THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Quote tour code: GOR

3 day journey - fully accommodated
Departs Melbourne on request all year - Returns to Melbourne
To the west of the city of Melbourne in south-eastern Australia a vast volcanic plain of golden grasses stretches into the distance broken by isolated forested ranges and bounded by miles of rocky cliffs pounded by the Southern Ocean. The famous Great Ocean Road hugs this coastline providing spectacular views of the rugged coastal scenery.
Wildlife abounds throughout this region. The plains contain the biggest permanent lakes in Australia contained in the huge craters of extinct volcanoes and home to abundant birdlife. Nearby forested hills are home to koalas and kangaroos and the grasslands of the plains are the richest wool growing area on earth.

Day 1

This fascinating guided journey begins with a detailed introduction to Australian wildlife including large mobs of Kangaroos, Wallabies and rare birds in the open range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary followed by a visit to a secret location to search for Koalas in the wild.

Day 2

We explore the rainforests of the Otway National Park, lunch in a seaside village then head off to the Great Ocean Road to see the spectacular sea stacks known as the Twelve Apostles set against the magnificent backdrop of the huge limestone cliffs of the Southern Ocean. We also explore the Shipwreck Coast including the Loch Ard Gorge, the location of Australia's most infamous sailing ship disaster. The Great Ocean Road hugs this scenic coastline providing dramatic views at every turn.

Day 3

After a final visit to the coast we return to Melbourne across the vast Western Plains where we drive to the top of an extinct volcano for expansive views across the plains. We pass by volcanic lakes, including the largest permanent lake in Australia, all set in a sea of savannah grasslands - the richest wool growing area on earth.

Location: West of the city of Melbourne in south-east Australia. Visit Serendip Open Range Sanctuary, the You Yangs National Park, the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles, the Shipwreck Coast, volcanoes and lakes of the Western Plains.

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights Departs: on demand all year from Melbourne

Returns: to Melbourne Minimum pax: 2 Maximum:8

DETAILS:

Note that all departures are from the city of Melbourne and all trips return to Melbourne.

INCLUDES:

Full interpretation by experienced nature guides, all transport, meals and accommodation as described below and entry fees.

Expert Guides:
First class standards in guidance are the hallmark of Echidna Walkabout. Our in-house nature guide training program ensures that all guides have an in-depth working knowledge of the environments you will travel through. Vehicles and guides carry two way radios which link them to our office and to emergency services.
Accommodation: At B&B's in the region.
Meals on tour: Meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on final day but excluding dinner on Day 1. NB Vegetarian or other food preferences should be noted at the time of booking.
Transport: In comfortable air conditioned vehicles.
What to bring:
Strong walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable weather conditions (temperatures range from 0C to +35C, sun hat, rainproof coat, small torch, insect repellent, 15+ sunblock, daypack (or we can supply day pack) and 1 litre water bottle. You should also bring swimming gear.
As space is limited please keep luggage to 1 sausage bag OR 1 backpack OR 1 small suitcase per person. During the journey we can store extra luggage in Melbourne as required. Hand luggage should be small.

Enquire about comprehensive trip notes when booking.
Please note that whilst every attempt will be made to follow our planned route National Park Service requirements and weather conditions may cause amendments which will be clearly outlined to you by your guide.

BOOKINGS

Echidna Walkabout
PO Box 370, Port Melbourne Victoria 3207 Australia
telephone +613 9646 8249 fax +613 9681 9177
email: enquiries@echidnawalkabout.com.au
http://www.echidnawalkabout.com.au

ITINERARY FOR GREAT OCEAN ROAD (GOR)

GOR - 3 days/ 2 nights
(Meals Inclusion Code: B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner.)

Day 1

WILDLIFE OF THE WESTERN PLAINS - The Savannah Walkabout
To begin your journey your naturalist guide leads you into 'real Australia' to see kangaroos, koalas, abundant birdlife and to discover a rich Aboriginal heritage. Learn about native animals and plants both in the famous open-range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bushlands of You Yangs National Park. These environments provide the perfect introduction to Australia's unique wildlife and indigenous culture. See Kangaroos in large free ranging groups. Spot emus, wallabies, koalas and other unique Australian wildlife and enjoy a delicious bush lunch. The You Yangs Ranges are home to a large and healthy population of wild koalas and we rarely miss out on multiple sightings of these delightful creatures. Your guide will also share with you the great significance of the Western Plains to Aboriginal people.

Accommodation tonight is at a B&B in the provincial coastal town of Geelong. Dinner is at your own expense at one of the many delightful restaurants or pubs of Geelong (L)

Day 2

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD and the 12 Apostles
See some of the world's most spectacular coastal scenery. We follow the Great Ocean Road to the surging surf coast and the magnificent rainforests of Otway National Park. Travel through Port Campbell National Park and let your imagination go wild along the rugged Shipwreck Coast. Linger a while to take in some of nature's handiwork at the 12 Apostles, the Loch Ard Gorge and huge limestone cliffs plus. Hear stories about the terrible shipwrecks of the past. We have dinner at a local pub and stay tonight at a delightful B&B over looking the beautiful Hopkins River. (BLD)

Day 3

THE EXPANSE OF THE WESTERN PLAINS - volcanoes and lakes in a great savannah.
This morning we have one last look at the coast in the dramatic morning light before returning to Melbourne across the vast grasslands of the Western Plains. Created by intense volcanic activity over the past 2 million years, the 7000 volcanoes of the Western Plains are now extinct but the resultant savannah is now pasture to the richest wool growing area on earth - a wonderful example of Australia's great range lands. We stop en route to drive to the top of an extinct volcano with spectacular views across the plains. From the summit we see some of the hundreds of volcanic lakes scattered across the plains. Later we stop at Lake Corangamite, the largest permanent lake in Australia, often covered with prolific birdlife. We return to Melbourne in the late afternoon. (BL)

For more details about this tour contact: roger@echidnawalkabout.com.au

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