14 Days Southern Australia: Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island

Two weeks in Southern Australia delivers an unforgettable blend of world-class cities, ocean roads that curve along dramatic cliffs, wine regions steeped in history, and wildlife encounters you will never forget. This 14 days Southern Australia itinerary showcases the best of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island in a seamless flow that balances iconic sights with local secrets. Whether you crave latte-fueled laneway culture, windswept coastal lookouts, gourmet food and wine, or close-up moments with sea lions and koalas, this route has it all.

Think effortless mornings in stylish Melbourne, sunset over the 12 Apostles, farm-to-fork lunches in McLaren Vale, and starry nights on Kangaroo Island where wallabies hop past your accommodation. It is a trip designed for travelers who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed, and who value quality experiences that linger long after the journey ends.

Below you will find a day-by-day plan, practical tips, places to stay and dine, and expert advice to help you book with confidence. Use it as your complete guide or adapt it to match your style. The goal is simple. Make your Southern Australia road trip the story you tell for years.

Why this 14-day Southern Australia itinerary works

• Balanced pacing with two to three nights in key locations
• The most scenic stretch of the Great Ocean Road at golden hours
• Time for both city culture and nature immersion
• Two nights on Kangaroo Island to experience the east and west coasts
• Handpicked experiences that maximize value and minimize backtracking
• Realistic drive times and pre-booking advice so nothing surprises you

At a glance: Your two-week plan

• Day 1: Arrive Melbourne, CBD and laneways
• Day 2: Melbourne neighborhoods, art and St Kilda
• Day 3: Day trip to Yarra Valley or Phillip Island
• Day 4: Melbourne to Apollo Bay via Great Ocean Road
• Day 5: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell via Otways and 12 Apostles
• Day 6: Port Campbell to Mount Gambier via Port Fairy
• Day 7: Mount Gambier to McLaren Vale via Coorong
• Day 8: Ferry to Kangaroo Island, Dudley Peninsula
• Day 9: Seal Bay, Little Sahara, Vivonne Bay, Flinders Chase
• Day 10: Western KI, Stokes Bay, ferry return or stay third night
• Day 11: Return to Adelaide, city highlights
• Day 12: Barossa Valley or Adelaide Hills day trip
• Day 13: Adelaide culture and coast day
• Day 14: Departure

Tip: If you prefer a slower pace on Kangaroo Island, keep all of Day 10 on the island and return early Day 11.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Touch down in Melbourne, discover the heart of the city

• Morning or midday arrival at Melbourne Airport. Transfer to your CBD hotel by SkyBus or private transfer.
• Start with a relaxed wander through Degraves Street and Centre Place for artisan coffee and laneway art.
• Explore Federation Square, the Ian Potter Centre and the Yarra River promenade.
• Optional: Book a guided laneway and street art tour for local stories and hard-to-find murals.

Where to eat:

• Hardware Société for brunch favorites
• Chin Chin or Tonka for bold modern Asian
• Arbory Afloat for sunset drinks by the river

Where to stay:

• Boutique: Adelphi Hotel, Flinders Lane
• Mid-range: Rydges Melbourne or The Jazz Corner Hotel
• Luxe: QT Melbourne or The Langham, Southbank

Day 2: Melbourne’s creative neighborhoods and seaside charm

• Start at Queen Victoria Market for a foodie fix. Grab fresh pastries and seasonal fruit.
• Ride the vintage tram to Fitzroy. Browse art studios and independent shops along Gertrude and Brunswick Streets.
• Continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a peaceful circuit around the ornamental lake.
• Late afternoon in St Kilda. Walk the pier, enjoy beach views, and look for little penguins at dusk near the breakwater.

Optional experiences:

• National Gallery of Victoria international collection
• Melbourne Cricket Ground tour
• Cocktail class in a hidden laneway bar

Day 3: Choose your day trip: Yarra Valley or Phillip Island

Option 1: Yarra Valley wine and wildlife

• Visit Healesville Sanctuary to see koalas, kangaroos and the platypus.
• Enjoy a cool-climate wine tasting trail with a leisurely lunch at a vineyard.
• Finish with a gin flight at Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville.

