Description
We leave Melbourne and cross the Westgate Bridge to head towards the Great Ocean Road. We take in the expansive views of the city and Port Phillip Bay. With a length of slightly under 2.6 kilometres. We pause for our first opportunity to view the beach just outside of Torquay. and to take advantage of a free cup of morning tea. With your knowledgeable driver-guide providing an educational commentary about the road’s history and its significance in Australian mythology, we leave Torquay and travel along the Great Ocean Road.
Departures
- Departs Melbourne 7 a.m.–8 a.m
- Returns around 9 pm
- 24 Guests
The Great Ocean Road’s picturesque drive in and of itself is a delight. As we take in some genuinely stunning coastline landscapes, fresh perspectives emerge at every turn. We stop at several beautiful locations, including, of course, ones for pictures. near Eastern View’s Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.
Highlights
- Enjoy morning tea beside the picturesque beaches of Victoria’s Surf Coast
- A scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road
- See the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park
- Visit the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck
- See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
- Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay
Koala Spotting
We take a brief detour through the fragrant eucalyptus forest in the township of Kennet River. to find a few local koalas in their natural habitat. Because of the area’s dense koala population, frequent sightings are certain! Here, we also get the chance to feed the diverse local bird population. King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas are always eager for a handful of sunflower seeds.
Rainforest
After there, we continue on to Apollo Bay, where we will stop for lunch. accompanied by yet another photo stop at Cape Patten. After lunch, we continue along the Great Ocean Road inland and across the mountains. The breathtaking Otway Ranges are passed by as the excursion continues. After that, we pause to take a stroll around Maits Rest’s cool temperate rainforest. Here, the party is led through the forest by our guide. Here we stop to learn a little about the old rainforest species and the tallest flowering trees in the world.
After that, the journey continues to the renowned Port Campbell National Park. With its recognisable collection of rock formations,. The towering monoliths of the Twelve Apostles will astound you. Additionally, we have the option to fly in a helicopter from this location. For those who choose not to fly, Gibsons Steps offers an additional stop. Visitors can descend the stairs to Gibsons Shore below for views of two of the Twelve Apostles from the beach.
The centre of the Shipwreck Coast is a little further down the road. This is the Loch Ard Gorge, where 52 people perished. And only two people made it out alive after the Loch Ard sank in 1878. Your tour guide will describe the Loch Ard mythology, bringing the gorge to life. in a manner you never anticipated. On the way back to Melbourne, a dinner break is made. Before taking in a breathtaking vista of the city at night as we travel back home and over the Westgate Bridge.
Important info before travel
- Wear proper clothing for the weather at all times.
- A re-fillable water bottle and snacks
- In hot weather, wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Winter: Wear layers and warm clothing because coastal winds can make the weather rather chilly.
- A swimming suit if you wish to go swimming
Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes – even with the best of intentions – the best-laid plans go awry.
So we’re happy to provide you a hassle-free, 100% refund if you give us 24 hours notice.
Inside of 24 hours, we’ve already started planning for your visit, and can’t easily fill your slot, so sadly we can’t provide you a refund in that case.
Very occasionally, we’re the ones that have to cancel. We’ll do everything in our power not to, but if we do we’ll offer you the opportunity to reschedule, or a full refund if you prefer.
Please note also that a “cancellation” includes a change to the date of a tour booking that requires the original booking to be cancelled.
For this reason we strongly recommend you consider travel insurance as a part of your trip planning.
Refund Protect
When booking directly with Go West Tours, for a small additional fee guests may purchase refund protection which ensures they will receive a 100% refund of their tour fare even if they are required to cancel their tour in the 24 hours for the tour departure time. Terms and conditions for these fully flexible packages can be found here.
Children’s Fares
Our children’s fares apply to all travellers under 16 years of age, including infants. All persons travelling on our tours must have a separate seat booked for their use. Our children’s fares are $20 less than the full adult fare.
Discounts
We consider our tours fully discounted and we are certain that you will find that they are considerably better value than those offered by our larger competitors.
However, if both of our tours are booked together at the same time we do offer a discount of $10 per person off the total price of the two tours. This discount is not applicable in combination with any special offer discount.
We do not offer further discounts except for groups of 5 or more.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included. We recommend you have appropriate insurance, including a cancellation policy.
Tour Prices & Itinerary
Our current prices and inclusions are valid until 31st March 2024. Go West Tours reserves the right to amend prices and change itineraries in unforeseen circumstances.