Routes · Oceania

Tokyo to Australia's southern coast: Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island

Tokyo → Melbourne → Great Ocean Road → Kangaroo Island

Southern coast wildlife Best season (general guide): Oct–Apr (Mar–May for fewer crowds)

Australia's southern coast is wilder and cooler than the tropical north, with dramatic cliffs and one of the country's best islands for wildlife. This route starts in Melbourne, drives the Great Ocean Road and finishes on Kangaroo Island. From Tokyo you'll fly to Melbourne.

Melbourne rewards wandering: its laneways and arcades, the markets, museums and gardens, and sport at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Heading west, the Great Ocean Road follows the coast through surf towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, past the Otway rainforest and on to the Twelve Apostles. The best time to see the stacks is at sunrise or sunset, when the coach tours have left. From the end of the road, the route continues to South Australia, where a ferry from Cape Jervis crosses to Kangaroo Island in about 45 minutes. On the island, Seal Bay's beach is home to Australian sea lions, Remarkable Rocks sit on a granite dome, and kangaroos graze at dusk.

The warmer months from about October to April are the main season for the coast. Autumn from March to May often brings mild days and fewer crowds. Winter is cooler and quieter.

The drive from the Great Ocean Road to Cape Jervis is long, so plan an overnight stop or fly from Melbourne to Adelaide. Book the ferry ahead, and drive carefully at dusk when animals are on the roads.

Pacing note: use the island's three nights for one wildlife day, one coast day and a spare one in case the ferry is delayed.

Partner links may earn LarkTours a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, availability and terms are set by each partner.