Echidna Walkabout Great Ocean Road Australia Nature Tour
Melbourne 3 days
In the wild - Australian Nature Tours You can see the unique
wildlife of Australia in their natural environment - join us! The
best way to get to know our famous Australian mammals and birds is
in the wild - in natural bushland close to Melbourne or in the
wilderness areas of south east Australia. Come and see wild
Kangaroos, Koalas, Emus, Cockatoos and Wallabies with us!
Echidna Walkabout is based in Melbourne, Victoria. Their tours are
ideal for travellers of all ages from all over the
world.
Great Ocean Road
Tour Code: GOR
West of the city of Melbourne a vast volcanic plain of golden
grasses stretches into the distance broken by isolated forested
ranges and bounded by miles of rocky cliffs pounded by the
Southern Ocean. The famous Great Ocean Road hugs this coastline
providing spectacular views of the rugged coastal scenery.
Wildlife abounds throughout this region. The plains contain the
biggest permanent lakes in Australia contained in the huge craters
of extinct volcanoes and home to abundant birdlife.
Nearby forested hills are home to koalas and kangaroos and the
grasslands of the plains are the richest wool growing area on
earth.
- Location: West of the city of Melbourne in south-east
Australia. Visit Serendip Open Range Sanctuary, You Yangs
National Park, the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles, the
Shipwreck Coast, volcanoes and lakes of the Western Plains
- Duration: 3 Days - Grade - easy.
- Accommodation: 2 nights at B & B included.
- Departs: on demand all year from Melbourne. (Note: no tours
run on or through Christmas Day)
- Returns: to Melbourne
- Minimum pax: 2 Maximum pax: 8
Day by Day Description
(Note meal inclusions shown thus: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner )
Day 1 Kangaroos and Koalas in the Wild (Savannah Walkabout)
This fascinating guided journey begins with a detailed
introduction to Australian wildlife including large mobs of
Kangaroos, Emus and many birds in the open range grasslands of
Serendip Sanctuary; and a visit to a secret location to search for
Koalas in the wild. (L)
Accommodation: B&B, Geelong,
Day 2 The famous Great Ocean Road
We explore the rainforests of the Otway National Park, lunch in a
seaside village then head off to the Great Ocean Road to see the
spectacular sea stacks known as the Twelve Apostles set against
the magnificent backdrop of the huge limestone cliffs of the
Southern Ocean. We also explore the Shipwreck Coast including the
Loch Ard Gorge, the location of Australia's most infamous sailing
ship disaster. The Great Ocean Road hugs this scenic coastline
providing dramatic views at every turn. (B, L, D) Accommodation:
B&B, Allansford,
Day 3 Lakes & Volcanoes of the Great Western Plains
After a final visit to the coast we return to Melbourne across the
vast Western Plains where we drive to the top of an extinct
volcano for expansive views across the plains. We pass by volcanic
lakes, including the largest permanent lake in Australia, all set
in a sea of savannah grasslands - the richest wool growing area on
earth. (B, L)
Includes;
Full interpretation by experienced nature guides, all
transport, meals and accommodation as described below and entry
fees.
Expert Guides:
First class standards in guidance are the hallmark of Echidna
Walkabout. Our in-house nature guide training program ensures that
all guides have an in-depth working knowledge of the environments
you will travel through. Vehicles and guides carry two way radios
which link them to our office and to emergency services.
Accommodation:
At friendly, comfortable B&B's in the region, all with ensuite
rooms.
Meals on tour:
Meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on final day but excluding
dinner on Day 1. NB Vegetarian or other food preferences should be
noted at the time of booking.
Transport:
In comfortable air conditioned vehicles.
What to bring:
Strong walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable
weather conditions (please check weather forecast for accurate
predictions), sun hat, rainproof coat, small torch, insect
repellent, 15+ sunblock, daypack (or we can supply day pack) and 1
litre water bottle. You can also bring swimming gear.
As space is limited please keep luggage to 1 sausage bag OR 1
backpack OR 1 small suitcase per person. During the journey we can
store extra luggage in Melbourne as required. Hand luggage should
be small.
Please note that whilst every attempt will be made to follow our
planned route National Park Service requirements and weather
conditions may cause amendments which will be clearly outlined to
you by your guide.
About Us:
Echidna Walkabout is a small eco tour operation owned by
Janine Duffy and Roger Smith who believe that wildlife should be
seen in as near to natural condition as possible. They have a
reputation for providing exceptional wildlife experiences led by
first class nature guides. Their tour groups are small (no more
than 8 people) allowing for a more personal experience and better
wildlife viewing opportunities.
Holidays and Short Breaks
Great Ocean Road self drive holiday Melbourne to
Adelaide