Meet your local guide at 8:00 a.m. at your nominated Melbourne hotel, then commence your journey along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes, the Great Ocean Road.

From Torquay to Apollo Bay, the road winds along forested coastal cliffs, passing white sand surf beaches and picturesque seaside villages. The hinterland of towering gum trees provides the perfect habitat for koalas, kangaroos, and colorful native parrots. Indulge in a lunch of locally sourced seafood in the quaint coastal township of Apollo Bay.

The road then turns inland through lush, semi-temperate rainforest featuring ferny gullies, moss-covered timber, and freshwater cascades. Enjoy a rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park before arriving at the highlight of the Great Ocean Road—the iconic Twelve Apostles. Battered by the fierce waves of the Southern Ocean, this dramatic coastline has been carved into limestone towers, gorges, and caves. Stroll along cliff-edge boardwalks for the perfect vantage point, or opt for a short helicopter flight for a bird’s-eye view.

Check into your accommodation for the evening and freshen up before dinner. Your guide can transfer you to a relaxed meal (own expense) at a classic Australian pub where you can meet some locals and sample regional produce.

After a comfortable night’s sleep, you may wish to wake early to catch the sunrise at the Twelve Apostles, or enjoy a leisurely morning before exploring some lesser-visited wonders of Port Campbell National Park, such as London Bridge, The Grotto, and the Bay of Islands.

Visit some of the region’s finest farm gates and producers: sample hand-made cheeses at Schulz Organic Dairy, aged whiskey at the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, and locally churned delights at the Timboon Fine Ice Creamery. Then, relax on the journey back to Melbourne through open farmland and rural townships.

Arrive in Melbourne at approximately 5:00 p.m. Continue inland to the Southern Grampians National Park, stopping for a light lunch in the quaint rural town of Dunkeld. The region’s mountainous beauty is showcased to its fullest extent with an optional hike to the summit of The Piccaninny. This easy, gradual climb through open forest (featuring stunning wildflower displays in spring) culminates in jaw-dropping views of Mount Abrupt.

As dusk descends, kangaroos, wallabies, and a myriad of birdlife enliven the dramatic surroundings of the Royal Mail Hotel, your accommodation for the evening. Join your host to learn about the hotel’s captive breeding program and environmental initiatives, and get up close with endangered native Australian animals.

For dinner (at your own expense), the Royal Mail features two restaurants: the esteemed fine dining Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel (Wed – Sat) and the more casual Parker Street Project (Daily).