Description
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day adventure along the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park en route to Adelaide, featuring private accommodation. Discover breathtaking landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Mackenzie Falls, and Halls Gap, along with other spectacular sights. Conclude your journey by arriving in Adelaide in the early evening.
Your Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road
Kick off your 3-day adventure with a journey along the iconic Great Ocean Road, featuring breathtaking ocean views and world-class surf beaches. Along the way, spot wild koalas and enjoy lunch in the charming coastal town of Apollo Bay. Next, take a guided walk through the lush Great Otway National Park rainforest. In the afternoon, explore the dramatic Shipwreck Coast, including the stunning Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Overnight stay in Warrnambool.
Meals: Dinner.
Accommodation: Shared dorm in a backpacker lodge (shared bathroom) or a similar alternative.
Driving Distance: 375 km.
Day 2: Great Ocean Road to Grampians
On the second day, explore the Tower Hill Conservation Wildlife Reserve, an extinct volcano teeming with wildlife like emus and kangaroos, and rich in Aboriginal history. Next, travel north to the Grampians, where you’ll enjoy a scenic hike to the iconic Pinnacle lookout, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the national park. End the day with a classic Aussie BBQ and an overnight stay in Halls Gap.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Grampians Eco YHA shared lodging (shared bathroom) or a similar alternative.
Driving Distance: 190 km.
Hike Distance: 4.5 km.
Day 3: Grampians to Adelaide
On the final day, begin with an early morning hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls, followed by visits to iconic spots like The Balconies/Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout, known for their stunning views. After lunch, journey west from the rugged mountains toward Adelaide, passing landmarks such as Dimboola Pink Lake and Nhill before crossing into South Australia. Arrive in Adelaide around 7:30 pm.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.
Driving Distance: 520 km.
Hike Distance: 2 km.
Highlights
- Overland adventure from Melbourne to Adelaide
- Take a journey along the National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road
- Checkout the pristine surf beaches and seaside town of Apollo Bay, spot Southern Right Whales (Jun-Sep)
- Rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park
- Be blown away by the beauty of the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge beach
- Uncover the wonders of Tower Hill Conservation Reserve an ancient volcano streaming with wildlife
- Explore the rugged wilderness of the Grampians National Park and guided scenic bush trails
- Hiking to the summit of Pinnacle Lookout is an impressive experience
- Spectacular Reed’s & Boroka Lookout views and MacKenzie waterfalls
- Learn about our Aboriginal culture from this region
- Guaranteed Australian Wildlife sightings ie. kangaroos, emus, echidnas & koalas
Inclusions
- One-way transfer from Melbourne to Adelaide
- 2 Nights’ hostel dormitory accommodation – with shared facilities (Warrnambool, Halls Gap)
- Includes: 2 x Breakfast, 2 x Dinner
- National Park entry fees
- Guided walks (~6.5km total)
- Australian flora and fauna sightings
- Hosted by an experienced driver-guide
- Air-conditioned small group travel
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off point in Adelaide city
Not Included
- Any meals not indicated
- Travel insurance recommended
- Personal expenses
Important info before travel
- 1 Litre water bottle
- Overnight bag & small day pack
- Any medications you usually take
- Warm jacket
- Thermals (advisable for the colder months)
- Comfortable walking shoes with tread
- Hat, sunscreen & sunglasses
- Swimmers, towel & toiletries
- Camp torch/headlamp
- Camera
Important Notes
- This fare type is basic dormitory which applies to Adults 18+ and over. Children aged between 6 to 17 years old are required to stay in standard private accommodation and must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult. Private accommodation upgrades are available on a different product listing, subject to availability. Not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under.
Supplier Notes
- In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
- Please notify us of any dietary requirements & medical conditions.
- Be ready for pickup at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
What is a suitable age for this tour?
Child policy for this tour is 6 years old and over, due to the nature of this tour, it’s not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. Children aged between 6 to 17 years old are required to stay in standard private accommodation and must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Walks can be up to 3km in length, often over steep and rocky sections and in direct sunlight. Walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel).
Do you cater to special dietary requirements?
Yes, please notify us if you have any dietary requirements or medical conditions at the time of booking, or at least a few days prior to departure, that way we can make any necessary arrangements.
What type of food do we eat on tour?
Most of the meals are prepared by our tour guides with basic camping-style food options and on occasions, they will be provided by our accommodation providers onsite. Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean-up, and vehicle unpacking/loading as it’s a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
Where do we stay overnight?
Given the limited accommodation options in these regions, on occasions, we need to split our group across different properties based on the room fare type requirements. Guests booking a Basic Dorm Bed are paired with other solo travelers in a room, where possible of the same gender but not guaranteed. Here is a list of the properties we use, or a similar alternative.
- Night 1 – Downtown Motel – services both Dormitory Beds (AM3-B) and Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms (MA3-S, MA3-P)
- Night 2 – YHA Grampians Eco – services Dormitory Beds (MA3-B) only
- Night 2 – Gariwerd Motel – services Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms (MA3-S, MA3-P) only
Are National Park fees included in the tour cost?
Autopia Tours includes National Parks fees within the tour price, this covers our guests for 3 x National Parks which include Grampians National Park, Great Otway National Park, and Port Campbell National Park. Park Passes are not available for purchase by guests not traveling onboard our tours.
What kind of vehicle do we travel in for this Melbourne to Adelaide tour?
