When you’ve been following my blog ever since, you would know that we don’t really like to join tours unless it’s mandated or it will be very inconvenient without it. We’re not tour haters! We’re just budget conscious that’s why we usually DIY our itinerary. For this trip, we booked a tour because there are no public transportation in the area. We also do not want to drive and rent a car because it’s such a hassle and more expensive than a tour. Not to mention driving for several hours will be very tiring.
When we visited Melbourne, based on research, travelers would recommend to see The Great Ocean Road tour. There were several tours being offered online but we chose the tour from “A Tour With A Difference (ATWAD)” because it’s cheaper only AUS 130 all inclusive of entrance fees, government fees, snacks, lunch, and hotel pick-up, and they have small group option (Maximum 10) which we prefer because it’s more intimate, we can bond with other tourists and quicker because we don’t need to wait for a lot of people in the bus.
ATWAD picked us up around 7:30 am at the St. Paul’s Cathedral across Flinder’s Station. We left the city around 7:45 am. It was a long early drive but our driver and tour guide was very warm, friendly, and funny. He made sure that everyone in our group (total of 8) are comfortable with each other.
We passed by Melbourne’s Port Philip Bay, Geelong (Victoria’s second largest city), then stopped to have our morning snack under a tree.
Our guide prepared an Aussie tea with the famous Vegmite (not a fan though!), some crackers, and traditional Lamigton Cakes and the ever popular chocolate, Tim Tams. He taught us how to use Tim Tams as “straw”—best way to eat it, I must say.
This is the Lamington Cake. It is best paired with a freshly hot brewed Aussie Bush Billy Tea. Perfect for the weather too because it was super cold and windy at that time. We were all shaking.
What I like about ATWAD tour is the fact that your group can request your driver/guide to stop and take a quick break or photo of the lovely sceneries as long as you guys are early or still on time. That’s the beauty of having a small tour group—no rush tour versus the big tour buses. We stopped at this lovely deck overlooking the ocean.
Next stop was the Memorial Arch. I believe this is the start of the Great Ocean Road.
So much to see along the way. On my left, I could see the coastal area and on my right, the lush forest where you can have Koala sightings if you’re in luck.
We then went to a place where we can hand feed local birds. This was our first time to experience feeding birds. It was fun and exciting as they will really land on your hand, shoulders, or sometimes head.
After feeding the hungry birds, it was the hooman’s time to eat as well. We stopped by Apolo Bay Hotel for a hearty lunch. Our guide took our order on the way to the restaurant so we don’t have to wait for so long. Brilliant idea! Pre-ordered meals for the hungry tourists.
We tried the fish and chips with salad on the side and the roast for the day.
After lunch, we went straight to find paradise in Mait’s Rest Rainforest. This place is huge! Our guide pointed out several plants, trees, and insect while we trek the rainforest. He’s very knowledgable and explains everything in simple terms.
Finally, we reached the Twelve Apostles and all I can say is that it’s breathtaking! The limestones are marvelous as if I’m looking at a post card. The place is super windy too. Be careful with your belongings as it might fly away. My hubby’s cap almost flew because of the wild wind.
This is also the place where the helicopter will take you if you plan to avail the helicopter ride tour. You may check out the rates and schedule in the official website because I didn’t bother checking how much it can cost because I know it will very very expensive. But, if you have the budget, go ahead and make the most of the ride seeing it from a bird’s eye-view, literally.
Last stop was the Loch Ard Gorge. Our guide told us about the tragic shipwreck history of the place and showed us the cave where the survivors took refuge.
Before we head back to the city, we grabbed some snacks and hot coffee at the snack bar. There’s also a small souvenir shop near the entrance.
Overall, we’re very happy with our Great Ocean Road tour with A Tour With A Difference—they live up to their name. Two thumbs up!
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