The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most spectacular journeys, an amazing road that winds its way beside long sandy beaches, towering tree covered cliffs and sculptured limestone formations created by the relentless pounding waves of the Southern Ocean.
Further west, located at the foot of the Otway Range, we reach the old fishing and logging town of Apollo Bay, a perfect location for lunch and a walk along the beautiful surf beach.
In the early afternoon see magnificent Mountain Ashes (a variety of giant eucalyptus trees native to the region that can grow in excess of 100 metres / 300 feet in height). At Maits Rest, we take the 600-metre long walk along the forest floor under the under canopy of ancient tree ferns, the type of terrain where dinosaurs once roamed.
Late afternoon travel along the coast to the Port Campbell National Park. This section of coastline is known as the “Shipwreck Coast” where during the period of the mid-late 1800’s, dozens of ships tragically met their doom. This is where the spectacular formations known such as the Apostles, The Grotto and Bay of Islands, are all located.
In the centre of this coastal wonderland is the hamlet of Port Campbell, tucked in a small sheltered cove, a perfect haven for our first overnight stop.
Overnight - Port Campbell – Southern Ocean Villas
Day 2 – Grampians National Park (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Gariwerd is the aboriginal name for the Grampians National Park. The 175,000 hectare park is as rich in its variety of fauna and flora, as it is in its cultural significance with 80% of the aboriginal rock art sites listed in Victoria is located in the Grampians.
Lakes, waterfalls and bounding wildlife are all part of our experiences today. Great opportunities to hike along some of the bushland tracks and reach the spectacular lookouts. Walks are flexible to suit the guest’s adventurous spirit – they vary from an active, challenging experience through to an easier going passive style.
Our overnight accommodation is ideally located providing a bush retreat and an opportunity to get close and personal with kangaroos, wallabies and all other native animals that inhabit this picturesque region.
Overnight - Western Edge of Grampians National Park- Meringa Springs
Day 3 – Pyrenees Wine Region(Breakfast, lunch)
A lazy start today allows free time to explore our bushland surroundings before we commence our travels. Find your own space and take time to meet some of the local native inhabitants.
Further to the north is the Pyrenees region, one of Victoria’s wine producing areas. An a la carte lunch with a glass or two of wine awaits. Through the afternoon our casual pace continues with a visit to a couple of the finest Pyrenees wineries to sample handcrafted wines. A totally informal experience focused on the enjoyment of food and wine.
Late afternoon travel across Victoria’s Goldfields via Ballarat for an early evening arrival in Melbourne.
Tour Inclusions:
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Complimentary pick up and return from any accommodation located in the Melbourne CBD
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Travel in modern air-conditioned touring vehicle
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Experienced driver guide
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Restaurant a la carte meals as stipulated on itinerary
Great Western Explorer (Melb to Adel, 5 Day - 4 Night)
Day 1 – Great Ocean Road (Lunch & dinner)
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Spectacular coastal drives
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Rainforest walks amongst gigantic trees and century old ferns
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Descend stairways for a beach view of the towering 12 Apostles
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Relaxing a la carte lunch
Overnight - Port Campbell – Southern Ocean Villas
Day 2 – Grampians National Park (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
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View picturesque sandstone escarpments
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Discover ancient culture through 1,000 year old aboriginal rock art
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Exhilarating waterfalls and cascades
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Get close to native wildlife within their natural habitat
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Moderate bushland walks to breathtaking lookouts
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Enjoy sumptuous lunch at an iconic Australian pub
Overnight - Western Edge of Grampians National Park- Meringa Springs
Day 3 - South Australian wineries & the Fleurieu Peninsula (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Travel west to South Australia and the fabulous wine region of McLaren Vale and sample the rich flavours of Australian wines. Enjoy lunch at an award-winning vineyard before continuing on to Cape Jervis in the magnificent Fleurieu Peninsula. A short ferry ride takes us across the Backstairs Passage onto Kangaroo Island and Penneshaw for our two-night accommodation stay.
Vivonne Bay, Seal Bay Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park are just some of the fascinating locations we will visit today.
This beautiful island on Australia’s south coast has an abundance of wildlife within easy viewing and include; koalas, echidnas and the endangered Cape Barren geese. Optional Little Penguins night tour available.
Overnight - Seafront Resort Penneshaw
Day 5 - City of Churches(Breakfast)
Morning ferry crossing to the mainland provides another opportunity to see some marine life. A scenic drive through the Mount Lofty range delivers a midday arrival into the city of churches, Adelaide.
Drop off at your choice of city Hotels at tour end.
