Description
Experience the best of western Victoria on this amazing 5 day fully escorted tour. Starting in Melbourne, this tour takes you on an adventure along the rugged yet stunning coastline of the iconic Great Ocean Road. Visit bucket-list spots such as the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Torquay and Apollo Bay.
Stay in the ‘Aussie Town of the Year’ – the picturesque Port Fairy – and explore the surrounds of this quaint historic fishing town, before taking trips into both the southern and northern areas of Victoria’s favourite mountain playground – The Grampians. Enjoy the views, breath-taking surrounds and abundant wildlife.
Looping back towards Melbourne, finish your trip with a stay in the beautiful Ballarat. Experience everything this historic gold-rush town has to offer; wander through heritage-listed laneways and gardens, enjoy incredible food and visit fascinating museums (including the most well known regional gallery – The Art Gallery of Ballarat).
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Torquay, The Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge
As we leave Melbourne bright and early we make our way west towards the Surf Coast stopping in the surf town of Torquay. Enjoy a rest stop and morning tea at Routleys Bakery. The iconic Great Ocean Road is next as your coach winds its way along one of the world’s most iconic and picturesque ocean lined roads. Lunch is waiting for us in seaside town of Apollo Bay at one of the local legendary microbrewer’s, the Brewhouse.
With our stomachs full we continue west. Get your camera’s ready next on the list is the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Onto your accommodation to the quaint town of Port Fairy.
Depart Melbourne: approx. 7:30am
Evening at Leisure
Port Fairy
Port Fairy at Leisure
Penhusrt Wetland Gardens, Cavendish, Bunyip Hotel, Hamilton
Morning at Leisure - Explore Port Fairy, Victoria's most stunning fishing village.
Depart Port Fairy around 11:00 am to visit the Penshurst Wetland Gardens. Onto the town of Cavendish for lunch at one of Australia’s best pub lunches at the Bunyip Hotel. Back to your accommodation in Port Fairy via the town of Hamilton.
Evening at Leisure
Dunkeld, Halls Gap, The Pinnacle, Mackenzie Falls
Leaving Port Fairy bright and early we head for the Grampians town of Dunkeld. Enjoy morning tea at the Dunkeld Bakery.
Arrive at Halls Gap and walk to Lake Bellfield, where you can marvel at the magnificent views before we check out the Balconies Lookout
Picnic lunch at Hall’s Gap before heading to one of Victoria’s most photographed waterfall – a brief walk to see Mackenzie Falls.
It’s time to say goodbye to The Grampians as we make our way to the large historic town of Ballarat.
Check-in to your accommodation at the Craigs Royal Hotel.
Last Night Tour Group Dinner at Craigs Royal Hotel.
Ballarat, The Art Gallery Ballarat
Start your final day with a hot breakfast at Craigs Royal Hotel. After breakfast we make our way to visit Australia's oldest regional gallery - The Art Gallery Ballarat.
Stroll around Ballarat’s historic town centre at your leisure or perhaps get enjoy a lunch before we depart for Melbourne.
We say our goodbyes as the tour concludes, arriving back into Melbourne early evening.
Melbourne arrival: approx 5pm
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- A private coach charter with experienced driver
- 3 nights’ accommodation at The Victoria Port Fairy
- 1 nights’ accommodation in Ballarat at the Craigs Royal Hotel or similar
- Visit the Surf Coast towns of Torquay, Apollo Bay and Port Fairy
- Grampians highlights and experiences including visits to Dunkeld, Halls Gap, The Pinnacle and McKenzie Falls
- All tour meals as outlined per the itinerary
- All entries, permits, admissions, gratuities/tipping
- All trips, tours, tastings, transfers, and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
- Fully escorted by an experienced tour leader
- Qualified local guides and industry experts along the way
Tour Departs and Concludes: Melbourne CBD
Accommodation:
Port Fairy (VIC): 3 nights’ accommodation at The Victoria Port Fairy
Ballarat (VIC): 1-night accommodation at the Craigs Royal Hotel or similar
Room Types and max occupancy: Twin or double, maximum occupancy of 2.
Exclusions
- Pre and post-tour accommodation (available on request)
- Travel Insurance
- Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature e.g. pre-dinner drinks, phone calls, WiFi etc.
Child Policy: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No discounts available for children. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
About Your Tour Guide: Leanne Saward has extensive knowledge and experience touring in Victoria and aims to provide guests with a memorable personalised tour experience, highlighting hidden local treasures in each location. Expect to hear stories behind the people, events and unique places that will bring your tour alive.
Please note: this tour requires a minimum number of passengers to operate and departures are not guaranteed until this minimum number is met. Please refrain from booking travel arrangements such as flights prior to receiving a confirmation email that your departure date has hit minimum numbers and is now guaranteed. This confirmation email will be sent at least 60 days prior to the departure date, and if minimum numbers are not met a date change or refund will be offered.
