Autopia Tours - Victoria / New South Wales Melbourne Animal Encounter

TOUR CODE: GP-S
OPERATES: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sun
DEPARTS: 7:35am
RETURNS: 8:30pm
TOUR DURATION: 12.5 Hours
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Immigration Museum – 400 Flinders St, corner Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35am.
HIGHLIGHTS: National Heritage Listed Grampians National Park Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage at Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre Breathtaking rock formations and summit views from Reeds & Boroka Lookout & The Balconies
Australian wildlife encounters in their natural habitat - see wild emus and kangaroos Be inspired by the spectacular MacKenzie Falls, trek down 160 steps down to the base of the falls
We offer guided bush walks and panoramic hiking trails as part of our tours
The Grampians National Park is home to the town of Halls Gap, which can be explored on foot

ITINERARY:
Journey with us to the Grampians or Gariwerd, one of Australia’s ancient and spectacular mountain ranges. Enjoy the breathtaking views and amazing landscapes. Learn and appreciate the rich Aboriginal heritage. Encounter native wildlife and fascinatingly lush vegetation of the Grampians National Park. In this Grampians Tour, witness the spectacles of sandstone ridges, rugged mountain ranges, panoramic views, picturesque waterfalls, and the bustling plant and animal life.
Travel into the heart of the Grampians National Park, one of the world’s oldest and most spectacular mountain ranges. Rich in Aboriginal history & cultural significance surrounded by an abundance of Australian wildlife, and seriously breath-taking scenery. Enjoy bushland hiking trails with the best lookout views the Grampians National Park has to offer. One of the world's oldest and most spectacular mountain ranges, rich in Aboriginal history, and with an abundance of wildlife, the Grampians are sure to leave you in awe. En route to the Grampians stops at the township of Beaufort for refreshments.
The Grampians' unique wildlife will be highlighted as you travel through the Grampians, such as kangaroos, emus, and a variety of birds and seasonal wildflowers. With a visit to Brambuk, the National Park & Cultural Center, brings to life the amazing history, art and culture of the local aboriginal communities from this amazing region.
Travel straight into the heart of the Grampians National Park to the delightful town of Halls Gap, then off to stretch those legs with a walk through the breathtaking scenic vistas. Guests will be able to support locals and purchase lunch in town at their own expense as meals are not provided. Then it’s off to hike to the remarkable Jaws of Death and Balconies Lookout experiencing majestic views and scenery, featured in the famous Japanese Animation ‘Princess Mononoke’. Follow the steep trail to the base of the falls, one of Australia's most inspiring waterfalls, MacKenzie Falls (alternatively Silverband Falls or Beehive Falls). Returning to Melbourne, stopping along the way for dinner (at the guests’own expense).
Meals: N/A. Driving Distance: 600km. Walking Distance: ~4km
*A moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The minimum age to join this tour is 6 years old, due to the level of fitness required and walking involved.
INCLUSIONS: National Park admission fees Aboriginal cultural centre Guided bush walks* (4km, subject to fitness level) Australian flora and fauna sightings Hosted by an experienced driver-guide
Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
Comprehensive local tour commentary Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
Audio & text translation app available in 10 different languages (Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish)

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



WHAT TO BRING:
1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, all-weather active clothing ie. wind-breaker/raincoat, comfortable walking shoes (tread closed toe shoes), small day pack 5-7kg, money for snacks and meals, camera to capture every moment!
CHILD POLICY:
Child fare prices apply from 6 to 12 years old. This tour is not suitable for children 5 years old and under, due to the nature and walking involved.

WEATHER:

Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Mandatory passenger details required at time of booking: contact phone number. The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking to assist in our guiding ensuring the health and safety of all guests throughout the tour. A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks. This itinerary may vary and is interchangeable to adapt to seasonal changes and weather fluctuations or during park closures due to traditional land owner ceremonies. Child fare prices apply from 6 to 12 years old. This tour is not suitable for children 5 years old and under, due to the nature and walking involved. This terrain is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers. Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person. Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333. Private touring is available on request.