The Great Australia Roadtrip! Starting your Australian journey in multicultural Melbourne, enjoy a few days in this marvelous city before setting out on the open road for a multi-day self-drive along the country's breathtaking southeast coastline. Drive the Great Ocean Road past the iconic surf spots of Torquay and Bells Beach, then onto the magnificent Twelve Apostles. Walk through waterfalls and lush forest in Otway National Park and watch whales from historic Warrnambool. Soak up seafaring history in Port Fairy and Portland, near the towering sea cliffs of Cape Bridgewater. See the fossils of giant marsupials in World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves and enjoy a night in the quaint and charming seaside town of Robe. Cruise the Coorong and perhaps explore the inviting beaches and wineries of the Fleurieu Peninsula on your way to Kangaroo Island. Spend two days on Kangaroo Island, Australia's zoo without fences, and come face to face with wildlife such as kangaroos, koala, wallabies, sea lions and over 250 species of birds in their native habitat. After two full days of exploration on Kangaroo Island, decompress in Adelaide before flying to the Gold Coast, famous for its surf beaches and towering skyline; Experience over 3 days a diverse mix of Australia’s best beaches and world heritage listed rainforest.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip International Economy class flights from Los Angeles (addons available from your local city)
- 3 nights Melbourne at the 5* Crown Metropol
- Full Size Car - pick up downtown Melbourne, return Adelaide airport
- 1 night 3.5* Beacon Point Ocean View Villas, Apollo Bay
- 1 night 3* Merrijig Inn, Port Fairy
- 1 night 4* Robe House B&B, Robe
- Kangaroo Island Car and Passenger Sealink ferry transfers
- 2 nights 4* Kangaroo Island Seafront
- 1 night 4.5* Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, Adelaide
- 3 nights Gold Coast at 4.5* QT Gold Coast
- All Airport & hotel taxes
- Optional recommended touring & transfers special value package additional $415 per person additional includes: Half Day Melbourne Walking Tour, Full Day Mornington Peninsula Tour, Full Lamington National park tour, private arrival airport transfer in Melbourne & private car service airport transfers Gold Coast airport to hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart US
Ask about our options with Premium Economy and Business class
airfare..
Day 2 - Cross International Dateline
Day 3 -
Arrive Melbourne
Enjoy 3 nights in exciting Melbourne – named the
world’s most livable city for the sixth consecutive year.
ACCOMMODATION - Crown Metropol offers fresh, vibrant, modern and stylish accommodation. From the moment you take in the hotel's elegant form and enter the uniquely designed reception area, you will feel a sense of peace and calm that makes every visit to Crown Metropol a welcome escape from day-to-day life. Crown Metropol is conveniently located adjacent to the Crown Entertainment Complex, home to a 24 hour casino, more than 50 restaurants, cinemas, luxury and general fashion shopping and entertainment.
Wander through Melbourne’s labyrinth of connecting laneways and arcades, intimate spaces and mystery, as well as home to many of Melbourne’s bar, dining and shopping secrets. Melbourne also has a strong cultural and intellectual heritage. With a range of galleries and museums, the city provides a canvas for artistic expression – the laneways are home to constantly changing street art. Melburnians love a party, with the year-round calendar of events offering something for everyone, see live music, go to a football match or join in at a festival! Melbourne’s multicultural population contributes to the city’s unique atmosphere – and more importantly, the city’s incredible dining scene. With a vibrant energy and unique offerings, Melbourne’s lifestyle is sure to find something for all visitors to enjoy.
Day 4 -
Optional Tour: Melbourne guided walking tour
With equal enthusiasm for the past and present, your guide will
take you on a fun and relaxed adventure through Melbourne's
cultural landscape. Starting with Melbourne's Aboriginal history
you will weave your way through various cityscapes to learn about
Melbourne's past - from early settlement to the gold rush boom and
rich influence of the city's immigrants. Modern Melbourne is a
vibrant, buzzing metropolis unparalleled by any city in Australia.
Explore the city's famed laneways and arcades - learning about
street art, music and cafe culture. The architecture of 'Marvellous
Melbourne' is also a highlight as well as modern marvels including
Federation Square, the MCG and the Eureka building.
