AUSTRALIA'S FINEST ROAD TRIP, AN ADVENTURE FULL OF EXPERIENCES THAT WILL DELIGHT AND INSPIRE EVERY TRAVELLER

“The Great Southern Touring Route is regarded as one of the world's best road trips. The journey starts in Melbourne and takes in the waterfront city of Geelong, the food and wine region of Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road - including the dramatic rock formation of the Twelve Apostles. It passes through the seaside city of Warrnambool, the stunning nature and Aboriginal heritage of Grampians National Park, the gold rush history and grandeur of Ballarat and the health-giving waters of Daylesford and spa country.”

DISCOVER BLOGS & ARTICLES

An Introduction to Great Southern Touring Route

Great Southern Touring Route has been a road trip that has been explored for over 30 years. A local resident learnt from international travellers he was meeting all those years ago that yes visitors were arriving in their masses to see the world famous 12 Apostles, but they were keen to explore further into the region.

Southern calamari barbecued with brassicas and citrus intense broth of roasted blue mackerel

4 Must Visit Restaurants with their own Kitchen Gardens

You can’t get more local than being able to look out of the window from your dining table and see where your food has been harvested from. With ever changing, beautiful seasonal menus, these restaurants are well worth your visit.

7 Spas and retreats to rejuvenate your road trip

A road trip is the perfect time to slow down, to take it all in, a time for new experiences, new landscapes…and a new you. What better way to do this than to take some time for yourself at one of these beautiful spas and retreats.

Geelong and The Bellarine Jack Rabbit Winery

The Great Southern Touring Route

The Great Southern Touring Route is often called ‘Australia’s best road trip.’ So we decided to hit the road and discover just what makes it so great.

Gold, wine & volcanoes - hitting the Victorian road

Few things are more Australian than a road trip - the country’s sheer scope and size whispering to the wanderers amongst us.

MUST DO EXPERIENCES

MOUNT STURGEON LOOKOUT GRAMPIANS 684x476

Nature

Great Southern Touring Route has a diverse mix of natural attractions close to Melbourne. Witness wild seascapes, mountain vistas and Victoria’s best waterfalls.

Wildlife

Whether you are spotting a whale in The Great Southern Ocean or snapping a selfie with a kangaroo in The Grampians National Park you will have many opportunities to say g’day to the locals.

Food & Wine

Australia’s most famous road trip will reward you with many culinary treats to experience along the way. Take time to explore at a pace that will allow you to visit the wineries, call in at the farm gates and to chat to the local producers and farmers all along the journey.

History

Explore the maritime history of the coast, the gold rush history of the Ballarat goldfields, or the indigenous history of the whole region through the many museums, galleries and attractions on offer.

Indigenous

South West Victoria has a great array of indigenous cultural experiences, including tours, dreamtime stories, rock art, indigenous food experiences and the ability to learn about this fascinating culture.

Beaches

Be invigorated by the fresh ocean breezes and revel in the rugged coastal landscapes of the Great Ocean Road all year round. Paddle, swim or surf in the waves, take a stroll along pristine white beaches, and gaze out to sea from towering limestone cliffs.

Surf Culture

Dose up on surf culture on this amazing coastline. Visit Torquay, the home of Bells Beach and birthplace of iconic brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver. The official start point of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is Victoria's surfing and beach worship capital.

Walking

This road trip will allow you the opportunity to step out, stretch your legs and breathe in some of the world’s freshest air while taking in some of Australia’s best vistas.

Family

A road trip like Great Southern Touring Route will deliver plenty of fun experiences for each member of the family. Dip your toe in the ocean, climb a lighthouse, zip line through the tree-tops, pat some wildlife, climb a mountain, spot a whale and journey back in time to the 1850’s gold rush this holiday will provide memories that never fade.