8 DAY THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD & ITS WILDLIFE
TRIP DESCRIPTION
This Australian adventure highlights the best of the states of Victoria and South Australia. You will get the opportunity to see native Australian wildlife including rare and endangered species. You’ll also explore some of the country’s most beautiful and dramatic coastlines. This is a trip for those looking to get in touch with the animals and stunning natural beauty of mainland Australia!
READ MORE >
Start Location: Melbourne
End Location: Adelaide
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Wildlife viewing: kangaroos, koalas, tasmanian devils, penguins, seals and more
- Animal encounters and feedings
- Melbourne: Lanes Tour and Aquarium
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- Phillip Island & Penguin Parade
- Great Ocean Road & the 12 Apostles
- Great Otway National Park
- Tower Hill Game Reserve
- Coonawarra & Padthaway wine regions
- Naracoorte Caves National Park
- Adelaide & Cleland Wildlife Park
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 3 nights. Start your stay in Melbourne with a short walk around town and a visit to the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Experience live shark feeds, Glass Bottom Boat tours and special touch-and-feel presentations. Your exciting journey will take you over four thrilling and interactive levels, where you will meet a whole host of weird and wonderful marine life.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 2: Melbourne Sightseeing
Today you’ll get to know the real Melbourne. Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local cafe you were told of and ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent afternoon walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets and get oriented to the life of the city that locals love. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and historical tales are found in these walkways. There is something for everyone, local and visitor alike. See over 50 stores on this casual stroll and make a day of it in Marvelous Melbourne.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 3: Phillip Island and Moonlit Sanctuary
Head south-east from Melbourne today to reach Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. Your journey then leads onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the Island, depending on the time of year and your interests, you can visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. Next, you’ll be amazed by the dramatic west coast of the Island. At the Nobbies, stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this rugged coastline, see the blowhole and be mesmerized by the stunning views. You might even encounter your first penguin nests. You’ll stop for dinner at either Cowes or the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre depending on the time of year. Finally, a trip to Phillip Island is not complete without its black-tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. Head to the Visitor Centre to shop, have a coffee and meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform where you will see the little penguins come ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 4: Melbourne – Apollo Bay
Today, you’ll depart Melbourne via the West Gate Bridge. Travel through the vast volcanic plains en route to Geelong where you’ll have time to stroll along the transformed waterfront. Your first stop along the coast is at Bells Beach. The focus then turns to Australian native wildlife as we observe Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the wild. Your journey then begins travelling a very scenic, cliff-hugging section of the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is the largest of the seaside resorts and is a perfect place for a lunch break. After lunch we cruise along this spectacular road, stopping at many scenic spots including Kennett River. Travelling through Apollo Bay, you’ll go into the Great Otway National Park. Here you’ll enjoy a 1km guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully.
Overnight: Apollo Bay
Day 5: Apollo Bay – Mount Gambier
This morning starts with breakfast at the “locals’ favourite” Bay Leaf Cafe. Our journey then begins by travelling through the Otway ranges and onto the Shipwreck Coast. Your guide will introduce you to the strong Aboriginal heritage of the region with many tribes living prosperously around the coastline for thousands of years. The 12 Apostles are icons of Australia’s natural beauty. You’ll get the advantage of seeing them earlier in the day when it’s less crowded and beautifully sunlit. We then visit ‘Loch Ard Gorge’, the site of the most famous 19th century Australian shipwreck. Port Campbell is our lunch stop for today. After lunch we travel to a lesser known but highly impressive area of the Great Ocean Road west of Port Campbell. This section takes in London Bridge, Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, and Boat Bay. Our journey then continues through Warrnambool and onto Tower Hill Game Reserve where you’ll have a chance of seeing Koalas, Kangaroos, and Emus. From there, we venture on through picturesque Port Fairy towards Mount Gambier, home of the ‘Blue’ crater lake and numerous sinkholes.
Overnight: Mount Gambier
Day 6: Mount Gambier – Adelaide
Today starts with a drive through the Coonawarra wine region and a visit to the Naracoorte Caves National Park for a cave tour with a local guide. We then continue through another prominent South Australian wine region of Padthaway as we head north through to Keith. We stop here for lunch before joining the highway, travelling through grain and stock land towards Adelaide. On our approach to the city, we visit the very popular tourist village of Hahndorf and Mount Lofty summit for impressive, birds-eye views of Adelaide and surrounds. We arrive in Adelaide at around 6pm.
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 7: Cleland Wildlife Park
Take a walk on the wild side and engage with some of Australia’s most unique and curious wildlife! Cleland Wildlife Park is nestled within the beautiful Cleland Conservation Park, just 30 minutes away from Adelaide. Whilst immersing yourself in the wonders of this natural bush environment, you can engage with and discover more than 130 species of native wildlife. The Koala close-up experience and the hand feeding of kangaroos are definite must dos!
