After morning pickup from your Melbourne hotel, travel in a comfortable minivan southwest to reach the Great Ocean Road.
Visit highlights such as Split Point Lighthouse, a nature reserve and pristine beaches. Take a walk in a eucalyptus forest at the Conservation Ecology Centre to look for koalas, kangaroos and native birdlife in their natural habitat. Learn about the center’s conservation work that protects wildlife such as koalas and tiger quolls, the biggest remaining marsupial carnivore in mainland Australia. Stop in the pretty town of Apollo Bay to purchase lunch from one of the town’s excellent cafes and restaurants.
Top off your day by visiting the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, both located within Port Campbell National Park. Learn about the geology that shaped limestone rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles, and hear about the Shipwreck Coast and the sinking of the English ship Loch Ard in 1878.
Throughout the day, you'll have plenty of time for photo ops of rugged cliffs, churning waves and charming seaside towns along this scenic stretch of Victoria’s coast. Hear about the region from onboard commentary provided by your knowledgeable driver-guide, and keep an eye out for whales and dolphins offshore, and Australian native animals including kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and bandicoots. Your tour ends with hotel drop-off in the early evening.