Itinerary
- Day 1
Sydney
Pick up your rental car in Sydney and spend the day at your own pace. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are right there if you want those iconic shots, or you could head to the beaches instead. There are also plenty of trendy spots tucked into the historic alleyways if you get hungry.
Optional Activities
- Visit Sydney Opera House
- Walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Explore Sydney beaches
- Dine at trendy restaurants in historic alleyways
Landmarks/POIs Sydney Opera House Sydney Harbour Bridge - Day 2
Sydney to Canberra
Drive south toward Canberra on the Hume Highway, passing Lake George along the way. Once you arrive, you'll have time to check out Australia's purpose-built capital before settling in for the night.
Included Activities
- Drive through Lake George area
Optional Activities
- Explore Canberra's attractions and landmarks
Landmarks/POIs Lake George - Day 3
Canberra to Merimbula or Eden
Head down toward Merimbula, but take a detour to Batemans Bay first. Stop at Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park where you can spot kangaroos, then continue on to the coast.
Optional Activities
- Visit Pebbly Beach to see kangaroos in Murramarang National Park
Landmarks/POIs Pebbly Beach Murramarang National Park - Day 4
Merimbula/Eden to Lakes Entrance or Paynesville
Drive through thick forest along the Princes Highway and reach Lakes Entrance. The Gippsland region has scenic lakes and beaches, and this coastal town is a nice spot to explore and rest up.
Optional Activities
- Explore lakes and beaches in the Gippsland region
- Visit Lakes Entrance
Landmarks/POIs Lakes Entrance Gippsland Lakes - Day 5
Lakes Entrance or Paynesville
This is a more relaxed day in town. You can try surfing at 90-Mile Beach if that appeals to you, or go kayaking instead. Boat tours are another option, and the local restaurants serve fresh seafood if you're hungry.
Optional Activities
- Surfing at 90-Mile Beach
- Kayaking
- Boat tours
- Dine at seafood restaurants
Landmarks/POIs 90-Mile Beach - Day 6
Lakes Entrance/Paynesville to Yanakie
Leave the Gippsland lakes and drive to Yanakie. Wilsons Promontory National Park sits about 50 km away and has some great natural landscapes and outdoor activities waiting for you.
Optional Activities
- Explore Wilsons Promontory National Park
Landmarks/POIs Wilsons Promontory National Park - Day 7
Yanakie
Spend your time in Wilsons Promontory National Park exploring the hiking trails and checking out the beaches. You might see wombats around, and the dramatic mountains and forests create a nice backdrop for the day.
Optional Activities
- Hiking in Wilsons Promontory National Park
- Wildlife spotting (wombats, kangaroos, other fauna)
- Explore beaches and mountain scenery
Landmarks/POIs Wilsons Promontory National Park - Day 8
Yanakie to Phillip Island
It's a short drive to Phillip Island. The main event here is the evening Penguin Parade at dusk, when the little penguins come back to shore. That's definitely worth sticking around for.
Optional Activities
- Penguin Parade (evening viewing of little penguins)
Landmarks/POIs Phillip Island - Day 9
Phillip Island to Melbourne
Drive to Melbourne from Phillip Island and get settled into your accommodation. The city has a lot going on culturally, so you'll find plenty to explore once you're ready.
Landmarks/POIs Melbourne - Day 10
Melbourne
Walk around Melbourne's gardens and parks. Federation Square is worth seeing as the cultural heart of the city, and if wine interests you, the Yarra Valley wine region is close by for a day trip.
Optional Activities
- Visit gardens and parks in and around Melbourne
- Wine tasting in Yarra Valley
- Explore Federation Square and cultural venues
Landmarks/POIs Federation Square Yarra Valley - Day 11
Melbourne to Port Campbell or Warrnambool
Drive the Great Ocean Road with its dramatic cliffs. The 12 Apostles rock formations are the main draw in Port Campbell National Park. You'll also pass through rainforest in the Otway Ranges, can spot kangaroos at Anglesea golf course, and drive through Geelong before reaching the coast.
Included Activities
- View the 12 Apostles at Port Campbell National Park
Optional Activities
- Walk through rainforest in the Otway Ranges
- Spot kangaroos at Anglesea golf course
Landmarks/POIs Great Ocean Road Port Campbell National Park 12 Apostles Otway Ranges - Day 12
Port Campbell/Warrnambool to Grampians
Head to the Grampians, stopping at Tower Hill to learn about Aboriginal culture and see kangaroos, koalas, and emus. The Grampians region has good hiking trails, and if you're going in Australian spring, wildflowers should be blooming.
Optional Activities
- Short tour at Tower Hill to learn about Aboriginal culture and wildlife
Landmarks/POIs Tower Hill Grampians National Park - Day 13
Grampians
Spend the day on your own in Grampians National Park. Hike to MacKenzie Falls for the views, and you'll see plenty of kangaroos and other wildlife while you're out exploring.
Optional Activities
- Hike to MacKenzie Falls
- Visit scenic vantage points in Grampians National Park
- Wildlife spotting (kangaroos and other Australian fauna)
Landmarks/POIs MacKenzie Falls Grampians National Park - Day 14
Grampians to Robe
Drive north to see Blue Lake near Mount Gambier, which is known for changing color twice a year. From there, continue to Robe, a charming coastal town in South Australia.
Optional Activities
- View Blue Lake near Mount Gambier
Landmarks/POIs Blue Lake Mount Gambier - Day 15
Robe to Kangaroo Island
Travel from Robe to Victor Harbour and then to Cape Jervis. Take the vehicle ferry across to Kangaroo Island, which takes about 45 minutes, and get settled in Penneshaw for the night.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island
Landmarks/POIs Kangaroo Island - Days 16 - 17
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island has some beautiful coastline and lots of wildlife to see. Head to Seal Bay where you can tour the seal colony on the beach or walk along an 800 m footbridge. The Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park are great for photos, and there are wineries spread across the plains if you want to stop by.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Seal Bay seal colony on the beach or along footbridge
Optional Activities
- Visit Remarkable Rocks rock formation
- Explore Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park
- Wine tasting at local wineries
Landmarks/POIs Seal Bay Remarkable Rocks Admirals Arch Flinders Chase National Park - Day 18
Kangaroo Island to Adelaide
Take the ferry back to Cape Jervis and drive on to Adelaide. Get your accommodation sorted for your last night on the road.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing from Kangaroo Island
Landmarks/POIs Adelaide - Day 19
Adelaide
This is your final day. Return the rental car or stick around if you want to extend your trip. Walk through the Central Market, check out the galleries and museums on North Terrace, or relax in the Botanic Gardens.
Optional Activities
- Visit Central Market - trendy food and cultural center
- Explore North Terrace cultural mile with galleries and museums
- Visit Botanic Gardens with rose gardens, green lawns, and tropical houses
Landmarks/POIs Central Market North Terrace Botanic Gardens