Option 2: Phillip Island penguins and coastline

• Stop at the Nobbies Boardwalk and Seal Rocks for cliff views.
• Explore surf beaches and the Koala Conservation Reserve.
• Stay for the Penguin Parade at sunset. Pre-book ranger-guided seats.

Return to Melbourne for the night. Pack for tomorrow’s coastal drive.

Day 4: Melbourne to Apollo Bay via the Great Ocean Road

Drive time: 3 to 4 hours without stops. Plan 6 to 8 hours with sightseeing.

• Collect your hire car early. Follow the Princes Highway to Geelong, then curve onto the Great Ocean Road at Torquay.
• Stretch your legs at Bells Beach, home to legendary surf. Coffee in Aireys Inlet and a lighthouse photo at Split Point.
• Lunch at Lorne, then watch for wild koalas around Kennett River.
• Arrive in Apollo Bay by late afternoon. Walk the foreshore and grab fish and chips on the beach.

Where to stay in Apollo Bay:

• Coastal boutique: Captains at the Bay
• Apartments: Seafarers Getaway
• Value: Apollo Bay Eco YHA

Dinner picks:

• Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op for seafood
• La Bimba for seasonal coastal produce

Day 5: Rainforest to limestone: Otways and the 12 Apostles

• Morning rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park. Choose Maits Rest or Triplet Falls for towering tree ferns and ancient myrtle beech.
• Drive toward Port Campbell National Park. Stop at Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and the 12 Apostles.
• Time your 12 Apostles visit for late afternoon or sunset when cliffs glow and the crowds thin.

Optional upgrade:

• Take a short helicopter flight over the Apostles for the big-picture view.

Stay in Port Campbell or nearby:

• Waves Port Campbell, Southern Ocean Villas, or Anchors Port Campbell

Dinner and drinks:

• Forage on the Foreshore for modern Australian dishes
• Port Campbell Hotel for a classic pub vibe

Day 6: Port Campbell to Mount Gambier via Warrnambool and Port Fairy

Drive time: 4 to 5 hours with stops.

• Call into The Grotto and Bay of Martyrs for quieter photo spots.
• Stop at Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village if traveling with kids or history lovers.
• Lunch in Port Fairy. Stroll Griffiths Island and look for the resident shearwater colony in season.
• Cross the border into South Australia. Stretch at Umpherston Sinkhole and see the otherworldly Blue Lake in Mount Gambier.

Where to stay in Mount Gambier:

• The Barn for steak and comfort
• The Commodore for central convenience
• Bed and breakfast stays on the city fringe for tranquility

Day 7: Mount Gambier to McLaren Vale via the Coorong

Drive time: 5 to 6 hours with scenic stops.

• Detour into the Coonawarra if you love Cabernet Sauvignon. Cellar door tastings at Wynns, Katnook or Balnaves.
• Follow the Princes Highway along the Coorong National Park. Birdwatch at lookouts, walk the sand dunes, and take in the vast lagoon system.
• Arrive in McLaren Vale by mid to late afternoon. Check into a vineyard stay, then unwind with sunset over the vines.

Stay in McLaren Vale:

• Vineyard luxury: Hotel California Road at Inkwell, The Vineyard McLaren Vale
• Mid-range: Serafino McLaren Vale
• Nearby coastal stays at Port Willunga or Aldinga for beach lovers

Eat and sip:

• D’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant or Currant Shed for long lunches
• Alpha Box and Dice, Samuel’s Gorge, or Down The Rabbit Hole for photogenic tastings

Day 8: Ferry to Kangaroo Island, Dudley Peninsula welcome

• Early drive to Cape Jervis. Check in for the SeaLink ferry to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Pre-book your crossing, especially in summer and school holidays.
• On arrival, pick up supplies in Penneshaw and start exploring the Dudley Peninsula.
• Visit Dudley Wines for clifftop tastings with cobalt-blue views across Backstairs Passage.
• Relax on Island Beach or Brown Beach. Keep an eye out for Tammar wallabies and glossy black cockatoos.

