6-Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Adventure Tour from Melbourne: Daylesford, Ballarat, Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Stawell, Adelaide and Grampians National Park | Small Group Tour

Product Code: 682059

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    • Buckle up for an epic road trip along Victoria's scenic southern coastline
Tour Code
682059
Duration
6 day
Departure City
Melbourne
End City
Adelaide
Tour Type
Sightseeing Tours
Language
English
Available options

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Outdoor Adventure

Explore the world with an active and adrenaline pumping adventures like diving, snorkeling, camping, hiking and so on.

Group Size: Small group tour

Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary

Spot native wildlife, marvel at extraordinary coastal vistas and learn more about First Nations culture on this 6-day road trip along Victoria's southern coastline. From taking the famous Pinnacle Walk to the summit of Hanging Rock to visiting a local conservation centre in Apollo Bay to learning about the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape with a Gunditijmara guide - this trip combines culture, nature and adventure. Following much of the Great Southern Touring Route, you'll start in Melbourne and follow the coast to the 12 Apostles along The Great Ocean Road and discover the diverse landscapes and history of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park before taking the iconic Overland train across the border to Adelaide. With an experienced local guide who knows all the best spots and a small group of like-minded adventurers - this is sure to be a road trip to remember.

【Itinerary】

Day 1: Melbourne - Daylesford - Ballarat
Your adventure begins in Melbourne - Narrm in the language of the Wurundjeri people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Melbourne is located. Melbourne is the effortlessly hip, unofficial foodie capital of Australia. Here, you can wander some of the trendiest art galleries, marvel at museums and sip countless cups of some of the finest-brewed specialty coffee on the planet. We recommend you arrive a few extra days before your adventure starts if you want to experience all this city has to offer. Today, you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers bright and early for an 8 am Welcome Meeting. Then we hit the road and start our journey along the Great Southern Touring Route - AKA Australia's finest road trip. Our first stop today is Hanging Rock Reserve, where you'll embark on the famous Pinnacle Walk to the summit. This area was shaped by a volcanic eruption some 6 million years ago and is an important landmark for three First Nations groups - the Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri), the Djaara and the Taungurung. Keep your eye out for local wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas on your walk before taking in the views from the summit. From here, you'll drive to Daylesford for lunch and if your trip departs on a Sunday, you'll have time to explore the Daylesford Sunday Market. Uniquely, only fresh produce sourced within a 50-kilometre radius can be sold at this market. After some time in Daylesford, continue to the historic goldfield town of Ballarat where you'll stay tonight. Perhaps visit Sovereign Hill or the Art Gallery of Ballarat, with the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: (1 Night)
Included Activities:
Hanging Rock - Summit Walk
Daylesford - Sunday Market

Day 2: Great Ocean Road - Apollo Bay
After breakfast this morning, you'll say goodbye to Ballarat and head south toward Apollo Bay. You'll get your first taste of the spectacular Great Ocean Road today as we hit the coastline in Angelsea and follow the scenic highway along to Apollo Bay. This is Eastern Maar country, and was recently returned to the Traditional Owners in Victoria's first native title in a decade. The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most famed coastal drives, as you wind by striking windswept cliffs with views across the Southern Ocean, you'll quickly see why. Once you reach Apollo Bay, you'll enjoy a special experience at Wildlife Wonders - a social enterprise operated by the Conservation Ecology Centre working to develop and deliver solutions to the most urgent conservation challenges in the Otways region. Apollo Bay is on the doorstep of the Otway National Park, an ecosystem of lush rainforests, ancient plant life, waterfalls and secluded beaches - to name just a few. Join Wildlife Wonders guided walk through the magical Otways bushland where you'll discover lush fern gullies, eucalypt woodlands and spectacular ocean vistas. Learn the secrets of the bush from your conservationist guide and spot local wildlife like koalas and wallabies and, if you're lucky, a potoroo or bandicoot. Wildlife Wonders invest 100% of profits into vital research and conservation projects to save local threatened species. After this heart-warming visit, you'll make your way to your accommodation and enjoy free time in this chilled-out beachside town this afternoon.
Accommodation: (1 Night)
Included Activities:
Apollo Bay - Wildlife Wonders Guided Tour
Meals: Lunch

