Great Southern Australia
Great Southern Australia
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
- Additional Info
- Similar Tours
What's included
- A guided tour of important places
- Accommodation in single twin share room
- All meals included
- Beautifully illustrated souvenir map
- Current Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
- Departure Taxes or Visa handling fees
- First class or best available hotels in the area
- Entrance tickets to monuments and museums
- Excess baggage charge
- First Entrance fees
- Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes
- Meals, unless expressly states
- Medical insurance and emergency insurance
- Observation and participation in allowed activities
- Personal expenses
- Professionally guided tour
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips to guide and driver
- Unlimited bottled water
- Visa arrangements
The Culture
The culture of Great Southern Australia is a reflection of its diverse landscapes and communities. Indigenous Aboriginal heritage is deeply embedded, evident in ancient rock art and Dreamtime stories. Agricultural traditions thrive in this vast region, celebrated in local festivals. The coastal communities embrace a laid-back lifestyle, fostering a strong connection to the sea. Cultural events, from music festivals to agricultural shows, bring people together. The region’s winemaking and culinary scene add a sophisticated touch. This unique blend of indigenous roots, rural traditions, and contemporary influences shapes a distinctive cultural tapestry in Great Southern Australia.
Adventure Tourism
Great Southern Australia, with its diverse locales, offers an array of adventures. Geelong’s waterfront invites sailing and beach activities. Lorne and Apollo Bay, nestled along the iconic Great Ocean Road, beckon with surfing and coastal hikes. Port Campbell’s rugged cliffs are perfect for abseiling, while Warrnambool offers whale watching. Halls Gap, surrounded by the Grampians, invites hiking and rock climbing. In Ballarat, goldfields history intertwines with hot air balloon rides. This region is an adventure playground, seamlessly blending natural wonders with thrilling activities for all enthusiasts.
Tapping into History
Great Southern Australia’s history is a tapestry woven with ancient Aboriginal cultures and European exploration. Indigenous communities, with a history dating back thousands of years, left a legacy in rock art and Dreamtime stories. European settlers, drawn by fertile lands, established agricultural practices. The gold rush in Ballarat and Bendigo in the 19th century shaped the region. Today, Great Southern Australia stands as a testament to the coexistence of ancient indigenous heritage and the stories of European settlers in this vast and diverse landscape.
Natural Resources & Great Views
Great Southern Australia unfolds as a treasure trove of natural wonders. The Grampians, with towering sandstone peaks, offer panoramic views and hiking trails. The Great Ocean Road showcases the iconic Twelve Apostles and rugged cliffs along the Southern Ocean. Coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay boast pristine beaches and lush rainforests. Inland, Ballarat’s Goldfields add historical richness. The Otway Ranges and Port Campbell National Park reveal verdant landscapes and the renowned Loch Ard Gorge. With fertile agricultural lands, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking vistas, Great Southern Australia stands as a testament to the country’s awe-inspiring natural diversity.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
Arrival Melbourne – Geelong – Anglesea
Welcome to Australia. Arrive at Melbourne airport and proceed to pick up your self-drive vehicle. Make your way to Apollo Bay, on the way we suggest you to stop by in the city of Geelong for a Tea/lunch break (Approximately 60 kilometres from Melbourne). Take advantage of Geelong’s unique north-facing bay with fabulous waterfront eateries, landscaped gardens and public artworks. Bollards on the Geelong Waterfront which is the work of artist Jan Mitchell is a quirky selfie opportunity. Do stop at Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery Bellbrae (Just 10 minutes from Torquay). Later drive to Anglesea. Overnight in Anglesea.
Anglesea – Lorne – Apollo Bay
After breakfast, drive to Lorne. Get off the road and onto the water with an adventure in a sea kayak or canoeing on own. Keep an eye out for migrating whales between May and September. Later visit One of the most popular waterfalls in the Otways, Erskine Falls nestled in the lush temperate rainforest. Erskine Falls is a nine-kilometre drive from Lorne. Before reaching the final destination - Apollo bay we recommend you to stop at Teddy's Lookout. It provides one of the best for towering views of the Great Ocean Road, ranges and ocean. The lookout is a short walk through the bush, where the viewing platform feels as if it is hanging in mid-air, way above the road, river mouth and ocean. Drive to Apollo Bay. Overnight in Apollo Bay.
