Holiday Overview
Discover the very best of south-east Australia on this unforgettable self-drive holiday from Sydney to Adelaide. Begin with time to explore Sydney and a scenic harbour lunch cruise before following the spectacular coastline through the pristine beaches of Jervis Bay, the seaside towns of Merimbula and Lakes Entrance, and the wildlife of Phillip Island. Experience Melbourne's famous laneways and cafés, drive the iconic Great Ocean Road, and continue into South Australia's renowned wine regions of Coonawarra and the Barossa Valley. Along the way, stay in hand-picked boutique accommodation, enjoy a full-day tour of Kangaroo Island's incredible wildlife and gourmet produce, and discover the charming Fleurieu Peninsula before finishing in vibrant Adelaide. Combining coastal scenery, world-class food and wine, unique wildlife encounters and relaxed luxury, this is Australia at it's best.
Sydney to Adelaide Self Drive Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island includes:
- Flights
- 19 Nights Accommodation
- Car Hire
- Day tours as listed
Day 1 - Sydney
Arrive in Australia's iconic harbour city and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the atmosphere around Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.
Featured accommodation
Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel
Enhance your experience
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Day 2 - Sydney
Discover Sydney from the water on a leisurely harbour lunch cruise, taking in world-famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Featured accommodation
Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel
Enhance your experience
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Unmissable Experiences
BridgeClimb Sydney
Day 3 - Sydney to Jervis Bay
Collect your hire car and begin your coastal adventure with a scenic drive to Jervis Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches and abundant wildlife.
Featured accommodation
Bay and Bush
Day 4 - Jervis Bay to Merimbula
Travel south through spectacular coastal scenery to the charming seaside town of Merimbula, where tranquil lakes, beaches and native bushland await.
Featured accommodation
Robyn's Nest
Day 5 - Merimbula to Lakes Entrance
Continue along Australia's stunning Sapphire Coast to Lakes Entrance, a relaxed waterfront destination where lakes, ocean and forests combine to create beautiful scenery.
Featured accommodation
Waverley House Cottages
Day 6 - Lakes Entrance to Phillip Island
Journey into Victoria and onto Phillip Island, famous for its incredible wildlife. This evening enjoy a guided Penguin Parade as little penguins return ashore at sunset.
Featured accommodation
Genesta House
Day 7 - Phillip Island to Yarra Valley
Drive into the picturesque Yarra Valley, where rolling vineyards, gourmet food and native wildlife provide the perfect introduction to one of Australia's finest wine regions.
Featured accommodation
Yering Gorge Cottages
Day 8 - Yarra Valley to Melbourne
Continue to cosmopolitan Melbourne and spend the afternoon exploring its renowned cafés, vibrant laneways and riverside precincts.
Featured accommodation
Rydges Melbourne
Enhance your experience
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto
Day 9 - Melbourne
Join a guided walking tour through Melbourne's famous laneways and hidden arcades before enjoying the rest of the day discovering the city's unique culture and dining scene.
Featured accommodation
Rydges Melbourne
Enhance your experience
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto
Unmissable Experiences
Great Ocean Road
Day 10 - Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Leave the city behind and begin your drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, arriving in the charming coastal town of Apollo Bay.
Featured accommodation
Captain's at the Bay
Day 11 - Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
Continue one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, passing dramatic cliffs, rainforest and iconic landmarks including the Twelve Apostles.
Featured accommodation
Seacombe House - Comfort Inn Port Fairy
Day 12 - Port Fairy to Coonawarra
Cross into South Australia and discover the renowned Coonawarra wine region, celebrated for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and welcoming cellar doors.
Featured accommodation
Punters Vineyard Retreat
Day 13 - Coonawarra to Victor Harbour
Travel through South Australia's picturesque countryside to Victor Harbour, a charming seaside town on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula.
Featured accommodation
McCracken Country Club
Day 14 - Victor Harbour to Kangaroo Island
Take the ferry to Kangaroo Island and settle into one of Australia's finest wildlife destinations, where rugged landscapes and abundant native animals await.
Featured accommodation
Mercure Kangaroo Island
Enhance your experience
Southern Ocean Lodge
Day 15 - Discover Kangaroo Island
Enjoy a full-day guided tour showcasing Kangaroo Island's spectacular scenery, birds of prey, local produce, honey farms, wineries and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Featured accommodation
Mercure Kangaroo Island
Enhance your experience
Southern Ocean Lodge
Day 16 - Kangaroo Island to Barossa Valley
Return to the mainland before travelling north to the famous Barossa Valley, one of Australia's premier wine regions, known for exceptional food, wine and vineyard scenery.
