GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOURING - COASTAL ICONS - WILDLIFE - GOLD RUSH TOWNS - HOT SPRINGS. Dates 9-17 November 2025
Let’s make memories along the Great Ocean Road!
RSVP by 15 August 2025.
We’ll wind our way along the world-famous Great Ocean Road, explore historic towns, relax in natural hot springs, and stand in awe at soaring cliffs and waterfalls — before heading inland to soak up the heritage streets and gold rush history of Ballarat, finishing with a full-day Grampians adventure.
Expect rainforest trails, seaside lighthouses, stunning views, and plenty of time to pause and enjoy every moment.
I'll already be in Melbourne with our Hiace, so I’ll be waiting to meet you at Hobart Airport when you land in Melbourne together — all set to explore the Great Ocean Road, Ballarat and the Grampians!
### Our journey includes:
- Return flights to Melbourne
- Comfortable motel-style accommodations
- Private Toyota HiAce vehicle for our touring, you don't drive, enjoy the ride.
- Fuel and road costs
- Entry fees and experiences listed below
- Several meals, where outlined below
- A team of friendly Meetup member travellers to share laughs and create great memories with.
Trip Highlights & Experiences
🌊 Day 1 – Coastal Wonders Begin
From the moment we leave the airport behind, the magic begins. Soon after leaving the Airport, we'll stop for a fresh salad lunch (included), before meandering towards Australia's surfing capital, Torquay, the East end of the Great Ocean Road coastal drive. Further along, we'll visit the striking Split Point Lighthouse, perched above dramatic cliffs. This is Shipwreck Coast territory, and it shows! - raw, powerful and beautiful.
We'll also stop for a group pic at the iconic Memorial Arch, before grabbing some groceries and settling in to our seaside accommodation.
A sunset bistro dinner (included) rounds off our day.
Overnight in Lawn - close to the beach
🌿 Day 2 – Forest Trails, Waterfalls & Rainforest Greens
We’ll load our luggage at 8:00 am, then take a relaxed walk to the Swing Bridge Café — a peaceful spot near the inlet, perfect for a laid-back breakfast with fresh air and coastal views.
After breakfast, we’ll follow the gentle Shipwreck Trail — a scenic 30-minute walk along Lorne’s foreshore, with ocean views and shipwreck stories, finishing at Lorne Pier.
Next up: Erskine Falls, where a short forest trail brings us to a dramatic 30-metre waterfall surrounded by lush greenery — a great place to enjoy our BYO picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Apollo Bay to check into our motel, then take a short drive into the forest to explore the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk — a mossy loop under towering trees and ancient ferns.
Overnight Apollo Bay, tucked between beach and bush.
🗺️ Day 3 – Twelve Apostles & Clifftop Legends
This day is one for the memory books! We’ll stand at the edge of Cape Otway Lightstation, where the land falls away into endless blue. Enjoy coffee and scones with views that stretch forever.
Lunch (included) will be at Lavers Hill, a quiet highland village before we head back to the coast.
The afternoon is all about big views. Gibson Steps, Saddle Lookout and the classic Twelve Apostles - we're timing it just right for great light and small crowds.
As golden hour settles in, we’ll visit London Bridge for penguin spotting before heading back for a relaxed, pizza-filled evening at our motel.
Overnight Port Campbell.
🏞️ Day 4 – Rock Formations & Ocean Blues
We'll ease into the day exploring the sea-carved beauty of Loch and Gorge, The Razorback, and The Grotto - all short walks, but big on drama and photo ops.
Then it's on to the turquoise waters of Bay of Martyrs, Worm Bay and Sancho Lookout, where we take a breather and soak up those dramatic cliff top views.
After a hearty country lunch in Peterborough (included), we arrive in Warrnambool for a browse through the regional art gallery before a relaxed evening near the sea. Restaurant Dinner (included)
Overnight: Warrnambool 4*
🧖 Day 5 – Maritime Tales & Twilight Soaks.
No need for alarms today - enjoy your own breakfast at the motel or pop down to a nearby cafe. Late morning, we'll step into the 1800s at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village - 3.5 hours to explore the laneways, heritage buildings and shipwreck stories at a relaxed pace. Either a choice cafe lunch or own lunch at motel.
The afternoon's yours, perhaps a coastal walk to Pickering Point Lookout and also Thunder Point (1 hour return). Then it's time to switch off and unwind - with a 3-hour twilight soak at Deep Blue Hot Springs (included) It's a twilight sanctuary under the stars, where rock pools and sensory caves soothe the body and soul.
