In the wild - Australian Nature Tours You can see the unique wildlife of Australia in their natural environment - join us! The best way to get to know our famous Australian mammals and birds is in the wild - in natural bushland close to Melbourne or in the wilderness areas of south east Australia. Come and see wild Kangaroos, Koalas, Emus, Cockatoos and Wallabies with us!

Echidna Walkabout is based in Melbourne, Victoria. Their tours are ideal for travellers of all ages from all over the world.

Great Ocean Road
Tour Code: GOR

West of the city of Melbourne a vast volcanic plain of golden grasses stretches into the distance broken by isolated forested ranges and bounded by miles of rocky cliffs pounded by the Southern Ocean. The famous Great Ocean Road hugs this coastline providing spectacular views of the rugged coastal scenery.

Wildlife abounds throughout this region. The plains contain the biggest permanent lakes in Australia contained in the huge craters of extinct volcanoes and home to abundant birdlife.

Nearby forested hills are home to koalas and kangaroos and the grasslands of the plains are the richest wool growing area on earth.

Location: West of the city of Melbourne in south-east Australia. Visit Serendip Open Range Sanctuary, You Yangs National Park, the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles, the Shipwreck Coast, volcanoes and lakes of the Western Plains

Duration: 3 Days - Grade - easy.
Accommodation: 2 nights at B & B included.

Departs: on demand all year from Melbourne. (Note: no tours run on or through Christmas Day)
Returns: to Melbourne

Minimum pax: 2 Maximum pax: 8

About Us:
Echidna Walkabout is a small eco tour operation owned by Janine Duffy and Roger Smith who believe that wildlife should be seen in as near to natural condition as possible. They have a reputation for providing exceptional wildlife experiences led by first class nature guides. Their tour groups are small (no more than 8 people) allowing for a more personal experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Itinerary

(Note meal inclusions shown thus: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner )

Day 1 Kangaroos and Koalas in the Wild (Savannah Walkabout)
This fascinating guided journey begins with a detailed introduction to Australian wildlife including large mobs of Kangaroos, Emus and many birds in the open range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary; and a visit to a secret location to search for Koalas in the wild. (L)
Accommodation: B&B, Geelong,

Day 2 The famous Great Ocean Road
We explore the rainforests of the Otway National Park, lunch in a seaside village then head off to the Great Ocean Road to see the spectacular sea stacks known as the Twelve Apostles set against the magnificent backdrop of the huge limestone cliffs of the Southern Ocean. We also explore the Shipwreck Coast including the Loch Ard Gorge, the location of Australia's most infamous sailing ship disaster. The Great Ocean Road hugs this scenic coastline providing dramatic views at every turn. (B, L, D) Accommodation: B&B, Allansford,

Day 3 Lakes & Volcanoes of the Great Western Plains
After a final visit to the coast we return to Melbourne across the vast Western Plains where we drive to the top of an extinct volcano for expansive views across the plains. We pass by volcanic lakes, including the largest permanent lake in Australia, all set in a sea of savannah grasslands - the richest wool growing area on earth. (B, L) 

Includes;

Full interpretation by experienced nature guides, all transport, meals and accommodation as described below and entry fees.

Expert Guides:
First class standards in guidance are the hallmark of Echidna Walkabout. Our in-house nature guide training program ensures that all guides have an in-depth working knowledge of the environments you will travel through. Vehicles and guides carry two way radios which link them to our office and to emergency services.

Accommodation:
At friendly, comfortable B&B's in the region, all with ensuite rooms.

Meals on tour:
Meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on final day but excluding dinner on Day 1. NB Vegetarian or other food preferences should be noted at the time of booking.

Transport:
In comfortable air conditioned vehicles.

What to bring:
Strong walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable weather conditions (please check weather forecast for accurate predictions), sun hat, rainproof coat, small torch, insect repellent, 15+ sunblock, daypack (or we can supply day pack) and 1 litre water bottle. You can also bring swimming gear.

As space is limited please keep luggage to 1 sausage bag OR 1 backpack OR 1 small suitcase per person. During the journey we can store extra luggage in Melbourne as required. Hand luggage should be small.

Please note that whilst every attempt will be made to follow our planned route National Park Service requirements and weather conditions may cause amendments which will be clearly outlined to you by your guide.