Surf, sightsee and sample the wines on this five-day getaway from Melbourne to Adelaide, along the dramatic south-east coastline.

Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne

In the morning, drive into Geelong and stop for brunch at one of the local cafes like King of the Castle, before making your way down to Torquay for the start of the Great Ocean Road. Get your fix of surfing in, or learn at the Torquay Surf Academy, and grab a pie afterwards at Torquay Larder.

There are more waves at Fairhaven and Eastern View on the way to Lorne. In Lorne, spend a few hours visiting the galleries along the main street and if you’re planning on a nice dinner at Brae, make sure to book well in advance.

Day 2: Lorne to Port Fairy

After you’ve had breakfast, make the drive to the Twelve Apostles. Get a view from the lookout and closer-up on the beach, down Gibson’s Steps. Continue along Shipwreck Coast and check out Warrnambool. From May to October, you can see Southern Right Whales calve off Logan Beach.

Another 30-minutes’ drive will get you to Port Fairy where you can explore the fisherman’s wharf and whitewashed cottages.

Day 3: Port Fairy to Coonawarra

An hour away from Port Fairy is Portland, where you can drive to Cape Nelson Lighthouse for a couple of snaps. Have a coffee break and continue to the Cape Bridgewater Seal Walk. The viewing platform at the end of the trail looks out to a colony of hundreds of native fur seals.

Cross the state line into South Australia and stop at Mount Gambier, which sits on an ancient Volcano and is circled by crater lakes. Blue Lake turns cobalt blue from December to March here. Continue driving north to Coonawarra and drop into one of the cellar doors for a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.           

Day 4: Coonawarra to Victor Harbor

Visit the Naracoote Caves National Park to see the amazing fossilised marsupial skeletons in the limestone caves. Do a self-guided tour through one of the caves before driving three hours to Strathalbyn to see the heritage listed building and the Soldiers Memorial Gardens.

Drive down to Port Elliot for a swim at Horeshoe Bay or surf off Boomer Beach before making your way to Victor Harbor. Ride the famous horse-drawn tramway to Granite Island to visit the penguins.

Day 5: Victor Harbor to Adelaide

Taste some of the famous wines from McLaren Vale and enjoy lunch at Coriole Restaurant. Drive 45 minutes to Adelaide and wander through North Terrace or take a tram trip to Glenelg Beach for some dinner.

Source: Australia.com