Positioned between Adelaide and Melbourne, Grampians National Park is renowned for its impressive mountain ranges, rugged peaks, and roaring waterfalls. This 3-day Great Ocean Road tour from Adelaide includes accommodation within the Grampians, where kangaroos and cockatoos will surround you. The adventure continues south to the Shipwreck Coast to explore the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and other spectacular sites, finishing with a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, arriving in Melbourne by early evening.
Tour Inclusions
- Overland journey from Adelaide to Melbourne
- Hikes in Grampians National Park, including the Pinnacles trails
- Breathtaking Views of MacKenzie Falls, The Balconies, and Boroka Lookout
- Visit Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, known for its Aboriginal heritage and pristine nature
- Australian wildlife sightings – kangaroos, koalas, and emus
- Scenic drive along the National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road
- Visits to the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge
- Walks in the Great Otway National Park and ancient rainforest
- Photo opportunity at the historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
Tour Details
- Tour code: AM3-B, AM3-S, AM3-P
- Operates: Wednesday (April to October) / Wednesday, Sunday (November to March)
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Departs: 6:45 am from Adelaide
- Returns: 5:30 pm in Melbourne
- Accommodation: 2 nights (hostel/resort)
- Activities: Guided bush walks (~6.5km total), guaranteed Australian wildlife sightings, expert tour commentary
- Guide: Experienced driver-guide Private room upgrades are available, subject to availability at booking.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 - Adelaide to Grampians
Depart from Adelaide and travel through the Adelaide Hills and the western plains of Victoria to reach Grampians National Park. Hike to the base of MacKenzie Falls and explore The Balconies and Boroka Lookout before staying overnight in Halls Gap.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Gariwerd Motel (private rooms) or Grampians Eco YHA (shared accommodation)
- Driving Distance: 510km
- Hike Distance: 2km
Day 2—Grampians to Great Ocean Road
Start with a hike to the Pinnacle lookout for stunning views of the Grampians. Later, visit the Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, an extinct volcano rich in Aboriginal history and abundant wildlife. Relax in Warrnambool before a group dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Downtown Motel (private rooms or shared accommodation)
- Driving Distance: 190km
- Hike Distance: 4.5km
Day 3 – Great Ocean Road to Melbourne
Travel along the Great Ocean Road, visiting the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Enjoy a guided rainforest walk and lunch in Apollo Bay, and stop at Memorial Arch and famous surf beaches before arriving in Melbourne in the evening.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: 360km
Autopia Tours may adjust the route or itinerary during seasonal weather fluctuations or park closures due to infrastructure works.
Pickup Times
Please arrive at your designated pickup location 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure the tour proceeds smoothly and on time. Here are the pickup times and locations:
- 6:55am – Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 7:00 AM – Ibis on Therry, 15-21 Therry St, Melbourne
- 7:05 AM: Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A'Beckett St, Melbourne
- 7:10 AM: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:15 AM: Windsor Hotel, 111 Spring St, Melbourne (Exclusive to Hotel Guests)
- 7:25 AM: The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:35 AM: Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne
What To Pack
- Water Bottle - 2L
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Prescribed medications
- Camera
- All-weather clothing
- A sense of adventure!
- Binoculars for bird watching
Tour Inclusions
- National Park entry fees
- The driver/guide is friendly and provides informative tour commentary.
- Experienced DriverTour Guide
- Hotel pick up and drop off within the city.
Gallery
What To Bring
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Tropical strength insect repellent
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes/boots
- Camera
- Money for lunch and snacks (alternatively BYO as we will have an eski onboard for chilled items)
- Small day bag
- Hand sanitiser
Important Notes
- This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- COVID-19 – together we can stop the spread, please seek medical attention and stay at home if you are feeling unwell
- Remember to double-check your exciting tour plans with the tour operator! Just ring them at 03 9393 1300 within seven days of your departure.
- Before you embark on your adventure, let the tour perform the operator's pre-existing medical conditions.
Check Availability & Book
FAQ
What is included in the tour price?
What items should I bring on the tour?
Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, warm layers, rain gear, and personal items. It is also recommended that snacks be brought for dietary needs, as options are limited in the outback.