Own dinner. Overnight Warrnambool 4* (with kitchen facilities).
🐨 Day 6 – Garden Trails & Country Views
Onwards to Camperdown, where we'll pause for morning tea in a classic country town setting. By afternoon we'll be strolling through the Ballarat Botanical Gardens for a relaxed picnic (byo self prepared lunch) amongst Ballarat’s beautiful botanical gardens, and a leisurely stroll to view floral displays in the Robert Clark Conservatory to the Prime Ministers Avenue and lakeside sculpture walks.
We'll pop into Coles for any required grocery updates .. with a fun drive through the town of Eureka ! .. because we can :-)
And then we can take a slow drive through Ballarat's heritage streets before settling into our comfy 4* accommodation for the next three nights.
It's a slower paced travel day filled with simple pleasures and great company.
Tonight we'll 'dial and collect' our Dinner from a nearby Italian Kitchen (or Own dinner if you prefer) Overnight Ballarat 4* accom with kitchen facilities.
🌳 Day 7 - Grampians Explorer Day
Today we take a relaxed drive into the heart of the Grampians National Park - a land of towering rock faces, dramatic views, and peaceful forest drives. It's a day of easy scenic walks, photo-worthy lookout stops, and fresh country air. We'll visit spots like Boroka Lookout and Leeds Lookout, with the option to enjoy the gentle walk to The Balconies - a flat trail with breathtaking views.
After a picnic lunch near Mackenzie Falls, we'll stroll the upper lookout path (an easy, sealed trail), or for those wanting a challenge, take on the 260-step descent to the base of the falls - a spectacular option with 1.5 hours allowed to complete the round trip.
We'll finish the day with a visit to Halls Gap, where we'll raise a glass (or coffee) to the beautiful Grampians before returning to Ballarat.
Overnight Ballarat.
We’ll pre-arrange a dial-a-dinner or enjoy our own dinner back at the accommodation, with no early alarm needed for tomorrow’s outing.
💪 For those keen on a more active day in the Grampians, there’s the option to join a separate full-day guided hiking tour (approx $160). You’ll tackle more rugged tracks with a local guide while the rest of us enjoy the easygoing scenic route. This option suits those with a moderate to high fitness level, as it includes uneven ground, stairs, and longer walking distances. Just message me if you're interested and I can arrange the details, including local transport to and from the tour meeting point.
🏅 Day 8 – Gold Rush Glory & Historic Streets
After a well-earned late morning rise, we step back in time at Sovereign Hill - a lively gold rush town where we can pan for gold, explore old mines, browse sweet shops, watch candle-making, or hop on a horse-drawn coach. It's fun, hands-on, and full of surprises around every corner.
Our entry also includes the Gold Museum just across the road - perfect if we're curious to dive deeper into the region's glittering past.
We’ll wrap up the day with a relaxed drive through Ballarat’s grand heritage streets, soaking up the charm of this historic gold town.
There are several cafes and bakeries on-site for lunch, or byo to enjoy in one of the picnic spots.
☀️ Day 9 – Our Farewell Drive
After our late check-out morning, let's enjoy a laid-back drive through Ballarat’s elegant streets — lined with heritage buildings and echoes of a grand past. We'll stop for a relaxed cafe break along the way to Melbourne before arriving at the airport early afternoon.
Plenty of memories, some beautiful shared moments, and a phone full of photos to prove it all happened.
🍽️ MEALS
The event price includes 2 x Brekky, 2 x lunch, 3 x dinner + 2 takeaway dinners
Other meals will be a mix of pre-booked cafés (own cost) or self-prepared picnic-style lunches, brekkies. and easy motel dinners.
With kitchen facilities in 5 of our 8 stays, we’ll shop local groceries every few days and prepare simple bites ourselves.
This keeps extra costs down while letting us savour a wonderful variety of local eats.
Dietary Requirements: Please share any dietary needs or allergies when you RSVP so I can inform the venues when pre-booking our included meals.
🏡 ACCOMMODATION – 8 NIGHTS TOTAL
- Lorne – 1 night in a charming coastal 4* motel
- Apollo Bay – 1 night 3.5* accommodation near the rainforest trails
- Port Campbell – 1 night 3.5with sunset views and beachy charm
- Warrnambool – 2 nights 4* near art, hot springs & heritage precincts
- Ballarat – 3 nights 4* near heritaged home lined streets
🛏️ A mix of 3.5–4 star accommodation, with kitchen facilities in 5 of 8 stays to give us great flexibility and comfort.
