Great Ocean Rd & Grampians combined Combining the best of Victoria
·Guided group walking holiday
·8 day itinerary
This walking holiday combines two of Victoria’s most stunning regions, the breathtaking coastline along the famous Great Ocean Road and the rugged ranges of the Grampians National Park. Truly the “Best of Victoria”!
The tour starts in Melbourne and heads along the Great Ocean Road travelling via the picturesque seaside villages of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Our selection of walks through the temperate rainforests of the Otway Ranges showcases the lush vegetation, ancient fern gullies and delicate cascading waterfalls.
Progressing further along the famous “Road”, we suddenly emerge from the forests onto the wild beaches and precipitous coastline of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Bay of Islands region. Evocatively named places indicate the turmoil that hardy pioneers of the area endured, including the crews of over 150 ships that have been shipwrecked along this rugged coast.
Home for one night is the Heritage Listed seaside village of Port Fairy – an attractive town famous for its fleet of colourful fishing boats and thousands of migrating shearwaters that breed on a nearby island.
Approached from the south, the Grampians National Park is sure to take your breath away as first one jagged mountain then many, many more appear to soar upwards from the surrounding plains. This is a great region for native wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, emus, numerous native birds and masses of colourful wildflowers. The Grampians provided local Aboriginal people with plentiful food, water, shelter and a place for ceremony. We’ll learn a little of their way of life and visit an Aboriginal cave painting site and shelter.
On the last day we’ll return to Melbourne through the Western District, one of Victoria’s renowned wine-producing areas.
Location This is a circuit trip starting and finishing in Melbourne.
Travel Air conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance approximately 1100km.
Grading Full day walks generally involve 4-5 hours on the track at a moderate pace. This trip operates with two guided. On some days, one guide can offer a faster, longer walk while the other takes a slower, easier option. Sometimes you can even shorten the walk with a ride on the bus! Anyone who enjoys some harder walks won’t be disappointed: there are some challenging walks in the Grampians that will test your skills!
Accommodation We want you to enjoy every aspect of our walking holidays. So, in addition to finding great walks, we have also made an effort to find interesting and comfortable accommodation for you. On the Great Ocean Road section we'll stay in a comfortable 3-4 star motels/hotels in quiet locations. In the Grampians we’ve chosen cosy cottages in a bushland setting. All bedrooms on this holiday have ensuite / private bathroom facilities.
Regional food & wine highlights The Great Ocean Road is well known for its outstanding seafood together with Bellarine Peninsula wines. The Great Western District in the Grampians is one of Australia's best known wine producing areas. The region also produces excellent venison and olives.
What's included Accommodation, most meals (7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners), 2 guides, all transport from Melbourne Airport, entry to the Otway Fly, national park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, notes, maps.
Not included Alcohol, meals not listed in itinerary, drinks with meals except for tea/coffee and fruit juice with breakfast.
Itinerary guide - 8 days (includes 7 nights accommodation)
Day 1: After meeting the group at Melbourne airport at 10am, we’ll travel south towards Bass Straight. In less than 2 hours, we’ll start along the Great Ocean Rd, following it to Lorne and Apollo Bay. Our first walk will be from the coast into Cumberland Gorge to Cumberland Cascades. There will also time for late afternoon swimming, stroll along Apollo Bay’s sandy beach, or to browse in the galleries and craft stores of Apollo Bay. Overnight at Apollo Bay
Day 2: A day exploring the Otways hinterland with short walks to several remote waterfalls and a longer walk featuring beech forests and a picturesque lake. We’ll also visit the Otway Fly – an elevated walk through the treetops of the rainforest. It has only recently been built, but is already attracting over 4 times the most optimistic forecast for visitors prior to construction! Overnight at Apollo Bay
Day 3: Travel along the most spectacular section of the Great Ocean Road today. For millions of years the limestone cliffs here have been sculptured into a series of gorges, arches, islands and blowholes that you will explore on foot. Marvel at the 12 Apostles and learn the amazing tale of survival of the Loch Ard. Walk to fascinating geological formations with evocative names such as the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and the Grotto. Overnight at Port Campbell
Day 4: Today starts with a walk at Tower Hill Game Reserve. At this ancient volcanic crater we usually spot emus, kangaroos, koalas and numerous water birds. You can walk along the volcano rim, see and touch the ash and thank your lucky stars that you weren’t in the area when it erupted! Our journey continues to historic Port Fairy village. Enjoy fish and chips overlooking the picturesque river setting, before the afternoon walk along a wild and rugged stretch of coastline to The Crags (easier option available). In the evening there’s also a chance to see numerous shearwaters arriving back from fishing all day – a sight not to be missed! Overnight at Port Fairy
Day 5: This morning we say goodbye to the coast and head inland through Victoria’s Western District to the Grampians National Park. Our first Grampians bushwalk follows the Grand Canyon circuit through the Wonderland Range, passing many unusual rock formations including the Elephant’s Hide, Venus Baths, the Guardian of the Canyon and Echo Cave. Accommodation: Halls Gap
Day 6: Visit thundering McKenzie Falls then follow the trail downstream to historic Zumstein. The afternoon walk choices include a rewarding summit with 360 degree views and a gentle stroll through peaceful eucalypt woodland. Accommodation: Halls Gap.
Day 7: Today we head into the less-visited western Grampians. The grand finale is a stimulating ascent of Mt Stapylton with its stunning views over the entire Western district. We’ll also visit Aboriginal shelters with cave paintings and a working olive plantation. Accommodation: Halls Gap
Day 8: Travel back to Melbourne, arriving at around 1.00pm
