Aerial view of Wineglass Bay and the surrounding mountains covered with trees at Freycinet National Park, Tasmania © Lauren Bath

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania © Lauren Bath

12 days of fine dining, wilderness and luxury

Unleash your inner epicurean on this southern Australian escape, where majestic mountain ranges meet luxury lodges and some of the finest restaurants this side of the Southern Hemisphere.

Trip Overview

12 days

Car, plane, walk

2,121km (1,317mi)

The must-do experiences

Marvel at the coastal scenery along the iconic Great Ocean Road
Walk among a seal colony on Kangaroo Island
Take a seaplane to a private beach picnic in Tasmania

Day 1: Melbourne

Melbourne’s city centre is brimming with cutting-edge restaurants, trendy cafés and boutique hotels. Explore the city on foot and let the indulgence begin.

Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Where to stay in Melbourne

Whether you are looking for a buzzing city hotel or a discrete neighbourhood hideaway, Melbourne’s best hotels have you covered.

Read time • 5min

Day 2: Melbourne to Birregurra

3hrs 188km (117mi)

Today, your journey along one of Australia’s most scenic drives begins. The Great Ocean Road winds west, fringing jagged limestone cliffs, golden beaches and the rainforest wonders of the Great Otway National Park.

Secret stops along the Great Ocean Road

Step off the beaten track and unearth the lesser-known gems of the Great Ocean Road.

Read time • 5min

Day 3: Birregurra to Dunkeld

4.5hrs 323km (201mi)

Continue west for a day of natural attractions, legendary restaurants and wondrous wildlife. Your final destination today is the Grampians National Park, a craggy landscape that’s said to be over 400 million years old.

Day 4: Dunkeld to Adelaide

5.5hrs 510km (317mi)

Continue touring the Grampians National Park this morning, exploring Aboriginal rock art, scenic hikes and unforgettable lookouts. Then pack up the car and hit the road to Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia.

Pool Deck of Crowne Plaza, Adelaide, SA © Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Where to stay in Adelaide

From luxury suites with every amenity to affordable art-filled hotels and beachside family apartments, Adelaide has accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

Read time • 5min

Day 5: Adelaide

Choose between the many splendours of Adelaide’s surroundings today. You can visit a wine region, embark on a marine encounter or hike through beautiful bushland.

Day 6: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

1hrs 124km (77mi)

Catch an early flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, known as ‘KI’ to locals, to give yourself plenty of time to absorb the island. Cue wildlife experiences, eye-popping natural landscapes and a sensational food and drink scene.

Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. © South Australian Tourism Commission

Guide to Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's paradise, with prolific native wildlife, dramatic coastal sightseeing and bountiful farmlands.

Read time • 4min

Day 7: Kangaroo Island to Hobart

3hrs 1,288km (800mi)

Fly to Adelaide and then onwards to Hobart, Tasmania's capital city, where marvellous museums and gastronomic gems await.

Where to stay in Hobart

Stay on top of the water or hover over the city. Or get views of both. Hobart's top hotels provide reasons on their own to visit Tasmania's capital city.

Read time • 4min

Day 8: Hobart

Today, indulge in some truly special culinary experiences. Enjoy fresh Aussie produce the way the locals do – out in nature.

Day 9: Hobart to Coles Bay

2.5hrs 193km (120mi)

Wander Hobart's waterfront and artsy Salamanca Place before driving to Tasmania's stunning east coast.

Day 10: Coles Bay

Today is all about the awe-inspiring Freycinet National Park and the unforgettable experiences it offers. Beekeeping, hiking, oyster shucking and endless views are all at your fingertips.

Day 11: Coles Bay toward Launceston

2.5hrs 183km (114mi)

Your endpoint on this trip is the town of Launceston, but first, you'll spend another day on the stunning Tasmanian east coast. Continue north along the coast to St Helens and Binalong Bay, home to the dazzling Bay of Fires.

Day 12: Launceston

Enjoy your last day in Launceston. From here, fly direct to Melbourne, Sydney or Hobart, or spend a few more days exploring the Tamar Valley Wine Route in greater depth.

Where to eat and drink in Launceston

In Launceston, local produce, world-class wines and waterfront restaurants await.

Read time • 3min

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hire a car for this Australia itinerary?

Hiring a car offers you flexibility for certain parts of this trip, but it’s not essential. Here's how to travel each section of this itinerary:

Melbourne to Adelaide: A car is useful for the Great Ocean Road section from Melbourne, where self-driving allows you to explore coastal scenery, beaches and rainforest areas at your own pace.
Adelaide to Kangaroo Island: Take a domestic flight from Adelaide (ADL) to Kangaroo Island (KGC), or board the vehicle and passenger ferry.
Kangaroo Island to Hobart: Fly via Adelaide (ADL) to Hobart Airport (HBA).
Hobart to Freycinet National Park: A hire car is the easiest way to get from Hobart to Freycinet.
Freycinet to Launceston: Continue via hire car from Freycinet to Launceston.

If you prefer not to drive at all, there are plenty of alternatives. Guided tours, private transfers and scenic flights can easily replace self-drive sections, including along the Great Ocean Road, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without driving. Cities like Melbourne and Adelaide can also be explored on foot, using public transport, or through organised tours.

What should I pack for this Australian itinerary?

Packing for this journey across Australia should reflect its mix of luxury dining, city stays, coastal drives and wilderness experiences. Here's what to bring:

Smart-casual outfits for restaurants in Melbourne and winery visits.
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring laneways, national parks and coastal trails.
Clothing layers are essential, as conditions can vary between cities, coastal regions and the cooler wilderness areas of Tasmania.
A light jacket or warmer layer is especially useful for evenings and outdoor experiences.
Sun protection for time spent outdoors, including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

What kind of accommodation is available on this itinerary?

You’ll find a mix of boutique hotels, luxury coastal stays and wilderness lodges throughout this journey across Australia.

In cities like Melbourne, you can expect stylish hotels and boutique properties with easy access to dining and cultural attractions.
Along the coast and scenic drives such as the Great Ocean Road, accommodation often includes luxury seaside retreats and beautifully located stays close to nature.
In more remote or nature-focused regions like Tasmania, you’ll find standout wilderness lodges and eco-stays designed to immerse you in the landscape while still offering comfort and quality.

12 days of fine dining, wilderness and luxury

Trip Overview

The must-do experiences

Day 1: Melbourne

Day 2: Melbourne to Birregurra

Day 3: Birregurra to Dunkeld

Day 4: Dunkeld to Adelaide

Day 5: Adelaide

Day 6: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Day 7: Kangaroo Island to Hobart

Day 8: Hobart

Day 9: Hobart to Coles Bay

Day 10: Coles Bay

Day 11: Coles Bay toward Launceston

Day 12: Launceston

Frequently Asked Questions

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