We use 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa mini-buses for this trip, this vehicle makes moving people easy, safe, and comfortable. With high back seats and large windows for unobstructed views. The maximum number of passengers we carry on this 3-Day tour is 23 people, with a minimum requirement of 8 people to guarantee the departure.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
We ask that guests traveling on short breaks/extended tours bring small soft overnight bags and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Large suitcases and oversized luggage can be left at your hotel whilst you are on tour. This tour is not suitable for anyone who requires the use of a mobility aid, wheelchair, walker, and or stroller.
Do I require travel insurance in Australia?
It is recommended that all passengers have personal travel insurance, given we’re actively exploring remote parts of the west coast of Australia with limited access to health professionals in the event of sickness or injury. Autopia Tours is not authorised to provide information on the type of plan or policy options available. This can be provided by an accredited local travel agent or from your preferred insurance company.
What is the temperature like in South Australia?
The weather in Victoria is unpredictable and can fluctuate regularly. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
What is your Vaccination Policy?
In accordance with current Government regulations, it is no longer a requirement to be double vaccinated, although we do highly recommend it.
Our COVID Statement
For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. Temperature checks of all staff will be conducted pre-departure, with disposable face masks and hand-sanitizer provided. For more information click here.
Our Contract
All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.
Validity
Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 March 2026, effective from 01 June 2024 dates and itineraries are indicative only.
Standard Conditions
Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates to Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Walking Country, Wayoutback Australian Safaris, Australian Bus Charters & Tailormade Touring, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below before booking a trip with us.
We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service before booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style, and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.
Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay, or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, should they have to cancel a trip at the last minute.
GLT reserves the right to modify routes or itineraries, vehicle types, fares, days of operation, or even cancel tours when unforeseen circumstances arise. This is especially true during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours.
Fares are shown in Australian Currency and are correct at time of printing but are subject to change.
Traveller Information
For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. Your full name, contact details, email address, dietary requirements (if applicable), nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements.
For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Customers Responsible Travel
The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State, and Territory) conditions of entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services.
In the event that a traveler needs to cancel unexpectedly due to visa restrictions, a medical condition, family reasons, or changes to regulations imposed by the government, the operator shall apply discretion when applying cancellation policies in these circumstances. The operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.
It was previously recommended by the Department of Health that commercial passenger vehicle drivers and passengers wear fitted face masks whilst in transit to minimise the spread of the virus. This is no longer mandatory, but rather at the driver’s or traveller’s own discretion. Some remote regions have limited access to RAT tests, so multi-day travelers are still advised to bring some along.
In the unlikely event that a traveller must leave a tour midway after it has commenced, or attempt to join a tour after departure, the operator is not required to reimburse any aspects of the tour that they did not participate in. As part of this, the traveler is responsible for any relocation expenses incurred from the point of departure to their nominated destination and is the traveller’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.
Note: Different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents. Your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
Cancellations & Refund Policy
Cancellation by the Traveller
We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent notifying them of your cancellation.
If you wish to change or cancel a trip:
Day Trips
(a) 0 to 1 day / within 24-hrs from the experience start time or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 2+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day
Short Break / Extended Tours
(a) 0 to 14 days before the departure date or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 15+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day
Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveller) has an expiry date of 3 years and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable on experience, however not redeemable for cash.
Note different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents, your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise travellers to take out personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
Cancellation by the Operator
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure (refer below) resulting in the cancellation of a trip.
We have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.
Standard Cancellation
If we the tour operator cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip
(b) transfer amounts paid to an alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or
(c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years
Force Majeure Cancellation
If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% credit voucher of monies paid for your trip; or
(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.
If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.
Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveller):
● 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
● are not redeemable for cash;
● excludes flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions
In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. GLT cannot be held responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.
A “Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue.
Acceptance of Risk
Australia is home to a wide range of dangerous animals, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard our tours.
Travel Insurance
We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover.
We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and pose a threat to other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and whilst in operation, that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old, photo ID is required.
Child Policy (Age Requirements)
Our child and infant policy and pricing do vary depending on the trip; this is due to the diversity in our product range. All travellers under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Due to the nature of our extended tours, a moderate level of fitness is required to complete walks and for safety reasons not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. Except the Northern Territory where the minimum age is 8 years and over for any multi-day tour.
Important Note: Due to the type of experiences we operate throughout Australia, some may require a medium to high level of fitness and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).
Prices and surcharges
Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. Depending on the trip, passengers are likely to be charged different prices, so booking at that time is the best option if you like the price. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your fare price will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out below in (Cancellation by the Traveller). The most up-to-date pricing is available on our websites. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.
Luggage Policy
To maximize the comfort of your journey no luggage storage facilities are provided on our (Day Trips): It is recommended you bring a small day pack no bigger than 5-7kg. (Short-Break / Extended Tours): Maximum baggage allowance per person is 15-20kg preferably a soft travelling pack.
Excessive amounts of luggage may incur a surcharge fee. Inappropriate luggage presented on the day of departure such as surfboards, bikes, and an excessive amount of luggage may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged. Other: mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushers, prams, walking frames, and other walking aids cannot be stored safely on our vehicles. Please advise prior to booking if there are any of these aids required.
Pick-up & Drop-offs
GLT may offer complimentary inner-city pick-up and drop-off services to selected accommodation providers. Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected accommodation or nominated meeting point may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.
Special Requirements
Please notify the tour operator of any food allergies or special dietary requirements, and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days prior to the tour departure. While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, there are limited food options in some regions we visit on extended tours, so forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but it is not guaranteed. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks along.
Booking Confirmations & Enquiries
All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to info@autopiatours.com.au.