The Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour offers young backpackers aged 18-35 a chance to enjoy Australia’s breathtaking coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife. With private transportation and a small group size, this tour provides a personalized and engaging experience. Travelers can expect to witness iconic natural wonders like the 12 Apostles, explore the lush Great Otway National Park, and spot native species such as koalas and kangaroos. While the tour’s highlights are undoubtedly captivating, there’s more to discover about this adventure that may pique the interest of any young explorer seeking to uncover the essence of the land Down Under.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In St Kilda.
Key Points
- Comprehensive sightseeing experience along the stunning Australian coastline, including visits to iconic landmarks like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
- Opportunities to spot native wildlife like koalas and kangaroos within the Great Otway National Park.
- Departs from Melbourne hostels with private transportation, ensuring a personalized experience for a maximum of 18 backpackers aged 18-35.
- Offers ample time for photo opportunities at the natural wonders along the Great Ocean Road.
- Tour not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant individuals.
Tour Overview
This Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35 offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience along the stunning Australian coastline. It features visits to iconic landmarks like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, as well as opportunities to spot native wildlife within the Great Otway National Park.
The tour departs from several hostels in Melbourne and utilizes private transportation, allowing for a seamless and enjoyable journey. With a maximum of 18 travelers, the small group size ensures a more personalized experience. Along the way, participants can stop for photos and enjoy complimentary coffee or tea.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in St Kilda.
Pickup and Departure
The tour begins with a pickup from various hostels in Melbourne, with participants boarding the air-conditioned vehicle between 6:45 am and 7:00 am. This early departure ensures travelers have ample time to explore the wonders of the Great Ocean Road and the surrounding national parks.
The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized experience. However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems or pregnant individuals.
Visiting the 12 Apostles
Towering limestone stacks, the iconic 12 Apostles stand tall along the rugged Great Ocean Road, captivating visitors with their awe-inspiring presence.
This must-see natural wonder is a highlight of the tour, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Travelers will be awed by the sheer scale and grandeur of these ancient rock formations, carved over time by the relentless Southern Ocean.
The tour allows ample time to explore the 12 Apostles up close, admiring their unique shapes and learning about the geological processes that created them. Whether gazing out at the horizon or strolling along the boardwalks, visitors are sure to be left in wonder by this natural masterpiece.
Exploring Loch Ard Gorge
After marveling at the grandeur of the 12 Apostles, the tour moves on to explore the equally stunning Loch Ard Gorge, a natural wonder carved by the relentless power of the Southern Ocean.
Travelers step down into the gorge, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that plunge into the churning waters below. They’ll discover the site of a famous 19th-century shipwreck and learn about the dramatic rescue efforts that saved two young survivors.
The gorge’s tranquil cove and pristine beaches offer a serene contrast to the rugged coastline, providing the perfect spot to snap photos and soak in the natural beauty of this remarkable place.
Discovering Great Otway National Park
From the rugged coastline, the tour ventures inland to explore the lush and captivating Great Otway National Park, a vast wilderness that showcases the diverse ecosystems of Victoria’s southern regions.
Travelers enjoy the park’s ancient rainforests, home to towering eucalyptus trees, vibrant fern gullies, and an abundance of native wildlife. Along the way, they may spot koalas resting in the tree canopy, eastern grey kangaroos grazing in the clearings, and a variety of birdlife flitting through the foliage.
The tour provides ample opportunities to stretch one’s legs, breathe in the fresh, earthy aromas, and capture the natural splendor of this remarkable Australian treasure.
Spotting Koalas and Kangaroos
The tour’s wildlife highlights include spotting koalas napping in the eucalyptus trees and eastern grey kangaroos grazing peacefully in the grassy clearings of the Great Otway National Park.
With a bit of luck, travelers may catch sight of these iconic Australian animals:
Koalas, known for their soft grey fur and distinctive rounded ears, are often spotted sleeping high up in the gum trees, their primary food source.
Eastern grey kangaroos, the largest living marsupials, can be observed hopping and bounding through the lush, verdant landscapes.
Other wildlife commonly seen includes colorful parrots, wallabies, and a variety of native birds, making the Great Otway National Park a true nature lover’s paradise.
Photo Opportunities
Along the scenic route, travelers are presented with numerous opportunities to capture the breathtaking vistas and natural wonders that define the Great Ocean Road experience.
From dramatic coastal cliffs to lush rainforests, the tour’s expertly curated stops allow participants to immortalize the region’s picturesque landscapes through their lenses.
Whether it’s the iconic Twelve Apostles, the serene Loch Ard Gorge, or the verdant forests of the Great Otway National Park, the tour ensures that every traveler leaves with a collection of stunning photographs to commemorate their adventure.
With ample time for photo stops and the guidance of knowledgeable tour leaders, backpackers can capture the essence of this remarkable Australian destination.
Inclusions and Accessibility
To ensure a comfortable and accessible experience, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation and provides complimentary coffee or tea for all participants.
However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
The key inclusions of this tour are:
- Private, air-conditioned transportation to and from the various stops along the Great Ocean Road.
- Complimentary coffee or tea for all travelers.
- Photo opportunities at the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and throughout the Great Otway National Park.
While the tour give you an enjoyable and scenic experience for backpackers aged 18-35, certain physical limitations must be considered when deciding whether to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours. However, it’s best to check the tour details or with the operator beforehand to confirm any specific policies or restrictions.
Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Multiple Languages?
The tour guide’s language fluency is not explicitly mentioned. However, the tour caters to an international audience of backpackers aged 18-35, so it’s reasonable to expect the guide to be proficient in multiple languages to accommodate diverse travelers.
Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t mention any additional costs. It includes private transportation, coffee/tea, and an air-conditioned vehicle. Passengers should expect the advertised expenses to cover the full tour experience.
Can I Participate in the Tour if I Have a Disability?
Persons with disabilities may not be able to fully participate in this tour, as it is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers. Individual needs should be discussed with the tour operator.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The logistics and itinerary are fixed, with a maximum of 18 travelers and a pickup window from 6:45-7:00am. Customers should plan accordingly for the standard tour length.
Recap
The Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour offers backpackers an unforgettable experience exploring Australia’s stunning coastline and unique ecosystems.
With private transportation, small groups, and a focus on iconic landmarks and native wildlife, this tour provides an immersive and personalized adventure.
Captivating natural beauty, ample photo opportunities, and the chance to connect with the land Down Under make this tour a must-do for young adventurers.