Melbourne to Adelaide Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Melbourne to Adelaide is a 5-day, 4-night self-guided motorcycle tour of about 1,181 km from Melbourne to Adelaide, with the bike and hotels arranged by BikeRoundOz. It sticks to the coast for most of the way, with a string of small seaside towns on the route.

Early on is Melbourne, the self-styled cultural capital of Australia, with restaurants, shopping, parks and trams. Next is the 280 km Great Ocean Road, which hugs the coastal cliffs with the Otway Ranges as a backdrop, and takes longer than expected because of stops such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, London Bridge and the Arch. Then the Grampians National Park, granite highlands with lookouts and waterfalls. The Halls Gap visitor centre helps with planning, and the operator suggests at least half a day for the park.

Further along, the South Australian coast, through small seaside towns such as Robe and Beachport, past Larry the giant lobster at Kingston, to Mount Gambier and its Blue Pool. The route continues to Adelaide, the City of Churches, with botanical gardens, colonial architecture and a strong food scene.

BikeRoundOz provides the motorcycle of your choice, accommodation for one or two riders, usually in 3.5 or 4 star hotels, resorts or bed and breakfasts with a pillion staying at no extra cost, a detailed itinerary document and digital maps customised to the tour, plus advice before you go. Not included are breakfast and other meals, parking charges and GPS or sat nav units, which can be supplied if required. The operator rates September to April as the best time to ride. Prices start at AUD 3,019 per rider on the first bike tier, about £1,575, and rise with the bike chosen. Riders bringing their own motorcycle pay less, from AUD 1,786.