Drive from Sydney to the Great Ocean Road via the Grampians

The quintessential Aussie city, Sydney with its surroundings is truly a world in itself and the only city in Australia to show its two hundred years of European history in the old stone walls of The Rocks. A unique city that lives beyond its sparkling harbour and beaches, and shows its true soul in the diverse neighbourhoods, with a sophisticated cosmopolitan population, but also the largest Aboriginal community of any Australian city.

Lakes Entrance is the starting point for visiting the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, a natural area of extraordinary beauty and natural diversity. Don't miss a walk along Ninety Mile Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world.

Phillip Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is one of Australia's most famous tourist destinations, thanks mainly to the hundreds of little penguins that return to their burrows at Summerland Beach every evening - the so-called Penguin Parade, with a large audience of visitors every night. Don't miss the excellent Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. However, the island is also worth visiting for its beautiful coastline, surf waves, beautiful beaches, and natural parks. The main town is Cowes, on the inner bay, a lively and pleasant town. Other smaller towns worth seeing are San Remo, on the mainland just before the bridge, Newhaven, Rhyll, and Ventnor. In addition to the famous penguins, you can also observe a large colony of seals and numerous koalas on the island. Every year at the end of October, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place on Phillip Island. The best riders in the world compete in the Phillip Island MotoGP, on motorcycles up to 1000cc in displacement and with top speeds of 320 km/h. You can take boat trips to observe seals and dolphins. Don't miss the visit to the Otama submarine and the visit to French Island, the largest island in the state of Victoria.

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city after Sydney – of which is the long-standing rival. Unlike its old nemesis, Melbourne cannot boast a stunning location; however its subtle charm and vibrant cultural scene makes it a pleasant place to be. The city is also a foodie heaven, thanks to its multi-ethnic population. Modern high-rises and historic Victorian buildings, gardens, parks and garden and tree-lined avenues add to the elegance and charm of the city.

Departure along the Princes Freeway towards Geelong. After Torquay, stop at Bells Beach to admire the surfers. Visit the Otway National Park and the lookout point before driving along the most scenic stretch of the Great Ocean Road, with the famous 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Arrival in Port Campbell, in the heart of the Great Ocean Road, and overnight stay. (Approximately 290 km / 4 hours). The Great Ocean Road: It starts from the charming coastal town of Apollo Bay and continues along the Otway National Park, a lush rainforest where you can walk surrounded by greenery, waterfalls, ancient trees, and magnificent giant palms. The next stop can be along the infamous "shipwreck coast", followed by the mythical "Twelve Apostles", once less nobly called "The Sow and Piglets". Descend into the cave where the only two survivors of the most dramatic shipwreck along the coast of Victoria, the Loch Ard shipwreck in the late 1800s, took shelter. Continue on to the remains of the London Bridge and the Grotto. Along this route, which will take you along the Great Ocean Road to Mount Gambier, you can encounter the most coveted beaches for surfers, the Otway National Park inland, and other seaside attractions in this area. Stop off at Port Campbell during your Great Ocean Road journey and admire the spectacular coastal scenery, including Port Campbell National Park and the mighty 12 Apostles. A colourful and lively seaside village, Port Campbell is home to restaurants and cafes with views of the beach, bakeries selling homemade goodies, and plenty of vibrant shops and galleries to explore. Sheltered by cliffs and Norfolk pines, the town has the atmosphere of a safe haven on the edge of wild nature. Finish the day with a walk out to the Port Campbell Jetty and watch the waves crashing against the limestone cliffs. You are here to look at the towering 12 Apostles, the dramatic limestone stacks that have made the region famous. But be sure to leave time to check out some of the other coastal features in the area. Discover the eerie beach at Loch Ard Gorge, walk down the 70-metre cliff face via the Gibson Steps, and look out over the serene Bay of Islands. And bring your camera to capture the unique rock formations at London Bridge, The Arch and The Grotto. Two Mile Bay is revered by surfers as one of the best big-wave breaks in Australia. Make your way north of the coast on the Kanawinka Geotrail and explore the lush green farmland peppered with volcanic lakes and craters. Sip, sample and savour the region's bounty along the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail. Take an afternoon cruise and pick up a basketful of regional cheeses, wines, chocolates, ice-cream and fresh berries. Round out the tour with a sip of whiskey or sweet liqueur from Timboon's finest.

Halls Gap è una piccola città all'interno del Parco Nazionale Grampians, un'area naturale protetta che copre oltre 167.000 ettari di terreno e che offre una spettacolare bellezza naturale. Tra le principali attrazioni di Halls Gap ci sono le escursioni a piedi e in bicicletta attraverso il parco nazionale, l'osservazione della fauna selvatica, tra cui wallaby, canguri, echidna e numerose specie di uccelli, e la visita alle numerose attrazioni naturali, come le famose formazioni rocciose dei Balconies e il Mackenzie Falls. Molto vivace, ospita numerose manifestazioni e festival durante tutto l'anno, tra cui il Grampians Grape Escape, un festival del vino e del cibo che si svolge ogni maggio.