Melbourne

Hiking

Discover the iconic 12 Apostles, see picturesque beaches, and make your way through the trees in Great Otways National Park and Redwood Forest on a minivan guided tour. Snack on local fruit and spot native koalas, as you explore this stunning part of Australia. Departing Melbourne early with your knowledgeable guide, head straight to the famous 12 Apostles before the masses of people arrive. Take a short stroll along the boardwalk and appreciate the stunning views. Continue to another spectacular scene, Gibson Steps, and walk down the 70-meter cliff-side pathway to the beach, where there will be plenty of time to take some incredible photos. Next, it’s back in the van to start a drive through the magical Great Otways National Park. Pull over and take a 3.5-kilometer (just over 2 miles) return hike through ancient rainforests to the dreamy Beauchamp Falls. With your energy restored, continue your tour along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Pass by Apollo Bay before reaching Kennett's River, where you'll get the chance to spot native koalas going about their daily routines. Stop at the beautiful town of Lorne for 30 minutes to shop and explore at your leisure, or take a swim in the ocean. Finally, visit the historical Memorial Lookout and the surfer hotspot, Bells Beach, before concluding your tour back at the original meeting point.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne with an early morning departure from the city. Make your way through the eastern suburbs towards the mountains of the Yarra Ranges National Park. Stop in the township of Healsville for a morning tea or breakfast, and stretch your legs as you breathe in the crisp fresh air. Then, wind your way through the Black Spur and pass through Marysville, before climbing to the top of Lake Mountain. Notice the change in scenery and benefit from spectacular views of the Cathedral Ranges as you get your first glimpse of the snow. Upon arrival at the top, put on your gloves and prepare for some fun! Benefit from 3 hours to hire a toboggan and hit the slopes, or build a snowman and throw snowballs at each other. Take a cross-country skiing lesson, or go on a guided hike through the snow gums to the summit of Lake Mountain. As your time on the mountain comes to an end, journey back down to take a short walk to the base of one of Victoria's highest waterfalls. Enjoy the splendid scenery at Steavenson Falls, and then round off the day at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Enjoy free chocolate samples or one of their delicious hot chocolates, before returning to Melbourne where you will get dropped off in the inner city.

Arrive at Wilsons Promontory and embark on your first hike, a 6.8 kilometer return journey to Mt Oberon. From the summit, you will experience arguably the best coastal views in Victoria. After you return, you will head into Tidal River for lunch and some down time before tackling your second hike to Squeaky Beach via Pillar Point. At every turn expect beautiful turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain views. At Squeaky beach wander on the rounded grains of quartz which make a squeaking sound, giving this popular local beach its name. Wilsons Promontory is full of Australian wildlife so have your cameras ready.

Day 1: Melbourne to Warrnambool Start your 3-Day adventure by exploring the world famous Great Ocean Road with its stunning ocean views and surf beaches. Spot wild koalas and take a guided rainforest walk before visiting the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles and other wonders of the Shipwreck Coast. Overnight in Warrnambool. Day 2: Warrnambool - Halls Gap On the second day, visit the Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, an extinct volcano, rich in Aboriginal history and an abundance of wildlife. Later hike up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout with an amazing view over the Grampians. Finish the day with a traditional Aussie BBQ and overnight stay in Halls Gap. Breakfast and dinner are included. Day 3: Halls Gap - Melbourne or Adelaide On the last day of the journey, hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls, then check out some other famed sights such as Boroka Lookout and The Balconies. After an incredible few days exploring the coastline and mountain ranges, we make our way back to Melbourne arriving around 5:30 PM. Alternatively if your traveling through to Adelaide you will arrive at 7:30 PM. Breakfast is included.

Day 1 - (L) Say farewell to Melbourne as you drive over the Westgate Bridge bound for Adelaide. Start at the beginning of The Great Ocean Road and twist along this iconic road with awe inspiring views the entire day. Stop for morning tea briefly before pulling over for a photo under Memorial Arch (The Great Ocean Road Sign). Continue through several seaside towns along the way, including Kennett River where your guide will help you find koalas in the wild and native birds amongst the eucalyptus trees, before your lunch stop in Apollo Bay. Relax on the main beach, walk the main street or taste some local ice-cream treats! After the lunch stop, the Great Ocean Road winds into the ancient Otway rainforest as you say goodbye to the coastline for a while. Stretch your legs in the fresh air as you're guided through the crisp wonderland of Maits Rest. Continuing the journey you'll join the ocean again at the Shipwreck Coast. Hear the stories of shipwrecks and marvel at the limestone cliffs and structures that span the coastline. View the 12 Apostles in all their glory as they defy hundreds of years of erosion. Walk down onto the sands of the isolated and remote Loch Ard Gorge. Hear the story of how London Bridge fell down as you view the archway that remains, before making your way into the Grampians National Park for your bed for the night.  Day 2 - (B) Wake up in the heart of the Grampians; Halls Gap. Early morning is the best time as kangaroos bounce, kookaburras laugh, and magpies and currawongs call to the rising sun. After breakfast, drive into the multiple mountain ranges of the Grampians National Park. Captivating panoramic vistas greet you at every break in the trees on your way to Borkoa Lookout. Look down over Halls Gap and Victoria's western plains. Take a walk to the Balconies, a geological icon of the Grampians with views over the Victoria Valley. Step down a series of 250+ stairs to the bottom of the remote Mackenzie Falls. Relax as the waters of the Wartook River cascade over the edge, before making the journey to Brambuk Cultural Center to learn about Jarwadjali and Djab Wurrung tribes that have called the Grampians (Gariwerd) home for thousands of years. Back to Halls Gap for lunch before beginning the drive through the broadacre farmland of Western Victoria. Crossing the border into South Australia, the drive continues all the way through to Adelaide for an arrival to the CBD at approx. 7.00 pm.