Where to stay on Kangaroo Island:

• East end convenience: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge at American River
• West end for park access: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, Western KI Caravan Park cabins
• Private stays: Oceanview eco-retreats near Emu Bay or Stokes Bay

Dinner ideas:

• Oyster Farm Shop in American River
• Millie Mae’s Pantry in Penneshaw for casual island fare

Day 9: Seal Bay, Little Sahara, Vivonne Bay and into Flinders Chase

• Start with a ranger-guided tour at Seal Bay Conservation Park for close views of Australian sea lions on the beach. Book in advance.
• Ride sandboards at Little Sahara or opt for a gentle walk along the dunes.
• Picnic at Vivonne Bay. Swim in calm conditions or walk the jetty.
• Drive west to Flinders Chase National Park. Check in near the park if staying in the west.

Evening wildlife:

• Dusk is prime for spotting kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. Drive slowly and avoid night driving where possible.

Day 10: Western wonders and Stokes Bay, then ferry return or extra night

• Sunrise at Remarkable Rocks for a surreal, sculpted granite scene.
• Visit Admirals Arch to see New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks.
• Stop at Hanson Bay for a coastal walk and koala spotting.
• Continue to Stokes Bay, voted one of Australia’s best beaches. Find the hidden rock tunnel that opens to a sheltered cove.

Choice this evening:

• Take the late-day ferry back to the mainland and drive to Adelaide for the night
• Or stay a third night on KI for a slower rhythm, dark skies and one last wildlife walk

Day 11: Return to Adelaide, heritage streets and fresh markets

If you returned last night, enjoy a relaxed morning. If you are ferrying today, aim for an early crossing to maximize time in Adelaide.

• Check in to your Adelaide hotel near the market or river.
• Wander the Adelaide Central Market, a temple to fresh produce and multicultural flavors.
• Explore the North Terrace cultural precinct. Choose the South Australian Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia, or Migration Museum.
• Evening in Leigh Street or Peel Street for small bars and creative dining.

Where to stay in Adelaide:

• Luxe: Mayfair Hotel, EOS by SkyCity
• Design-forward: Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets
• Good value: Ibis Adelaide, Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Day 12: Wine country day trip: Barossa Valley or Adelaide Hills

Option 1: Barossa Valley

• Visit family-run cellar doors and heritage estates. Think Seppeltsfield, Yalumba, and Rockford.
• Lunch at a vineyard restaurant or farmhouse kitchen.
• Try a chocolate and wine pairing or an old-vine Shiraz tasting.

Option 2: Adelaide Hills

• Shorter drive with cool-climate Pinot and Chardonnay, plus German heritage in Hahndorf.
• Taste at Shaw + Smith or The Lane Vineyard, then browse artisan shops and cherry orchards in season.

Guided tours are a smart choice if you plan to sip freely. Pre-book your tastings on busy weekends.

Day 13: Adelaide coast and culture day

• Morning bike ride or tram to Glenelg for beach vibes, gelato and marina views.
• Head to Port Adelaide to see street art, maritime heritage and the dolphins that often play in the river.
• For families, add the Adelaide Zoo or a paddle on the River Torrens.
• Final dinner at Africola, Restaurant Botanic, or Osteria Oggi for a standout farewell meal.

Day 14: Departure day

• Last-minute shopping at the Central Market or Rundle Mall.
• Airport is an easy 15 to 20 minutes from the CBD. Return your car and check in with time to spare.

How to get around and practical drive times

• Rental car: Book a mid-size vehicle with full insurance cover and check Kangaroo Island policy. Most major companies allow vehicle ferrying to KI, some require written permission.
• Road conditions: Sealed highways connect all stops. Some KI and coastal roads are unsealed but well maintained. Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk due to wildlife.
• Typical drive times:
  • Melbourne to Apollo Bay: 3 to 4 hours plus stops
  • Apollo Bay to Port Campbell: 1.5 hours plus walks
  • Port Campbell to Mount Gambier: 3.5 to 4 hours
  • Mount Gambier to McLaren Vale: 5 to 6 hours with Coorong stops
  • McLaren Vale to Cape Jervis ferry: 1 hour
  • Penneshaw to Flinders Chase: 2 to 2.5 hours
  • Cape Jervis to Adelaide: 1.5 hours

Best time to visit Southern Australia

• Summer, December to February: Long beach days, busy ferries and coastal towns. Book well ahead.
• Autumn, March to May: Warm days, ideal for wine regions and hiking. Coastal waters mellow.
• Winter, June to August: Crisp air, lower prices, whale watching near Warrnambool and Victor Harbor.
• Spring, September to November: Wildflowers, baby wildlife on KI, fresh produce festivals.

