A spectacular round trip journey from Melbourne, returning to Melbourne via the Gold Mining town of Ballarat., drive past coastal resorts, the Twelve Apostles and National Parks.

Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne - Apollo Bay - 120 miles (approx 2 ½ hours)
Collect your car and depart Melbourne for the Great Ocean Road. Travel through Geelong and on to Torquay, visiting Bells Beach in Australia’s surf capital. Continue along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne, an area of ‘Natural Beauty and Special Significance’. Much of its colourful history is preserved in the gracious homes which remain. With its long, protected white beach overlooked by the Otway Hills, it’s been a favourite holiday resort for generations. Lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants or take a bushwalk to some of the numerous waterfalls in the Otways. Continue on to Apollo Bay with its excellent beach and laid-back lifestyle. 2 nights at The Captains at the Bay hotel including breakfast.

Day 2 : Apollo Bay day at leisure
Apollo Bay is based on the edge of the Otway Ranges, it is a fantastic place to stay and an ideal base from which to explore the magnificent coast, waterfalls and rainforests. The town's wide, crescent-shaped beach is great for swimming, fishing and boating. Spectacular lookouts provide sweeping views. For golfers, there's an excellent harbour-side course.

Day 3 : Apollo Bay - Port Fairy - 118 miles (approx 2 ½ hours)
Continue through the green hills of Otway National Park on to see the spectacular Twelve Apostles. These giant rock stacks soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park that extends from Princetown to Peterborough The dramatic and imposing limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to the Apostles tower up to 70 metres, while the tallest of the rock stacks is around 45 metres high - a truly magnificent sight. Depart Port Campbell and travel via Warrnambool to Port Fairy. Take an historic walk through Port Fairy’s streets to see restored cottages built by whalers and seamen. Overnight at Gobles Mill House.

Day 4 : Port Fairy - Halls Gap - 110 miles (approx 2 ½ hours)
Today head inland to the Grampians National Park. Discover stunning views, hidden valleys, waterfalls, rocky outcrops and Aboriginal culture - take woodland walks or just to relax and enjoy the beautiful bush. Overnight at Hall Gap Colonial Motor Inn.

Day 5 : Halls Gap - Ballarat - 94 miles (approx 1 ¾ hours)
Take the Glenelg Highway to the goldmining town of Ballarat - Australia's largest open-air museum with so much history to offer. When gold was discovered in 1851 the town grew to a population of 40,000 - there is still much to see in this fascinating area. Overnight at Ansonia Boutique Hotel.

Day 6 : Ballarat - Melbourne - 73 miles (approx 1 ½ hours)
Depart Ballarat for Daylesford, stopping along the way at boutique wineries to sample the wines that have made this region famous. Complete your itinerary with an easy drive back to Melbourne. Return your car to the airport or downtown depot.