Enjoy the best natural Wonders Victoria has to offer on this 3-day Adelaide to Melbourne Tour visiting the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park overland.
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.
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
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
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.
Our central meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of the Adelaide Central YHA, 135 Waymouth St, Adelaide @ 6:45am.
*Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup location and time, so as not to delay or miss your tour. We ask you to wait outside the front of the hotel and not inside the foyer.
At Autopia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Adelaide Tours. It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to this World Heritage Listed region and the species that call it home. Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional owners should also be shown at all times.
Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.
Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/
Traditional Owners
Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Wurundjeri people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.
Wildlife Encounters
The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.
Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.
Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger or Visitor Centre Staff.
Protecting our National Parks
People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover. Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.
No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.
Waste Management
All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our Grampians Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into the landfill. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.
First Aid
All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.
What is a suitable age for this tour?
Child policy for this tour is 6 years old and over, due to the nature of this tour, it’s not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. 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.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
A minimum moderate 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).
Do you cater to special dietary requirements?
Yes, please notify us if you have any dietary requirements or medical conditions at the time of booking, or at least a few days prior to departure, that way we can make any necessary arrangements.
What type of food do we eat on tour?
Most of the meals are prepared by our tour guides with basic camping-style food options and on occasions, they will be provided by our accommodation providers onsite. Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean-up, and vehicle unpacking/loading as it’s a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
Where do we stay overnight?
Given the limited accommodation options in these regions, on occasions, we need to split our group across different properties based on the room fare type requirements. Guests booking a Basic Dorm Bed are paired with other solo travelers in a room, where possible of the same gender but not guaranteed. Here is a list of the properties we use, or a similar alternative.
Are National Park fees included in the tour cost?
Autopia Tours includes National Parks fees within the tour price, this covers our guests for 3 x National Parks which include Grampians National Park, Great Otway National Park, and Port Campbell National Park. Park Passes are not available for purchase by guests not traveling onboard our tours.
What kind of vehicle do we travel in for this Adelaide to Melbourne tour?
We use 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa mini-buses for this trip, this vehicle makes moving people easy, safe, and comfortable. With high back seats and large windows for unobstructed views. The maximum number of passengers we carry on this 3-Day tour is 21 people, with a minimum requirement of 8 people to guarantee the departure.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
We ask that guests travelling on short break/extended tours bring small soft overnight bags and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Large suitcases and oversized luggage can be left at your hotel whilst you are on tour. This tour is not suitable for anyone who requires the use of a mobility-aid, wheelchair, walker, and or stroller.
Do I require travel insurance in Australia?
It is recommended that all passengers have personal travel insurance, given we’re actively exploring remote parts of the west coast of Australia with limited access to health professionals in the event of sickness or injury. Autopia Tours is not authorised to provide information on the type of plan or policy options available. This can be provided by an accredited local travel agent or from your preferred insurance company.
What is the temperature like in South Australia?
The weather in South Australia and Victoria can fluctuate regularly. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
What is your Vaccination Policy?
In accordance with current Government regulations, it is no longer a requirement to be double vaccinated, although we do highly recommend it.
Our COVID Statement
For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. Temperature checks of all staff will be conducted pre-departure, with disposable face masks and hand-sanitizer provided. For more information click here.
Our Contract
All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.
Validity
Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 March 2026, effective from 01 June 2024 dates and itineraries are indicative only.
Standard Conditions
Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates to Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Walking Country, Wayoutback Australian Safaris, Australian Bus Charters & Tailormade Touring, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below before booking a trip with us.
We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service before booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style, and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.
Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay, or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, should they have to cancel a trip at the last minute.
GLT reserves the right to modify routes or itineraries, vehicle types, fares, days of operation, or even cancel tours when unforeseen circumstances arise. This is especially true during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours.
Fares are shown in Australian Currency and are correct at time of printing but are subject to change.
Traveller Information
For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. Your full name, contact details, email address, dietary requirements (if applicable), nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements.
For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Customers Responsible Travel
The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State, and Territory) conditions of entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services.
In the event that a traveler needs to cancel unexpectedly due to visa restrictions, a medical condition, family reasons, or changes to regulations imposed by the government, the operator shall apply discretion when applying cancellation policies in these circumstances. The operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.
