Our earlier start avoids any possible crowds, ensures a relaxed day ahead and sees us arrive at the beautiful Surf Coast in the tranquility and photographic heaven of the early morning light.

You are welcome to bring something on board to enjoy as we venture down to the coast, however a barista made coffee/tea or hot chocolate of your choice (included) awaits us as our day starts at Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road.

Our adventure travels East to West, unfolding the story of the road as it evolved in history and traces directly aside the oceans edge, providing the most dramatic aspect of the regions stunning scenery - building the anticipation to the crescendo that is the Shipwreck Coast and the 12 Apostles.

Along the way, we don’t follow a ‘set’ itinerary. Our truly boutique group size allows us to select the best locations and make impromptu stops to take full advantage of whatever nature offers us on each day.

Enjoying stunning coastal vistas, seaside towns, walking along beaches and of course a range of wildlife spotting are all part of our day along the Great Ocean Road.

But it's not just the coast. After lunch, we head deep into the Otways' rainforest to take you back to a land that time forgot on our immersive, fully guided rainforest interpretative experience. Our story will amaze and surprise you…..

And of course, the 12 Apostles – but it is so much more than that. Known as the Shipwreck Coast for good reason, we spend most of the afternoon here; including exploring Loch Ard Gorge where you can absorb the tales of one of the most dramatic and treacherous coastlines on earth as you descend the beach to touch the Southern Ocean.

What better way to round out your day before you relax on the homeward journey…

It’s a big day along the Great Ocean Road – around 550km (340mi) in fact – so your comfort and relaxation is a priority! Our all-inclusive experience ensures you travel worry-free and in comfort all the way. Lunch – freshly caught, local fish and chips prepared to order at the wharf (weather permitting, Vegetarian options available) and refreshments are included as you travel in our unique, custom built Mercedes vehicles, custom designed and built to offer unprecedented comfort and unmatched interior space.

Additional Information

Pick up:

Note: We pick up from outside the Rendezvous Hotel 328 Flinders St at 6:45am. Drop off is direct to your hotel.

Special requests:

Please advise us of any special dietary requirements or mobility restrictions so that we can make your experience as comfortable as possible. 

Meals:

Our experiences are designed to be all inclusive so you have nothing to worry about but to enjoy the day - our Great Ocean Road adventures include a morning barista coffee, lunch and refreshments.

Children:

Infants (aged four and under) are required to travel in a custom fitted child restraint at all times whilst in the vehicle which we provide (complimentary). Unfortunately due to our seat design, infants under 6 months old cannot travel on our tours. Small children (5-7 years old) are required to be fitted in a booster seat, also provided complimentary. There is plenty of room for fold up strollers if you wish to bring them along. 

Please advise us of your child's age so we can prepare the appropriate seating.

Cancellations:

As our schedule is dictated by the arrival of our little Penguin friends at dusk each evening, our timing has to fit around theirs!

• As our focus is on nature we don't get distracted by other 'attractions' so our tours leave a little later, we avoid the more tourist orientated venues, giving you more time to enjoy Melbourne in the morning, we pick up from all locations within the central Melbourne business district and St. Paul's Cathedral if arriving from out of town - opposite Federation Square. That way you don't have to rush back to your hotel just to meet us if you prefer. 
  
• Journey through the fast growing South East region of Melbourne as we point out interesting facts about the development of ‘the most liveable city in the world’ as awarded for the sixth year running in 2017.
  
• EXCLUSIVE! Arriving at our wildlife sanctuary, we begin our exploration with an extensive tour of a free range nature park where you can get close with a huge variety (more than 60 in fact!) of our native friends over including hand-feeding Kangaroos, Emus, Wallabies and Wombats. Our Cockatoo friend might even welcome you with a 'Hello". And of course, Koalas amongst many others. This is a fabulous free-range experience that focuses on the animals. We are the only operator that visits this family owned park.
  
