Autopia Tours Adelaide to Melbourne Original Tour (Shared Accommodation)

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A 3 day one-way overland journey from Adelaide to Melbourne through the Grampians National Park and along the Great Ocean Road, staying in budget shared rooms or private ensuite rooms, depending on the option you choose.

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

Adelaide / Melbourne
Melbourne city, early evening

Return

Melbourne city, early evening

Accommodation

Budget shared rooms with shared bathrooms, private double or twin ensuite rooms, or private single ensuite rooms, in Halls Gap and Warrnambool

Transport

Air-conditioned small group coach with a driver-guide

Meals

2 breakfasts and 2 dinners, cooked together with the group

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Adelaide to Melbourne Original Tour (Shared Accommodation)

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Included experiences

Grampians National Park — Pinnacles trail hike
MacKenzie Falls, The Balconies and Boroka Lookout
Tower Hill Conservation Reserve — wildlife and Aboriginal culture
12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
Great Otway National Park — rainforest walk
Great Ocean Road — Memorial Arch photo stop

Autopia Tours Adelaide to Melbourne Original Tour (Shared Accommodation)

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: ADELAIDE TO THE GRAMPIANS

An early pick-up in Adelaide, then you climb through the Adelaide Hills and head south-east across the farmland to Bordertown, where Prime Minister Bob Hawke was born in 1929. Over the border into Victoria, your guide may stop at the Pink Lake near Dimboola if time allows; its colour comes from salt-loving algae. Then the Grampians rise from the western plains. Their Aboriginal name is Gariwerd, and the ranges are tilted slabs of sandstone laid down about 400 million years ago. In the park you walk out to The Balconies, a pair of sandstone ledges once called the Jaws of Death, and Boroka Lookout, high above Halls Gap. MacKenzie Falls is on the plan when it's open; it has been closed for park works, and your guide swaps in other stops while it is. Dinner is with the group.

Overnight: Halls Gap

DAY 2: THE PINNACLE, TOWER HILL AND WARRNAMBOOL

After breakfast you hike up to The Pinnacle, a rock outcrop that hangs over Halls Gap, the town named after the cattleman Charles Hall, who rode through in 1841. The view takes in the whole valley and Lake Bellfield. Then it's south to the coast and Tower Hill, an extinct volcano that erupted about 30,000 years ago and in 1892 became Victoria's first national park. Emus and koalas live in the crater, and it is one of the best places on the trip to see them wild. The afternoon ends in Warrnambool, where southern right whales come in to calve off Logans Beach from June to September. You have some free time, then dinner together at a local pub or brewery.

Overnight: Warrnambool

DAY 3: THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD TO MELBOURNE

Breakfast is early, then you head east along the Shipwreck Coast. At London Bridge an arch collapsed in 1990, stranding two visitors on the new island until a helicopter lifted them off. Loch Ard Gorge is named after the clipper wrecked here in 1878; only two of the 54 aboard survived, washing into this cove. Then come the limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles. In the Great Otway National Park your guide leads a rainforest walk under tree ferns and myrtle beech, before lunch at your own cost in Apollo Bay. Past the surf beaches you stop at the Memorial Arch at Eastern View. The Great Ocean Road was built by about 3,000 returned First World War soldiers and is the world's largest war memorial. You reach Melbourne in the evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: A selected Adelaide inner-city pick-up point. Be ready at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
Finishes: Melbourne city, in the early evening.
Minimum age: Shared rooms are for adults 18 and over only, in bunk rooms with communal bathrooms, and single rooms are also for adults 18 and over. With a double or twin room the minimum age is 6; children aged 6 to 17 must be with an adult or guardian at all times and stay in private twin rooms.
Fitness: A moderate to advanced level of fitness is needed for walks of up to 3 km over steep and rocky ground, often in direct sun. Guests must be able to walk unaided for 2 to 3 hours at a time. Guests over 75 need a doctor's certificate at least 30 days before travel. Not suitable for travellers using wheelchairs or walkers.
Dietary needs: Tell us about dietary needs when booking; there are limited options once the tour departs.
Please note: Guests are encouraged to help with meal preparation, cleaning up and loading luggage. Itineraries may change with the seasons, and some park sites occasionally close for cultural reasons. The tour goes ahead in rain unless the operator contacts you.

What to bring

1 litre 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, warm clothes for the evening
Raincoat, jumper or windbreaker
Overnight bag up to 23 kg and small day pack up to 5 kg
Insect repellent
Torch or headlamp
Personal first aid kit and medicine
Money for snacks and meals
Camera

What is included

One-way transfer from Adelaide to Melbourne
2 nights' accommodation in Halls Gap and Warrnambool, in budget shared rooms, a private double or twin with ensuite, or a private single with ensuite
2 breakfasts and 2 dinners (guests help prepare)
All national park entry fees
Guided bush walks
Experienced driver-guide with local commentary
Air-conditioned small group travel
Pick-up from a selected Adelaide inner-city point; drop-off in Melbourne city

Not included

Meals not listed in the itinerary — there are plenty of chances to buy food along the way or dine out with the group
Hotel transfers to the pick-up point before or after the tour
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

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 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.

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

4.6

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)

A great trip, very well organised by JDaawg, whose enthusiasm never ran out. A big cooee to him from both of us.

Laurence Verified· Travelled 30th November 2025

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(5/5)

An excellent trip from Adelaide to Melbourne with a small group that got on well. Our guide and driver Craig knew the history, plants and wildlife of every stop, and the coast road is stunning. The younger ones took shared rooms while I chose my own. Day one is long but has plenty of breaks, and I'd recommend starting in Adelaide.

David Verified· Travelled 23rd January 2024

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(4/5)

As less agile seniors we were delighted by the care from our tour leader Janet, whose alternative walks still gave us magnificent views while the young ones did harder hikes. Our only grumble is the minibus seating, with little leg room for arthritic knees.

kathryn Verified· Travelled 1st May 2023

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(4/5)

A wonderful insight into this part of Australia, and our tour leader Chris made sure everyone got what they hoped for.

Peter Verified· Travelled 13th February 2023

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(5/5)

Blinky was probably the best guide I've ever had and made even the driving interesting. We saw wild koalas, emus and kangaroos, ocean views, bush walks and a rainforest.

Bethan Verified· Travelled 27th December 2022

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