful city around 6.00pm on Thursday afternoon.