If you prefer fewer crowds but reliable weather, choose March to May or October to November.

Where to stay: Curated picks

Melbourne

• Luxe: QT Melbourne, The Langham Southbank
• Boutique: United Places Botanic Gardens, Adelphi Hotel
• Value: Brady Hotels Central, Space Hotel for budget-savvy travelers

Great Ocean Road

• Apollo Bay: Captains at the Bay, Seafarers Getaway
• Port Campbell: Southern Ocean Villas, Anchors Port Campbell

South Australia coast and wine

• Mount Gambier: The Barn, The Commodore
• McLaren Vale: The Vineyard, Hotel California Road at Inkwell
• Adelaide: Mayfair Hotel, Hotel Indigo, Majestic Roof Garden

Kangaroo Island

• East: Mercure KI Lodge, PENNESHAW Oceanview apartments
• West: KI Wilderness Retreat, Western KI Caravan Park cabins
• Special stays: Lifetime Private Retreats near Snelling Beach

Dining and drinks you will love

• Melbourne: Hidden bars in laneways, Lune Croissanterie for pastry, Embla for natural wines
• Great Ocean Road: Forage on the Foreshore, Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op
• Port Fairy: Coffin Sally for pizzas with personality
• McLaren Vale: D’Arry’s Verandah, Salopian Inn, Down The Rabbit Hole cellar door picnics
• Adelaide: Africola, Shobosho, Golden Boy, Adelaide Central Market for grazing
• Kangaroo Island: Oyster Farm Shop, Vivonne Bay General Store for famous whiting burger, Kangaroo Island Spirits for gin

Booking essentials for Kangaroo Island and national parks

• SeaLink ferry: Book vehicle and passengers well in advance. Peak dates sell out quickly. The crossing takes about 45 minutes.
• Flinders Chase National Park: Purchase a park pass online or at visitor centers. Check for road and site updates.
• Seal Bay: Reserve a guided beach tour for close-up sea lion viewing. Boardwalk access is available without a tour.
• Tours: Consider a small-group 4WD tour if you prefer not to self-drive KI. Guides often find wildlife you might miss.

Costs and sample budget

Per couple, per day guide, excluding flights:

• Car hire and fuel: 90 to 140 AUD
• Accommodation: 180 to 450 AUD mid-range to boutique
• Dining and drinks: 120 to 200 AUD
• Activities and park fees: 40 to 120 AUD
• Ferry to KI return with car: from about 400 to 500 AUD total

Ways to save:

• Travel in shoulder seasons
• Mix apartment stays with hotel nights to self-cater some meals
• Buy a picnic lunch at local markets and enjoy it on a lookout
• Book winery tastings directly and aim for weekday slots

What to pack for a two-week Southern Australia road trip

• Light layers for variable coastal weather
• Compact rain jacket and warm fleece for evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Swimwear, hat and reef-safe sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle and coffee cup
• Insect repellent and small first-aid kit
• Power adapter if visiting from overseas
• Soft-sided luggage that fits easily in the boot
• Binoculars and a good camera for wildlife and coastlines

Responsible travel and safety notes

• Drive slowly at dawn and dusk to reduce wildlife collisions. If you see an animal on the road, brake in a straight line and do not swerve.
• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed animals.
• Stick to boardwalks at Seal Bay and designated paths in national parks.
• Tread lightly on dunes at Little Sahara and Coorong. Pack out all rubbish.
• Swim only in patrolled beaches or calm coves and check local conditions. Southern Ocean swells can be powerful.
• Support local producers. Choose island-made goods on KI and regional wines along the route.

