Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island Tour

2 Day Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour includes a visit to the Mornington Peninsula by ferry

fare options:

*Fare prices are per person for Adults or Children. Children aged between 6 and 17 years old are required to stay in a shared private room and must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult. Not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. Basic Dorm and Single Room fares apply to Adults 18+ over. Rates increase from 01 April 2024.​

Introducing your 2 Day Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour

Join our 2 day Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour and experience Melbourne’s top-rated destinations. Not only will you visit the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, but you will also experience the Mornington Peninsula. Yes, that’s right, three destinations for the price of two.  Connect to the Mornington Peninsula by ferry across the sparkling Port Phillip Bay. See the Peninsula’s iconic coastlines and colourful bathing boxes before making your way to Phillip Island. This tour is an exceptional experience and is highly rated for being a value for money overnight trip.

2 day great ocean road and phillip island tour

Tour Details

Great Ocean Road & Penguins Tour Highlights

What you can actually see!

Full Itinerary

Enjoy 2 of Melbourne’s most popular destinations by staying overnight on the famous National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road, before jumping onto the ferry and transferring across Port Phillip Bay to spend the day getting up close with Australia’s diverse wildlife on Phillip Island.

  • Overnight escape to/from Melbourne return
  • 1 Nights’ accommodation (Queenscliff)
  • Includes 1 x Breakfast, 1 x Dinner
  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade – general entry
  • Admission into Koala Conservation Reserve
  • World-class wildlife encounter up close
  • Ferry journey across Port Phillip Bay
  • National Park entrance fees
  • Hosted by experienced driver guide
  • Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
  • Comprehensive local tour commentary
  • Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
  • 12 Apostles scenic helicopter flights – payable onboard direct to the operator on arrival
  • Any meals not indicated within the itinerary – breakfast/dinner.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended
  • Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
  • Personal expenses

1L Refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, all-weather clothing, Raincoat, windbreaker, warm clothes in the evening, comfortable sturdy walking shoes (closed shoes), 15kg overnight bag & small day pack, flashlight, headlamp or torch, camera, money for snack and meals and a sense of adventure.

Our central meeting point for this tour will be at the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St on the corner of Market St, Melbourne at 7:35am. The bus will park and onboard guests on the Market St side of the Museum.

  • 6:55 – Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
  • 7:00 – Ibis on Therry, 15-21 Therry St, Melbourne
  • 7:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
  • 7:10 – Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collin St, Melbourne
  • 7:15 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St, Melbourne (Hotel Guests Only)
  • 7:25 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
  • 7:30 – Holiday Inn, 575 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
  • 7:35 – Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St cnr Market St, Melbourne

*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.

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 2024, from 1 January 2022 dates and itineraries are indicative only.

Standard Conditions

Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates 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 prior to booking a trip with us. We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service prior to 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 you 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, nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which 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

Customer Responsible for Own Vaccination and Testing

The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State and Territory) COVID entry restrictions and vaccination guidelines or testing requirements for entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services. 

Where the customer is not vaccinated and/or not able to show a negative RAT test prior to departure, the customer will forfeit any and all monies paid and GLT holds the right to refuse boarding. 

Where the customer cancels due to travel restrictions other than vaccination and/or testing requirements, the operator shall have the discretion to

  1. offer a refund or credit voucher (to be used at a later time); or
  2. to forfeit any and all monies paid by the customer.

For the purposes of (a), 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.

Customers Responsible for Health & Safety on board Short Break / Extended Trips

In the unlikely event that a guest returns a positive test whilst on tour, some accommodation suppliers may require proof of a negative result before entering the property. Multi-day travelers are strongly advised to bring along some RAT tests as some remote regions have limited access to these tests.

Guests are responsible for all COVID-related relocation expenses should they need to leave the trip midway. There will be no financial reimbursement for any aspects of the tour that guests do not participate in if they choose to depart early.

It is 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.  