• We take a detour to the main township of Cowes where we take our time to enjoy the beautiful esplanade and foreshore (time permitting). Guests can enjoy dinner here at their own expense in the summr no\months (Nov-Mar)
• It’s then off along the rugged surf coast of the island as we travel to the Nobbies viewing centre – here you can look out onto ‘Seal Island’ – home to the largest colony of Australian Fur Seals. We will go Penguin spotting here before the parade as some remain in their burrows overnight.
• We then go wallaby and birds of prey spotting as we slowly make our way to the world famous Penguin Parade.
• There is plenty of time to enjoy the Penguin Information centre before we guide you to the best viewing spots for the nightly parade– cushions and warm blankets/jackets are provided complimentary for your comfort.
• October - March: we provide plenty of time for guests to enjoy a meal (own expense) before the Parade in the seaside town of Cowes
• April - September: we visit the coastal village of San Remo so guests can enjoy a relaxed lunch (own expense) before we explore the island
• A variety of custom viewing options are also available. When booking, please select the option you wish to experience (please note that entrance and standard seating to the Parade is already included in our tour price):
  

1. Penguins Plus viewing area (pictured)

• Note: Above ground and also separate below ground viewing area  - limited to 300 guests.
  

Situated next to the main path of penguins Penguins Plus offers fantastic up close viewing of penguins. Rangers are on hand throughout the night to answer your questions and give a talk 30 minutes prior to the estimated penguin arrival time. 

2. Guided Ranger Tour 

Take a guided ranger tour through the penguin colony before settling into your reserved front row seats in a dedicated viewing area for the parade. Watch the penguins emerge from the water and make their march across the beach, then continue the journey along the Penguins Plus platform.

Each guest supplied with binoculars, a thermal seating mat and a headset for the ranger commentary.  Tour groups limited to 10 people each. Limited to ages 12+.

PLEASE NOTE: All options will be reconfirmed for availability with the Penguin Parade before any payments are processed. Children are 12 and under. Infants under 4 years old.

Our journey begins from Melbourne and heads inland through the country towns Winchelsea and Colac (brief bathroom stop here and quick stretch of the legs). Our guides will tell you all about Melbourne and the regions history as we build to our arrival at the Apostles. Even our Aussie guests tell us they learnt things they never knew about our country!

Our first 'official' stop is at a fabulous small family run chocolate factory where you can enjoy a barista made coffee, tea or hot chocolate (the best we've ever tasted - 6 varieties!)  - included - as you sample their excellent range of hand made chocolates. Stroll the grounds and say hello to their farmyard animals as you enjoy your drink....

Only a short trip then before arriving at the 12 Apostles. We will spend at least two+ hours exploring this region including, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Island Arch and Razorback. You will be armed with all the knowledge and stories you need to fully appreciate this wonder as you explore this at your leisure. We fully guide our guests across all these regions as we recount the stories of survival and tragedy of the early settlers voyages to Australia.

Freshly prepared lunch (drink included) at a wonderful new cafe featuring local produce in the seaside village of  Port Campbell.

After lunch we go Kangaroo spotting in the wild.

Heading back along the Great Ocean Road as we leave the Shipwreck Coast, we encounter the cool temperate rainforest of the Otways and its towering Mountain Ash Eucalypts and ancient Tree Ferns. Can you imagine this is what all of Australia looked like over 200 million years ago?!

Arriving at the town of Apollo Bay, come with us to try the Australia's most awarded ice-creams. Once again, a family run business (we specifically seek out the best to support), they have won over 300 awards nationally from this one and only location. Sample as many as you like. All made from natural ingredients on the premises. Choose your favourite scoop (included) to enjoy as you stroll the village and its beaches.

Our journey then takes us along the most beautiful stretch of the Great Ocean Road where it hugs the cliff faces and sweeps along the beaches through Kennett River to Lorne. We will make multiple stops here (we always choose the best based on the prevailing lighting on the day) to get you the best photos

It's along here we will  go searching for Koalas in the wild and, if we're lucky, have the multitude of native birds join us (some may even land on you!) from King Parrotts to Crimson Rosellas, Kookaburras to Cockatoos...

Memorial Arch, just before Anglesea, is where we will pay homage to those who built the road and tell the story of the true meaning of the ANZAC tradition.

