TOUR CODE: PBH-B
OPERATES: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun (from 1st April 2024)
DEPARTS: 7:45am
RETURNS: 17:45pm

TOUR DURATION: 9.5 Hours
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St cnr Market St, Melbourne @ 7:45am.
HIGHLIGHTS: Travel back in time aboard the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train and experience Australia's most notable narrow gauge railway. Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary offers over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals, and reptiles for guests to explore at their leisure. Visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery with over 250 chocolate products. You will have the opportunity to travel through the magnificent tall forests of the Dandenong Ranges. Visit scenic Emerald Park Lakeside with its new Railway heritage-themed Visitor Centre. ITINERARY:
Drive approximately one hour from Melbourne through the hills of the Dandenong Ranges with giant Mountain Ash and Ferns trees and take in spectacular views of Melbourne's skyline en-route to Puffing Billy Station.
Step back in time and enjoy a memorable one-hour journey on Australia's most notable narrow gauge railway aboard the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you weave in and out of the forest-covered hills aboard Puffing Billy's iconic open carriages between Belgrave and Lakeside. You may also see kookaburras, cockatoos, lyrebirds, and crimson rosellas in the stunning Sherbrooke Forest. Get to know one of the many dedicated volunteers helping to preserve this 121-year-old steam railway. The ticket includes entry to the state-of-the-art Lakeside Visitor Centre, which includes a railway cafe, mini-museum, and gift shop where guests will have time to purchase morning tea and/or lunch (at their own expense).
Back on the bus we drive through the Yarra Valley en route to Healesville township. Guests will have two hours to explore Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, Australia's premier wildlife and nature sanctuary which is home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles in a natural bushland setting. You can get up close to koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, cockatoos, parrots, and many more. Within the sanctuary, you can witness the amazing and exciting Eagles Fly demonstration. Walk through aviaries and ponds and see the nocturnal house with the shy platypus.
Our final stop for the day will be a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery with over 250 chocolate, truffle and ice-cream varieties! Guests can see the chocolatiers at work, browse the chocolate shop and indulge in a decadent hot chocolate or coffee (at their own expense) before relaxing on the return journey to Melbourne. Relax on the return journey to Melbourne.
Driving Distance: 200km.

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the itinerary route and winery stops due to unforeseen circumstances, such as group sizes, special events and third-party operator closures.


INCLUSIONS: Puffing Billy 1-hour train excursion from Belgrave to Lakeside (one-way) Admission into Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park Hosted by an experienced driver-guide Air-conditioned comfortable coach travel Comprehensive local tour commentary Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points


EXCLUSIONS: Any meals or tastings not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense. We provide plenty of opportunities for guests to support locals and buy lunch along the way. Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point. Personal travel insurance is recommended Personal expenses


WHAT TO BRING:
1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, all-weather active clothing ie. wind-breaker/raincoat, comfortable walking shoes (closed shoes), small day pack 5-7kg, money for snack and meals, camera to capture every moment.

CHILD POLICY:

Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking.


WEATHER:
In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

This fare price is (Per Person) suitable for Adults 18+ over in a Shared Dormitory Room. Not suitable for children 17 years and under.
TOUR CODE: WGOR2-B --- Basic Hostel Accommodation (Shared Dormitory)
OPERATES: Sun (Apr-Oct) / Sun, Wed (Nov-Mar)

