Highlights
- Embrace the Great Ocean Road at your leisure and escape the crowds
- Take in the sunset splendour of the iconic 12 Apostles
- Visit landmarks along the Great Ocean Road that aren't seen on day trips
- Explore an extinct volcano full of native Aussie wildlife
- Take a guided cultural nature walk
- Stay in a boutique Guesthouse and try the local brew (own expense)
- Walk along a section of the Great Ocean Walk
- See the enormous limestone monoliths from beach level at Gibson Steps
- Instagrammable moments amongst the Redwoods of the Otways
- Visit some of the popular Surf Coast surf beaches
Inclusions
- Overnight tour to/from Melbourne return
- 1 Nights’ hostel dorm accommodation - with shared bathroom facilities (Port Campbell)
- Includes: 1 x Breakfast, 1 x Dinner
- Cultural experience at a Wildlife Reserve
- National Park entrance fees
- Guided walks included (~5km total)
- Guaranteed Australian wildlife in its natural habitat
- Hosted by an experienced driver guide
- Modern air-conditioned coach travel
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
Day 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell
We start this tour with a drive through the ancient lava fields of western Victoria on our way to the country seaside town of Warrnambool, making a detour to Tower Hill to explore Australia's most recently extinct volcano bursting with wildlife. Take a guided walk with Worn Gundidj learn about the traditional lifestyle of Australia's indigenous people, and get close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Drive the Great Ocean Road "backwards", starting with the Shipwreck Coast and its icons such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto and London Bridge with time to explore the village of Port Campbell. Try some locally made beers from Sow & Piglets Brewery with dinner before finishing off the day at the 12 Apostles for sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2: Port Campbell to Melbourne
The second day starts off with a climb down the stairs onto the beach at Loch Ard Gorge well before the crowds begin for a unique take on this ever-popular attraction. It's then off for a stroll along a section of the Great Ocean Walk and down to the beach level at the Apostles at Gibson Steps before retreating into the Otway rainforest. Hidden in a place most doesn't venture, the Redwoods of the Otways will simply amaze. The tallest and second tallest species of trees in the world, side by side. It's then back on the road to continue the breathtaking coastal drive with quality stops in the townships of Apollo Bay and Lorne to soak in the Aussie beach town lifestyle. Check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery for some delicious treats and one of the most popular surf beaches in Australia before the trip back to Melbourne around 7:00 pm.
Meals: None
Departure: Our main meeting point for this tour will be at Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St on the corner of Market St, Melbourne at 7:35 am
- (Apr-Oct) Sunday
- (Nov-Mar) Sunday & Wednesday
Returns: Approx 7:00 pm
Pickups:
Our central meeting point is outside the Immigration Museum, wait on the corner of 400 Flinders St and Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35 am. The bus will park on the Market St side of the Museum to board guests.
- 6:55 – Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 7:00 – Ibis on Therry, 15-21 Therry St, Melbourne
- 7:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
- 7:10 – Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collin St, Melbourne
- 7:15 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St, Melbourne (Hotel Guests Only)
- 7:25 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:30 – Holiday Inn, 575 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
- 7:35 – Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St cnr Market St, Melbourne
*Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup location and time, so as not to delay or miss your tour. We ask you to wait outside the front of the hotel and not inside the foyer
Extras
- 12 Apostles scenic helicopter flights - payable onboard direct to the operator on arrival
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - plenty of opportunity will be provided to purchase food along the way or dine out with the group
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Personal expenses
What to bring
- 1L refillable water bottle
- Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Swimwear, towels & toiletries
- Comfortable walking shoes (tread closed-toe shoes)
- All weather comfortable clothing
- Raincoat, windbreaker, warm clothes in the evening
- Overnight bag 15kg & small day pack 5-7kg
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight, headlamp or torch
- Money for snacks and meals
- Camera to capture every moment!
