GREAT OCEAN ROAD- 3 Days
West
of the city of Melbourne 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. Wildlife abounds throughout
this region. The plains contain the biggest permanent lakes in
Australia contained in the huge craters of extinct volcanoes and
home to abundant birdlife. Nearby forested hills are home to koalas
and kangaroos and the grasslands of the plains are the richest
wool growing area on earth.
Day
1 WILDLIFE OF THE WESTERN PLAINS L
To begin your journey your naturalist guide leads you into 'real
Australia' to see
kangaroos, koalas, abundant birdlife 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 bushlands
of Brisbane Ranges 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, wallabies, koalas and other unique Australian wildlife
and enjoy a delicious bush lunch. The Brisbane Ranges are home
to a large and healthy population of wild koalas and we
rarely miss out on 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 . B&B
Day
2 THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD AND 12 APOSTLES BLD
See some of the world's most spectacular coastal scenery.
We follow the Great Ocean Road to the surging surf coast and
the magnificent rainforests 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. Tonight we stay at a delightful
B&B over looking the beautiful Hopkins River and dine with
the owners. B&B
Day
3 THE EXPANSE OF THE WESTERN PLAINS BL
Explore volcanoes and lakes in a great savannah as we return
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 birdlife. We return
to Melbourne in the late afternoon.
Departures:
Daily except Christmas Day, minimum of 2 people.
Price
in Australian dollars.Price to 31 March 2005: AUD $900 per
person, Child (up to 13 years) AUD $675 per person. Price is for
twin share accommodation. Single supplement available - AUD$165
per person
INCLUSIONS:
Full interpretation by experienced nature guides, all transport,
meals and accommodation as described below and entry fees.
PRICE EXCLUDES: Items of a personal nature.
MEALS ON TOUR: Meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on final
day but excluding dinner on Day 1. Vegetarian or other food preferences
should be noted at the time of booking.
WHAT
TO BRING:
Strong walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable weather
conditions (temperatures range from 0C to +35C, sun hat, rainproof
coat, small torch, insect repellent, 15+ sunblock, daypack (or
we can supply day pack) and 1 litre water bottle. You should also
bring swimming gear. As space is limited please keep luggage to
1 sausage bag OR 1 backpack OR 1 small suitcase per person. During
the journey we can store extra luggage in Melbourne as required.
Hand luggage should be small.
Please note that whilst every attempt will be made to follow our
planned route National Park Service requirements and weather conditions
may cause amendments which will be clearly outlined to you by
your guide.
MEAL CODE: (B) - Breakfast; (L) - Lunch; (D) - Dinner.
