To the west of the city of Melbourne in southeastern Australia, lies one of the most rugged, harsh and yet stunning coastlines in Australia. Situated on a vast volcanic plain of golden grasses stretching into the distance, broken by isolated forested ranges and bounded by miles of rocky cliffs pounded by the Southern Ocean. The infamous Great Ocean Road hugs this coastline providing unending views of the spectacular 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
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 for the night is at a B&B in the provincial coastal town of Geelong.

Day 2
See some of the world's most spectacular coastal scenery. You will 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. Guests have the unique opportunity to have dinner at a local pub and stay tonight at a delightful B&B over looking the beautiful Hopkins River.

Day 3
This morning you have one last look at the coast in the dramatic morning light before returning 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. Guests will stop en route to drive to the top of an extinct volcano with spectacular views across the plains. From the summit, see some of the hundreds of volcanic lakes scattered across the plains. Later stop at Lake Corangamite, the largest permanent lake in Australia, often covered with prolific birdlife. Return to Melbourne in the late afternoon. (BL)

Departs: On demand all year from Melbourne
Returns: To Melbourne

Inclusions:
Interpretation by experienced nature guides
All transport
Meals and accommodation
Entry fees

For more information on any of our Great Travel Adventures, contact us today!

All photos are courtesy of Echidna Walkabout