Featured accommodation
Barossa Shiraz Estate
Day 17 - Explore the Barossa Valley
Spend the day at leisure discovering boutique wineries, artisan producers and picturesque villages, or simply relax among the vineyards.
Featured accommodation
Barossa Shiraz Estate
Day 0 - Dy 18 Barossa Valley to Adelaide
Complete your journey with a short drive into Adelaide, a sophisticated city renowned for its food, wine, parklands and vibrant cultural scene.
Featured accommodation
Majestic Roof Garden
Day 19 - Explore Adelaide
Enjoy a day at leisure to discover Adelaide's markets, museums, boutique shopping and excellent restaurants, or venture into the nearby Adelaide Hills.
Featured accommodation
Majestic Roof Garden
Day 20 - Adelaide
Your Australian self-drive adventure comes to an end as you transfer to Adelaide Airport for your onward flight.
PARKROYAL Darling Hotel, Sydney Holidays
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour offers views of Darling Harbour and the city skyline and features a restaurant, a fully equipped fitness centre and free cable TV. It is located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District) just a 5 minutes’ walk to Chinatown and Town Hall Station
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney Holidays
Wake up to breath-taking views of the iconic Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge or Darling Harbour each morning. You will be spoiled for choice at the Shangri-La Hotel, with a day spa, fitness centre and indoor pool at your disposal.
Bay and Bush, Jervis Bay
Bay and Bush Jervis Bay offers a tranquil retreat amidst pristine bushland, just minutes from the iconic white sands and turquoise waters of Jervis Bay. This unique accommodation provides a selection of beautifully designed, self-contained cottages that blend modern amenities with rustic charm, creating an inviting atmosphere for couples, families, and groups seeking an immersive nature experience.
Robyn's Nest Guesthouse, Merimbula Holidays
Located on the shores of Merimbula Lake, Robyns Nest has its own jetty and floating pontoon. Magnificent lake views can be enjoyed from each private balcony.
Waverley House Cottages, Lakes Entrance Holidays
Waverley House Cottages in Lakes Entrance are surrounded by private native gardens and offer an outdoor pool and BBQ facilities Free WiFi and free covered parking are available.
Genesta House
Genesta House Bed & Breakfast offers a charming heritage escape in the heart of Cowes on Phillip Island. Housed in an elegant, historic property, the B&B combines vintage appeal with modern comforts to create a welcoming, tranquil retreat. Each beautifully appointed guest room features tasteful décor and thoughtful amenities, ensuring a restful stay. Outside, the lush gardens provide a peaceful spot for morning coffee or afternoon tea, with tranquil water features and a soothing ambience that invites you to unwind.
Yerring Gorge Cottages
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s food and wine playground, Yering Gorge Cottages is Nested into the hillside of a 120-acre Nature Reserve, alongside the Yarra River, Yering Gorge Cottages features 13 self-contained, luxuriously appointed, one, two and four-bedroom cottages. Guests have the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife during their stay.
Rydges Hotel, Melbourne Holidays
Rydges is located in Melbourne CBD, in the heart of the theatre district. All air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. The roof area boasts a heated roof-top pool and a fitness centre.
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto Melbourne Holidays
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto is geared to give you memorable, authentic local experiences. A lifetime's experience in luxury, housed in a much-loved Melbourne landmark. This luxury Melbourne hotel features a Venetian Gothic façade while the modern interior translates the building into the 21st century.
Captain's at the Bay, Apollo Bay Holidays
Captains at the Bay B&B is located in the heart of Apollo Bay, nearby many delicious restaurants, trendy cafes and designer shops. The accommodation offers a free cooked breakfast and Free WiFi.
Seacombe House - Comfort Inn Port Fairy Holidays
This unique property is spread across 3 buildings, and provides a variety of accommodation, including cottages and private rooms. The three accommodations are the Comfort Inn Suites, the Historic Cottages and the Seacombe Guest House.
Punters Vineyard Retreat
Set amongst the rolling vineyards of South Australia’s renowned Coonawarra wine region, Punters Vineyard Retreat offers a peaceful adults-only escape surrounded by some of the country’s finest wine estates. This architect-designed retreat combines contemporary style with a stunning rural setting, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, sun-drenched timber floors and panoramic vineyard views from each of its four spacious ensuite bedrooms. Centrally located near Penola and the region’s celebrated cellar doors, it provides the perfect base for exploring Coonawarra’s renowned food and wine scene.
