Find all the experiences on the Great Ocean Road; this multi-day tour is the perfect chance to find the hidden gems that many travellers miss. Join us for a 3-day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour where you’ll discover secret beaches, go on longer hikes, see breathtaking views, explore a dormant volcano teeming with Australian wildlife sightings and eat delicious Australian food. These are just some of the highlights waiting for you on this trip.
Start your adventure from Melbourne to Adelaide and see Australia’s best landscapes and spectacular coastline. This Travel Plan allows you to see Australian wildlife in its natural habitat and see iconic species. With a passionate guide leading the way, you’ll learn heaps as you walk through beautiful scenery. Private accommodation means you’ll have a comfortable place to retreat to after each day’s adventure. All entry fees are included, so this tour will educate you and inspire your wanderlust as you travel through some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery.
Highlights
- Explore the renowned Twelve Apostles
- Traverse Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast
- Enjoy a bushwalk in the Otways Rainforest
- Observe koalas and other native wildlife
- Relax on the beaches of the Surf Coast, visit charming seaside towns, and admire stunning coastal views
- Stop by the historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
- Spend the night in Warrnambool
- Discover Tower Hill National Park
- Join a coastal walk and look for whales during winter
- Visit an extinct volcano
- Stay overnight in Halls Gap
- Experience the Brambuk Aboriginal Culture Centre
- Participate in bushwalks in Grampians / Gariwerd National Park
- Hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls
- Take in the stunning scenery from Boroka Lookout or Lake Bellfield
- Encounter a variety of Australian wildlife.
If you don’t have time for the 3 Day Tour or don’t want to hike in Grampians National Park, consider our 2 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour. We also recommend our Melbourne to Adelaide tour.
*Autopia Tours operates this tour.
Wine lovers may also like Wildlife Tour Yarra Valley and Hunter Valley Wine Tours for any occasion.
What you can actually see
Full Itinerary
Day 1 - Great Ocean Road
- Surf Beach – Walk on the famous surfing beaches of the Surf Coast.
- Beach Walk – Take a short walk along a beautiful beach.
- Historic Memorial Arch – Have your photo taken at the Great Ocean Road Sign!
- Seaside Towns – Explore the charm of the coastal towns as you drive through.
- Wildlife Spotting: Look for wild Koalas, Kookaburras, Parrots and Lorikeets in the eucalyptus trees.
- Apollo Bay – Spend some time (at your own expense) having lunch and exploring this beautiful coastal town.
- Ancient Rainforest—Join a guided bushwalk in the ancient Otway Rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna.
- Twelve Apostles – See the Twelve Apostles from various viewing areas.
- Loch Ard Gorge – Stand at the base of the towering limestone cliffs as you walk down to the beach.
Day 2 - Warrnambool Clifftop and Coastal walk
Clifftop Coastal Walk
Walk along the coast of Warrnambool and keep an eye out for seals.
Whale Watching
See whales at Logans Beach as they migrate along the Southern Coast of Australia from June to September.
Tower Hill National Park
Victoria’s first National Park, an ancient extinct volcano formed 30,000 years ago, was home to the Koroitgundidj people. Now, it’s a wildlife haven with Koalas, Emus, Kangaroos, Magpie Geese, Echidnas, Possums and many waterbirds.
Mount Rouse
Hike to the top of this extinct volcano for jaw-dropping ocean views of lava fields and the landscape. On a clear day, you can see the ocean to the south and the Grampians to the north.
Halls Gap
Spend some time in Halls Gap, where there are many cafes and restaurants for lunch. Try a classic Aussie pie or indulge in traditional gelato.
Aboriginal Culture
Learn about the history and culture of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurring Aboriginal tribes. The gardens are a peaceful place to sit and watch the local behaviours of wildlife.
Chautauqua Peak or The Pinnacle
Hike for 2 hours to the top of the Wonderland Range and be rewarded with unobstructed views of large sandstone formations and eucalypt hills. The views of the Grampians and Wimmera plains are stunning. Wear proper hiking shoes with good grip and carry at least 2 litres of water.
Aussie BBQ
Help prepare an Aussie BBQ dinner tonight in Grampians National Park.
Overnight Stay in the Grampians
Delight in an overnight stay amidst the stunning beauty of the Grampians.
Day 3 - The Grampians National Park
Get to know Grampians National Park, a wildlife haven for kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus, birds, echidnas and so much more. A wildlife lover’s paradise with waterfalls and walking trails!
MacKenzie Falls – Hike to the base of the magnificent MacKenzie Falls. Cool off in the mist from the falling water.
Boroka Lookout – Head to this lookout for one of the best views in the Grampians over Halls Gap and Lake Lonsdale.
Jaws of Death – Walk through a stringybark forest to the Balconies (Jaws of Death)
*Please note: Itinerary is subject to change.
Additional information
Inclusions
- One-way transfer Melbourne to Adelaide
- 2 Nights’ accommodation (Warrnambool, Halls Gap)
- Meals: 2 x breakfast, 1 x dinner
- All National Park pass entry fees
- Guided bush walks (~6.5km, subject to fitness level)
- Australian wildlife sightings, in the wild!
- Hosted by an experienced driver-guide
- Air-conditioned small-group travel
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off point in Adelaide city
Pickup times and locations.
Please arrive at your designated pickup location 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure the tour proceeds smoothly and on time. Here are the pickup times and locations:
- 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
- 7:35 – Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St cnr Market St, Melbourne
If you are still looking for your desired pickup location, please contact our office for a comprehensive list of sites.
It is highly advisable to arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please remain calm and patient if your bus runs a few minutes behind schedule. If your bus has not arrived within 10 minutes of the scheduled departure time, kindly contact our office at 03 9393 1300.
Discover the private tour groups! Reach out to our incredible charters team at [email protected] to unlock unforgettable adventures.
Pricing options
Tour With Hostel Dorm accommodation: $ 565 per person
Age Restrictions: 18 +
OPTIONAL ADD ONS
Helicopter flight over 12 Apostles $ 165
For private tour groups, contact our charters team at [email protected] for more information.
Private room upgrades?
Private Double, Twin or Single ensuite room upgrades can be purchased through our lead business partner, Autopia Tours. Subject to availability at the time of booking.
What to Pack
- Water Bottle - 2L
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Prescribed medications
- Camera
- All-weather clothing
- A sense of adventure!
- Binoculars for bird watching
Important Notes
- This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- Remember to double-check your exciting tour plans with the tour operator! Just ring them at 03 9393 1300 within seven days of your departure.
- Before you embark on your adventure, let the tour perform the operator's pre-existing medical conditions.
FAQ
Can I join if I don’t want to hike?
Yes! You’re welcome to join the tour even if you don’t want to hike. There are plenty of other attractions and views to see along the Great Ocean Road and in the Grampians.
What level of fitness do I need to get the most out of the tour?
To get the most out of the hikes, which can be up to 3km and involve steep and rocky paths in direct sunlight, a moderate to advanced level of fitness is recommended. The guide will assess the conditions to ensure everyone’s safety.
Is transport included?
Yes, transport is provided. We use a comfortable, air-conditioned coach to transport participants between the various locations along the Great Ocean Road and in Grampians National Park.
Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
While the tour price covers most things, you may need to pay for personal items or meals not included in the itinerary. Budget for these extras separately.
What wildlife will I see?
Grampians National Park has kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and many bird species. We can’t guarantee wildlife sightings, but your guide will take you to areas where they are known.
Is this tour suitable for children and older people?
The tour involves some moderate walking and hiking so is more suited to people who are reasonably fit and active. Not suitable for young or older people who may find the physical activity challenging.
