Tailor Made Tour The Great Southern Odyssey - Self Drive 13 nights
About this itinerary
Discover the very best of South Australia and Victoria on an unforgettable self-drive journey through elegant cities, pristine coastlines, ancient mountain ranges and some of Australia's most remarkable wildlife habitats. From Adelaide's celebrated food and wine scene to the untamed wilderness of Kangaroo Island, the dramatic peaks of the Grampians and the world-famous Great Ocean Road, this itinerary showcases the incredible diversity of Australia's southern coastline.
Travelling at a relaxed pace, you'll uncover charming seaside towns, indulge in exceptional local cuisine, encounter iconic Australian wildlife and experience some of the country's most spectacular natural scenery. Carefully selected boutique accommodation and unforgettable experiences ensure the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and luxury throughout your journey.
Concluding in the vibrant city of Melbourne, this carefully crafted itinerary is the perfect introduction to Southern Australia, where dramatic landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality combine to create an unforgettable self-drive adventure.
day 1-2 Adelaide
Your Australian adventure begins with an overnight flight to Adelaide, South Australia's elegant capital. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel, perfectly positioned to explore a city renowned for its leafy boulevards, heritage architecture and exceptional culinary scene. Blending relaxed coastal living with sophisticated city culture, Adelaide provides the perfect introduction to Southern Australia.
Spend the next two days discovering the city's many highlights. Join a guided tasting experience through the historic Adelaide Central Market, where artisan producers, local delicacies and family-run stalls have been welcoming visitors for more than 150 years. Wander through the beautiful Botanic Garden on a guided cultural walk, learning about the region's Indigenous heritage and native flora before exploring Adelaide's vibrant laneways, galleries and boutique shopping precincts.
As evening falls, head to nearby Glenelg Beach, where waterfront restaurants, golden sands and spectacular sunsets create the perfect setting to unwind before your journey continues south.
Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
day 3 Fleurieu Peninsula & Victor Harbor
Leaving Adelaide behind, travel through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula, where rolling vineyards, rugged coastline and charming seaside villages provide a beautiful introduction to South Australia's coastal landscapes.
Arriving in Victor Harbor, spend time exploring this historic harbour town, once an important whaling and trading port. Ride the iconic horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island, enjoy a leisurely walk along the dramatic clifftops towards The Bluff Lookout or, during the winter months, keep watch for migrating southern right whales passing along the coastline.
Relax this evening beside the ocean before continuing to nearby Cape Jervis, where tomorrow morning's ferry will carry you across to one of Australia's greatest wildlife destinations..
Accommodation: The Bluff Resort Apartments
day 4-6 Kangaroo Island
Wildlife encounters are never far away here. Kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and wallabies are regularly spotted throughout the island, whilst an evening nocturnal wildlife experience offers the chance to observe many of the island's unique species after dark. For those seeking adventure, the towering dunes of Little Sahara provide the perfect setting for an exhilarating sandboarding experience.
Between excursions, unwind at your luxury lodge, savour exceptional local produce and take time to appreciate the peaceful beauty that makes Kangaroo Island one of Australia's most treasured natural escapes.
Accommodation: Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island
day 7-8 The Grampians (Gariwerd)
Returning to the mainland, continue into Victoria and the magnificent Grampians National Park, known to the Traditional Owners as Gariwerd. Towering sandstone ranges, cascading waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal rock art combine to create one of Australia's most dramatic and culturally significant landscapes.
Spend the next two days exploring spectacular walking trails leading to panoramic lookouts including Boroka Lookout and The Pinnacle, where breathtaking views stretch across forests, valleys and rugged mountain ranges. Visit the beautiful MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria's largest year-round waterfalls, before discovering ancient Aboriginal rock art sites that tell stories dating back thousands of years.
As dusk settles across the mountains, keep watch for kangaroos, emus and colourful native birdlife that emerge throughout the national park. Returning each evening to your boutique accommodation, enjoy exceptional regional cuisine beneath some of the clearest night skies in Southern Australia.
Accommodation: DULC Cabins
day 9 Port Fairy
Leaving the mountains behind, journey towards the charming coastal village of Port Fairy, where beautifully preserved bluestone cottages, a working fishing harbour and windswept beaches create one of Victoria's most picturesque seaside towns.
Spend the afternoon wandering the heritage streets, browsing artisan galleries and local boutiques before taking a leisurely walk to Griffiths Island Lighthouse, where panoramic ocean views and abundant birdlife reward those making the journey. This evening, enjoy freshly caught local seafood overlooking the harbour as the gentle pace of Port Fairy invites you to slow down and savour the experience.
Accommodation: Drift House
day 10-11 Great Ocean Road
Beyond the coast, explore the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park, where towering mountain ash trees, fern-filled gullies and cascading waterfalls create a striking contrast to the ocean views. Continue through the beautiful seaside towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne, where boutique cafés, artisan shops and relaxed beachfront restaurants invite you to pause and soak up the atmosphere.
As evening falls, enjoy sunset overlooking Louttit Bay before reflecting on another unforgettable day exploring one of Australia's greatest scenic drives.
Accommodation: Cumberland Lorne Resort
day 12-14 Melbourne
Should you wish to venture beyond the city one final time, optional excursions to the Yarra Valley or Phillip Island offer the opportunity to enjoy another world-class wine tasting or witness the famous Penguin Parade. Alternatively, relax beside the Yarra River, toast your Australian adventure with a glass of local wine and reflect on an unforgettable journey through some of the country's most spectacular landscapes before your onward flight home.
Accommodation: Crown Towers
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