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Rating Star

4 (3)

Location Icon Melbourne

Great Ocean Road Tour & Platypus Paddle: 2-Day Adventure

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2880

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo The 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour and Platypus Paddle offers an unforgettable journey through some of Victoria's most stunning landscapes. This tour combines the iconic beauty of the Great Ocean Road with a unique inland adventure, offering a diverse experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Expect to witness breathtaking coastal views, explore lush rainforests, and encounter native Australian wildlife. The adventure begins along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at key locations like London Bridge and the Twelve Apostles, where dramatic rock formations meet the powerful Southern Ocean. Travelers will also have the opportunity to spot koalas and parrots in their natural habitat, stroll along pristine beaches, and explore charming coastal towns like Apollo Bay.

A highlight of this tour is the platypus paddle on Lake Elizabeth, near Forrest. After a 1 km walk into the forest, guests paddle onto the serene lake at dawn, in search of the elusive platypus. The tour also includes visits to the majestic Redwood plantation and cascading Otway Waterfalls, near Forrest and Colac. This tour includes 1 night accommodation but excludes meals and drinks. This small group adventure ensures a personalized experience, with ample time to explore each location. Travelers will journey from Melbourne, through country towns, to the Great Ocean Road, and back, experiencing a variety of landscapes and attractions. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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See the Great Ocean Road: Visit famous sights like the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge.

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Paddle with Platypus: Go on Lake Elizabeth looking for Platypus.

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Find Koalas: Spot Koalas and Parrots

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Explore the Redwoods: Take a walk through the huge Redwood forest.

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See Waterfalls: Walk to the beautiful Otway Waterfalls.

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Small Group: Small group for a personlised experience

Sentiment Analysis

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Overall, customers highly recommend this tour for its unique combination of iconic sights and wildlife encounters. The platypus paddle is a standout experience, and the guides are praised for their expertise. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved seeing the platypus in its natural habitat.

    Positive Highlight Icon The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable.

    Positive Highlight Icon The scenery is beautiful, with great photo opportunities.

    Positive Highlight Icon The small group size allows for a more personal experience.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some customers wished for more time at certain stops.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few found the early morning platypus paddle challenging.

The Journey

1

Melbourne

Begin your adventure in Melbourne, a city celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, multicultural cuisine, and hidden laneways brimming with cafes and street art. Enjoy an early start to escape the city bustle and set the stage for a day of breathtaking exploration along the Great Ocean Road.

2

Country Town

Experience the charm of a quaint Australian country town, offering a glimpse into rural life and a chance to stretch your legs amidst picturesque scenery. A brief pause to soak in the laid-back atmosphere before continuing your coastal journey.

3

Colac

Stop in Colac, a regional hub known for its agricultural heritage and lakeside setting. Enjoy a refreshing break to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and prepare for the dramatic landscapes ahead on the Great Ocean Road.

4

Great Ocean Road

Begin your exploration of the Great Ocean Road, a world-renowned coastal route stretching 243 kilometers along Australia's southern coast. Carved into the cliffs, this scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, pristine beaches, and dramatic rock formations.

5

London Bridge

Marvel at London Bridge, a striking offshore natural arch formation carved by the relentless forces of the Southern Ocean. Witness the power of nature as you observe the remnants of this once-connected land bridge, now a testament to coastal erosion and geological change.

6

Great Ocean Road (Bathroom Stop)

Enjoy a necessary comfort stop along the Great Ocean Road, offering a chance to refresh and stretch your legs amidst the stunning coastal scenery. Prepare for the next leg of your journey, filled with even more breathtaking views.

7

Lookouts & Gorge

Immerse yourself in the panoramic vistas from multiple lookouts along the Great Ocean Road, each offering unique perspectives of the rugged coastline. Descend into a dramatic gorge to witness the raw power of the ocean and the beauty of the sculpted cliffs up close.

8

Twelve Apostles

Witness the iconic Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. Take a stroll along the boardwalk to capture breathtaking photographs of these natural wonders, sculpted by centuries of erosion. Consider an optional helicopter flight for a truly unforgettable aerial perspective.

9

Twelve Apostles (Lunch Stop)

Enjoy a relaxing lunch amidst the beauty of the Twelve Apostles region. Take in the scenic views, unwind and enjoy the company of the local parrots at a location where you can purchase your own lunch.

10

Rainforest Walk

Escape into the lush tranquility of the Otway Rainforest, where towering trees filter sunlight and ferns carpet the forest floor. Experience the serenity of this ancient ecosystem as you stroll along a boardwalk, breathing in the fresh, moist air.

11

Apollo Bay

Travel through Apollo Bay, a charming coastal holiday town nestled between rolling hills and the sparkling ocean. Discover boutique shops, cozy cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a brief respite before continuing along the Great Ocean Road.

12

Ocean Lookout (Photo Opportunity)

Capture the beauty of the Great Ocean Road at a designated ocean lookout. This photo opportunity offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline, providing a perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.

13

Koala & Parrot Spotting

Embark on a wildlife adventure in search of koalas nestled in eucalyptus trees and vibrant parrots flitting through the branches. Sharpen your senses and learn about the unique Australian wildlife that calls this region home.

14

Beach & Shops (Great Ocean Road)

Enjoy the last stop on the Great Ocean Road by taking in the beach and local shops. A great opportunity to buy a souvenir or simply relax and take in the serene ocean view.

15

Forrest

Settle into Forrest, a charming town nestled in the Otway Ranges, known for its boutique breweries, stunning nature and relaxing atmostphere. Unwind after a day of exploration and prepare for a restful night in your accommodation.

16

Lake Elizabeth (Platypus Spotting)

Rise before dawn and venture to the serene Lake Elizabeth, a hidden gem known for its elusive platypus population. Experience the magic of this tranquil lake as you quietly paddle, hoping to catch a glimpse of these unique Australian creatures in their natural habitat.

17

Forrest (Breakfast)

Enjoy a delightful breakfast in Forrest, savoring local flavors and fueling up for another day of adventure. Take in the peaceful atmosphere of this charming town before venturing into the Otway Ranges.

18

Otway Redwoods

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Redwood Forest in the Otway Ranges, a grove of towering Californian Redwood trees that transport you to another world. Wander beneath these giants, feeling dwarfed by their immense size and captivated by their serene beauty.

19

Otway Waterfalls

Discover the cascading beauty of the Otway Waterfalls, where crystal-clear waters plunge into lush fern gullies. Hike through verdant trails, listening to the soothing sounds of nature as you approach these captivating natural wonders.

20

Colac

Travel back through Colac, a lovely regional town to admire on your way back to Melbourne. Take in its quiet streets and remember your stops on the way along the Great Ocean Road.

21

Bathroom Stop and Leg Stretch

Take a final break on your journey back, a necessary stop to refresh and prepare for the remainder of the trip to Melbourne. A chance to reflect on the day's adventures before returning to the city.

22

Melbourne

Arrive back in Melbourne, filled with unforgettable memories of the Great Ocean Road and the Otway Ranges. Reflect on the stunning landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and charming towns you've experienced on this incredible journey.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes the platypus paddle tour and one night's accommodation. It does not include any meals or drinks, so guests should plan accordingly. Pickup and drop-off are in Melbourne. More pickup information will be provided after booking.

Hot Tip

To make the most of the platypus paddle, wear warm clothes and be prepared for an early start. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife, and don't forget to pack snacks and drinks for the day.

From $595 Price

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