From Adelaide, you'll find the Grampians National Park, known for its towering mountains, rocky peaks, and roaring waterfalls. Continuing along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, visit the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning locations.Â
Summary Description
Highlights
- Adelaide-Melbourne via the Grampians and Great Ocean Road
- Tower Hill Reserve offers Aboriginal culture and wildlife
- Explore ancient rainforests in Great Otway National Park
- Hike the Pinnacles trails and Grampians Lookout views
- Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
Description
Between Adelaide and Melbourne lies the Grampians National Park, known for its towering mountain ranges, rocky peaks, and roaring waterfalls. This 3-day tour includes accommodation in the heart of the Grampians National Park, Reeds and Boroka Lookout and Mackenzie Falls surrounded by kangaroos, emus, and Australian birdlife! Travel south to the Shipwreck Coast and visit the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning locations before continuing the journey to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, arriving early evening.Â
 Day 1: Adelaide to Grampians National Park
On the way to Grampians National Park, you will pass through Adelaide Hills, Bordertown, and over the border into Victoria. If time permits, you will also stop at Pink Lake Dimboola. Watch as the mountain range slowly grows as you travel through the western plains of Victoria on your way to the mountains. After hiking down to the base of Mackenzie Falls, we explore The Balconies/Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout panoramic views before staying the night in the heart of the Grampians in Halls Gap.
Meals: Dinner.
Accom: Gariwerd Motel Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Grampians Eco YHA Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative.
Driving Distance: 520km.
Hike Distance: 2km.
Day 2: Grampians to Great Ocean Road
The day begins with a hike up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout for a magnificent view of the Grampians National Park before heading south towards the coast. In the afternoon, the group will visit the Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, an extinct volcano that is rich in Aboriginal history and teeming with wildlife. Finish the day with time to relax in the town of Warrnambool, before coming together for a group dinner and at a local hotspot.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accom: Warrnambool Motel Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom)or similar alternative.
Driving Distance: 190km.
Hike Distance: 4.5km.
Day 3: Great Ocean Road to Melbourne
On the last day of the trip, we will be traveling along the historic Great Ocean Road. Let's set the stage right from the beginning with a tour of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge & London Bridge. Take a guided rainforest walk through the Great Otway National Park before lunch in the seaside town of Apollo Bay, a popular destination for tourists. Follow the road to its end as it twists and turns with stops at the Historic Memorial Arch and a famous surf beach or two. Arriving in Melbourne in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accom: N/A.
Driving Distance: 375km.
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to infrastructure road works.Â
Included / Excluded
- One-way transfer from Adelaide to Melbourne
- 2 Nights’ Accommodation (Halls Gap, Warrnambool) with 2 breakfast, 2 dinner
- Guided bush walks (~6.5km, subject to fitness level)
- Australian flora and fauna sightings, park fees included
- Hosted by an experienced driver-guide with local tour commentary
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary.
- Special dietary requirements are limited in the areas we visit
- Transfers to locations not listed on our pick-up/drop-off itinerary
- Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
- Spending money for personal expenses
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Mantra Hindmarsh Square Adelaide, 67 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide SA, Australia
Start Location Notes: Pick-up time 6:55am.
Accessibility
- Service animals allowed
- Travellers easily arrive and depart on public transport
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- A minimum moderate to advanced 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.
- For people over 70 years old, a doctor's certificate (30 days prior to travel) is required.
- A legal guardian or adult must accompany children between 6 and 17 years old.
- Booking requires passenger information such as date of birth, food allergies, and phone number.
- Most dietary needs can be accommodated; however, passengers must inform tour operator in advance.
- Baggage on our vehicle limited to 1 x 23kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag.
- Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are not suitable.
- Meal preparation, clean up, and vehicle loading/unloading are welcome.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 14 days
Cancellation Notes: Up to 14 days before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 14 days before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Options and Pricing
Shared Accommodation Dormitory Bed with shared bathroom amenities - Sleeps 4, 6, 8, 12 people, bed linen, fan & heater, communal kitchen & TV lounge.
| Shared Accommodation [AM3-B] | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 - 80 years) | $565.00 |
Points of interest
- The Balconies, Glenelg River Road, Zumsteins VIC, Australia
- Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre, Grampians Road, Halls Gap VIC, Australia
- Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia
- Apollo Bay Beach, Apollo Bay VIC, Australia
- Great Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia
- Twelve Apostles, Princetown VIC, Australia
- Pink Lake, Western Highway, Dimboola VIC, Australia
- Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell VIC, Australia
- Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Lake View Road, Tower Hill VIC, Australia
- MacKenzie Falls, Northern Grampians Rd, Zumsteins VIC, Australia
- Pinnacle Lookout, Grampians Road, Halls Gap VIC, Australia
- Reed Lookout, Ararat-Halls Gap Rd, Zumsteins VIC, Australia
Additional Information
In South Australia and Victoria, the weather can change throughout the day so it is always a good idea to be prepared at all times. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.Â
FAQ
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 on this tour?
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 – YHA Grampians Eco – services Dormitory Beds (AM3-B) only
Night 1 – Gariwerd Motel – services Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms (AM3-S, AM3-P) only
Night 2 – Downtown Motel – services both Dormitory Beds (AM3-B) and Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms (AM3-S, AM3-P)
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 Adelaide to Melbourne 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 21 people, with a minimum requirement of 8 people to guarantee the departure.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
We ask that guests travelling on short break/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 and Victoria?
In South Australia and Victoria, the weather can change throughout the day so it is always a good idea to be prepared at all times. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. Please ensure you have checked the average temperature for the time of year you are travelling and packed adequate clothing.
