To the west of the city of Melbourne in south-eastern Australia 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. Koalas inhabit the forests and Kangaroos graze the grasslands. Waterbirds are found on the largest permanent lakes in Australia contained in the huge craters of extinct volcanoes.
- Tour operates all year, on request, with a minimum of two passengers. Tour does not run on or through Christmas Day (December 25).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Wildlife of the Western Plains. The Savannah Walkabout.
To begin your journey your naturalist guide leads you into "real Australia" to see kangaroos, koalas, abundant bird life and to discover a rich Aboriginal heritage. Learn about native animals and plants both in the famous open-range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bushland of a nearby National Park.
These environments provide the perfect introduction to Australia's unique wildlife and indigenous culture. See Kangaroos in large free ranging groups. Spot emus, cockatoos, waterbirds and other unique Australian wildlife and enjoy a delicious bush lunch. Visit an open forest that is home to a large and healthy population of wild koalas.
Our Koala Research Project ensures that on most days we have multiple sightings of these delightful creatures. Your guide will also share with you the great significance of the Western Plains to Aboriginal people. Accommodation tonight is at a "B&B" in the provincial coastal town of Geelong. Dinner is at your own expense at one of the many delightful restaurants or pubs of Geelong. Includes: (L).
Day 2: The Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles. See some of the world's most spectacular coastal scenery. We follow the Great Ocean Road to the surging surf coast and the magnificent rain forests of Otway National Park. Travel through Port Campbell National Park and let your imagination go wild along the rugged Shipwreck Coast. Linger a while to take in some of nature's handiwork at the 12 Apostles, the Loch Ard Gorge and huge limestone cliffs plus. Hear stories about the terrible shipwrecks of the past. We have dinner at a local pub and stay tonight at a delightful B&B over looking the beautiful Hopkins River. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: The expanse of the western plains: volcanoes and lakes in a great savannah. This morning we have one last look at the coast in the dramatic morning light before returning to Melbourne across the vast grasslands of the Western Plains. Created by intense volcanic activity over the past 2 million years, the 7000 volcanoes of the Western Plains are now extinct but the resultant savannah is now pasture to the richest wool growing area on earth - a wonderful example of Australia's great range lands.
We stop en route to drive to the top of an extinct volcano with spectacular views across the plains. From the summit we see some of the hundreds of volcanic lakes scattered across the plains. Later we stop at Lake Corangamite, the largest permanent lake in Australia, often covered with prolific bird life. We return to Melbourne in the late afternoon. Includes: (B), (L).
- This itinerary is an indication only, due to conditions on the day it can change slightly to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Minimum cost is for one adult twin-sharing with another adult, in a small group with other unrelated passengers. Maximum cost is for one adult traveling alone, in a single room. Lower price is available for children under 14yo.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Wildlife Viewing
Ecotourism
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