Southern Coast – 5 Day Self Drive Itinerary
This touring route follows the spectacular Great Ocean Road along the Southern Coast. Rugged cliffs, sandy coves, windswept dunes and dramatic rock formations including the 12 Apostles are highlights of the 'Shipwreck Coast'.
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Day 1.
Melbourne to Apollo Bay - 148 km
Melbourne is contemporary, sophisticated and international in style with an abundance of good food and wine. Being considered as the fashion capital of Australia, Melbourne has fantastic shopping on offer.
Head south from Melbourne along the Southern Coast stopping in Lorne. Here the wide beachfront boulevard of Mountjoy Parade has a distinct Mediterranean feel with sidewalk bars and cafes. Travel on along the rugged coast of Cape Otway to Apollo Bay. From here you can take a short drive up to the Otway Ranges and bushwalk to the waterfalls and cascades.
Day 2.
Apollo Bay to Mt Gambier - 408 km
Drive onto Port Campbell and visit the Port Campbell National Park where you can view along the coastline the spectacular Twelve Apostles. These natural stone pillars rise out of the sea along the Shipwreck Coast. Between May and October it is possible to see Southern Right Whales along the coastal drive.
Drive onto the charming riverside town of Port Fairy, a small fishing village which has retained many of its original whaler’s cottages and old buildings. From here you drive on to Cape Bridgewater where you can visit the Australian Fur Seal Colony and onto Mt Gambier, just inside the border of South Australia.
Day 3.
Mt Gambier and surrounding wine areas
Mt Gambier is home to the Blue Lake, formed in a volcanic crater it changes mysteriously in colour from turquoise blue in November to a more sombre blue grey in the Autumn. Visit the Lake and other craters, caves and sink holes.
Mt Gambier is a great base for exploring the South Australia’s wine regions of the Coonawarra where you can enjoy tastings and the atmosphere.
Day 4.
Mt Gambier to Adelaide (Inland road 418 km or Coastal road 413 km)
Take the inland drive to discover the Coonawarra wine district which is filled with lush farmlands and cattle stations. From here it’s onto Adelaide via the Murray River.
On the Coastal route, stop off at Robe with its great fishing and sandy white beaches you can’t go wrong. Here you can explore Cape Jaffa and the Coorong National Park.