Day 5 -
Optional Tour: The Mornington Peninsula day
tour
Just one hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is the
playground of the rich and famous. Come and discover why the
Mornington Peninsula is Melbourne's most treasured destination.
You'll find the famous bathing boxes, glorious beaches, national
parks, cellar doors, regional produce, grand gardens and adventure
activities. Travel to the tip of the Peninsula to visit the seaside
town of Portsea, with its famous coloured bathing boxes, stunning
cliff top walks, and beautiful lookouts such as London Bridge.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local farmgate and enjoy some wine
tasting. Then visit Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, where you can try
your hand at picking strawberries (Nov to Mar/subject to strawberry
availability) or visit another Mornington Peninsula prestigious
winery (Apr to Oct). Enjoy a birds eye view over Mornington
Peninsula on Arthurs Seat Eagle and and fly over the state
forest.
Day 6 -
Melbourne - Apollo Bay
Collect your car this morning and travel south west from Melbourne
on the Princes Highway to Geelong, the largest provincial city in
Victoria. Depart Geelong and travel onto Torquay, the surfing
capital of Australia. Follow the coast road through Anglesea to
Lorne and visit the nearby Erskine Falls. The coastline from Lorne
to Apollo Bay has been described as one of the most beautiful and
breathtaking drives in the world.
GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL
PARK
An ancient, pristine place where waterfalls thunder, goliath trees
reach for the sun and wildlife thrives in the cool temperate
rainforest. Such is the Great Otway National Park. Over 103,000
hectares of natural environment spanning the coast and hinterland
from Torquay to Princetown. Awesome forests. Spectacular coastline.
It’s a natural adventure space that will keep you wondering
at every turn. Walk it, bike it or drive it … just make sure
you do it.
ACCOMMODATION - Overnight at Apollo Bay at the Beacon Point Ocean View Villas - Relax at Beacon Point Ocean View Villas in your secluded and self-contained one or two bedroom Villa. Enjoy the truly spectacular views of the Ocean and the beautiful surrounding countryside of the Otway Ranges.
Day 7 - Apollo Bay -
Port Campbell - Port Fairy
Depart
Apollo Bay this morning and travel along the fabulous Great Ocean
Road to Port Campbell. The road does leave the coast and wind
through the ferny slopes of Cape Otway, this rainforest country is
silent and untouched. When the road meets the coast again you will
see some amazing rock formations including the Twelve Apostles,
which are huge stone pillars in the surf, carved over time by the
crashing Southern Ocean waves. Continue on to Port Campbell where
you will see London Bridge the broken arch.
TWELVE
APOSTLES
These world-famous wavesculpted rock formations stand defiant
against the surging waves of the Southern Ocean and are located in
the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park. For a fresh perspective,
descend Gibson Steps to the beach and see how the Twelve Apostles
stack up at ground level. What could possibly beat standing on a
cliff-top viewing deck soaking up the beauty of the Twelve
Apostles? A breathtaking helicopter flight to view the entire coast
from above. Imagine soaring over the Twelve Apostles and the Bay of
Islands.
PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL
PARK
The park hugs the wild coastline for 27km between Princetown and
Peterborough. Just 4km narrow at its widest, the park attracts
literally millions of visitors each year and envelopes one of
Australia’s most iconic stretches of shoreline. Dramatic
wave-sculpted landforms such as the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge
and Loch Ard Gorge are the superstars of the park. But
there’s an amazing support cast off the beaten track.
ACCOMMODATION - Continue on to Port Fairy for your overnight stay at the Merrijig Inn - The oldest Inn in Victoria, located in the heart of the historic village, opposite the wharf area and the beautiful Moyne River. The Merrijig Inn offers traditional bed and breakfast style accommodation with a very big serving of homely comforts. Alternatively upgrade to the 4* Oscars Waterfront Boutique B&B for a supplement of $45pp.
Day 8 -
Port Fairy - Robe
Follow the coastline to Mount Gambier, home of the mysterious blue
lake and on to Penola to explore this charming, historic town. Walk
along Petticoat Lane and learn about Mary MacKillop,
Australia’s first saint. Just north of Penola is the famous
Coonawarra wine region. Sample some of Australia’s best reds
at one of the many cellar doors. Travel to Robe via Naracoorte to
explore the labyrinth of caverns and amazing fossil beds that make
up the Naracoorte World Heritage-listed fossil site. Enjoy a
heritage walk through the pretty seaside village of Robe or stroll
along stunning 17 Mile Beach. Overnight at Robe.
