Autopia Tours Great Ocean Road to Grampians Original Tour (Shared Accommodation)

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A 3 day small-group tour from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road and into the Grampians National Park, with shared or private rooms, returning to Melbourne in the early evening.

Days

3 days, 2 nights

Age

6 and over in double or twin rooms, with an adult; 18 and over in shared or single rooms

Group size

Small group, 6 to 23

Start / finish

Melbourne / Melbourne
Melbourne, early evening

Return

Melbourne, early evening

Accommodation

Budget shared rooms with communal bathrooms, or private ensuite motel rooms, in Warrnambool and Halls Gap

Transport

Air-conditioned small-group vehicle with a driver guide, Melbourne inner-city pick-up

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Great Ocean Road to Grampians Original Tour (Shared Accommodation)

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Included experiences

Great Ocean Road — Memorial Arch
Great Otway National Park — rainforest walk
Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
Tower Hill — wildlife reserve
Grampians National Park — Pinnacle Lookout hike
MacKenzie Falls — hike to the base

Autopia Tours Great Ocean Road to Grampians Original Tour (Shared Accommodation)

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: MELBOURNE TO WARRNAMBOOL ALONG THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

An early pick-up in central Melbourne, then onto the Great Ocean Road, built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to those killed in the First World War. Lunch is in Apollo Bay, a fishing town under the Otway Ranges, where you choose from the local bakery. Your guide then leads a rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park, under mountain ash, among the tallest flowering trees on earth. Watch the roadside gums for sleeping koalas. Late in the day come the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks up to 45 metres high, and Loch Ard Gorge, where only two of the 54 people aboard the clipper Loch Ard came ashore alive after it was wrecked in 1878.

Overnight: Warrnambool (shared dorm or private room, depending on the option you book)

DAY 2: TOWER HILL AND INTO THE GRAMPIANS

Breakfast is in Warrnambool, where southern right whales come close to shore to calve from about June to September. Then it's a short drive to Tower Hill, the crater of a volcano that erupted about 30,000 years ago and in 1892 became Victoria's first national park. Emus and kangaroos graze the crater floor, and koalas sit in the manna gums. From here the road runs north across the Western District's volcanic plains into Gariwerd (the Grampians), Country of the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali peoples, which holds more than 80 per cent of Victoria's known Aboriginal rock art sites. In the afternoon you hike to The Pinnacle, a sandstone lookout high above Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. Dinner tonight is a classic Aussie barbecue.

Overnight: Halls Gap (shared dorm or private room, depending on the option you book)

DAY 3: GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK TO MELBOURNE

Make an early start for the walk down to the base of MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and one of the few in the park that runs all year. Then it's up onto the escarpment at Reeds Lookout and the short walk to The Balconies, two ledges of sandstone that jut out over the Victoria Valley like an open pair of jaws, which is why some still call them the Jaws of Death. Boroka Lookout looks straight down on Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield, with the line of the ranges running away to the south. Kangaroos are often grazing on the edge of town as you leave, so keep the camera handy. Lunch is at your own cost along the way. Then it's east across the plains, back in Melbourne around 5:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up points. Be ready for pick-up at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Finishes: Back in Melbourne in the early evening.
Minimum age: 18 for shared rooms, which are bunk rooms with communal bathrooms, and for single rooms. Children 6 to 17 must travel with an adult and stay in a private double or twin room; not suitable for children 5 and under.
Fitness: Moderate to advanced. Walks can be up to 3km over steep, rocky terrain, often in direct sun, and you must be able to walk unaided for 2 to 3 hours. Not suitable for travellers using wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers. Travellers over 75 need a doctor's certificate at least 30 days before travel.
Dietary needs: Most dietary needs can be catered for, but tell us when booking; options are limited once the tour departs. Please also tell us about any medical conditions.
Please note: Guests are encouraged to help with meal preparation, clean-up and loading luggage. Bags are limited to one 15kg travel bag and one 5kg day bag; store larger suitcases at your hotel. Itineraries may change with the seasons, and park sites occasionally close for cultural reasons. The tour goes ahead in rain unless the operator contacts you.

What to bring

1L refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Beach and shower towel, toiletries
Swimwear and thongs
Comfortable sturdy closed-toe walking shoes
All-weather clothing and warm clothes for the evening
Raincoat, jumper or windbreaker
Overnight bag (15kg) and small day pack (5kg)
Insect repellent
Torch or headlamp
Personal first aid kit and medicine
Money for snacks and meals
Camera

What is included

Melbourne to Melbourne round trip, with selected inner-city pick-up and drop-off points
2 nights in Warrnambool and Halls Gap, in budget shared rooms, a private double or twin motel room with ensuite, or a private single motel room with ensuite
2 breakfasts and 2 dinners (guest participation)
All national park entry fees
Guided bush walks (about 6.5km, subject to fitness)
Experienced driver guide with local commentary
Air-conditioned small-group travel

Not included

Any meals not listed — there are plenty of chances to buy food or dine out with the group
Hotel transfers to the nominated pick-up point
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
Spending money

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

4.8

Based on 5 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

Our three day Great Ocean Road and Grampians trip was a highlight of our time in Australia. Sam was friendly, knowledgeable, funny and full of dad jokes, and made even the long drives fun. The coast and the Grampians' landscapes and wildlife were stunning, and our group of strangers became real friends by the end.

Madison Derheim Verified· Travelled 20th October 2026

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(5/5)

J-Dog was great and so was the tour, with loads of animals and great landscapes.

Ross Verified· Travelled 4th October 2023

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(5/5)

Jim was a perfect guide. From our 7am start in Melbourne he shared lots about the area and its history, and knew just where to find koalas and kangaroos.

MichelaBondioli Verified· Travelled 9th March 2020

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(4/5)

An interesting tour with an attentive guide who looked after us well, though the bus seats could be comfier for such long drives and a few more refreshments would help.

EduardoLimberger Verified· Travelled 3rd January 2020

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(5/5)

Well organised and adapted to the hot weather. After the Twelve Apostles crowds the coast gets quieter, with a chance for a swim, and I loved the Grampians hike to the waterfall, friendly Halls Gap, and the morning tea and barbecue. Our guide Darren was one of the best I've had: passionate, knowledgeable and organised.

Sinclair Verified· Travelled 27th December 2019

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