We did the 2 day Great Ocean Road-Grampians Tour for $192AUD. We were picked-up 30minutes late from our accommodation it was because there were 24 of us in this tour. Our guide was okay. She gives us information but most of the time we just sleep and listen to the music. The van had 2 seats on one side and one on the other side, it was quite tight for all of us but airconditioning was good. Our first day was good, we went to Bells Beach and had tea there but it was a quick toilet, picture and tea stop. We then went to the Memorial Arch for quick photo and then we stopped on a side of the road with view of the ocean for a quick photo AGAIN. It definitely wasn't what they advertise as "stroll along the beach and view some spectacular beach and lookouts." We were told to hurry at times. From there we went to spot some koalas, we saw 2 but we also saw so many colorful birds, it was a shame our tour guide didnt have bird seeds unlike the rest of the people on other tours who were able to feed the birds in the hands and head! We stopped here for 20 mins, there was a dairy but no toilet, you can probably use the toilet in the holiday park but we were worried to be late going back in the bus so we didn't. We then head out to lunch. We were given selections of roast chicken, grilled fish, burger, vegetarian selection. Food was average. We then headed to the Otway's rainforest, they said part of it is not accessible at the moment so we only did a short walk, it was okay but I've seen better rainforest here in NZ. Then finally we reached the 12 apostles (40 min stop to cover those taking helicopter ride, there is also a cafe) which was spectacular, Lord Ard Gorge (30 mins only wouldn't cover walking down the beach and going to the viewing point because of time restraints...we were in a hurry which made the trip a bit tiring because you're always rushed). The 5 mins at the London Bridge just to take photos. These 3 sites where the highlights and very spectacular. Too bad we cant stay longer. We then stopped at Warnambool to buy dinner (which we had to eat in the bus) and go to the shops. We then went to Hall's Gap for our accommodation. By this time it was already dark, rainy and late. Now one thing that got me really disappointed was the accommodation. We dropped of 3 people at Comfort Inn just a bit of walk to Ned's. We booked for double room. There are only 2 double rooms. 2 older ladies wanted a double room and were told that there isn't any left. After a few minutes of being in our double room, the guide came and asked us to move out she was telling is all these things about booking and paying for an upgrade. Earlier she announced that thos ewho havent paid will pay the next day for the upgrade (that was also the instruction on their website) but now we are being told because we haven't made payment arrangement for the upgrade the 2 older ladies will get a double room...I was so disappointed, I asked if there was available room in the Comfort Inn but she said it is expensive (which we didn't mind paying) but she was saying there's no bfast there (bfast in this accommodation was toast and cereals which we didnt have anyway) she also said the ladies booking are new (and they mix things up! I have no idea about what she is talking about because I booked everything in their website and instructions and email was sent to me. In the end we bunked up with 2 other guys. Lucky it was just them plus my husband and I in the room. It wasn't the most clean and comfortable accommodation and sleep I had. And we had to wait for long queue to use the toilet and shower.
The next day we went to see some kangaroos and went tramping..for those who are not into these a one day tour would be enough...I wasn't prepared for more than a hour of uphill tramping...it was so tiring when we got to the top it was foggy but the view was good. Some went further up for about 20 mins more walk but most of us went back down. From there we went to Silverband Falls for 30 mins. There wasn't really much to see as it was destroyed during the floods. The waterfall wasn't really what you would expect to see. It was a bit disappointing. We then headed to Brambuck National Park and Cultural Center, that was okay. We stayed there for 40 mins. We didn't get to see and do much we had to ask the cafe to wrap our orders as we are running late. We then headed to a town to meet up with the other tour bus to swap passengers going to Adelaide. We were told to buy lunch from a bakery (which didn't have much choices of bread or sandwiches) because we only have 15 mins to get food. There was a takeaway and some of us decided to get hot food (chips and nuggets) and again was very cautious of the time. Last stop was an old winery where our guide gave the tour instead of the people there and had wine tasting. We were on our way back by 1-1.30pm. The second day was a bit disappointing. We didn't see the McKenzie Falls, the "Jaws of Death."
One day tour is enough. And if we had known we can book a different accommodation available in the area we would have done so. They should give us the option to do so.
Nonetheless it was an experience to remember.