Autopia Tours Great Ocean Road to Grampians Overnighter (Shared Accommodation)

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A two day short break from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians, staying overnight in Halls Gap in a shared hostel dorm or a private motel room.

Days

2 days, 1 night

Age

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

Group size

Small group, 6 to 23

Start / finish

Melbourne / Melbourne

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Hostel dorm with shared bathroom, or a private motel room with ensuite, in Halls Gap

Transport

Air-conditioned mini-coach with a driver guide, Melbourne inner-city pick-up

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Route

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

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Included experiences

Great Ocean Road — Memorial Archway and surf beaches
Great Otway National Park
Twelve Apostles — limestone stacks
Loch Ard Gorge — shipwreck coast
Grampians National Park — bush hikes and lookouts
MacKenzie Falls

Autopia Tours Great Ocean Road to Grampians Overnighter (Shared Accommodation)

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD TO HALLS GAP

Pick-up is early in central Melbourne, with morning tea at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie on the Surf Coast. A photo under the Memorial Arch marks the start of 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, then a rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park under mountain ash, among the tallest flowering trees on earth. At Loch Ard Gorge, only two of the 54 people on board the clipper Loch Ard survived its wreck in 1878. The Twelve Apostles are limestone stacks up to 45 metres high. Then it's a long drive inland, arriving in Halls Gap late in the evening.

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

DAY 2: GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK TO MELBOURNE

Morning in Gariwerd (the Grampians), Country of the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali peoples, a run of sandstone ridges laid down about 400 million years ago. Boroka Lookout looks straight down on Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. From Reeds Lookout you walk out to The Balconies, two ledges of sandstone jutting over the Victoria Valley like an open pair of jaws. Down in the valley, MacKenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and one of the few in the park that flows all year. Look for emus and kangaroos in the bush along the way. After lunch at your own cost, the bus heads back to Melbourne, arriving 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.
Minimum age: 18 in shared dorms and single rooms. Children aged 6 to 17 must stay in a private double or twin room with an adult or guardian. The tour isn't suitable for children aged 5 and under.
Fitness: Moderate.
Dietary needs: Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and vegetarian meals are catered for. Please tell us about any dietary needs and medical conditions.
Accommodation note: The shared dorm option is basic dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities.
Please note: The tour goes ahead in rain or bad weather unless the operator contacts you.

What to bring

1L refillable water bottle
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Towel and toiletries
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with tread
All-weather clothing, raincoat and windbreaker
Warm clothes for the evening
Overnight bag (15kg) and small day pack (5-7kg)
Insect repellent
Torch or headlamp
Money for snacks and meals
Camera

What is included

Return transport from Melbourne, with selected inner-city pick-up and drop-off points
1 night in Halls Gap, in a hostel dorm with shared bathroom or a private motel room with ensuite
1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
All national park entry fees
Guided bush walks (about 4km, subject to fitness)
Experienced driver guide with local commentary
Air-conditioned small-group travel

Not included

Any meals not listed
Travel insurance (recommended)
Personal expenses

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.