Animal Encounter Williamstown North

TOUR CODE: WGOR-B
OPERATES: Daily
TOUR DURATION: 12 Hours
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St, corner Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35am.
HIGHLIGHTS: Take a scenic coastal drive along the world-famous Great Ocean Road, a National Heritage Listed site See the historic Memorial Arch and the Great Ocean Road sign, a perfect place for a photo opportunity Search for Australian wildlife in its natural habitat Enjoy a guided walk through an ancient rainforest at the Great Otway National Park Check out the amazing lookout views of the shipwreck coastline of Port Campbell National Park
Take a stroll along the beach of Loch Ard Gorge, surrounded by dramatic cliff walls and dramatic scenery Take in panoramic views at the 12 Apostles lookout in the delight of the afternoon sun
ITINERARY:
One of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world can be found on this Great Ocean Road tour! As we leave Melbourne, we cross the West Gate Bridge, a bridge that spans the width of the Yarra River, providing a link between the capital of Victoria and the second-largest city in the state of Victoria, Geelong.
Upon arrival in Anglesea, we get the first glimpse of our breathtaking southern coastline views; from here, we will twist and turn our way along one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives, which is listed as a National Heritage site. Throughout the drive, there will be plenty of opportunities to capture some awesome images, including the historic Memorial Arch at Eastern View and the introduction to the Great Ocean Road drive.
It is advisable that you keep your eyes open as you pass through beachside towns such as Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Wye River and Kennett River in order to search for Australian wildlife, as you never know what you might come across. Guests will have time to explore and support the local economy of Apollo Bay as this is our lunch stop before heading into the Great Otway National Park to walk amongst towering ancient rainforest habitats.
The afternoon will be filled with marveling at the shipwreck coastline and gigantic limestone stacks, known as the 12 Apostles. As well, the cliff-side beaches of Loch Ard Gorge form part of the Port Campbell National Park, which has been carved out of the wild southern ocean over a period of time. A visit to the Great Ocean Road and the scenic locations that we visit along the way is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have when visiting Victoria.
Meals: N/A. Driving distance: 540km. Walking distance: 2-3km
INCLUSIONS: National Park entry fees Australian flora and fauna sightings
Guided rainforest walk (fitness level easy)
Hosted by an experienced driver guide
Modern air-conditioned coach travel
Comprehensive local tour commentary
Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
Audio & text translation app available in 10 different languages (Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish)


EXCLUSIONS: Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense. We provide plenty of opportunities for guests to support locals and buy snacks along the way.
Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
Personal expenses



WHAT TO BRING:
1L refillable water bottle, small day bag 5-7kg, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, all-weather clothing ie. windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes, money for snacks and meals, camera to capture every moment!

CHILD POLICY:
Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking.
WEATHER:
Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: phone number. Child fare prices apply to children aged between 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking. This terrain is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers. Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person. Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures. Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1300. Private touring is available on request.

TOUR CODE: PBH-B
OPERATES: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun (from 1st April 2024)
DEPARTS: 7:45am
RETURNS: 17:45pm

TOUR DURATION: 9.5 Hours
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St cnr Market St, Melbourne @ 7:45am.
HIGHLIGHTS: Travel back in time aboard the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train and experience Australia's most notable narrow gauge railway. Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary offers over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals, and reptiles for guests to explore at their leisure. Visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery with over 250 chocolate products. You will have the opportunity to travel through the magnificent tall forests of the Dandenong Ranges. Visit scenic Emerald Park Lakeside with its new Railway heritage-themed Visitor Centre. ITINERARY:
Drive approximately one hour from Melbourne through the hills of the Dandenong Ranges with giant Mountain Ash and Ferns trees and take in spectacular views of Melbourne's skyline en-route to Puffing Billy Station.
Step back in time and enjoy a memorable one-hour journey on Australia's most notable narrow gauge railway aboard the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you weave in and out of the forest-covered hills aboard Puffing Billy's iconic open carriages between Belgrave and Lakeside. You may also see kookaburras, cockatoos, lyrebirds, and crimson rosellas in the stunning Sherbrooke Forest. Get to know one of the many dedicated volunteers helping to preserve this 121-year-old steam railway. The ticket includes entry to the state-of-the-art Lakeside Visitor Centre, which includes a railway cafe, mini-museum, and gift shop where guests will have time to purchase morning tea and/or lunch (at their own expense).
Back on the bus we drive through the Yarra Valley en route to Healesville township. Guests will have two hours to explore Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, Australia's premier wildlife and nature sanctuary which is home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles in a natural bushland setting. You can get up close to koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, cockatoos, parrots, and many more. Within the sanctuary, you can witness the amazing and exciting Eagles Fly demonstration. Walk through aviaries and ponds and see the nocturnal house with the shy platypus.
Our final stop for the day will be a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery with over 250 chocolate, truffle and ice-cream varieties! Guests can see the chocolatiers at work, browse the chocolate shop and indulge in a decadent hot chocolate or coffee (at their own expense) before relaxing on the return journey to Melbourne. Relax on the return journey to Melbourne.
Driving Distance: 200km.

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the itinerary route and winery stops due to unforeseen circumstances, such as group sizes, special events and third-party operator closures.