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 8: Depart Adelaide
Your package ends today upon check out from your hotel.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
• Pricing is per person based on double occupancy rooms
• Single, triple, and family pricing are available on request
• The above pricing and itinerary are subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates from suppliers
• Please contact our office for an updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel dates
• Pricing is per person based on double occupancy rooms
• Single, triple, and family pricing are available on request
• The above pricing and itinerary are subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates from suppliers
• Please contact our office for an updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel dates
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 7 nights of accommodation in your selected category
- Entrance to the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium
- Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour
- Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island full day tour
- 3 Day/2 Night Tour of the Great Ocean Road
- Half Day tour of Cleland Wildlife Park
- All tours and activities listed in itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
- Flights/Airfare
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Pre/post accommodation
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Items listed as 'not included' or 'own expense' in itinarary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
TOURS YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
DOWNLOAD
Tour Code
8GORW
8 Day The Great Ocean Road & Its Wildlife
8 days
Created On: 21 Nov 2024
Highlights
- Wildlife viewing: kangaroos, koalas, tasmanian devils, penguins, seals and more
- Animal encounters and feedings
- Melbourne: Lanes Tour and Aquarium
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- Phillip Island & Penguin Parade
- Great Ocean Road & the 12 Apostles
- Great Otway National Park
- Tower Hill Game Reserve
- Coonawarra & Padthaway wine regions
- Naracoorte Caves National Park
- Adelaide & Cleland Wildlife Park
Inclusions
- 7 nights of accommodation in your selected category
- Entrance to the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium
- Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour
- Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island full day tour
- 3 Day/2 Night Tour of the Great Ocean Road
- Half Day tour of Cleland Wildlife Park
- All tours and activities listed in itinerary
Exclusions
- Flights/Airfare
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Pre/post accommodation
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Items listed as 'not included' or 'own expense' in itinarary
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Moderate
Melbourne
Adelaide
$2,419 USD
Superior
Melbourne
Adelaide
$2,639 USD
Deluxe
Melbourne
Adelaide
$3,199 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* • Pricing is per person based on double occupancy rooms
• Single, triple, and family pricing are available on request
• The above pricing and itinerary are subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates from suppliers
• Please contact our office for an updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel dates
* • Pricing is per person based on double occupancy rooms
• Single, triple, and family pricing are available on request
• The above pricing and itinerary are subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates from suppliers
• Please contact our office for an updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 3 nights. Start your stay in Melbourne with a short walk around town and a visit to the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Experience live shark feeds, Glass Bottom Boat tours and special touch-and-feel presentations. Your exciting journey will take you over four thrilling and interactive levels, where you will meet a whole host of weird and wonderful marine life.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 2: Melbourne Sightseeing
Today you’ll get to know the real Melbourne. Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local cafe you were told of and ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent afternoon walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets and get oriented to the life of the city that locals love. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and historical tales are found in these walkways. There is something for everyone, local and visitor alike. See over 50 stores on this casual stroll and make a day of it in Marvelous Melbourne.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 3: Phillip Island and Moonlit Sanctuary
Head south-east from Melbourne today to reach Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. Your journey then leads onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the Island, depending on the time of year and your interests, you can visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. Next, you’ll be amazed by the dramatic west coast of the Island. At the Nobbies, stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this rugged coastline, see the blowhole and be mesmerized by the stunning views. You might even encounter your first penguin nests. You’ll stop for dinner at either Cowes or the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre depending on the time of year. Finally, a trip to Phillip Island is not complete without its black-tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. Head to the Visitor Centre to shop, have a coffee and meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform where you will see the little penguins come ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 4: Melbourne – Apollo Bay
Today, you’ll depart Melbourne via the West Gate Bridge. Travel through the vast volcanic plains en route to Geelong where you’ll have time to stroll along the transformed waterfront. Your first stop along the coast is at Bells Beach. The focus then turns to Australian native wildlife as we observe Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the wild. Your journey then begins travelling a very scenic, cliff-hugging section of the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is the largest of the seaside resorts and is a perfect place for a lunch break. After lunch we cruise along this spectacular road, stopping at many scenic spots including Kennett River. Travelling through Apollo Bay, you’ll go into the Great Otway National Park. Here you’ll enjoy a 1km guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully.
Overnight: Apollo Bay
Day 5: Apollo Bay – Mount Gambier
This morning starts with breakfast at the “locals’ favourite” Bay Leaf Cafe. Our journey then begins by travelling through the Otway ranges and onto the Shipwreck Coast. Your guide will introduce you to the strong Aboriginal heritage of the region with many tribes living prosperously around the coastline for thousands of years. The 12 Apostles are icons of Australia’s natural beauty. You’ll get the advantage of seeing them earlier in the day when it’s less crowded and beautifully sunlit. We then visit ‘Loch Ard Gorge’, the site of the most famous 19th century Australian shipwreck. Port Campbell is our lunch stop for today. After lunch we travel to a lesser known but highly impressive area of the Great Ocean Road west of Port Campbell. This section takes in London Bridge, Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, and Boat Bay. Our journey then continues through Warrnambool and onto Tower Hill Game Reserve where you’ll have a chance of seeing Koalas, Kangaroos, and Emus. From there, we venture on through picturesque Port Fairy towards Mount Gambier, home of the ‘Blue’ crater lake and numerous sinkholes.
Overnight: Mount Gambier
Day 6: Mount Gambier – Adelaide
Today starts with a drive through the Coonawarra wine region and a visit to the Naracoorte Caves National Park for a cave tour with a local guide. We then continue through another prominent South Australian wine region of Padthaway as we head north through to Keith. We stop here for lunch before joining the highway, travelling through grain and stock land towards Adelaide. On our approach to the city, we visit the very popular tourist village of Hahndorf and Mount Lofty summit for impressive, birds-eye views of Adelaide and surrounds. We arrive in Adelaide at around 6pm.
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 7: Cleland Wildlife Park
Take a walk on the wild side and engage with some of Australia’s most unique and curious wildlife! Cleland Wildlife Park is nestled within the beautiful Cleland Conservation Park, just 30 minutes away from Adelaide. Whilst immersing yourself in the wonders of this natural bush environment, you can engage with and discover more than 130 species of native wildlife. The Koala close-up experience and the hand feeding of kangaroos are definite must dos!
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 8: Depart Adelaide
Your package ends today upon check out from your hotel.
