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Shipwreck Coast Explorer: Self Drive

Duration
5 Days
Prices From:
US$ 839

FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria’s southwest coast. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot.


The majestic Southern Ocean has blessed Victoria with one of the most rugged and spectacular coastlines in Australia. This 5 day self-drive adventure takes you to all the key sights, before heading inland to the Grampians and the historic gold rush town of Ballarat.

You’ll stop at the rising holiday town of Apollo Bay, right at the doorstep of Otway National Park, then continue on to Port Campbell National Park before turning inland. At the Grampians, you can enjoy stunning mountain views, invigorating walks through native forest, and some of the state’s fascinating Aboriginal heritage. In Ballarat, visit Sovereign Hill, a detailed recreation of this gold rush town as it appeared in the 1860’s. After dinner, learn more about the infamous Eureka Rebellion in a spectacular sound-and-light show. Return to Melbourne and consider taking an extra day or two to enjoy this vibrant, multicultural city.


At Goway we are experts at designing personalized itineraries to suit your special interests, tastes and budget. Let us arrange your ultimate travel experience today.
Duration
5 Days
Prices From:
US$ 839

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Melbourne to Lorne (Approx 141 kms / 88 miles - 2 hours)

This morning collect your rental vehicle, drive through Geelong and the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, home to food trails and great wineries. Make your way to Torquay and the home of surfing in Australia (Australian National Surfing Museum is here). From Torquay you start your journey on the Great Ocean Road (the world’s longest war memorial), what a sight! Arrive to overnight in Lorne with its beautiful beach and great pubs, cafes and laid-back lifestyle. Take a dip in one of the safest beaches on the coast.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Cumberland Lorne Resort

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Location View map
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    Cumberland Lorne Resort



    The Cumberland Lorne Resort is a multi-award winning resort situated opposite the beach on the Great Ocean Road. This premise is the perfect location for couples seeking a romantic getaway and families looking for fun and entertainment. The property features 99 comfortable and spacious apartments.

    The Cumberland Lorne Resort is a multi-award winning resort situated opposite the beach on the Great Ocean Road. This premise is the perfect location for couples seeking a romantic getaway and families looking for fun and entertainment. The property features 99 comfortable and spacious apartments.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Barbeques (BBQ)
    • Business Centre
    • Conference Facilities
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
    • Lounge(s)
    • Massage Treatments
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Spa
    • Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
    • Squash courts
    • Tennis
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

Lorne to Port Fairy (Approx 186 kms / 115 miles – 2.5 hours)

Drive through the township of Apollo Bay, perhaps drop into Wildlife Wonders and learn about the local wildlife, or call into the Cape Otway Lightstation for a view like no other when you climb the lighthouse. The road weaves its way through the Otways National Park and hugs the rugged coast through to the Port Campbell National Park where you will stop to view the iconic 12 Apostles. Journey onto the unique fishing village of Port Fairy one of Victoria's earliest ports, many homes and other buildings of the last century have been preserved.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Ashmont Motor Inn

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Day 3

Port Fairy to Dunkeld (Approx. 160 kms / 100 miles - 2 hours)

On the way from Port Fairy to Dunkeld you can choose an indigenous experience, take a tour and learn more about the ancient culture through a guided tour at Worn Gundidj (Tower Hill), explore the regional city of Warrnambool before heading north to Dunkeld and your stay at the Royal Mail Hotel, whilst here do a tour of their magnificent stone-walled kitchen garden, or visit their extensive wine cellar.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld

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Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld



    Situated in Victoria's spectacular Southern Grampians, located just 260 kilometres from Melbourne, the Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld is fast becoming a destination for visitors wanting a quality accommodation. It is idyllically located at the base of Mount Sturgeon, at the southern entrance to the Grampians …

    Situated in Victoria's spectacular Southern Grampians, located just 260 kilometres from Melbourne, the Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld is fast becoming a destination for visitors wanting a quality accommodation. It is idyllically located at the base of Mount Sturgeon, at the southern entrance to the Grampians National Park. Royal Mail Hotel rooms range from spacious, yet simply furnished garden rooms, through to more contemporary mountain view rooms and self-contained apartments that take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Business Centre
    • Conference Facilities
    • Laundry facilities
    • Lounge(s)
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 4

Dunkeld to Ballarat (Approx. 205 kms / 127 miles - 3 hours)

This morning drive north into the stunning Grampians National Park, explore the amazing lookouts, take short walks to the waterfalls and view the wildflowers, when you stop in Halls Gap for lunch don’t forget to view the kangaroos enjoying their lunch on the local cricket ground. This afternoon will be driving East to the goldrush city of Ballarat, where you can witness 1850’s life at Sovereign Hill, a fascinating step back in time to when this region produced one of the largest gold strikes known (entry additional cost).

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Craigs Royal Hotel Ballarat

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Craigs Royal Hotel Ballarat



    As one of the first Grand Hotels in the colony, Craig's Royal Hotel was born from the wealth of the Australian Gold Rush Era. Established in 1853, Craig's soon set the standards for unparalleled hospitality and service. Hosting poets, princes and prime ministers over its …

    As one of the first Grand Hotels in the colony, Craig's Royal Hotel was born from the wealth of the Australian Gold Rush Era. Established in 1853, Craig's soon set the standards for unparalleled hospitality and service. Hosting poets, princes and prime ministers over its 155 year history, the hotel is a true icon of the Victorian period. The location of this hotel makes it great for either business or leisure stays.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Conference Facilities
    • Restaurant(s)

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 5

Ballarat to Melbourne (Approx. 115 kms / 72 miles - 1.5 hours)

You still have time to get up close to Australia’s wildlife at the Ballarat Wildlife Park, where you can see Koalas and feed kangaroos, or browse the collection or an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery filled with a treasure trove of early Australian works.  Enjoy the time to further explore Ballarat before travelling southeast to Melbourne. Upon arrival in Melbourne drop off your rental vehicle and your self drive adventure ends.  

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily.

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Hertz Group S car hire with unlimited kilometres
  • Mandatory vehicle insurance
  • Goway Sydney toll free Australia wide assistance line,
  • Blood on the Southern Cross show
  • Meals as indicated.

PRICE EXCLUDES: 

  • Airfare and all taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities unless otherwise stated
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional excursions
  • Beverages unless otherwise stated,
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Park fees unless stated.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:  Prices are "from", per person, based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates will apply, Limited seats/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability.  Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request – please inquire. 

TB TESTSUPMEL0213SD: SCESD
25 Mar 2024
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