South Australia

South Australia Holiday Planner & Guide 29 AD E L A I D E TO ME L BOURN E DR I V I NG ROU T E Five days on the Great Ocean Road One of the most popular self-drive itineraries links Victoria and South Australia along the Great Ocean Road. The lesser-known South Australian side is no less spectacular. This itinerary can obviously be done in reverse, depending on whether you choose to start or finish in South Australia. Alternatively, you can also join operators Great Ocean Road & Beyond for a hosted touring experience along this route. DAY 1 Drive south of Adelaide for 45 minutes to the McLaren Vale in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Try some delicious wines from this Mediterranean-climate wine region and enjoy lunch at Star of Greece overlooking the ocean. Head to Victor Harbor and take a Big Duck Boat Tour to see sea lions and dolphins or jump into the water and swim with super-fast blue fin tuna at Oceanic Victor. Grab a bite at Thunderbird or the Flying Fish Café, and overnight at the cute Beach Huts Middleton. DAY 2 From here you could consider extending this itinerary to include Kangaroo Island – the ferry departs from Cape Jervis an hour’s drive away. Otherwise, visit Goolwa and join a cruise with Spirit Australia Cruises and explore the Murray River mouth. Have a bite to eat on the riverfront and continue on to the coastal town of Robe. Explore its rugged coastline and wander the main street before dining at Sails for dinner. Overnight at Caledonian Cottages. DAY 3 Head inland to Naracoorte to see the World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves, limestone caverns home to 350,000-year-old fossils. In the afternoon visit the Coonawarra wine region – a visit to Wynns Coonawarra Estate is a must, as is a visit to the historic Coonawarra siding. Head to Penola, a charming town steeped in Catholic history. Have dinner at Pipers of Penola and overnight at Merlot Verdelho Residences. If you are keen for some of the best mayura steak in the world, head to Mayura Station (45 minute drive fromPenola) for dinner (bookings are essential, Thursday – Saturday). DAY 4 Drive half an hour to Mount Gambier and explore this town of craters, lakes and caves. Twelve kilometres south of Mount Gambier is Mount Schank, a dormant volcano with a 2km walk around the crater’s rim providing sensational views. Head to Kilsby Sinkhole for a snorkel or scuba dive in this geological freshwater marvel (and try their gin!). Back in Mount Gambier, visit the Blue Lake and the beautiful sunken garden at the Umpherston Sinkhole. Overnight at the Barn and enjoy a hearty dinner at the adjoining restaurant, the Steakhouse. DAY 5 It’s barely a half hour drive to the Victorian border from here, but before you leave South Australia, stop by the stunning freshwater Piccaninnie Ponds or Ewen Ponds and go for a dive. The spectacular water clarity reveals a beautiful underwater world. If you don’t want to get your feet wet, check out the walking trails instead. For a more detailed itinerary visit southaustralia.com/roadtrips