Autopia Tours: 3 Day Adelaide to Melbourne Original Tour - 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 ---- Shared Accommodation (Hostel Dormitory)

OPERATES: Wednesdays (weekly) / Wed, *Sun (*Nov to Apr)

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, hikes 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 & and ancient rainforest
• A photo opportunity at the Great Ocean Road Historic Memorial Arch
• This touring route ends in Melbourne.

ITINERARY:

Discover the stunning landscapes between Adelaide and Melbourne on this 3-day one-way journey. Explore the Grampians National Park, renowned for its towering mountain ranges, rugged peaks, and cascading waterfalls. Stay in the heart of the Grampians, surrounded by kangaroos and cockatoos in their natural habitat.

Travel south along the iconic Shipwreck Coast to witness the breathtaking 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and other spectacular coastal highlights. Then, continue your journey along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, arriving in the early evening. This unforgettable 3-day tour combines natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and iconic scenery, offering the perfect introduction to one of Australia's most picturesque routes.

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. Accomm: Gariwerd Motel Private Rooms (with ensuite) or 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 and brewery. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Accomm: Warrnambool Motel Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom)or similar alternative. Driving Distance: 190km. Hike Distance: 4.5km.

Day 3: Great Ocean Road to Melbourne

On the final day of the trip, we wake early to enjoy breakfast with scenic beach views before setting out along the historic Great Ocean Road. The journey begins with a visit to the iconic 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Take a guided rainforest walk through the lush beauty of Great Otway National Park before enjoying lunch in the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay, a favourite destination for visitors. Continue along the winding coastline with stops at the Historic Memorial Arch and a few famous surf beaches along the way. The Great Ocean Road twists and turns through breathtaking scenery as we make our way toward Melbourne, arriving in the evening. This unforgettable day combines iconic landmarks, stunning natural beauty, and coastal charm, offering the perfect conclusion to an incredible journey. 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 Breakfasts, 2 x Dinners (guest participation)
• All National Park pass 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.
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
• Personal travel insurance is highly recommended.
• Spending money for personal items.

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:

Please be aware that weather conditions can vary throughout the year in Victoria and South Australia. While we endeavour to operate our tours as planned, there may be occasions when rain or inclement weather affects our itinerary. Rest assured, your experience will still proceed unless you are directly contacted by the tour provider. To ensure you're prepared for the weather, please check the average temperatures for your travel dates and pack accordingly. Comfortable clothing suitable for varying weather conditions is recommended.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including date of birth, food allergies, title or gender for rooming configuration, and a contact phone number.
• Dietary Requirements: While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must inform their booking agent of any specific dietary requirements when booking. There are limited options once the tour departs, so prior notice is essential.
• Medical Conditions: The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a physically demanding tour requiring a moderate to advanced level of fitness and mobility.
• Fitness Level: A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required for walks, which can be up to 3 km in length over steep and rocky terrain, often in direct sunlight. Walks will be conducted at the guide’s discretion to ensure guest safety. A doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 70 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
• Age Restrictions: Children aged 6 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and are required to stay in private twin rooms. The tour is not suitable for infants or children aged 5 and under.
• Fare Type Accommodation Options: 
•      Basic Shared Accommodation (AM3-B) is restricted to Adults only 18+ years and over, as travellers stay in shared bunk bedrooms with communal bathrooms. Not suitable for children.
•      Private Double/Twin Room (AM3-S) is for Adults and Children, staying in a double or twin room with ensuite bathroom and must be purchased by Qty2 people staying together.
•      Private Single Room (AM3-P) is restricted to Adults only 18+ years old and over with ensuite. Room upgrades are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Mobility Considerations: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.
• Baggage Limitations: Limited storage space is available on our vehicle. Each traveller may bring 1 x 23 kg travel bag given they are travelling in a one-way direction and 1 x 5 kg day bag. Please advise if you are traveling with additional or oversized luggage.
• Itinerary Variations: Itineraries may change to adapt to seasonal conditions, and occasionally sites in the parks may close for cultural reasons or restricted swimming hole access. Safety is our top priority, and we plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for our guests.
• Guest Participation: Guests are encouraged to participate in meal preparation, cleanup, unpacking, and loading luggage into the vehicles. This collaborative effort allows everyone to relax together after a day of touring and fosters connections among travellers.
• Reconfirmation of Details: All travellers are asked to reconfirm their tour details within 7 days prior to departure by calling 03 9393 1333.