From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Otway Overnight Tour – Melbourne, Australia

EXPERIENCE:

Day 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell (D)

We start this tour with a drive through the ancient lava fields of western Victoria on our way to the country seaside town of Warrnambool, making a detour to Tower Hill to explore Australia’s most recently extinct volcano bursting with wildlife. Take a guided walk with Worn Gundidj learning about the traditional lifestyle of Australia’s indigenous people, and get close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Drive the Great Ocean Road “backwards”, starting with the Shipwreck Coast and its icons such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto and London Bridge with time to explore the village of Port Campbell. Try some locally made beers from Sow & Piglets Brewery with dinner before finishing off the day at the 12 Apostles for sunset.
Meals: Dinner. Accom: Sow and Piglets Guest House (formerly Port Campbell Hostel) or similar (private double/twin or 6-8 bed dormitory) – NOTE: all rooms have shared bathroom facilities, no ensuites available. Driving Distance: 380km. Hike Distance: 2km.

Day 2: Great Ocean Road to Melbourne (B)

The second day starts off with a climb down the stairs onto the beach at Loch Ard Gorge well before the crowds begin for a unique take on this ever popular attraction. It’s then off for a stroll along a section of the Great Ocean Walk and down to the beach level at the Apostles at Gibson Steps before retreating into the Otway rainforest. Hidden in a place most don’t venture, the Redwoods of the Otways will simply amaze. The tallest and second tallest species of trees in the world, side by side. It’s then back on the road to continue the breathtaking coastal drive with quality stops in the townships of Apollo Bay and Lorne to soak in the Aussie beach town lifestyle. Check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery for some delicious treats and one of the most popular surf beaches in Australia before the trip back to Melbourne around 7:00pm. Meals: Breakfast. Accom: N/A. Driving Distance: 300km. Hike Distance: 3km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Discover the treasures of the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
See the enormous limestone monoliths from the Gibson Steps Beach
Relish “Instagrammable” moments as you wander amongst the tallest trees in the world in the Redwoods Otways Beech Forest
Explore the hidden beach of Loch Ard Gorge and famous Great Ocean Road Walk
Be amazed by the iconic Twelve Apostles at sunset a great way to finish day 1

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