Autopia Tours: Great Ocean Road to Grampians 3 Day (Basic Shared Accommodation)

TOUR CODE: GG3-B --- Basic Hostel Accommodation (Shared Dormitory)

OPERATES: Sun, Thurs* (Nov-Apr, weekly) *until 31Mar2024 / Sun (May-Oct, twice a month)

TOUR DURATION: 3 Days / 2 Nights

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35am.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Journey along the National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road, see the Memorial Arch
• Reconnect with nature on a rainforest walk through the lush Great Otway National Park
• Be blown away by panoramic views of the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge beach
• Enrich your cultural awareness of those who came before at Tower Hill Conservation Wildlife Reserve
• Guaranteed Australian wildlife sightings in their natural habitat ie. kangaroos, emus, echidnas & koalas
• Explore the rugged bush landscape of the Grampians National Park 
• Discover the Aboriginal culture of this region and gain a deeper understanding of it
• Capture the views from Reed's, Boroka, The Balconies Lookout and hike to the summit of Pinnacle Lookout
• Hike to the scenic base of MacKenzie waterfalls
  

ITINERARY:

Spend an amazing 3 days travelling along the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park adventure tour. Visit some stunning places including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Mackenzie Falls, Halls Gap, and some other magnificent sights throughout the region. Return to Melbourne arriving early evening.

Day 1: Melbourrne to Great Ocean Road

Start your 3-Day adventure by exploring the world-famous Great Ocean Road with its stunning ocean views and surf beaches. Spot wild koalas along the way with a stop in the quaint seaside town of Apollo Bay for lunch, followed by a guided rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park Rainforest. Later, we visit the amazing Shipwreck coast famous for the Twelve Apostles Rock formation and Loch Ard Gorge. Overnight in Warrnambool. Meals: until 31Mar2024: N/A. From 01Apr2024: Dinner. Accom: Backpackers shared dorm (with shared bathroom).  Driving Distance: 375km.

Day 2: Great Ocean Road to Grampians

During the second day, you will have the opportunity to visit Tower Hill Conservation Wildlife Reserve, an extinct volcano that is rich in Aboriginal history and has a vast amount of wildlife, such as emus and kangaroos. From here we head north into the Grampians. In the afternoon we will take you up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout, which offers a panoramic view of the Grampians National Park for a delightful afternoon hike. Finish the day with a traditional Aussie BBQ at our overnight stay in Halls Gap. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Accom: Grampians Eco YHA Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Driving Distance: 190km. Hike Distance: 4.5km.

Day 3: Grampians to Melbourne 

On the last day of our journey, we will start early in the morning to hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls, and then we will explore some other famous sites, such as The Balconies/Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout, which are among the most famous in the area. A few days after exploring the coastline and mountain ranges of the region, we make our way back to Melbourne, arriving around 05:30 PM after an incredible few days. Meals: Breakfast. Accom: N/A. Driving Distance: 290km. Hike Distance: 2km.

INCLUSIONS:

• Melbourne to Melbourne round trip journey 
• 2 Nights' shared dorm accommodation (Warrnambool, Halls Gap)
• Includes 2 x Breakfast, 2 x Dinner* (*1x Dinner until 31Mar2024). 
• All National Park Entry fees
• Guided Bush walks (~6.5km, subject to fitness level)
• Australian flora and fauna sightights
• Hosted by an exprienced driver-guide
• Air-conditioned small group travel
• Comprehensive local tour commentary
• Selected Melbourne inner-city pick up/drop off points

EXCLUSIONS:

• 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
• Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
• Personal expenses

WHAT TO BRING:

1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towels & toiletries, comfortable walking shoes (tread closed toe shoes), all weather comfortable clothing, warm clothes in the evening, raincoat, jumper or windbreaker, overnight bag 15kg & small day pack 5kg, insect repellent, flashlight, headlamp or torch, money for snacks and meals, camera to capture every moment! 

CHILD POLICY:

This fare type applies to Adults 18+ and over. Children aged between 6 to 17 years old are required to stay in standard private accommodation and must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult. Private accommodation upgrades are available on a different product listing, subject to availability. This tour is not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under.

WEATHER:

In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of the year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Mandatory passenger details required at time of booking: date of birth, and phone number.
• While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, passengers MUST advise their booking agent at the time of booking. The tour operator must also be notified of any food allergies or known medical conditions at the time of booking.
• A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Walks can be up to 3km in length, often over steep and rocky sections and in direct sunlight. Walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and doctors certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel).
• Children aged between 6 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under.
• Private motel accommodation fares apply to Adults & Child and over. Single Rooms and Shared Accommodation are for adults 18+ and only. Upgrades are subject to availability and on-request.
• Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
• Itineraries may need to vary, potentially at short notice, to adapt to seasonal changes, and occasionally sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
• Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up, and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
• Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333.