Autopia Tours: Adelaide to Melbourne 3 Day Tour (Basic Shared Accommodation)

This fare price is a (Per Person) suitable for Adults 18+ over in a Shared Dormitory Room. Not suitable for children 17 years and under.

TOUR CODE: AM3-B ---- Basic Hostel Accommodation (Dormitory Share)

OPERATES: Wed&Sun* (Nov-Apr, weekly) *Sunday departures until 31Mar2024 / Wed (May-Oct, twice a month)

DEPARTS: 06:45am (Adelaide)

FINISHES: 17:30pm (Melbourne)

TOUR DURATION: 3 Days / 2 Nights

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Adelaide Central YHA, 135 Waymouth St, Adelaide @ 6:45am

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Overland touring experience from Adelaide to Melbourne
  
• Grampians National Park, hike the Pinnacles trails
• Beautiful MacKenzie Falls and views from The Balconies & Boroka lookout
• Explore Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, rich in Aboriginal culture & pristine nature
• Australian wildlife sightings - kangaroos, koalas, and emus
• Journey along the National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road
• Visit the iconic rock formations of the 12 Apostles
• Discover the hidden beach at Loch Ard Gorge
• Take a stroll in the Great Otway National Park & ancient rainforest
• A photo opportunity at the Great Ocean Road Historic Memorial Arch
  

ITINERARY:

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 surrounded by kangaroos and cockatoos! 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.

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: 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 at a local hotspot. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Accom: 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. 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.

INCLUSIONS:

• One-way Transfer from Adelaide to Melbourne
• 2 nights' dorm share accommodation - with shared bathroom facilities (Halls Gap, Warrnambool)
• Includes: 2 x Breakfast, 2 x Dinner* 
• All National Park entry fees
• Guided bush walks (~6.5km, subject to fitness level)
  
• Australian flora and fauna sightings
  
• Hosted by an experienced driver-guide
  
• Air-conditioned small group travel
  
• Comprehensive local tour commentary
• Selected Adelaide inner-city pick-up/drop-off point in Melbourne city
  

EXCLUSIONS:

• Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - plenty of opportunity will be provided to purchase food along the way or dine out with the group. *(1 x Dinner until 31Mar2024)
  
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
  
• Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
• Personal expenses

WHAT TO BRING:

1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towel & toiletries, comfortable walking shoes (tread closed toe shoes), all weather comfortable clothing, warm clothes in the evening, raincoat, jumper or windbreaker, overnight bag 23kg & a small day pack 5kg, insect repellent, flahslight, headlamp or torch, money for snacks and meals, camera to capture every moment!

CHILD POLICY:

This fare type applies to Adults 18+ and over. 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. Private accommodation upgrades are available on a different product listing, subject to availability. This tour is not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. 

WEATHER:

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.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, and phone number.
• While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, passengers MUST advise their booking agent at the time of booking. The tour operator must also be notified of any food allergies or known medical conditions at the time of booking.
• 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. 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).
• Children aged between 6 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under.
  
• Private motel accommodation fares apply to Adults & Children 6 years and over. Single Rooms and Shared Accommodation are for adults 18+ and only. Upgrades are subject to availability and on-request.
  
• Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 23kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
• Itineraries may need to vary, potentially at short notice, to adapt to seasonal changes, and occasionally sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
• Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up, and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
• Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333.