Itinerary: Sydney - Blue Mountains - capital Canberra - Snowy Mountains - farmstay - Melbourne - Great Ocean Road - Grampians - Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
Trip duration: 24 days / 23 nights
Travel fee: from €2,515, - p.p. with 2 persons
Includes: various excursions including cycling in Sydney and guided city tour in Melbourne
Travel mode: individual self-drive
Best travel time: October - April
Rental car: from €1280 per car type Compact
Flights: international optionally bookable from € 1218,- p.p.
✔ Complete round trip on the south coast
✔ Experience Australian farm life
✔ Go hiking in the Grampians and Snowy Mountains
✔ Drive the famous Great Ocean Road
✔ Visit the "Galapagos of Australia", Kangaroo Island
Day 1 - 2 Arrival and stay in Sydney
For many travellers, Sydney is the start of their adventure Down Under. This is not surprising as it is a wonderful place to acclimatise and get into the Australian "No Worries" mentality. Most flights arrive in the evening so you can head straight to bed after your long journey. From the airport, simply take a taxi to our artistic hotel in the lively Paddington district. The room you stay in is fully equipped with air conditioning, television, minibar and a bathroom shower. If you arrive during the day, you can grab a bite to eat or a drink in the Paddington district.
If your journey takes you beyond Sydney, there is a wealth of amazing destinations to explore in New South Wales. You might consider checking out Byron Bay Hotels at newsouthwaleshotels.net - it's a popular seaside town with a laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and a vibrant arts scene.
But of course, Australia is a vast and diverse country with so much more to offer. If you wish to explore other cities, you can refer to tophotels.com, a comprehensive resource for finding the top accommodations throughout Australia.
Day 3 - 4 Stay in Sydney
Today is when your trip really starts. After breakfast (exclusive) you'll naturally want to see the Opera House, which you'll walk to via Hyde Park. The building itself is impressive and it really makes you realise you're in Australia! On day four, you'll explore another part of Sydney. From Circular Quay, the harbour by the bridge, take the public ferry to Manly (every 30 minutes, included). Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Opera House, the bridge and the city skyline. In the laid-back suburb of Manly, we'll arrange a bike tour for you that will see you pedalling along the coastline with a guide and enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean, Manly beach and North Head with its cliff coastline. Perhaps with a bit of luck, depending on the time of year, you'll catch a glimpse of the endangered little penguins or wandering humpback whales. Enjoy the sunset when you're back on the ferry after the bike ride.
Day 5 Sydney to the Blue Mountains
Travel time: approximately 1.5 hours
Today your self-drive then really gets underway. This morning you will pick up your rental car at the city centre depot and after a brief explanation you will hit the road. It takes some getting used to driving on the left, so in the beginning we often saw the windscreen wiper swishing back and forth as we rounded the corner. Once you leave the busy city behind, you set course for an oasis of nature and tranquillity just under two hours outside the city, the Blue Mountains. Driving through Sydney's suburbs towards the 'blue mountains', you'll see the surroundings getting greener and hillier.
Day 6 Blue Mountains stay
The Blue Mountains are a wonderful place to hike and along the winding paths you'll go from viewpoint, to rainforest and see a green world as far as you can see. A highlight is Wentworth Falls, a beautiful waterfall that plunges down some 100 metres. There are several lookouts but if you like a good hike, you can hike down. Keep in mind that there are a lot of steps, though. In addition, a visit to Eco Point with the viewpoint of the 'icons' of the Blue Mountains, the rock formation 'Three Sisters', should definitely not be missed. With the Discovery Pass (included in your trip), you can also admire the Blue Mountains from the Sky-, Rail- and Cableway.
Day 7 Blue Mountains to Canberra
Travel time: about 3 hours 45 min
Today you'll drive through rolling hills and green forests towards Australia's official capital. Stop frequently along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy the views. Once you arrive in Canberra, check into the city hotel and the rest of the day is free. We think the War Memorial is worth a visit. Impressive to see all the names of Australians who died during the wars. But also the Parliament building, as shown here, and Lake Burley Griffin with its 150-metre-high spouting fountain are typical of Canberra. You can dine well in the evening in the city centre at one of the many restaurants
Day 8 Canberra to Snowy Mountains
Travel time: around 2 hours
In the morning, you have some more time to explore Canberra. Then get in the car and drive along the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. High mountains, vast plains; Australia has it all. Finally, you arrive in Jindabyne; your sleeping place for the next two nights. You will stay in a studio with a kitchenette where, if you want, you can cook your own meal. In the afternoon you can go for a nice walk in the area. Fun fact: the original village is submerged in Lake Jindabyne due to the construction of a dam in the Snowy River in 1967. At low water levels, the church tower of the old village can still be seen.