Apollo Bay – Port Campbell
After breakfast, you can go for a swimming, surfing, diving on the lovely beaches of Apollo Bay area.
Later check out from your hotel and drive to Port Campbell. At Skenes Creek turn inwards towards Otway Fly Treetop Adventures where you can experience The Otway Fly Treetop Walk. Do stop at the Lord Ard Gorge for more exciting views. Weather-permitting take the Gibson steps down to the sand for a completely unique view of the Apostles. Be dwarfed by the 70-metre high vertical cliffs and marvel at Gog and Magog, the nicknames given to the giant limestone stacks rising up out of the sea.
Later drive to a colourful and lively seaside town of Port Campbell. Overnight stay in Port Campbell
Port Campbell – Warnambool –– Halls Gap (Grampians) (Approximate 260 kms)
After breakfast proceed for a helicopter flight over the twelve Apostles (at additional price). It is just 10-minute drive from Port Campbell. Take an awe-inspiring flight over the fantastic rock formations that make up the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and as far as the Bay of Islands. Later follow the Great Ocean Road out of Port Campbell past the enchanting Bay of islands to Warnambool. Stop for a break in picturesque Thunder Point Lookout and the Flagstaff Hill Martime Village in Warnambool. Then head through true Western District farming country to delightful Dunkeld where you can stop by for lunch. Continue your drive towards Halls Gap. Do visit the Brambuk Cultural Center and discover the history and culture of the Indigenous people or visit the Boroka Lookout for breath taking views. Overnight in Halls Gap.
Halls Gap (Grampians) – Ballarat - Melbourne (Approximate 250 kilometers)
Today early morning, check out from your hotel. Make your way to the Halls Gap & Grampians Visitor Information Centre for a selection of walking and driving maps. The Grampians offers something for everyone with more than 160 kilometres of walking tracks ranging from short easy strolls to challenging overnight expeditions. Explore the Grampians on your own by visiting Wonderland, Venus Baths or the Balconies, cool off at Mackenzie Falls, see panoramic views of the park from Reeds Lookout and see birdlife and native animals roam free. You may enjoy a local meal in Halls Gap. Later drive from Halls Gap towards the historic city of Ballarat. Soak up the history of the gold rush era. View the original Eureka Flag or pan for gold at Sovereign Hill before heading back to Melbourne. Later drive towards Melbourne to return your, self-drive car. Overnight in Melbourne.
Melbourne – Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour – Melbourne Sky Deck
Proceed for Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Chocolate & Dessert Walking Tour. Join your local guide and expert chocoholic for a delightful stroll through Melbourne’s iconic arcades and secret laneways. Discover the beautiful chocolatiers and patissier tucked away in the back streets of Melbourne for specially crafted exclusive chocolate tasting experiences. In the evening make your own way to experience the awe-inspiring 360-degree floor-to-ceiling views of Melbourne at the Melbourne Skydeck. Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe-inspiring view of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. Overnight in Melbourne.
Optional: We recommend to extend your stay to visit Philip Island Mornington Peninsula and the Magnificent Yarra valley
Melbourne - Hometown
Tour Concludes. Proceed by shared transfer to the airport to board your onward flight or flight to your hometown
More about Apollo Bay
More about Australia
More about Geelong
More about Lorne
More about Melbourne
More about Port Campbell
More about this tour
Great Southern Australia, an enchanting region, unfolds a tale of ancient Aboriginal heritage, European settlement, and diverse landscapes. The Grampians boast majestic peaks, the Great Ocean Road reveals coastal wonders, and historic Ballarat echoes the Gold Rush era. This vast tapestry of nature and culture captures the essence of Australia's richness, inviting visitors to explore its stunning vistas, vibrant communities, and a harmonious blend of history and natural beauty.
