Adelaide to Melbourne touring route brochure - South Australia

Coast & Kangaroo Island
THE JOURNEY
The Princes Freeway leading out of Melbourne is the
start of a magical journey through some of the most
magnificent coastal landscapes in the world.
At Geelong, the road becomes the aptly named
Surf Coast Highway as it heads to the seaside
resort of Torquay. From there it becomes the
Great Ocean Road, one of the journeys of a
lifetime in its own right and also the world’s
biggest war memorial.
The road was carved out of the seaside cliffs
by soldiers returned from World War I in honour
of their fallen comrades. A bronze statue at
Eastern View called ‘The Diggers’ honours both
those killed in the war and also the road’s
builders. A special platform has been built to
allow visitors to have their photo taken safely
alongside the sculpture and also under the
Great Ocean Road Arch.
After Apollo Bay, the road takes a gentle detour
away from the coast and through the Great
Otway National Park. Two more short detours
are highly recommended must do experiences –
walking among the tops of some of Australia’s
tallest trees at the Otway Fly Treetop Walk or
taking in the 360 degree view from the Cape
Otway Lightstation.
Driving on, the Port Campbell National Park,
home of the Twelve Apostles, comes into view.
A great way to see the Twelve Apostles is from
the beach at the bottom of Gibson Steps,
named after one of the first European settlers in
the region.
Warrnambool, once a busy seaport, is now a
growing resort town built around Lady Bay and
the Merri and Hopkins River. Flagstaff Hill
Maritime Village and its Shipwrecked sound and
laser show that relives the sinking of the Loch
Ard, with the loss of 52 lives, is just one reason
to spend the night in Warrnambool.
Portland, the birthplace of Victoria, is an ideal
spot to spend a night or two. With its great
vantage point overlooking the bay and an array
of historic accommodation options.
Across the border, Port MacDonnell is a historic
port and also the southern most town in South
Australia. It is home to South Australia’s largest
lobster fishing fleet.
Like Port MacDonnell, Kingston is famous for its
lobsters. That’s why there is a Big Lobster
holding pride of place in the fishing port also
highly regarded as a peaceful holiday setting.
After passing through the wildlife haven of the
Coorong National Park, there’s the chance to
see even more wildlife on Australia’s third
largest island, Kangaroo Island.
Over a third of the island is preserved for wildlife.
Beaches, cliffs, shipwrecks, lighthouses and
marine parks are all features of the 540-
kilometre coastline.
Visitors can take their car on the ferry from Cape
Jervis to Penneshaw. The 45 minute trip allows
time to relax with a cup of coffee and keep an
eye out for dolphins and whales.
The island’s isolation has ensured an abundance
of wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, sea lions,
penguins, echidnas and native bird life. There
are walking trails throughout the island and
being so big, there’s plenty of space. Cars,
camper trailers and recreational items are all
available for hire on the island.
The last leg of the trip, from Kangaroo Island
into cosmopolitan Adelaide, is a comfortable
111 kilometres through the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Melbourne Adelaide Touring Route