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Embark on an extraordinary three-day journey showcasing the very best of Victoria’s spectacular coastline and rugged mountain ranges. This exclusive micro-group tour, limited to just eight guests, seamlessly blends breathtaking natural wonders with world-class culinary experiences.
Day 1: The Dramatic Great Ocean Road & Coastal Luxury
Your journey begins with a personalised pickup from your Melbourne hotel. Travel through vast volcanic plains to the beautifully transformed Geelong waterfront before tracing the start of the iconic Great Ocean Road at Torquay. Stop at legendary Bells Beach, enjoy a scenic morning tea, and indulge your senses at a local boutique chocolate factory.
As we wind along the cliff-hugging roads, keep your eyes peeled for Eastern Grey Kangaroos 🦘 grazing in their native habitat. After a delightful lunch break in the vibrant seaside resort of Lorne, we continue past the historic Memorial Arch to Kennett River, a haven for wild koalas and colourful native birds. Explore the picturesque harbour of Apollo Bay before checking into your private, self-contained villa at Chris’s Beacon Point. Unwind with spectacular ocean views before enjoying an award-winning modern Greek-Australian dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 2: Rainforest Wonders, Iconic Apostles & World-Class Dining
Wake up to a delicious continental breakfast before venturing into the cool, temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. Walk beneath the world’s tallest flowering plants and prehistoric ferns. Next, marvel at the rugged Shipwreck Coast from Castle Cove, learning about the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage and ancient dinosaur fossil discoveries.
Arrive at the world-famous 12 Apostles 🌊 in the morning light—perfect for crowd-free photos. Explore the boardwalks or choose an optional helicopter flight (own expense). Discover the tragic history of Loch Ard Gorge, where you can view and hold genuine shipwreck artifacts from our unique treasure chests. After lunch in the charming fishing village of Port Campbell, explore the lesser-known limestone formations of London Bridge and the Bay of Islands. Spot native wildlife at the extinct volcanic crater of Tower Hill, then head to Dunkeld to check into the renowned Royal Mail Hotel. Here, you will indulge in a legendary five-course degustation dinner at Wickens 🍽️, a dining experience celebrated Australia-wide.
Day 3: Majestic Grampians Peaks & Goldfields Heritage
Begin your day with breakfast before taking an incredibly scenic drive north through Gariwerd (the Grampians National Park). Watch the morning sun light up the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Serra and Mount William Ranges. Learn about the region’s deep cultural history at the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Halls Gap.
Spend the day exploring spectacular lookouts and natural wonders, including short walks to Boroka Lookout, Reid’s Lookout, and the majestic MacKenzie Falls 🥾. Visit the ancient rock art site at Bunjil’s Shelter before returning to Melbourne via the historic gold-mining township of Ballarat. Arrive back at your hotel at approximately 6:00 pm, filled with unforgettable memories.
What is Included in Your Premium Experience
- Boutique Accommodation: Two nights in handpicked four-star properties, including Chris’s Villas and the iconic Royal Mail Hotel.
- Exceptional Dining: Two breakfasts, one two-course dinner at Chris’s Restaurant, and an exclusive five-course degustation dinner at Wickens.
- Expert Guidance: Personalised touring in a micro-group of just eight guests with an expert local guide.
- National Park Access: All park entry fees and guided walks included.
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Glen picked us up at our hotel and we were lucky enough to be the only couple booked that day so got a private tour! Unfortunately there was torrential rain and fog on day one, which disrupted our views, however Glen still managed to time our stops/adjust around the weather to make it an enjoyable day nonetheless. We tried to have a sense of humour about it and he even took us to a craft beer tasting as an alternative activity.
Spectacular dinner at Chris' and simple but decent cottage accommodation.
Did our rain forest walk in the morning and Day 2 was much better weather Glen made sure we had lots of time wherever we wanted to spend it; and we had spectacular views of the 12 apostles and coastline.
We highly recommend this tour to those looking for a more personal experience and a relaxed pace. Glen was an extremely knowledgeable and easy-going guide, and a very safe driver. (Someone in another review mentioned long silences but we appreciated having some quiet time vs having someone talking non-stop for 8-9 hours. ) The choices for meal stops were excellent and the mini-van was comfortable for the long days in the car. Thanks again for a great experience!
Pros: Hotel pickup; great communication; reasonable pricing; well planned itinerary; some hidden, special treats; wildlife, amazing views, fantastic dinner; lovely rest stops; small group; personal guide who is respectful and caring.
Cons: Uncomfortable van seats; long periods of silence (To explain further, I'm loquacious and I like tidbits of information as part of my tours. Glen, our guide is reserved, he offered interesting info at stops, but seldom spoke unless a specific question was asked, and no music or background noise to break the silence, this made day one very long and somewhat boring) We rode back with Eddie who was much more jovial and talkative, a better fit for our personalities; terrible accommodation selection - yes, great views but tired, old, dusty and unkept).