TOUR DURATION: 2 Days / 1 Night
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME : Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St Melbourne @ 7:35am.
HIGHLIGHTS: Escape the crowds and enjoy the Great Ocean Road in a relaxed time frame See the 12 Apostles at sunset See iconic Great Ocean Road landmarks not seen on regular tours Explore an extinct volcano full of native Aussie wildlife Guided Indigenous history & bush tucker experience Stay in a boutique Brewery (dorm share only) and drink some of their delicious brews Walk a section of the Great Ocean Walk See the enormous limestone monoliths and coastline from beach level at Gibson Steps Instagrammable moments amongst the Redwoods of the Otways Visit popular Surf Coast surf beaches Search for whales (May-Oct) Try the only Zip Coaster in Australia (optional add-on)
ITINERARY:
Avoid the crowds as you explore and experience all the major attractions of the Great Ocean Road plus many more that most tours will miss in this relaxed and adventurous 2 day tour. Watch the sun set behind the 12 Apostles; stand amongst the two tallest tree species in the world; explore the inside of an extinct volcano; track down native Australian wildlife such as Koalas, Kangaroo, Emu and the elusive Echidna; walk a section of the Great Ocean Walk; stay in a brewery; experience the lifestyle of the Surf Coast and its famous beaches and we're only just scratching the surface of what this tour really offers.

DAY 1 - Melbourne to Port Campbell
We start this tour with a drive through the ancient lava fields of western Victoria on our way to the country seaside town of Warrnambool, making a detour to Tower Hill to explore Australia's most recently extinct volcano bursting with wildlife. Take a guided walk with Worn Gundidj learning about the traditional lifestyle of Australia's indigenous people, bush tucker and medicine. Drive the Great Ocean Road "backwards", starting with the Shipwreck Coast and its icons such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto and London Bridge with time to explore the village of Port Campbell. Try some locally made beers from Sow & Piglets Brewery with dinner before finishing off the day at the 12 Apostles for sunset. Meals: Dinner. Accom: Sow and Piglets Guest House (formerly Port Campbell Hostel) or similar (6-8 bed dorm with shared bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 340km. Hike Distance: 2km.
DAY 2 - Great Ocean Road to Melbourne
The second day starts off with a climb down the stairs onto the beach at Loch Ard Gorge well before the crowds begin for a unique take on this ever popular attraction. It's then off for a stroll along a section of the Great Ocean Walk and down to the beach level at the Apostles at Gibson Steps before retreating into the Otway rainforest. Hidden in a place most don't venture, the Redwoods of the Otways will simply amaze. The tallest and second tallest species of trees in the world, side by side. It's then back on the road to continue the breathtaking coastal drive with quality stops in the townships of Apollo Bay and Lorne to soak in the Aussie beach town lifestyle. Check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery for some delicious treats and one of the most popular surf beaches in Australia before the trip back to Melbourne around 6:30pm. Meals: Breakfast. Accom: N/A. Driving Distance: 300km. Hike Distance: 3km.
INCLUSIONS: Overnight tour to/from Melbourne return 1 Nights’ hostel dorm accommodation - with shared bathroom facilities (Port Campbell) Includes: 1 x Breakfast, 1 x Dinner Aboriginal cultural experience All National Park entrance fees Guided bush walks included (~5km total) Guaranteed Australian wildlife in its natural habitat Hosted by experienced driver-guide Air-conditioned mini-coach travel Comprehensive tour commentary Select inner city pick up and drop off points
EXCLUSIONS: Any meals not indicated within the itinerary Travel insurance is recommended Personal expenses

WHAT TO BRING:
1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, comfortable walking shoes with tread (closed shoes), appropriate all-weather clothing, overnight bag & small day pack, insect repellent, flashlight, headlamp or torch, money for snack and meals, camera.
CHILD POLICY:
This fare type applies to Adults 18+ and over. This tour is not suitable for infants or children 17 years and under.
WEATHER:
In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

THINGS TO KNOW:
Basic dormitory style accommodation with shared facilities, fares apply to Adults 18+ and over. This fare type is not suitable for children 17 years and under. A moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks Walks can be up to 2km in length, often over steep and rocky sections and in direct sunlight. Length of walks may vary and will be at the guide’s discretion. A similar alternative will be provided should any of our normal scheduled stops be closed for any reason. Limited storage space on our buses, unable to accept wheelchairs or oversized suitcases Please limit baggage to 1 x 20kg travel bag and 1 small day bag Notify the provider of any dietary requirements, medical conditions, and your traveling contact number at the time of booking.