A guided trip is for those who enjoy the camaraderie of a group, want to meet other like-minded walkers or prefer to walk with a knowledgeable guide. Come with a friend or come alone - you'll soon make new friends.
The quality of our guiding is extremely important to us. Our guides are all highly qualified, experienced walkers. They are mature, committed professionals and, most importantly, they are fun people to spend a week with! They are there to ensure each person's expectations are met and that everyone has an enjoyable and memorable walking holiday.
Our group sizes are always small - usually 4-12 people. Participants can be of any nationality, any age, alone or accompanied. Some are experienced walkers, some first-timers.
People travelling on their own will share a twin room with someone of the same sex, or else pay a single supplement for a private room. All guided trips operate subject to minimum numbers.
Great Ocean Walk
Self guided "inn-to-inn" - any day of the year
Guided "inn-to-inn" - 24 November 2002
With its enormous variety, this holiday is a delight at any time of the year. It combines sections of the famous Great Ocean Road area with majestic inland forests and colourful heathlands. Walk along sheer clifftops with dramatic ocean vistas. Stroll along clean, white, sandy beaches. Head inland to dense forests, cascading waterfalls, fern gullies and the brilliant wildflower displays of winter and springtime. In stormy weather, experience the exhilaration of the wind in your hair and on hot, summery days, enjoy a refreshing dip along the way. There are also plenty of native animals to see including kangaroos, koalas, colourful birds and many nocturnal animals.
Location
The Great Ocean Walk commences in Torquay, a sea-side town about 2 hours SW of Melbourne. Daily train/coach service from Melbourne.
Grading
Easy to moderate low-level walking. Sandy beaches, clifftop and forest walking tracks. Mostly gentle terrain with a few short climbs.
What's included
Double/twin share accommodation, meals as listed in itinerary, wine with some dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers as per itinerary, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, mapcase, National Park fees, walking notes, maps. Not included: Alcohol (additional to that provided), snacks, travel insurance, items of a personal nature.
The best time to go
December to February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. Book well in advance for January due to the summer school holidays. March to May is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking. The winter months (June to August) are cool and sometimes stormy, providing exhilarating walking along the beaches. In winter the hills are covered with pink heath, Victoria's floral emblem. September to November is usually cool to warm and this is when most of the colourful wildflowers appear.
Departures
Self guided "Inn-to-inn" - any day of the year year
Guided "Inn-to-inn" - 6/10/00, 5/5/01, 20/10/01
Itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation & 5 days walking)
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
This holiday starts in the seaside town of Torquay, any time during the afternoon. Free time to stroll along the Esplanade or visit 'Surf World'. Accommodation: Modern homestay, renowned for gourmet breakfasts.
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Day 2:
Begin walking at world famous Bells Beach, where you'll find Aussie surfies year-round. The track heads inland through open forests full of native birds, then returns to the spectacular cliff tops of the coast. Learn about the history and lifestyles of the local Aboriginal tribes on the Koorie Culture Walk. The walk finishes at the mouth of the picturesque Anglesea River. Have you ever seen kangaroos in the wild? This is your chance! 4-5.5 hrs walking. Accommodation: In Anglesea at a cosy B&B with river frontage or a guesthouse with ocean views.
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Day 3:
A wildlife bonanza! We've identified over 30 different native flowers on this walk. How many different birds will you spot in the wetlands? What will you find washed up on the pristine, sandy beaches? Giant sea cliffs tower overhead - the ultimate aim being the quaint lighthouse in the distance, used recently in the famous children's TV series "Round the Twist". 4-5 hrs walking. Accommodation: Cosy B&B in Aireys Inlet, full of country charm. Hand-feed native birds and animals and join your hosts for home-cooked meals and local wine. Ask about the koalas living nearby!
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Day 4:
A circuit walk. Australia is fortunate to have so many clean, white, uncrowded beaches like this one. Another special treat today is the ironbark forest - tall eucalypts with deeply rutted, very black trunks. Look out for the tiny native orchids that grow here in winter. Photo opportunities abound with extensive views over the coast and the Split Point Lighthouse. 4-5 hrs walking, with 1 hr optional sidetrips. Accommodation: As for last night
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Day 5:
After a short vehicle transfer, leave the coast and immerse yourself in dense, temperate rainforest. Marvel at the huge Mountain Ash, tallest flowering plant in the world. Step from rock to rock as the track criss-crosses pretty Erskine River on its climb to the spectacular Erskine Falls. Back in Lorne, there's time to explore the tourist shops, craft stores and galleries. 5-6 hrs walking. Accommodation: Quiet guesthouse in Lorne, in a panoramic position overlooking the ocean. Indulge yourself in the a-la-carte restaurant, with fresh local seafoods a specialty.
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Day 6:
A circuit walk today. Follow a tranquil stream inland to dense forest and fern gullies, past several cascading waterfalls. Descend into a mini canyon before reaching the dramatic Phantom Falls. One final climb to a spectacular view point overlooking the scenic Great Ocean Road. 2-3 hrs walking, plus 2-2.5 hrs sidetrips. Accommodation: As for last night.
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Day 7:
The holiday finishes after breakfast, with a transfer back to Torquay or the local bus stop.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
You can also do this trip as a Self-guided tour at a cost of 630.00 single, 552.00 share twin PLUS car rental.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Nature & Wildlife
Ecotourism
Walking Tours
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