SAVANNAH WALKABOUT - link to the Great Ocean Road

Quote tour code: SWG

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the same tour as our one day Savannah Walkabout from Melbourne but instead of returning to Melbourne we drop you off in Geelong which allows you to start your own journey along the Great Ocean Road the following day. All accommodation and meals in Geelong and your ongoing journey are NOT included in this trip. See the end of this Fact Sheet for Add-on ideas.

BRIEF ITINERARY (see below for detailed itinerary):

See Kangaroos and Koalas IN THE WILD!

Venture into 'real Australia' 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 the You Yangs Regional Park.

Within easy reach from the centre of the city of Melbourne, these environments provide the perfect introduction to Australia's unique wildlife and indigenous culture. See and walk amongst 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.

During your journey your guide will share with you the great significance of the Western Plains to Aboriginal people.

Location: the Great Western Plains near Melbourne including Serendip Open Range Sanctuary and the You Yangs Ranges Regional Park.

Duration:	1 Day - Grade - easy.	Departs:	daily ex city of Melbourne 9am to 9:30am all year.
Returns:	to Geelong approximately 5pm.	Minimum pax:	2 Maximum:8

DETAILS:

INCLUDES:

Expert Nature Guides:
You will be guided on this journey by friendly, experienced and knowledgeable nature guides. Many hours of research work precede the tour to ensure that you see and learn about native wildlife in its natural environment.

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 wildlife and environments you will see. Guides carry two way radios which link them to our office and to emergency services.

Easy walking:
Although this tour is vehicle based, most of the day is spent outside the vehicle on a number of easy, flat terrain, bushwalks so that you can get close to nature.

Meal on tour:
A delicious bush lunch is provided which includes traditonal Australian "Billy Tea". NB Vegetarian or other food preferences should be noted at the time of booking.

What to bring:
Good walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable weather conditions (temperatures range from 5C to +35C, sun hat, rainproof coat, insect repellent, 15+ sunblock and 1 litre water bottle.

BOOKINGS

DETAILED ITINERARY FOR SAVANNAH WALKABOUT

We depart Melbourne at around 9.30am to travel just 45 minutes to the west to Serendip Open Range Sanctuary, where we are immediately amongst wild kangaroos and native birds. Often our entrance is heralded by the screeching of Cockatoos or the chattering of Honeyeaters. After a short walk to meet the kangaroos, we begin our special Safari Drive around the Sanctuary to see emus and huge wild mobs of kangaroos. We stop often to enjoy the antics of the animals, and disembark for short walks to the lake (home to large populations of waterbirds) and through the gum trees.

Before lunch we visit a protected population of wallabies and get close to some strange Australian birds. Our picnic lunch is served in an open-air setting at the Sanctuary, and includes fruit and cakes, coffee and delicious Australian "Billy tea". Your guide will explain the history and recipe for the traditional tea of the Swagmen.

Leaving Serendip, we travel just 5 minutes to the bushland of the You Yangs Regional Park. The park is home to a large and healthy population of wild Koalas, which we research and monitor to ensure the best possible sightings. We take a very easy walk through the gum trees, searching for koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and birds in their natural setting. Your guide will point out plants and features of interest, explain some of the history of the area and, where possible, introduce you to known, named koalas that are part of our research project.

The area we walk through is of great significance to the local Aboriginal People of the Wathaurong Tribe. Freshwater lakes and billabongs nearby provided a rich food source for them, and some signs of their occupation still remain. Your guide will share their knowledge with you. Though we will not be meeting any Aboriginal People on this tour, we act with the knowledge, consent and support of the Wathaurong Community.

We drop you off in Geelong at about 5pm.

ADD-ON IDEAS to the Great Ocean Road

(Alternatively you may want to book our 3 day Great Ocean Road tour which is fully guided and accommodated and includes the Savannah Walkabout on Day 1 - check it our on our website www.echidnawalkabout.com.au/great_ocean_road.html)

Information on Geelong, the Great Ocean Road and the surrounding region is available on the following sites: www.greatoceanroad.org and www.greatsoutherntouring.com.au

Suggested itinerary:

Day 2 -
Pick up your hire car in Geelong and begin your journey along the famous Great Ocean Road as it hugs the coastline providing spectacular views of the rugged coastal scenery. You can explore the rainforests of the Otway National Park, lunch in the seaside village of Apollo Bay then head off 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. You can 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. You can have dinner at the Boggy Creek Pub, a fascinating old hotel beside the Curdies River in Curdievale. Overnight at beautiful "Tooram on the River" B&B overlooking the Hopkins River in the country side near the coastal town of Warrnambool.

Day 3 -
After a leisurely breakfast at Tooram on the River return to Melbourne at your own pace along the inland route or travel on to other destinations.

NOTE -
The SWG does not include any part of this itinerary - we will drop you off in Geelong at no extra cost. Our guide will provide any information to help you on your way. We can arrange reservations for your ongoing journey but it is often better to do this through your travel agent.

Useful contacts for the above itinerary are:
Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Geelong www.starwood.com/fourpoints
Tooram on the River (B& B) in Allansford near Warrnambool www.tooram.com.au
Boggy Creek Pub, Curdievale - email: boggycreek@standard.net.au