It was previously recommended by the Department of Health that commercial passenger vehicle drivers and passengers wear fitted face masks whilst in transit to minimise the spread of the virus. This is no longer mandatory, but rather at the driver’s or traveller’s own discretion. Some remote regions have limited access to RAT tests, so multi-day travelers are still advised to bring some along.
In the unlikely event that a traveller must leave a tour midway after it has commenced, or attempt to join a tour after departure, the operator is not required to reimburse any aspects of the tour that they did not participate in. As part of this, the traveler is responsible for any relocation expenses incurred from the point of departure to their nominated destination and is the traveller’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.
Note: Different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents. Your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
Cancellations & Refund Policy
Cancellation by the Traveller
We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent notifying them of your cancellation.
If you wish to change or cancel a trip:
Day Trips
(a) 0 to 1 day / within 24-hrs from the experience start time or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 2+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day
Short Break / Extended Tours
(a) 0 to 14 days before the departure date or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 15+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day
Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveller) has an expiry date of 3 years and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable on experience, however not redeemable for cash.
Note different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents, your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise travellers to take out personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
Cancellation by the Operator
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure (refer below) resulting in the cancellation of a trip.
We have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.
Standard Cancellation
If we the tour operator cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip
(b) transfer amounts paid to an alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or
(c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years
Force Majeure Cancellation
If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% credit voucher of monies paid for your trip; or
(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.
If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.
Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveller):
● 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
● are not redeemable for cash;
● excludes flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions
In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. GLT cannot be held responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.
A “Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue.
Acceptance of Risk
Australia is home to a wide range of dangerous animals, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard our tours.
Travel Insurance
We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover.
We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and pose a threat to other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and whilst in operation, that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old, photo ID is required.
Child Policy (Age Requirements)
Our child and infant policy, as well as pricing, vary depending on the specific trip due to the diversity of our product offerings. Please refer to the tour page for detailed information. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed.
Important Note: Due to the type of experiences we operate throughout Australia, some may require a medium to high level of fitness and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).
Prices and surcharges
Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. Depending on the trip, passengers are likely to be charged different prices, so booking at that time is the best option if you like the price. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your fare price will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out below in (Cancellation by the Traveller). The most up-to-date pricing is available on our websites. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.
Luggage Policy
To maximize the comfort of your journey no luggage storage facilities are provided on our (Day Trips): It is recommended you bring a small day pack no bigger than 5-7kg. (Short-Break / Extended Tours): Maximum baggage allowance per person is 15-20kg preferably a soft travelling pack.
Excessive amounts of luggage may incur a surcharge fee. Inappropriate luggage presented on the day of departure such as surfboards, bikes, and an excessive amount of luggage may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged. Other: mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushers, prams, walking frames, and other walking aids cannot be stored safely on our vehicles. Please advise prior to booking if there are any of these aids required.
Pick-up & Drop-offs
GLT may offer complimentary inner-city pick-up and drop-off services to selected accommodation providers. Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected accommodation or nominated meeting point may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.
Weather Policy
The weather conditions throughout Australia can vary significantly. While we strive to operate our tours as planned, tours will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather conditions that pose a safety risk, such as storms, floods, lightning or extreme temperatures. Tours will not be cancelled due to rain, fog, or similar weather occurrences unless they significantly impact safety or accessibility. If a tour is cancelled due to extreme weather, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer the option to reschedule or provide a full refund, depending on availability and your preferences.
We recommend checking the average temperatures for your travel dates and packing accordingly. Please note that we are not responsible for any additional costs or inconvenience caused by weather-related changes, including accommodation, travel, or other expenses. We advise all travellers to come prepared for varying weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Special Requirements
Please notify the tour operator of any food allergies or special dietary requirements, and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days prior to the tour departure. While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, there are limited food options in some regions we visit on extended tours, so forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but it is not guaranteed. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks along.
Booking Confirmations & Enquiries
All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to [email protected].
Updated June 2024.
The tour covers transportation from Adelaide to Melbourne, two nights of accommodation, entry fees to national parks, guided walks, select meals and an experienced driver guide.
This is a fully accommodated tour where there is the option to stay in a private room with ensuit bathroom or in shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.
Participants are advised to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, warm layers, rain gear, and personal items.
Meals included in the tour price consist of 2 x breakfasts and 2 x dinners, while participants are responsible for purchasing their lunches and any extra meals. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.
The tour requires a minimum of 4 participants and can accommodate a maximum of 23 for a customized experience.
