The Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour | Overnight Escape is one of those trips that squeezes the best of Victoria into two days. You’ll drive past surf-pounded cliffs, breathe in eucalyptus forests and end up in a mountain range that feels like another world. Paul Beames has done this trip a few times — and reckons it’s the ultimate way to see how much Victoria can pack into a weekend.
Most people know about the 12 Apostles, but few know that beyond those windswept cliffs lies an inland wilderness full of waterfalls, roos and ridgelines straight off a postcard. This overnight loop joins two icons — the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park — and throws in a bit of everything: beach walks, rainforest hikes and starlit skies you’ll remember long after the dust settles.
Highlights
- Perfect overnight escape to two of Victoria’s most popular regions
- Drive along the iconic National Heritage–listed Great Ocean Road
- Visit pristine surf beaches and charming seaside towns along the Southern Ocean
- Take a photo under the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
- Refresh in the ancient landscapes of Great Otway National Park
- See the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
- Spot native wildlife and diverse flora and fauna
- Walk in the Grampians National Park on bush hikes and wilderness trails
- Take in the views from Reeds, Boroka and The Balconies lookouts
- See Mackenzie Falls
Tour Details
Tour Code: GG2-B, GG2-S, GG2-P
Operates: Mon (Apr–Oct) / Mon & Fri (Nov–Mar)
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Departure: 7:35 am from Melbourne
Return: 5:30 pm to Melbourne
- 1 night’s accommodation (hostel/motel)
- National Park entry fees included
- Guided walks (~4 km in total)
- Expert commentary from an experienced driver-guide
- Audio translation available in 10 languages
Full Itinerary
Experience the best of Victoria on our 2-Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Tour, an overnight adventure where you can really take your time. You’ll be staying in the heart of Grampians National Park at Halls Gap, surrounded by bush and mountain scenery.
Day 1 – Melbourne to Great Ocean Road
Travel along the Great Ocean Road, stopping to see the famous 12 Apostles and hear the stories of the Shipwreck Coast. Visit the secluded Loch Ard Gorge, look for native Australian wildlife, and explore the giant trees of the ancient Great Otway National Park rainforest.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Gariwerd Motel Private Rooms (ensuite) or Grampians Eco YHA Shared Accommodation (shared bathroom) or similar
Driving Distance: 520 km
Hike Distance: 1–2 km
Day 2 – Grampians National Park to Melbourne
Wake up to stunning views and kangaroos in the Grampians National Park, an area rich in Aboriginal culture and natural beauty. Explore bush, native flora and fauna, walking trails and waterfalls before returning to Melbourne, arriving around 5:30 pm after a 2-day journey along the coast and mountains.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Driving Distance: 290 km
Hike Distance: 2 km
Details
Our central meeting point is outside the Immigration Museum, wait on the corner of 400 Flinders St and Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35am. The bus will park on the Market St side of the Museum to board guests.
- 6:50 – Pullman Albert Park – 65 Queens Road Albert Park
- 6:55 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St Melbourne
- 6:58 – Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane – 388 Lonsdale St Melbourne
- 7:00 – Melbourne Marriott Hotel – corner Exhibition St & Lonsdale St Melbourne
- 7:00 – Nomads St Kilda Beach – 17 Carlisle St St Kilda
- 7:05 – Space Hotel – 380 Russell St Melbourne
- 7:10 – Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Russell St entrance Melbourne
- 7:15 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St Melbourne
- 7:20 – Adina Apartment Hotel – 189 Queen St Melbourne
- 7:20 – Mercure Melbourne Southbank – 9 Riverside Quay Southbank
- 7:25 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St Melbourne
- 7:25 – Crown Towers – 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
- 7:30 – Pan Pacific Melbourne – 2 Convention Centre Pl South Wharf
- 7:30 – The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne – 44 Spencer St Melbourne
- 7:35 – Immigration Museum – 400 Flinders St corner Market St Melbourne
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm and cool clothing
- Rain jacket
- Camera
- A sense of adventure
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Personal expenses
* If you cannot find your desired pickup location, please contact our office for a more exhaustive list of locations.* It is strongly recommended that you arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure time. Please be patient and do not panic if your bus is running a few minutes late. If your bus has not picked you up within 10 minutes of your departure time, then contact our office on 03 9393 1300
For private tour groups contact our charters team on [email protected] for more information.
Booking Online
FAQ
What do I need to bring for the 2 Day Great Ocean Road Grampians Tour?
Yes, you can buy it at the cellar door during the tour. You may find wines that are only available at the Australian winery. Plus, award-winning wineries often have special deals at the cellar door so that you can snag a great deal.
Are meals included?
Yes, you can buy it at the cellar door during the tour. You may find wines that are only available at the Australian winery. Plus, award-winning wineries often have special deals at the cellar door so that you can snag a great deal.
What accommodation?
Private rooms with ensuite at Gariwerd Motel or shared rooms with shared bathroom at Grampians Eco YHA. Final arrangements confirmed at time of booking.
How hard are the walks?
Guided walks total 4km over 2 days and are suitable for all fitness levels. Walks vary in difficulty but are designed to be fun for everyone.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms depend on your booking. Early cancellations may be fully refundable; later cancellations may incur fees or be non-refundable.