McCracken Country Club
Nestled on South Australia's beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula, McCracken Country Club offers a relaxing resort escape just minutes from the golden sands of Victor Harbour. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and an 18-hole championship golf course, the resort combines spacious accommodation with excellent leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and an inviting restaurant and bar, making it an ideal base for couples and families alike.
Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge Holidays
Designed to blend with its surroundings, Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge sits in bushland overlooking American River Bay. Well positioned in a region popular with nature lovers and adventure seekers, this Kangaroo Island hotel is close to the Penneshaw Penguin Centre and provides a truly idyllic getaway. Offering 38 rooms with pool or water views, Mercure Kangaroo Island features a restaurant, bar, pool and conferencing facilities.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Globally celebrated and highly anticipated, the new-look Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island sets the enduring benchmark for luxury experiential travel in Australia. Sensitively designed to blend seamlessly with the wildly beautiful landscape, Southern Ocean Lodge appears to float along its secluded clifftop setting.
Barossa Shiraz Estate
Barossa Shiraz Estate offer luxury accommodation in the Barossa Valley. Surrounded by Vines, and with sweeping views of the Barossa Valley, each of the cottages are private, and self-contained, providing the perfect base to explore this world famous wine region.
Majestic Roof Garden, Adelaide
The Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, located in the lively East End of Adelaide, is a chic and stylish accommodation choice for visitors looking to explore South Australia’s capital. This four-and-a-half-star hotel combines modern design with comfortable luxury, offering spacious rooms that feature plush bedding, elegant decor, and contemporary amenities to make guests feel right at home. Its central location places guests within walking distance of Rundle Street's vibrant dining and shopping scene, as well as nearby cultural attractions like the Art Gallery of South Australia and Adelaide Botanic Garden, making it a perfect base for city exploration.
Image Gallery
Kangaroo Island
Great Ocean Road
Sydney
Barossa
Car Hire
Sydney
Jervis Bay
Philip Island
Yarra Valley
Melbourne
Kangaroo Island
Adelaide
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2026, 2027 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0009 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Indian Pacific with Great Ocean Road and Sydney
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Apollo Bay
- Port Fairy
- Kangaroo Island
- Barossa Valley
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Drive along one of the worlds most scenic drives - The Great Ocean Road
- Travel on the spectacular Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Perth
- Cruise Sydney Harbour
- Taste some of Australia's best wines in the Barossa Valley
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
22 Nights from £6760pp
The Great Ocean Road - Australia Fly Drive
- Melbourne
- Apollo Bay
- Robe
- Barossa Valley
- Kangaroo Island
- Adelaide
- Receive a free case of wine
- Get up close to wildlife on Kangaroo Island
- Witness the coastal icons, the towering 12 Apostles
- Taste the best wine from Yarra Valley and Barossa Valley
- See the penguins & koalas of Philip Island
- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
11 Nights from £3000pp
Legendary Pacific Coast Fly Drive Holiday
- Sydney
- Hunter Valley
- Port Macquarie
- Coffs Harbour
- Byron Bay
- Gold Coast
- Brisbane
- Cruise Sydney Harbour
- Stay on a working vineyard
- Enjoy bohemian Byron Bay
- See the glitz of Gold Coast
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
12 Nights from £3200pp
Perth's Road to Margaret River Fly Drive Holiday
- Perth
- Margaret River
- Karri Valley
- Mandurah
- Receive a free case of wine
- Visit the stunning beaches of Margaret River
- Explore the seaside town of Mandurah
- Visit Lake Beedup in the Karri Forest
- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
11 Nights from £3300pp
Western Australia Coastal Adventure Fly Drive
- Perth
- Cervantes
- Kalbarri
- Monkey Mia
- Dirk Hartog Island
- Carnarvon
- Ningaloo
- Exmouth
- Receive a free case of wine
- Visit Namburg National Park to see the Pinnacles
- Wander through Kalbarri National Park to step back in time
- Experience swimming with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef
- Feed the dolphins at Monkey Mia
- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
14 Nights from £4300pp
South West Edge Self Drive
- Perth
- Bunbury
- Margaret River
- Karri Valley
- Denmark
- Albany
- Explore Rottnest Island and spot Quokkas
- Taste some of Australia's best wines in the Margaret River
- Spot marine wildlife as you drive along Western Australia's coastline
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £500 per booking book by 30 June
10 Nights from £2800pp