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) Flexible Date Changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available up until 7-days prior to departure; or

(b) 2 to 7-days prior to departure:

  • we will hold 100% of the deposit paid by you as a credit voucher, valid for redemption within 3-years from date of purchase
  • any credit voucher resulting from a cancellation may be applied towards any other tour operated by GLT within Australia; or

(c) 8-days or more prior to departure,

  • we will refund balance paid by you in connection to your booking less any unrecoverable costs; or

(d) failure to board on tour or cancelled within 2-days/48-hrs will result in full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or

Short Break / Extended Trips

(a) Flexible Date Changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available up until 30-days prior to departure; or

(b) 14 to 30-days prior to departure:

  • we will hold 100% of monies paid by you as credit voucher, valid for redemption within 3-years from date of purchase
  • any credit voucher resulting from a cancellation may be applied towards any other tour operated by GLT within Australia; or

(c) 31-days or more prior to departure,

  • we will refund balance paid by you in connection to your booking less any unrecoverable costs; or

(d) failure to board on tour or cancelled within 14-days will result in full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or

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 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 you to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a trip, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made or compensation for departure costs incurred. The above cancellation terms are less any unrecoverable costs by accommodation providers, travel agents, third-party affiliates and supplier fees.

Cancellation by the Operator

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have one fully paid traveller onboard, unless minimum group size specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure resulting in the cancellation of a trip.

We may cancel a trip at any time up to 7-days (Day Trips) and 30-days (Short-Break / Extended Tours) before departure. Alternatively, we do have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, extreme conditions, political instability or other external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.

Standard Cancellation

If we 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 any unrecoverable costs. We are not 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.

“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 many dangerous creatures, 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 travel insurance and 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 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 propose a threat to other passengers, our driver or 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 and pricing does vary depending on the trip; this is due to the diversity in our product range. All travellers under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Short Break & Extended Trips (age restrictions) – 6 to 17 years old

Trips that include accommodation nights within the itinerary:

  • Basic Dormitory Share – fares apply to Adults 18+ over
  • Standard Private Double/Twin Room – fares apply to Adults and/or Child
  • Private Single Room – fares apply to Adults 18+ over

Children aged between 6 to 17 years old are required to stay in private rooms. Not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under.

Prices and surcharges

Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our tour prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability. It is likely that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your 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 maximise 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 location 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.

Special Requirements

Please notify the Get Lost Travel group with any dietary requirements, food allergies and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days prior to tour departure. Limited food options are available on extended tours, forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but not guaranteed. 

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries

All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to info@autopiatours.com.au.

At Autopia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Melbourne 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 low level of fitness is required to complete the walks on this tour itinerary. Walks can be up to 1-2km 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.

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 a basic but healthy cold breakfast (day2) and dinner (day1). 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 this region, we need to split our group across different properties based on the room fare type requirements. Here is a list of the properties we use, or a similar alternative.

  • Night 1 – Queenscliff TBA – services Dormitory Beds with shared bathroom facilities (GORPI2-B) only
  • Night 1 – Queenscliff TBA – services Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms with ensuite facilities (GORPI2-S, GORPI2-P)

What time do the penguins arrive?

Every day of the year, penguins arrive at sunset. Check our penguin arrival calendar to find out what time that is during your visit. We suggest you arrive one hour before the penguins start arriving so you can explore the visitor center displays, and grab a meal at the cafe, before heading down to the beach for the parade.

Can I take photos at the Penguin Parade?

No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you not to use your cameras, camcorders, or camera phones at the Penguin Parade. Rangers will be onsite to ensure people adhere to this request.

What kind of vehicle do we travel in for 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 2-Day tour is 23 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 15kg 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 Victoria?

The weather in Victoria is unpredictable and 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.

FAQ

The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometer-long stretch of Road along the southeastern coast of Australia. It is known for its beautiful coastal views, surf beaches, and landmarks like the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. 
Various dining options, including casual cafes and fine dining restaurants, offer fresh local produce and seafood. Additionally, both destinations have local markets and food festivals that highlight regional specialties.
Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Remember to wear warm clothing when going to the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island because evenings can be fantastic.
The optimal time to visit both destinations is during the spring and autumn months, as the weather is mild and the crowds are reduced, allowing for a more pleasant experience of outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
The Great Ocean Road provides the chance to observe koalas, kangaroos, and various bird species in their natural environment. Phillip Island is well-known for its Penguin Parade, Seal Rocks fur seals, and Koala Conservation Reserve koalas. Both destinations are highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts.
The penguin parade ensures you can see at least one Little Penguin during your experience. However, the number of penguins may vary depending on the day.

Private Request Booking

Private Tour Request Only  +61 8 6244 2065

  1. Basic Shared Dormitory – Price from $495 AUD
  2. Standard Double/Twin – Price from $595 AUD
  3. Standard Private Single – Price from $695 AUD

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