Day 9 Snowy Mountains stay
To get a good impression of Mount Kosciuszko National Park, at least a full day is definitely needed. The park is divided into seven areas, each with its own character. Let the Visitor Centre in Jinabyne inform you in advance about the different possibilities and, also very important, the weather conditions. After all, you are in the mountains.
A must is to drive north and experience the Yarrangobilly stalactite caves. Led by a guide (bookable locally), explore the stalagmites and stalactites that have taken all sorts of bizarre shapes over the years. Or visit the south of the park, the Lower Snowy River area, where you'll take walks varying in length and severity and be rewarded with scenic views. Moreover, you can do some good cycling or horse riding here. There is something for everyone
Day 10 Snowy Mountains to Bright
Travel time: approximately 4.5 hours
Today you drive west through the Snowy Mountains. No problem in summer, but in winter snow chains are actually compulsory on some roads in the park. At Scammell's Lookout you will be treated to stunning views of Australia's highest mountains. In the afternoon, you arrive in Bright, a charming village with a cosy centre on the edge of Ovens Valley. Imagine yourself in the middle of the 19th century. The honey-coloured buildings ooze history. Bright is best known for its famous outdoor festivals in autumn. The bright colours of the trees make you feel like you are in a living painting. Do you love mountain biking? Then stay an extra day and ride the famous Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
Day 11 Bright to Farmstay
Travel time: about 3.5 hours
You'll swap the old gold mining village today for an overnight stay on a local farm northwest of Melbourne. But not before having breakfast with a real Aussie Pie from Gum Tree Pies. Our mouths watered when we saw all the goodies here. With a well-filled stomach, get in the car for the next part of the route. Always wanted to sleep on an Australian farm? Then this is your chance. We work together with several farms in the area so it always remains to be seen where you will spend the night. All farms belong to local hobby farmers who let you be part of their daily life. This way, you can not only enjoy the surroundings but also help feed the animals, drive cattle and shear sheep, among other things. During this stay, breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 12 Farmstay to Melbourne
Travel time: approximately 1 hour 15 min
After waking up to the morning sounds of the farm and enjoying a delicious breakfast, it's time to leave. In just over an hour you will drive to Melbourne where you will drop off your car at the city office on arrival.
Melbourne is a vibrant city. A true melting pot of cultures, wide boulevards, Victorian architecture, skyscrapers and historic trams define the streetscape.
Day 13 Melbourne stay
At 10:00am, meet your local guide at Federation Square. An architectural competition was held in 1997 to design the square. This is reflected in the diverse, oddly shaped buildings. From the square, you head into town in a small group, through narrow, partly covered streets past the nicest shops and cafés. Along the way, the guide will give you an 'insider's' look at the city's history, architecture, multicultural influences and beautiful murals. The walk concludes with lunch (including a good glass of Australian wine) at an organic eatery.
In the afternoon, we recommend taking a tour around the city centre on the charming City Circle tram (no 35). The service is free, one passes every 10 minutes and you can hop on and off at several places.
Day 14 Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Travel time: around 3 hours
With all the Melbourne memories still fresh in your mind, get back in the car and drive to the cosy seaside town of Apollo Bay. Because it is not far from Melbourne, it is crowded with day visitors from the city during the summer months. Yet Apollo Bay has the feel of a small-scale fishing village. You'll have plenty of time to stop along the way. Along the coastal road, you will find several restaurants where you can go for a nice meal. A serving of Fish & Chips is bound to go down well. We liked to relax on Apollo Bay beach after a few days strolling around Melbourne. Stroll along the expansive coastline or settle down on one of the terraces. You will sleep in a mid-range motel within walking distance of the beach.
Day 15 Apollo Bay to Port Fairy via the Great Ocean Road
Travel time: about 3 hours but you'll be on the road all day
Jagged rocks alternate with deserted beaches. It's time for one of Australia's most impressive routes: the Great Ocean Road. Like yesterday, you don't have to cover a long distance, giving you plenty of time to make stops along the way. Just outside Apollo Bay lies Cape Otway National Park, the place during your car journey through South Australia to spot koalas. They are often well hidden, but try to look up regularly among the eucalyptus leaves. The highlight of the day is a stop at the Twelve Apostles. You won't be the only tourist trying to take photos here, but still, a photo shoot here is definitely worthwhile. Want to see the weird rock formations from a different point of view? Then hop in a helicopter and whiz over the rugged coastline. You sleep tonight in Port Fairy. In the centre of this small coastal town you'll find typical Aussie pubs where you can go for a drink.