Day 1 - (L) Say goodbye to Melbourne for the next 2 days as you drive over the Westgate Bridge to the Great Ocean Road. Begin where the builders started construction in 1919, and wind your way along this iconic road with spectacular views the entire journey. Stop for morning tea shortly after you join the road before making your way to Memorial Arch (The Great Ocean Road Sign) for a cheeky snap underneath. Continue to wind along through several seaside townships along the way. Along this stretch, your guide will get you out of the bus and help you spot wild koalas and native bird life among the trees, before stopping for lunch in the town of Apollo Bay with time to relax on the main beach, or try out some super flavors of ice-cream! After lunch the road leaves the coastline, then you're immersed in the ancient Otway rainforest. Breath in the crisp fresh air as your guide takes you on a guided walk through this magical wonderland. A little further along the road, you'll meet the ocean again on the Shipwreck Coast.  Marvel at the limestone monoliths known as the 12 Apostles and the rugged coastline that formed them. Hear the story of Loch Ard, and step down into this remote and isolated beach gorge that's been carved over one hundred years of erosion. A little further down the coast you will see the remains of London Bridge before driving into the heart of the Grampians National Park for your night's accommodation. Day 2 - (B) Wake up in the quaint town of Halls Gap to bounding kangaroos, and laughing kookaburras along with the calls of magpies and currawongs. Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before driving into the mountain ranges that form this spectacular national park. Be captured with panoramic vistas at every possible view point starting with Borkoa. Lookout as you look over the western plains of Victoria and down on your night's accommodation. Make your way to the geological icon of the Balconies for views into the Victoria Valley and to the most southern tip of the park. Walk down a series of over 250 stairs to the base of the majestic Mackenzie falls before learning about the rich Aboriginal culture of the Grampians (Gariwerd) at Brambuk Cultural Center. After stopping for lunch in Halls Gap, begin the journey back to Melbourne for a late afternoon arrival.

Departing from Melbourne in the morning, make your way to Australia's most southern point to experience Wilson's Promontory. Immerse yourself in a pristine environment that is truly diverse, offering walks among cool temperate rainforests, coastal bushland, and stunning white beaches. Spot native animals as you move from bush to beach, including kangaroos, wombats, emus and maybe even a whale or two. Later, feel the sand between your toes at Squeaky Beach, one of Australia's most famous and internationally-recognized beaches. Join your small group for an easy to medium grade hike on one of the well-preserved tracks and enjoy stunning panoramic views. There are plenty of beautiful walking tracks throughout the area and your guide will be able to help decide the best one to take depending on how much of a challenge you would like. Return to Melbourne in the evening and make use of the complimentary on-board Wi-Fi to share your new memories of Wilson's Prom.

Day 1: Melbourne - Halls Gap Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Great Ocean Road and discover the remarkable rock formations of the iconic 12 Apostles. Visit the hidden beach of Loch Ard Gorge and search for wildlife in the ancientrainforest of the Great Otway National Park. Lunch is included. Day 2: Halls Gap - Melbourne Wake up to amazing views and kangaroos of the Grampians National Park, an area rich in Aboriginal culture and set in a beautiful and rugged landscape. Explore the coastline and mountain ranges before arriving back in Melbourne at 5:30 PM. or Adelaine at 7:30 PM. Breakfast is included.

Join this exciting overnight tour from Melbourne to experience the best of the picturesque Great Ocean Road and Grampians regions in just two days. Discover the glorious beaches and charming coastal towns along the winding cliff-side Great Ocean Road. The scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road is a highlight in itself, with stunning panoramic views being revealed around every corner. Enjoy the iconic photo opportunity at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View before surrounding yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Otway Ranges’ cool temperate rainforest. Take in the dramatic rock formations of the Port Campbell National Park, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Hear the tale of the Loch Ard shipwreck from which this remarkable gorge takes it name. Stay overnight in the heart of the Grampians before waking up to a nature-lovers dream. Spend the next day enjoying multiple walking tracks to visit dramatic rock escarpments and abundant wildlife. Experience the amazing views from Boroka Lookout and Reid’s Lookout for yourself, and descend to the bottom of Victoria’s biggest waterfall, the majestic MacKenzies Falls.

Hike the highest point of Phillip Island and meet local wildlife, from koalas to penguins, at Cape Woolamai. First you will stop at the famous Brighton Beach Boxes for some happy snaps, then head to Maru Koala Wildlife Sanctuary to get up close to these famous native animals. Your small group Cape Woolamai hike guides you through rugged rock formations, known as the Pinnacles, as you make your way to the highest point of Phillip Island. Here you’ll witness stunning views over the coastline and pounding surf below. After our easy/moderate 4.22-mile hike we will head into Cowes for a delicious lunch at the famous Island Whole Foods Cafe. Next, you make your way to the Nobbies for an easy stroll along the boardwalk to discover impressive coastline views and the famous thundering blowhole. This area is home to Australia’s largest seal colony, little penguins, and silver gulls – it’s a wildlife lover’s dream.