Customize your itinerary

For families

• Add the Melbourne Museum’s Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery and Melbourne Zoo
• Choose Port Fairy’s calm foreshore for kid-friendly wanders
• Book sandboarding at Little Sahara and the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island

For couples

• Private Yarra Valley wine tour with a long lunch
• Sunset helicopter over the 12 Apostles
• Vineyard stay in McLaren Vale and a degustation at Restaurant Botanic

For nature lovers

• Extra night in the Grampians between Port Campbell and Mount Gambier for hikes and waterfalls
• Nocturnal wildlife tour on KI
• Whale watching near Warrnambool in winter

For luxury travelers

• Upgrade to five-star city hotels and private villa stays on KI
• Charter a seaplane to the Bellarine or book a premium winery experience

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Kangaroo Island?

• Aim for at least two nights. Three gives you space for east and west coasts without hurry.

Is the Great Ocean Road difficult to drive?

• The road is sealed and well signposted with frequent lookouts. It is winding in sections. Take breaks often and avoid night driving due to wildlife.

Can I do this trip in reverse, from Adelaide to Melbourne?

• Yes. The route works beautifully in either direction. Ferry and accommodation bookings remain the key priority.

Do I need a 4WD for Kangaroo Island?

• No. Major sites are accessible by sealed or good-quality unsealed roads. A standard vehicle is fine with careful driving.

When should I book the ferry and park passes?

• Book the ferry as soon as dates are set, ideally several weeks to months ahead for peak times. Purchase park passes online a few days in advance.

Is there mobile coverage on Kangaroo Island and along the Great Ocean Road?

• Coverage is patchy in remote stretches. Download maps offline, carry a paper map as backup and let someone know your plans for long driving days.

What is the best season for this itinerary?

• March to May and October to November balance good weather with lighter crowds. Summer is vibrant but busy, winter offers value and wildlife moments.

Sample day plans at a glance

If you like quick checklists to keep on your phone, here are condensed daily to-dos.

• Day 1: Laneways, Fed Square, riverfront dinner
• Day 2: Queen Vic Market, Fitzroy, Botanic Gardens, St Kilda penguins
• Day 3: Yarra Valley tastings or Phillip Island penguins
• Day 4: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne lunch, Kennett River koalas, Apollo Bay
• Day 5: Maits Rest, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles at sunset
• Day 6: Port Fairy, Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier
• Day 7: Coonawarra tasting, Coorong lookouts, McLaren Vale sunset
• Day 8: Ferry to KI, Penneshaw shops, Dudley Wines
• Day 9: Seal Bay tour, Little Sahara, Vivonne Bay, Flinders Chase
• Day 10: Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Stokes Bay, return or stay
• Day 11: Central Market, North Terrace museums, Peel Street bars
• Day 12: Barossa or Adelaide Hills tastings
• Day 13: Glenelg beach, Port Adelaide street art, farewell dinner
• Day 14: Souvenirs, airport transfer

Final tips for a smooth trip

• Set realistic driving windows. The scenery will slow you down in the best way.
• Fuel up before long stretches on KI and the Coorong.
• Reserve key restaurants in Melbourne and Adelaide for Friday and Saturday nights.
• Check live conditions for Flinders Chase and Great Ocean Road lookouts during severe weather.
• Travel insurance that covers rental cars is worth every cent.

Conclusion: Two weeks that capture the soul of Australia’s south

This 14 days Southern Australia itinerary connects the dots between cosmopolitan flair and untouched nature. You will sip single-origin coffee in a Melbourne laneway, watch the Southern Ocean thunder beneath limestone giants, breathe the eucalyptus in national parks, and share the beach with sea lions on Kangaroo Island. In Adelaide, you will taste the creativity of a city that knows how to eat and drink well, then toast your journey in world-class wine regions an hour from the CBD.

It is a loop of experiences that feels both crafted and free. A road trip with time to linger, to chat with winemakers, to watch penguins shuffle home, to take one more photo when the light turns gold. If you are ready to turn inspiration into a plan, start with your ferry and key stays, then build out the details. Your Southern Australia story is waiting, and it is a beautiful one.