ACCOMMODATION - Overnight Robe at Robe House B&B- Built in 1847, this charming building was the first to be built in Robe. Built from locally quarried sandstone and featuring high vaulted ceilings and rustic floorboards, Robe House is now 5 fully self contained bed and breakfast apartments.
Day 9 -
Robe - Kangaroo Island
Continue along the coast road which skirts the Coorong, a 142km
tapestry of lagoons, wetlands and sand dunes that ends at the mouth
of the Murray River. Once you cross the river at Wellington,
you’re on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Catch the car/passenger
ferry across to Kangaroo island.
Spend the afternoon exploring by car the east side of the island. Join a tour of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, taste the wineries of the Dudley Peninsula, visit American River and the town of Kingscote (don’t miss the pelican feeding), the little penguin colonies and any of the nearby beaches. Overnight at the Kangaroo Island Seafront.
ACCOMMODATION - Kangaroo Island Seafront is located on the Esplanade just 500 meters from the Ferry terminal, the perfect base to explore Australia's wildlife in its natural environment.
Day 10
- Kangaroo Island
Head west to the wild side of the island. Highlights include Seal
Bay Conservation Park, where you can join a ranger to walk among
endangered Australian sea lions; Flinders Chase National Park,
Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch and Little Sahara. Enjoy
beaches galore – and remember to stop and try the
island’s amazing local produce. Overnight at the Kangaroo
Island Seafront.
Day 11
- Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
This morning catch the car/passenger ferry across from Kangaroo
island to Cape Jervis and complete the self drive to Adelaide.
South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, is a vibrant hub buzzing with life, boasting great food and wine at more than 700 restaurants cafes and pubs, great retail therapy in Rundle Mall and the “cultural boulevard” of North Terrace. It is home to some of Australia’s best museums and the South Australian Art Gallery. Everything is so close in Adelaide, with the beach just 20 minutes by tram from the city center, and many of the state’s regions within two hours drive away. Enjoy a day at leisure and take in everything that Adelaide has to offer.
ACCOMMODATION - Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. It is a 5-minute walk from Rundle Mall and 10 minutes from the Art Gallery, Adelaide University and Museum. Adelaide Convention Centre, National Wine Museum and Adelaide Zoo are 20 minutes away.
Day 12
- Adelaide - Gold Coast
Depart Adelaide on your flight to the Gold Coast. Enjoy 3 nights
where the Aussie's vacation - Famous for its towering skyline, the
Gold Coast offers coastal, cosmopolitan, rainforest, rural and
man-made attractions that make for an amazingly diverse
experience.
ACCOMMODATION - Setting a new standard of Gold Coast accommodation, the hotel boasts a vibrant beachside location, fun and quirky design and unique food and drink experiences. Your QT experience is complete with a bold new bar Stingray Lounge and an internationally inspired, marketplace style kitchen Bazaar. Ideally situated within easy walking distance of the shopping, restaurants and nightlife of Surfers Paradise and only minute's driving to world-class golf courses, theme parks, nature and wildlife reserves, you can also choose to chill out in our revamped pool area, energise on one of two newly resurfaced tennis courts or simply relax and soak up the relaxed glamour and style of the Gold Coast.
