Wildlife of the Great Ocean Road

Day 1: Melbourne - Western Plains

This morning you will get up close and personal with the native kangaroos and koalas of Victoria’s western plains. Your wildlife guide and koala researcher will explain the behaviour and individuality of each of the koalas you meet, giving you a greater insight into the routines and mannerisms of these elusive creatures. After lunch you will help create a habitat for a wild koala by joining in with a locally run conservation project before observing wild kangaroos in open bushland and witnessing their complex social practices. Keep watch for bird-life including cockatoos, kookaburras, fairywrens and honeyeaters, as well as other wildlife such as reptiles and wallabies. Tonight your accommodation is at superior boutique property in the tiny outback town of Little River. Dinner is at the local pub – a real Aussie experience!

Day 2: the Great Ocean Road

This morning rise early and drive along one of the world’s most scenic roads – The Great Ocean Road, witnessing a variety of wildlife at play including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and emus. Explore the thriving rainforests of Otway National Park and learn about the geological processes behind the creation of such a mighty forest, before travelling through Port Campbell National Park looking out for echidnas and the local birdlife. After lunch head to the coast and admire nature’s handiwork at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge whilst your guide regales you with tales of wrecks along the infamous Shipwreck Coast. Tonight dinner and accommodation is at a superior B&B near Loch Ard Gorge / Port Campbell.

Day 3: Port Campbell - Melbourne

This morning, begin your return journey to Melbourne across the vast grasslands of the Western Plains. Traverse up to the summit of one of the many extinct volcanos and view the hundreds of volcanic lakes that remain scattered across the plains. After lunch, continue to Lake Corangamite, the largest permanent lake in Australia and discover the prolific and varied birdlife that resides there before retuning to Melbourne in the late afternoon.