TREASURES OF AUSTRALIA
Victoria, Grampians, Otway NP, 12 Apostles

Experience the majestic splendour of the well-known Grampians. This unique area offers spectacular scenery with mountain peaks over 1000 metres and numerous species of wildlife. We visit Mafeking, the site of Victoria’s last gold rush, where in 1900 over 10,000 diggers lived under canvas in search of their fortune.

Throughout the year the National Park is ablaze with a seemingly endless variety of wildflowers. It truly is a botanical paradise. Before European settlement in Australia, a large part of the Grampians was occupied by Aboriginals. Today the region contains the greatest concentration of Aboriginal rock paintings in Victoria. Our walks take us to Mt Zero, the Wonderland and Mt William.

Experience the Port Campbell and Otway National Parks, a perfect location for a few days of fascinating coastal walking. We explore long stretches of unspoiled coastline and walk up into the hinterland, which provides shelter for an array of unique wildlife. We visit the famous 12 Apostles, huge limestone pillars worn and weathered by the stormy southern ocean.

The magnificent Melba Gully is the jewel of the Otway’s and renowned for its dense forests of Myrtle Beech. A highlight of time in the Otway’s is the opportunity to walk 2 sections of the newly opened Great Ocean Walk. The trail goes through some previously inaccessible areas in the former Otway National Park.

Our Hotels & Cuisine

In these marvellous two regions we stay “in the best of both worlds” – dramatic mountain scenery combined with spectacular coastal landscape. We have chosen two beautiful hotels, full of ambience and charm. The excellent cuisine in both regions allows plenty of space for indulgence!

In the Grampians we spend 3 nights in Halls Gap in a 4 hectares green oasis on the edge of the town. Our evening dinners are in two of the best restaurants in town where you have the opportunity to sample delicious home style cooking.

In Port Campbell we have 2 nights in newly established luxury villas. This delightful sleepy little seaside resort has gone through somewhat of a revival in recent times and it now hosts some excellent restaurants which we shall sample during our stay. Our final 2 nights are spent just outside of Apollo Bay.

Nestled in amongst 20 acres of beautiful rolling countryside all rooms have magnificent sweeping views of the coastline. We dine at nearby Apollo Bay which has some of the best restaurants along the Great Ocean Road.

TOUR COMBINATION

Departure dates have been arranged to allow both "The Grampians & Great Ocean Coastal Trail" and "Explore Wilson’s Promontory" walks to be combined.