Day 13 - Optional Tour: Gold Coast Hinterland
- Mt Tamborine & Lamington National Park day
tour
Leave the Surfers Paradise skyline in your wake as you venture
towards the Gold Coast Hinterland and Tamborine Mountain. But
rather than follow the conventional roads, your tour takes the more
adventurous route – a private mountainside trail comfortably
traversed in our luxury Mercedes 4WD vehicle. Enjoy a fully-guided
rainforest bushwalk through Tamborine National Park. Your guide
will explain your subtropical surrounds, pointing out significant
trees, wildlife and historical features as you descend towards
picturesque Curtis Falls
One of Australia’s most scenic and unforgettable drives lies ahead as you climb from the valley floor to the summit of World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, part of the largest continuous, preserved stand of subtropical rainforest anywhere on earth. You’ll traverse the iconic Treetop Walk, Australia’s first canopy-level boardwalk, climb the observation tower some 25m above the forest floor for remarkable bird’s-eye views if you wish, and even feed the colourful wild parrots at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Farewelling this enchanting area, you’ll soak in 300-degree views from the Gold Coast north to Brisbane, and westward towards the Great Divide at Kamarun Lookout, before descending through eucalypt-filled valleys back to the coast
Day 14 - Gold Coast at
leisure
Explore the Gold Coast, spend time on Australia's best beaches,
visit a theme park or consider adding another day tour -
(additional cost applies):
- Australia Zoo
Take the scenic trip to the Sunshine Coast and visit world-famous Australia Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. Australia Zoo is a must see holiday highlight for Australians and international visitors alike with more than 1200 animals from around the globe, daily wildlife shows and busiest wildlife hospital in the world where you can see vets saving native Australian animals. - Great Barrier Reef Day tour to Lady Elliot
Island
Your tour starts after check-in with a scenic coastal flight out to Lady Elliot Island, a true coral cay on the southern Great Barrier Reef, overflying Fraser Island on the way. Once your flight has landed on the island there is an opportunity to take a guided reef tour on one of the glass bottom boats, snorkel amongst the amazing coral formations and marine creatures, hand feed fish in the lagoon or take a guided reef walk with one of the knowledgeable guides. A chance to come face to face with turtles, colorful coral and schools of reef fish await you. The coral gardens surrounding the island are also a breeding and feeding area for the giant "kites of the reef" - manta rays. After a busy morning learning about the island and its wildlife by trained guides, enjoy a buffet lunch at the resort. You will have approximately 5 hours to explore the island and your tour will conclude after a scenic flight back to the Gold Coast.
Day 15
- Depart the Gold Coast
This morning depart the Gold Coast and board for your flight back
to Los Angeles or next destination within Australia.
request a quote or virtual appointment
Costing Per Person
Starting from | $2,699 |
Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)
Single Supplement: From $1,500
Additional Charges
ETA to enter Australia $25 per person. Before committing to your trip please ensure you hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date you plan to return to the USA.
Read More about Australian ETA
Additional departure gateways & pricing
Add on airfares (coach) available from most major airports - Add $200 from San Francisco, Add $250 from Dallas, Seattle, add $300 from New York, Denver, Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, add $400 from Boston, Miami, Add $450 from Washington DC, Atlanta - ask an Aspire consultant for a quote from your local airport.
Optional Activities, Extensions or Add-Ons & pricing
- Upgrade to premium economy from $700 per person each way*
- Upgrade to business class from $2,000 per person each way* Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket
* Starting from pricing based on Monday through Thursday departures - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee for travel Friday through Sunday
Consider adding one of these Australian experiences to your package


Sydney from $849 per person
- Internal Australia flight to/from Sydney
- 4 nights accommodation at the 5* Amora Jamison Hotel Sydney
- Half day small group city sights of Sydney
- Sydney Harbour morning tea cruise
- Sydney Opera House tour
- Full day small group tour to the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains


Uluru (Ayers Rock) add on package from $979 per person
- Flights from Sydney or Melbourne round trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Complimentary resort transfers
- 2 nights accommodation Ayers Rock at the 4* Desert Gardens Hotel
- Field of Light Star Pass - discuss additional Field of Light touring options with an Aspire expert
- Uluru Morning highlights Sunrise small group tour


Port Douglas add on package from $799 per person
- Internal flights from Sydney – Cairns round trip
- 4 nights Port Douglas at the 4.5* Shantara Resort & Spa in a Studio room
- Full Day Silversonic Outer Barrier Reef tour including lunch
- Half Day Mossman Gorge & Aboriginal Dreamtime Walking tour
- Shuttle transfers Cairns to Port Douglas round trip
Terms & Conditions:
Package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) for travel Monday - Thursday. $60 air supplement applies each way for travel on Friday - Sundays. $40 per person supplement applies for a Saturday night at the Crown Metropol Hotel Melbourne. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Certain blackout dates may apply on the accommodation and tour value add offers - check with your Aspire consultant. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect a discount for purchases made by cash/wire transfer/check, please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.