### 🚐 LOGISTICS
I’ll be waiting for you at Melbourne Airport with our private Hiace ready with back seat rows removed for easy luggage space.
This trip is personally hosted and driven by me, offering a relaxed, small-group vibe throughout.
All included tours are run by 3rd-party accredited operators.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Twin Share $3920 per person nb. 4 nights are in 2 bedroom units.
1a JAYNE
1b NATS
Own motel room $ 4880 per person
2. JUDI
3. LINDA
4. CYNTHIA
5. DEB C
6. KELI
7.
Account : Natalie Stewart
BSB : 084-961
Account Number : 308470164
Reference: GOR/your name
$ please see options above
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
- At time of RSVP : A non-refundable deposit of $500 secures your spot.
- Second payment $2,500 due within 14 days of your RSVP.
- Final balance: Due by 15 August 2025 (Late payments incur a $100 surcharge)
Note: Please also read the 'Refunds & Conditions' section below for further details about refund scenarios and cancellation policies.
🔁 REFUNDS AND CONDITIONS
- Minimum Numbers Required: This trip requires a minimum of 7 paying members by 15 August 2025 to proceed. Maximum RSVP's 8.
- At time of RSVP: A $500 deposit is required at time of RSVP and is non-refundable once the minimum group size (7 RSVPs) is reached.
- Before minimum RSVPs are reached: If you cancel before the minimum of 7 RSVPs is reached, a $200 cancellation fee applies. The remainder of your payment (including $300 of your deposit) will be refunded.
- If the trip is cancelled by the organiser due to fewer than 7 RSVPs by 15 August 2025, all payments – including your full $500 deposit – will be fully refunded.
- After 7 RSVPs are reached: If you cancel after the minimum RSVPs are met on or before 15 August 2025, your $500 deposit remains non-refundable. I'll attempt to resell your spot, though success cannot be guaranteed.
- A $360 amendment fee applies to all successful resales (to cover motel/tour operator charges).
- Your refund (less deposit and amendment fee) will be processed once the new payment is received.payment has been received from an approved group member taking your place.
- After 15 August 2025: All bookings are final. No further cancellations, resales, or refunds are possible. (See below regarding genuine emergencies)
- In the case of bereavement, serious illness, or other genuine emergencies, I'll do my best to assist and may be able to return up to 40% of your payment, depending on what funds are recoverable.
This partial refund is not guaranteed but offered in goodwill as a way of ensuring members aren't left completely out of pocket when something serious arises.
- Only approved group members may purchase resold tickets.
Flight Credit : - Should you cancel, the flight component of your payment will be converted into a credit by the airline carrier for future travel redeemable within 12 months of our original flight booking date. Please note, while the booking process for your replacement flight must be completed within that 12-month window, the actual travel dates on the new booking can fall beyond those 12 months. Any credits not use to secure a new booking within the 12-month period will expire and cannot be reclaimed.
Other Conditions
- Parking: Any parking at car-pooling venues is entirely at your own risk.
- Meals & Drinks: All meals are at your own expense except those specifically listed as ✓ included: drinks are not included.
- Fitness & Mobility: Some walks involve uneven ground (eg. Maits Rest, Erskine Falls). Please ensure you're comfortable with these conditions before booking.
- Behaviour: Any form of harassment/anger directed at serving staff (eg hoteliers, waiters etc) is not tolerated.
- Moteliers reserve the right to discontinue your tenure at their motel without providing reason or refund.
- Members who resign from, leave, or are removed from our group are still subject to the above conditions, including the Cancellation Fee.
- Itinerary Flexibility. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as needed (weather, logistics, safety) without refund.
- Accommodation: A credit/debit card may be required at check-in for incidentals. Failure to present valid card may void your room without refund, you'll be responsible for finding alternate accommodation at your own expense.
- As with all our adventures, the organiser and host reserve the right to discontinue any unused part of your ticket without providing a refund or alternative arrangements. This would occur in very rare instances where a member’s behaviour is deemed to be totally out of line with our ethics. This action is in place to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all participants and to uphold the standards of respectful and ethical conduct during our adventures.
- While we make every effort to ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure, it’s essential to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions like flooding or fires. In the rare event that a tour, an event, or the entire tour must be cancelled due to such circumstances, having comprehensive travel insurance becomes
crucial in adding an added layer of protection.
- Please review your travel insurance policy to understand the coverage it provides.
OCEAN CURVES, COLONIAL CHARM & HOT SPRINGS BLISS!
NEVER TRAVEL ALONE AGAIN - ✈️
