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11 Days "Great Ocean Road Self-drive Adventure" packagefrom $2,450pp $1,599pp after Getaway Cash travel credits and a $100 Free Flights voucher.
Plus receive our insider's guide to experiencing all the natural wonders, history and attractions of the Great Ocean Road with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the stunning surrounds. Save up to 32% off full retail value.
FULL RETAIL VALUE: $2,050pp. YOU PAY FROM $1,599, SAVE UP TO $451pp.
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous touring routes and should be on everyone’s bucket list. It takes you past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns and under koala-filled tree canopies. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean.
* Package price varies according to season and departure city.
In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price and/or value by a minimum of 15%. Conditions.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price or value by a minimum of 15% ("price-beat") on the following conditions:
Note: By requesting a price-beat you are under no obligation to place a booking with us or proceed with the final travel package as the case may be. A non-refundable deposit is required in the case of a tour/travel package price-beat (see below).
The following terms and conditions apply to travel plans and accommodation quotes requested from and supplied by Travel Directions Pty. Ltd. trading as Global Escapes Travel, Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club (Australian Escapes) and Kiwi Escapes (the company) and are subject to change without notice. These conditions are to be read in conjunction with our standard booking conditions and conditions applicable to Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership as defined in website FAQs.
There are two main scenarios:
(1) You request a price-beat on a specific property. Our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions, provided we have access to be able to book the accommodation through our normal supplier channels.
If we do not have access to member rates that property we will offer an alternative that is of the same or higher standard, as per our hotel rating system and that meets the stated requirements, subject to availability, and subject to the following:
(2) We propose a property with member pricing: If the "you pay" price we submit is already discounted using GCash travel credits and the lowest available price at the time it was submitted, it does not qualify. Otherwise our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions.
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the applicable objective is achieved.
Inclusions in travel and tour packages assembled by competitor travel agents, tour companies, wholesalers, online travel promoters will all be different in some way. Packages will typically vary by inclusions, validity, suppliers, component type, standard, terms and conditions, travel date, etc ("package components").
Our objective in this type of price-beat situation is to assemble a package containing similar and/or higher value package components to that which you present to us. We guarantee to offer at least 15% more total value (through added value) or a price that is 15% lower than the competitor quote ("successful price-beat") subject to the following:
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the above objective is achieved.
The price-beat must be requested before you place a booking with any other travel agent, online booking agent or property direct in relation to the subject accommodation or package.
A price-beat may be requested by providing clear, written evidence of the competitor quote as well as your requirements to an employee of the company who performs a reservations or travel consultant role ("company contact") as follows:
A competitor quote presented under this guarantee must be genuine (not contrived) and must be a final, fixed price, backed by verifiable evidence. A competitor quote that we determine is not genuine or final is excluded. The requested date range(s) for travel/tour commencement as well as for individual package components must be realistic and flexible.
This condition applies to travel/tour packages only. We require up to $900 deposit per person (amount depending on package complexity) as a guarantee that you will proceed with the travel plan after we are successful with the price/value beat. This requirement exists because of the amount of travel consultant time required to price according to a competitor quote.
Your Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership must be Gold level or above and active and paid up at the time of requesting the price beat.
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FULL RETAIL VALUE $2,050pp SAVINGS APPLIED -$451 YOU PAY FROM* $1,599 |
| SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 22% |
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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...
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The Great Ocean Road Drive is a magical experience, with inland ventures, delivering an amazing array of experiences, with pretty countryside and cafes with fresh local produce, galleries, crafts and heritage. You'll drive above the ocean, alongside tall cliffs and famous towering rock stacks in raging surf as well as tranquil beaches, beautiful remote bays, famous surfing beaches, friendly, welcoming towns, extinct volcanos and crater lakes and thick forests alive with flora and fauna.
This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.
Click/tap to watch this short video and learn about the sights and beauty and that await you.
All packages include:
Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.
This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.
Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.
You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.
* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on request. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)
Start your Great Ocean Road adventure with Australian Escapes! It’s a road that hugs the ocean, twisting and turning along the coast delivering you exceptional views of the water as you drive. It’s home to multiple national parks with hiking trails and beautiful natural scenery plus a range of history that can be seen through the layers of rock formations and what is known today as “The Shipwreck Coast.”
No need to rush! This itinerary will allow you to really experience the Great Ocean Road as you make your way from Torquay to Warrnambool with 2 nights in each selected location allowing you enough time to relax, unwind and explore everything this amazing region has to offer.
"And then there is the most dangerous risk of all the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later." - Randy Komisar
After arriving into Melbourne airport, you can collect your hire car and start your adventure with a 1h 20m drive to Torquay.
Once settled into your accommodation, you might like to visit the surf beaches such as Bells Beach and Jan Juc Beach. Alternatively, head into town to visit the Australian National Surfing Museum or consult your Lonely Planet Guide to find other local attractions and a nearby restaurant for dinner.
You'll have a full day to explore Torquay and its stunning surrounds. It has some lovely beaches, plus a growing number of hip cafes and restaurants, and one of Victoria's more innovative breweries, the Blackmans’ Brewery and restaurant located just 500 metres from the beach.
