See the sights of Melbourne and its surrounds at your own pace
The Great Ocean Road touring route offers spectacular views. Photos: Visit Victoria
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Think Australia is best seen on a guided tour? Think again.
While a guided tour offers certainty, there’s nothing more liberating than hitting the open road, especially when it’s as scenic as the Great Southern Touring Route. You get to stop whenever you like for pictures or meals, and you don’t have to stick to a schedule catering to a bus-load of folk.
We know the idea of a driving in a foreign country can be scary: What if you run out of petrol, get lost, or – shudder – can’t find a clean toilet? That’s where Jetabout Holidays comes in. It provides a day-to-day driving guide, including suggested restaurants on-the-go, activities for every type of traveller, and even the best routes to take. With your customised set of plans provided, you’re free to create your own adventure.
Ready to take off? Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss on this 842km journey.
SUN, SURF, SUSTENANCE: MELBOURNE TO APOLLO BAY
Street art in Melbourne City, the capital of Victoria.
You’re starting your epic road trip in Australia’s fashion capital Melbourne. Shop for your favourite designers such as FME Apparel and Lois Hazel and don’t forget to stock up on staple brands like Aesop, Jurlique and the ever-popular Arnold’s Tim Tams.
Chase down some food trucks or brunch Australian-style before hitting the road. Fuelled and ready to go? Melbourne to Apollo Bay may be an easy three-hour drive but those itching to surf will no doubt be distracted by the breaks at Bell’s Beach where the annual Rip Curl Pro championships are held, or by the Surfworld Museum in Torquay.
Great Ocean Road Eco Lodge.
Be sure to head to Split Point Lighthouse round the corner to catch a glimpse of Australia’s giant tourists – Southern Right whales and humpback whales – from May to October. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Australia’s famous koalas, head instead to the Great Ocean Road Eco Lodge that conducts wildlife spotting tours.
You’ll then end your scenic drive at Apollo Bay and there’s no better way to celebrate than to stop for dinner at Chris’s Beacon Point restaurant, a highlight of the Great Ocean Road tour. Be sure to reserve your seats early on for the best spot to catch a mesmerising view of the sunset.
THE GIANTS OF NATURE: APOLLO BAY TO PORT FAIRY
California Redwoods Beech Forest.
Drive just further up to see the majestic Californian Redwood trees along the Aire Valley Road. Some of these centuries-old trees reach up to 115m tall so we’d advise you to take a breather on the downy forest floor for the best view of these ancients. Later, stop for lunch at the Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse.
Gibson Steps along the Great Ocean Road.
Drive to Port Campbell, perhaps most famous for the 12 Apostles. While there are numerous lookout points such as Loch Art Gorge, Bay of Martyrs, and Childers Cove that offer magnificent views of the natural rock formation, here’s a tip for a photo that’s different from the postcards all around: Descend all 86 of the Gibson Steps to see the wave-formed rocks from the ground up.
Continue along the scenic B100 (as the Great Ocean Road is less romantically known) for views of the coast, stopping at the Bay of Islands for incredible shots.
Dine at Victoria’s oldest inn, Merrijig Inn and then retire at your modern abode, the Comfort Inn Port Fairy.
NATURE CALLS: PORT FAIRY TO HALLS GAP
Chatauqua Peak Loop Walk, Grampians National Park.
You’ll make a leisurely two-hour ride to Halls Gap, at the edge of the Grampians National Park. It's a gateway to scenic hikes, beautiful vineyards – where some of the world’s oldest vines can be found – as well as aboriginal art and culture.
Treat yourself to lunch at the Royal Mail Hotel with lunch fare ranging from casual to farm-to-table (it has its own kitchen garden) and fine dining, then check into your hotel at Comfort Inn Plaza Halls Gap before you head out for your afternoon activities, because you’re going to need it.
Hiking enthusiasts can choose from easy strolls to hard-grade treks or take an easy drive-through the Grampians National Park. If you’re up to the challenge, hike up to summit of Mount Sturgeon or Mount Abrupt for some of the best panoramic views in Victoria.
Both expeditions require hiking gear and will take about three hours to and from.
DRIVE FOR GOLD: HALLS GAP TO BALLARAT
MacKenzie Falls in the Grampians National Park.
Before heading to Ballarat, you can bid adieu to the Grampians by driving up to MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria’s largest and most inspiring waterfalls. Those looking for more modern art can journey along the 200km Silo Art Trail to see towering works created by internationally recognised street artists. The journey should take a little over two hours but the staggering pieces of art make it worthwhile.
The Silo Art Trail, Australia's largest outdoor gallery.
Pamper yourself when you arrive at Ballarat, a burgeoning destination for foodies. Sample locally produced wines, paddock-to-plate produce, and creative cuisines at the Underbar and The Forge Pizzeria then wash it all down with local craft beer at the Hop Temple. If you’re there in May, it’s an absolute must to get tickets for Ballarat’s annual food festival, Plate Up Ballarat.
Sovereign Hill in Ballarat depicts what life was like during the first 10 years after gold was discovered there.
You can still relive some of Ballarat’s golden years as a former mining town. Try your hand at panning for gold dust and go back in time at the city’s heritage precinct. Slow down and immerse yourself in the anachronistic Victorian and Edwardian architecture and landscaping that have withstood the ravages of time.
Head back to Melbourne the next day satisfied, knowing you’ve fully experienced the Great Southern Route and all it has to offer.
Jetabout Holidays’ 6D5N Great Southern Touring Route Drive offers you an adventure of a lifetime – sans anxiety. Starting from S$775 per adult (includes car rental, accommodation and day-to-day drive itinerary), you can check this off your bucket list. Visit jetabout.com.sg/melbourne-tour-package to learn more.
For safety advice for travel to Australia, visit australia.com/en/travel-alerts.html.