Day 16 Port Fairy to the Grampians
Travel time: approximately 2 hours
This morning you steer north past sheep farms to the Grampians National Park, offshoot of the Great Diving Range mountain range. The park is a reserve for wildlife, flowers and Aboriginal art. Leave your car in the afternoon and trek through the area on foot. We drove to the Zumstein picnic spot where we started our hike to McKenzie Falls. In spring (September to November), this area is extra special as you are surrounded by a sea of coloured flowers. You sleep the next two nights in a cosy cabin by a field where you have a good chance of spotting kangaroos. After all, they love to bask in the sun here.
Day 17 The Grampians stay
You have plenty of time today to explore the area. Halls Gap is known for its many hiking opportunities. So put on hiking boots and time to stretch your legs a bit. Before you start trekking, we recommend stopping by the Brambuk Living Cultural Centre. The friendly Ozzies here can tell you a lot about the national park and the Aborigines in South Australia. Once you start hiking, there are tours at different levels through forests, past waterfalls and with mountain views. It's like being in the Alps. But the leaping kangaroos give you the realisation again; you are on the other side of the world!
We opted for a walk through the Wonderland Range. In 40 minutes, you walk to a cooling lake with rocks. The real diehards walk on to the Pinnacles Lookout. A total hike of about 5 hours (including the way back) where you climb and scramble to the top. Here, your effort is amply rewarded: you can look for kilometres across the green treetops of the Grampians.
Day 18 Grampians to Robe
Travel time: approximately 3.5 hours
To break up the distance to Victor Harbor, sleep a night en route in Robe, a cute fishing village on the coast. In the gold age, Robe's harbour was much used, today it is more convivial. The town has a nice historic character and you can relax on the long sandy beach.
Day 19 Robe to Victor Harbor
Travel time: approximately 4.5 hours
Today is a travel day on the programme. In just over four hours you will drive towards Victor Harbor. On the way, you'll pass Coorong National Park. It resembles the Wetlands to the north and you can also explore the park here by boat. You will especially feast your eyes on the different species of birds. Should you not feel like nature for a while, you can also stop at a winery. We liked the late afternoon walk from Victor Harbor across the water via a long narrow bridge to Granite Island. With some luck, you'll see mini penguins waddling out of the water during sunset, looking for their den.
Day 20 Victor Harbor to Kangaroo Island
Travel time: about 45 min to the ferry
You can take it easy this morning as it's only a short hour's drive to the harbour. After 45 minutes of waking up and venturing out on the ferry, you will arrive in Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island's harbour. No time to waste exploring this special island. Drive to the vast beach of Emu Bay for a refreshing swim. Stokes Bay is also definitely worth a visit. Make your way through the path between the rocks and end up on a beautiful beach! Try to be in Kingscote before late afternoon to see the feeding of the pelicans. You will stay in Kingscote for two nights.
Day 21 Kangaroo Island stay
Today is an hour's drive to one of the highlights on Kangaroo Island, namely Flinders Chase National Park. You can already see the impressive rock formations Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks formed by the forces of nature in the distance. Only when you stand next to them do you realise how impressive these rocks are. If you can't get enough of all the special animals on the island, visit Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where your eyes will have a good time. Search the Eucalyptus trees for fluffy balls and you've found a koala. On the way while driving back to Kingscote, make a stop at Seal Bay to see seals in great numbers, highly recommended!
Day 22 Kangaroo Island to Adelaide
Travel time: 1.5 hours from the ferry
In about 45 minutes, you'll drive back to the ferry at Penneshaw at your leisure. You still have plenty of time for a few stops on or near the route. For a great vantage point along the way, visit Prospect Hill, Kangaroo Island's highest point. Enjoy the sweeping views of the island and sea. Near Penneshaw, another visit to the Cape Willoughby lighthouse or the Penneshaw Penguin Centre is worthwhile. In the afternoon, take the ferry back to Cape Jervis and eventually arrive in Adelaide late afternoon.
Day 23 - 24 Return home from Adelaide
Depending on your flight, you may enjoy your last hours in Australia this morning. Have a sumptuous Australian breakfast on a sunny terrace before it's time to leave again. It's about half an hour to get to Adelaide airport. Then check in for your return flight to Amsterdam and you can look back on an unforgettable Australia round trip.
Haven't had enough of Down Under yet? Then combine this roundtrip with the vast red Outback, the tropical north and/or the versatile east coast. Tell us your plans and we will tailor-make your personal roundtrip.
Natural South Australia
Our sleeping places
Spending the night in a studio
Bed in your studio
Hotel in Sydney
Living room of your farmstay
