Great Ocean Road 2

Built on the slopes of an ancient dormant volcano, Mount Gambier is the main city of south-eastern South Australia, midway between Adelaide and Melbourne. Its emblem is the Blue Lake, a crater that turns an intense cobalt blue each summer before fading to grey in winter, one of the country's most striking natural phenomena. All around lies a landscape of volcanic lakes, sinkholes and underground caves such as the Umpherston Sinkhole, a sunken garden set within a collapsed cavern. The surrounding region blends forests, farmland and ocean-facing coast. Mount Gambier is an ideal stop on the journey between the two cities, for lovers of geology, nature and discoveries beyond the well-worn routes.

Continuing along the Princess Highway towards Portland and Port Fairy, where the Warrnambool Coastal Park begins. The rest of the day is available to visit the most famous stretch of coast in Australia: you will first encounter the London Bridge, The Arch, and Sentinel Rock. Arrive in Port Campbell in the evening. (Approximately 250km/3.5 hours). A small fishing village tucked along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell is the ideal base for exploring one of Victoria's most striking stretches of coast. Just minutes away rise the famous Twelve Apostles, towering limestone pinnacles standing alone in the ocean, sculpted over millennia by the force of wind and waves. The clifftop unfolds with legendary formations such as Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and The Grotto, each wrapped in tales of shipwrecks and the sea. The village offers a sheltered bay perfect for a swim and excellent fresh-seafood restaurants. At sunset, when golden light sets the rocks aglow, Port Campbell reveals all its coastal poetry.

The visit to the Great Ocean Road continues with Loch Ard Gorge and the famous 12 Apostles. Stop at Otway National Park and, after passing Lorne, arrive at Queenscliff and board the ferry to Sorrento, departures every hour from 08.00 to 18.00 (not included). Continue along the Mornington Peninsula to the overnight location. (Approximately 280km / 4.5 hours + ferry). Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula reaches out between Port Phillip Bay and the Indian Ocean with a mosaic of beaches, vineyards and gentle hills. The bay’s calm waters guard the iconic colourful bathing boxes of Brighton and the villages of Sorrento and Portsea, while on the ocean side the waves of Cape Schanck call to surfers. The peninsula is renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cellars, the Peninsula Hot Springs and gourmet tables that celebrate local produce. A corner of Victoria where wine, sea and relaxation blend into a refined stay.