We will then head up to a beautiful viewing point above Anglesea to enjoy the sun as it lowers on the horizon, catch a last glimpse of the road before we head home and enjoy a selection of fine local cheeses whilst sipping on your choice of a locally produced glass of red or white wine. What a way to finish the day!

Included:

• Chocolate samples and your choice of barista made coffee, tea or hot chocolate
• Freshly prepared lunch to order (and drink) focusing on local produce
• Ice cream tastings and scoop of your choice
• Local cheese selections to share
• Direct pick up from all locations within the Central Melbourne City zone, St. Kilda Road and St. Kilda, Southbank and Docklands
• Complimentary bottled water, snacks and sweets throughout the day.

Departs: October - March

Note: Infants travel free (Infants age  6 months -  3 yrs) Lunch is not included for infants.  

Other days by request - please call or email us. Please note a minimum of six guests is required in order to guarantee a separately requested date. No charges are made at the time of booking until this minimum is reached and you are under no obligation to proceed.

A little over an hour from Melbourne and you will be arriving at the heart of the renowned Mornington Peninsula.

Along the way, quirky highway sculptures set the tone for your arrival at our favourite boutique winemaker to enjoy a comprehensive tasting of their intriguing varieties.

Your second tasting experience then contrasts the regions styles prior to enjoying a fabulous lunch (including wine) at one of the Peninsula’s most stylish establishments. Specialising in local produce, tastes are perfectly matched with the accompanying views across the seasonally changing aspects of the vines.

In the afternoon we take you through gorgeous rolling hills with inviting bay aspects before arriving at the dramatic southernmost tip for a cliff top walk. Taking in what some say is the cleanest
air on the planet will truly invigorate your the soul.

Immersing in the mineral waters of the Peninsula Hot Springs  - ask us about upgrading to any of their other spa and wellness treatments - (or craft brewery experience for those who prefer) is the perfect relaxation for you in preparedness for our journey home - taking the coastal route through the seaside towns to enjoy the descending sun over the bay.

Along the way we make a quick stop to get that perfect shot on the beach in what we reckon are the best examples of Beach Boxes in Melbourne!

Escape to a different time and place....

From a haunted pub frequented by Bushrangers, the grandeur of the gold rush to amazing silo art and culminating in the elegance of the Murray River and its glorious paddle steamer heritage, this experience is truly like no other.

Take a journey in time and across landscapes to experience the essence of pioneer Australia enjoying the very finest along the way.

Your day begins with a fabulous lunch at the Tooberac Hotel with its famous gourmet pies and a tasting paddle of their fabulous brews (included). It's the oldest heritage listed pub in Victoria and is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a bushranger......

Bendigo  - one of the richest gold towns of the era - is now an official City of Gastronomy  and we enjoy a coffee from one of their eclectic laneways as we tour the towns unique history and wonderful architecture.

As we head to the enchanting riverport town of Echuca, we take a detour off the beaten track to see on of the most fabulous examples of silo art in the country.

A quick tour of Echuca to point out its fabulous eateries and artisans, we then settle in for the evening where the time is yours to enjoy a meal of your choosing.

The following morning, enjoy a sensational breakfast (included) at the iconic Beechworth Bakery and wander the historic port district before meeting for our authentic era  paddle steamer cruise along the Murray River.

Enjoy the fascinating history of the river before arriving for a delightful tasting experience and winery lunch on the river -  including a glass of your choice. After a relaxing meal in the bush setting, we return to Echuca Wharf to begin our journey home. 

This is all about wine and fabulous produce. Delving deep into the Yarra Valley and across its entre breadth, we uncover some of the regions finest boutique wine makers and contrast the personalities with the more well known vineyards of the region to provide a complete regional experience.

A beautiful  seasonally inspired lunch with wine specialising in local garden produce perfectly complements your exploration which is perfectly suited to the curious though to the wine enthusiast. 

There is no filler here - we want you to enjoy the best and most interesting on offer and includes tastings at up to 5 vineyards including 2 course lunch, in-depth interpretation of the region and its history and most importantly avoiding the crowds in a relaxed, fun and informative day 

Quaint towns, fabulous local food, wine and produce and the mysterious Hanging Rock - indulge every sense in this fabulous 'day-away' from the noise and hustle and bustle......