You will be picked up from your hotel and travel in an air conditioned vehicle accompanied by a guide. Leaving the city we head over the magnificent Westgate Bridge. This bridge offers awesome views of the Docklands, as well as a panoramic view of the city skyline. We soon arrive at Geelong and take you down to Corio Bay.
Corio Bay is a wonderful mix of old wharves, woolstores and a fully restored 1930's seabathing complex. See wonderful examples of century old housing and the 100 brightly painted bollards dotted around the bay depicting some of Geelong's local historic characters, each having its own story to tell.
At Torquay the Great Ocean Road starts. Known as the world's most inspiring coastal drive, we follow its winding trail through the lush Otway rainforests, to the breathtaking, windswept drama of the Shipwreck Coast. For much of the way the road clings to the coastline, twisting and turning, every bend revealing a sight more spectacular than the last.
Morning tea is at Teddy's Lookout in Lorne where, perched high on the hillside, you really get to see the Great Ocean Road from a bird like perspective.
Another highlight of the day is a stop at Kennett River. In this area, high in the trees, is a colony of wild koalas. See these creatures in their natural habitat, hanging from trees and looking after their young, oblivious to their human onlookers.
A sumptuous lunch is served at Apollo Bay before we make our way to the Shipwreck coast area of the Great Ocean Road; our first stop, The Twelve Apostles. The mighty Twelve Apostles are world-recognised icons of the Great Ocean Road. These giant rock stacks soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park. The dramatic and imposing limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to the Apostles tower up to 70 metres, while the tallest of the rock stacks is around 45 metres high.
Venturing further west we arrive at Loch Ard Gorge. Your first view will be of towering cliffs, sparkling blue-green sea and a small, sandy beach. It's hard to imagine that the drama of one of Victoria's most tragic shipwrecks was played out at this very spot more than 120 years ago, giving its name to the gorge. Our guide will tell you the story and have you totally engrossed and mesmerised.
Time permitting we get to see another one of the amazing rock formations that dot this coastline, and will have you back in the city at around 6:00pm.
You will return to Melbourne. The tour ends at your hotel.