INCLUSIONS: Puffing Billy 1-hour train excursion from Belgrave to Lakeside (one-way) Admission into Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park Hosted by an experienced driver-guide Air-conditioned comfortable coach travel Comprehensive local tour commentary Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points


EXCLUSIONS: Any meals or tastings not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense. We provide plenty of opportunities for guests to support locals and buy lunch along the way. Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point. Personal travel insurance is recommended Personal expenses


WHAT TO BRING:
1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, all-weather active clothing ie. wind-breaker/raincoat, comfortable walking shoes (closed shoes), small day pack 5-7kg, money for snack and meals, camera to capture every moment.

CHILD POLICY:

Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking.


WEATHER:
Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: phone number. Child fare prices apply to children aged between 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking. This terrain is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers. Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person. Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures. Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333.

This fare price is (Per Person) suitable for Adults 18+ over in a Shared Dormitory Room. Not suitable for children 17 years and under.
TOUR CODE: WGOR2-B --- Basic Hostel Accommodation (Shared Dormitory)
OPERATES: Sundays (Nov-Apr, weekly) / Sundays (May-Oct, twice a month)

TOUR DURATION: 2 Days / 1 Night
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME : Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St Melbourne @ 7:35am.
HIGHLIGHTS: Embrace the Great Ocean Road at your leisure and escape the crowds Take in the sunset splendor of the iconic 12 Apostles Visit landmarks along the Great Ocean Road that aren't seen on regular tours Explore an extinct volcano full of native Aussie wildlife Take a guided Aboriginal cultural nature walk Stay in a boutique Guesthouse (dorm share only) and try a delicious local brew (own expense) Walk along a section of the Great Ocean Walk See the enormous limestone monoliths and coastline from beach level at Gibson Steps Instagrammable moments amongst the Redwoods of the Otways Visit some of the popular Surf Coast surf beaches Keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales (May-Sep)
ITINERARY:
Avoid the crowds as you explore and experience all the major attractions of the Great Ocean Road plus many more that most tours will miss in this relaxed and adventurous 2 day tour. Watch the sun set behind the 12 Apostles; stand amongst the two tallest tree species in the world; explore the inside of an extinct volcano; track down native Australian wildlife such as Koalas, Kangaroo, Emu and the elusive Echidna; walk a section of the Great Ocean Walk; stay in a brewery; experience the lifestyle of the Surf Coast and its famous beaches and we're only just scratching the surface of what this tour really offers.

DAY 1 - Melbourne to Port Campbell
We start this tour with a drive through the ancient lava fields of western Victoria on our way to the country seaside town of Warrnambool, making a detour to Tower Hill to explore Australia's most recently extinct volcano bursting with wildlife. Take a guided walk with Worn Gundidj learning about the traditional lifestyle of Australia's indigenous people, and get close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Drive the Great Ocean Road "backwards", starting with the Shipwreck Coast and its icons such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto and London Bridge with time to explore the village of Port Campbell. Try some locally made beers from Sow & Piglets Brewery with dinner before finishing off the day at the 12 Apostles for sunset. Meals: Dinner. Accom: Sow and Piglets Guest House (formerly Port Campbell Hostel) or similar (6-8 bed dorm with shared bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 380km. Hike Distance: 2km.
DAY 2 - Port Campbell to Melbourne
The second day starts off with a climb down the stairs onto the beach at Loch Ard Gorge well before the crowds begin for a unique take on this ever-popular attraction. It's then off for a stroll along a section of the Great Ocean Walk and down to the beach level at the Apostles at Gibson Steps before retreating into the Otway rainforest. Hidden in a place most don't venture, the Redwoods of the Otways will simply amaze. The tallest and second tallest species of trees in the world, side by side. It's then back on the road to continue the breathtaking coastal drive with quality stops in the townships of Apollo Bay and Lorne to soak in the Aussie beach town lifestyle. Check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery for some delicious treats and one of the most popular surf beaches in Australia before the trip back to Melbourne around 7:00pm. Meals: Breakfast. Accom: N/A. Driving Distance: 300km. Hike Distance: 3km.
INCLUSIONS: Overnight tour to/from Melbourne return 1 Nights’ Accommodation - with shared bathroom facilities (Port Campbell) Includes: 1 x Breakfast, 1 x Dinner Aboriginal cultural experience National Park entrance fees Guided walks included (~5km total) Guaranteed Australian wildlife in its natural habitat Hosted by an experienced driver guide Modern air-conditioned coach travel Comprehensive local tour commentary Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
EXCLUSIONS: 12 Apostles scenic helicopter flights - payable onboard direct to the operator on arrival Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - breakfast/dinner. Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point. Personal travel insurance is highly recommended Personal expenses

WHAT TO BRING:
1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towel & toiletries, comfortable walking shoes with tread (closed shoes), appropriate all-weather clothing, overnight bag & small day pack, insect repellent, flashlight, headlamp or torch, money for snack and meals, camera to capture every moment!
CHILD POLICY:
Private room accommodation fares apply to Adults and children 6 years and over. Single Rooms are for adults only. Children aged between 6 to 17 years old are required to stay in a private double or twin room and must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. This tour is not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under.
WEATHER:
In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, and phone number. While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, passengers MUST advise their booking agent at the time of booking. The tour operator must also be notified of any food allergies or known medical conditions at the time of booking. A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Walks can be up to 2-3km in length, often over steep and rocky sections and in direct sunlight. Walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel). Basic dormitory-style accommodation fares apply to Adults 18+ and over. Not suitable for infants or children 17 years old and under. A similar alternative will be provided should any of our normal scheduled stops be closed for any reason. Itineraries may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally park closures. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour. This terrain is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1300.