Day 3: Great Ocean Road - Warrnambool
Today, you really find out why this stretch of road is known as Australia's finest road trip. Travel from Apollo Bay all the way to Warrnambool, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Enjoy the dramatic scenery The Great Ocean Road is so well known for - one moment you'll be marvelling at dramatic cliffs and the surging oceans below and the next you'll be surrounded by native bushland. There's plenty of lookouts and white powdery beach walks (if the weather permits) to break up the drive today. Plus, the pièce de résistance of today's adventures - some time to discover the rugged splendour of the 12 Apostles. Created by the constant erosion from ocean swells and swirling winds that began some 10-20 million years ago, the incredible rock stacks now rise majestically up to 45 metres out of the ocean below. It's a sight to behold and one you won't forget any time soon. This evening, you'll continue to Warrnambool where you might like to join your fellow travellers for dinner and discuss the inspiring sights you witnessed today.
Accommodation:(1 Night)
Included Activities:
Great Ocean Road - Scenic Drive
Great Ocean Road - Twelve Apostles

Day 4: Budj Bim - Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Buckle up for another day on the great open road as we set our sights for our first stop in Budj Bim. This area is located within Gunditjmara Country and is full of culture and incredible volcanic landscapes. You'll learn more about the history, bushland and wildlife of this area on a walking tour with a Gunditjmara cultural guide. Your guide will give you an overview of the Gunditjmara creation story and point out the extensive marine and birdlife on Tae Rak (Lake Condah). The lake is made up of 1,700 hectares of significant wetlands and stony rises right next to the historic lava flows of Budj Bim National Park. The Gunditjmara people have sustained life here for tens of thousands of years and created what is considered one of Australia's earliest and largest aquaculture ventures. You'll gain incredible insight into the history of the Gunditjmara people and how these landscapes were shaped by ancient volcanic movements. After your guided walk, enjoy a grazing board at the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café for lunch. Try all-Australian ingredients like grilled kooyang (eel), grilled macadamia nuts, pickled vegetables, kangaroo, emu and other local bush foods. With a belly full of bush tucker, hit the road to Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park where you'll have time to explore in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: (1 Night)
Included Activities:
Budj Bim National Park - Bush Foods Grazing Board
Budj Bim National Park - Cultural Landscape Walking Tour with Local Aboriginal Guide
Meals: Lunch

Day 5: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Be sure to fuel up on breakfast today because you've got a day full of exploring the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park ahead. You can expect to see majestic waterfalls, rugged sandstone ridges, mountain vistas and magnificent rock art sites on your walks today. Traditionally known as Gariwerd, this region is home to the largest number of rock art paintings and shelters in Southern Australia. Today's walks will feature these sites and likely introduce you to local wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, emus and native birds. To top it off, you'll stop to enjoy a packed picnic lunch in a scenic spot today. With a number of walking trails to choose from, your leader will pick the best, considering weather and track conditions and group ability. This evening, kick your feet up and relax after a full day of walking. Perhaps, meet up with your group for a final dinner together and reflect on the highlights of your great southern adventure.
Accommodation: (1 Night)
Included Activities:
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Day Walks
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Stawell - Adelaide
Enjoy one final group breakfast with your fellow travellers before a short drive to Stawell. Here, you'll visit Bunjil's Cave, a significant cultural site in Australia and one of the most prominent rock-art sites in southern Victoria. In local First Nations culture, Bunjil was the main Dreaming Being of south-eastern Australia. It's believed that he produced the natural features of the landscapes, from the rolling mountains to the peaceful open ranges. He also gave each tribe their country and created the laws, customs and rights. After time to explore this significant site and learn more about First Nations history, your leader will bid you farewell, and your group will board The Overland train from Stawell unaccompanied en route to Adelaide - Tandanya in the language of The Kaurna people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Adelaide is now located. Operating for more than 130 years, this train is the pick for many travelling between Melbourne and Adelaide. You can expect relaxing views of wheat and sheep paddocks and snack on treats from the onboard café (although we recommend grabbing some extra snacks in Stawell before your board as well). Have your cameras at the ready before you reach the Murray Bridge and you'll then be treated to views of lush landscape as you descend through the Adelaide Hills into South Australia's capital, where your adventure will come to an end. If you'd like to spend extra time in Adelaide, please let us know and we can arrange extra accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast

Visiting Attractions

  • Great Ocean Road Great Ocean Road
  • Warrnambool Warrnambool
  • Grampians National Park Grampians National Park

Pick-up Details / Transfers

JOINING POINT: Media House 665 Collins Street, opposite Southern Cross Railway Station Loading Zone in Front of the Fairfax Media Building (The Age), Melbourne, Australia.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • 5-Night accommodations
    • Ground transportation
    • Sightseeing and meals as listed
    • The services of a group leader as described

Package Excludes

    • International or internal flights unless specified
    • Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
    • Meals other than those specified
    • Visa and passport fees
    • Travel insurance
    • Optional activities and all personal expenses 