If you're an early riser then we recommend you get down to Point Danger for an exceptional sunrise over the ocean followed by a walk along the Surf Coast walking trails. There is no shortage of walks with 44kms of trails that start at Point Impossible Beach and head southwest via Point Danger Marine Sanctuary, with its limestone reef and sea slugs.
Today you will make your way to Lorne, just 45 minutes west of Torquay on the Great Ocean Road. Stop off at Anglesea on your way. This quaint surf town is the perfect spot to stop for lunch and take a moment to gaze at the remarkable golden cliff faces lining the picturesque white beaches. You can also take a further stroll along the Surf Coast Walking trails.
Lorne is one of the Great Ocean Road's original resort towns. While it has changed a lot over the years it retains all the charms that have lured visitors here since the 19th century. Beyond its main strip it has an incredible natural beauty: tall old gum trees line its hilly streets, and Loutit Bay gleams irresistibly. It backs onto the lovely eucalyptus forest, fern gullies and waterfalls.
Once settled in, we recommend that you head to town for dinner overlooking the Great Ocean Road and Lorne’s famous surf beach. On the way stop off at Teddy's Lookout to take in a spectular sunset over Lorne.
Today is yours to explore Lorne and the surrounding area. There are several local attractions that we recommend visiting including: Qdos art gallery, Gosling Creek Winery, Pennyroyal Raspberry farm, the must-see Erskine Falls and Tarndwarncoort Homestead with its art gallery and wool store.
Consult your Lonely Planet Guide for more information on each of these attractions and more.
Today you will drive from Lorne to Apollo Bay. You can choose the direct route 1h 5m and continue along the Great Ocean Road or if you feel like venturing off the beaten track, you can make your way north west to visit Beech Forest.
Explore the picturesque forests, farmland and abundant wildlife. While you are up that way, why not visit some of the local waterfalls. Triplet Falls & Little Aire Falls are approx. 4 km west while Beauchamp Falls & Hopetoun Falls are approx. 7km south east of Beech Forest. If you feel like even more adventure, visit Otway fly for treetop walks and or a zip line experience before continuing on to Apollo Bay.
Apollo Bay is one of the larger towns along the Great Ocean Road. It has a tight-knit community of fisherfolk, artists, musicians and sea changers. Rolling hills provide a postcard backdrop to the town, while broad, white-sand beaches dominate the foreground. It’s an ideal base for exploring magical Cape Otway and the adjoining national park.
Head up to Marriners lookout for breathtaking views of the town and if you happen to be in Apollo Bay on Saturday, visit the community markets on the foreshore. There are also some lovely restaurants and several lively pubs. Consult your lonely planet guide for more information.
Today you will drive to Port Campbell via the stunning Cape Otway National Park and Lightstation. The Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. Stroll out to the lighthouse itself for magnificent views of the coast where you can also spot whales during winter and spring ($19 per person).
A passenger can watch out for Koalas as you drive through the stunning eucalypt forests. Stop and before venturing past the Twelve Apostles on your way to Port Campbell. You will be back tomorrow to explore the apostles some more.
Port Campbell is a friendly town with some nice little eateries and drinking spots, which makes an ideal base for visiting the Twelve Apostles. Its pretty bay has a lovely sandy beach and is one of the few safe places for swimming along this tempestuous stretch of coast. See your Lonely Planet Guide for restaurant recommendations and local walking tracks.
Drive just 10-minutes back down the Great Ocean Road and prepare to be amazed as you take a scenic flight over the natural wonders. Marvel at the diversity of one of Australia's most visited coastlines while hearing about the history from the experienced piolets. As sandstone cliffs give way to limestone, you will be able to contrast the towering Twelve Apostles to the intricate Bay of Islands, a cluster of smaller stacks that appear to float in the ocean. Other sights include Peterborough, The Grotto and The Bay of Martyrs. Arrive early or stay later and take a short walk out to view the Twelve Apostles from land.
Optional 25 min scenic helicopter flight available at $245 per person.
Today you will drive approx. 1hr from Port Campbell to Warrnambool. Before you leave, we recommend that you check your Lonely Planet Guide to make sure you have seen all that Port Campbell has to offer.
Warrnambool is a quaint city, with heritage buildings, beaches, gardens, tree-lined streets, some great art galleries and historical sights but it’s the whale watching that it’s famous for. Spend the afternoon exploring the city and consult your Lonely Planet Guide once again for great restaurants and local attractions.
Step into the village at night to explore Australia's maritime history, from local Aboriginal tales to a vivid whaling past and the coast's reputation as a perilous place for sailors. Witness these stories through projections on a nine-meter water wall, reliving the struggles of early immigrants and whalers. The show operates regardless of weather and warmly dress for cooler months due to the open-fronted Wharf Theatre.
Today we depart Warrnambool and take the direct route to Melbourne airport approx. 3h 30m. We recommend that you allow plenty of time for the drive and to return your hire car for a smooth departure after a memorable holiday.
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