Special Notes

    • Cancellation policy:
      - 32 days or more prior to departure date, 25% penalty;
      - 17-31 days prior to departure date, 50% penalty;
      - 16 days or less prior to departure date, 100% penalty.
      - Note that different cancellation conditions apply to some trips and additional services. Please note that for certain travel arrangements the cancellation charge may be higher than those shown. In certain cases a 100% cancellation fee applies as soon as the booking is made and the ticket is issued. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.
    • Amendment policy:
      - If you wish to transfer from one trip to another or transfer your booking to a third party you must notify us at least 58 days prior to the proposed departure date. A fee of $220 per person per change will apply (in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines).
      - If you notify us less than 58 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply.
      - Transfers to a third party are only permitted where the transferee meets all the requirements in relation to the trip, and transfers to another departure can only be made to a departure within the current validity period. Amendments to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your trip will incur a $140 administration fee per booking per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 12 days of departure.
    • ITINERARY DISCLAIMER: Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
    • FEEDBACK: Can't stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you.
    • FOOD AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: While travelling with us you'll have the opportunity to experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied. We cater for vegetarian and gluten intolerance – please advise at time of booking so that arrangements can be made.
    • ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. This trip is conducted in remote areas with only basic facilities at times and limited communication links to the outside world. Accommodation is no-frills , with multi-share rooms and basic amenities and facilities. When staying in the Bawaka Homelands you may be asked to help with the preparation of food, washing of dishes and general assistance as directed by the guides.
    • LUGGAGE LIMIT: Due to limited vehicle space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, your main piece of luggage must be soft-sided and weigh no more than 15kg/33lb. You can also bring a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, sunscreen, etc when you're exploring during the day. We are unable to carry large suitcases, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings. Below are some essential items for this trip. Please review the "Climate and Seasonal Information" to ensure you pack appropriately for the weather at the time of year you are travelling.
      - Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry.
      - Comfortable, closed-in shoes. These will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grasslands and will act as a protective barrier in the rare case of a bite or sting. A pair of sandals or thongs/flip flops are great for the beach.
      - Sun protection. Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
    • VALUABLES: Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe. It's also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
    • CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFORMATION: The Yolŋu of East Arnhem Land recognise six different seasons based on thousands of years of weather patterns detected across their country. The transitions between seasons are marked by subtle variations in the weather, the plants in flower, and the bush foods that are most abundant. You will learn more about the traditional seasons during your stay here. The Northern Territory cyclone season officially commences on 1 November and runs through until 30 April each year. East Arnhem Land experiences year-round high temperatures, with December to February often reaching over 35°C. Take precautions against the sun all year round, such as wearing a hat, sunglasses and long-sleeves, using sunscreen, staying hydrated and in the shade during the heat of the day.
    • GROUP LEADER: On this trip you will be looked after by different tour leaders, Yolgnu guides and homeland hosts throughout your time in Nhulunbuy, Bremer Island and on country at Bawaka Homeland.
    • BOX JELLYFISH: These are most common October to May but can be found in other months too. Check with your guides and hosts before swimming and seek urgent medical attention if stung. INSECTS, SPIDERS & SNAKES Keep to marked paths when walking and wear protective clothing and enclosed shoes. Tap your shoes out before putting them on. Cover up against mosquitoes by wearing long pants and sleeves and use a reputable repellent.
      Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us. We strongly recommend that you also read the Essential Trip Information relating to your trip prior to booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style and physical demands of the trip you are undertaking.
    • Age & health requirements: A minimum age at the time of travel applies to many of our trips – please see specific Essential Trip Information for details. For the majority of our trips we have no upper age limit though we remind you that our trips can be physically demanding and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to days care. Please note, families must upgrade from dorm-share accommodation to private rooms where applicable. We cannot guarantee triple or joining rooms for families; accompanying adults may be required to share with others in the group on a twin share basis.
    • Passport & visas: You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip; please refer to the Essential Trip Information for details. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
    • Flexibility: You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
    • Change of itinerary: While we endeavor to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary. before departure: If we make a major change we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only or accepting an alternative tour offered. after departure: We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.
    • Authority on tour: Our group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
    • Acceptance of risk: Our group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
    • Optional activities: Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and activity provider.
    • Claims & complaints: If you have a complaint about your trip please inform your group leader or our local representative at the time in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means then any further complaint should be put in writing to us within 32 days of the end of the tour.
    • Severability: In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason than such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.

Cancellation Policy

Please see the Available Options section above for any details about cancellation policies.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

* Price listed is per person.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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