Wild Wombat Escapes Tours
Wild Wombat Escapes Tours
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Join Wild Wombat Escape for a fun filled and adventurous day that you will never forget! 'Travel in company not a crowd' Wild Wombat Escapes Great Ocean Road Tours depart Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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Wild Wombat Escapes Tours
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5.0
501 reviews
Excellent
454
Very good
40
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
2
DLJLD
18 contributions
Nov. 2019 • Friends
This is my 2nd time engaging Chris Wombat from Wild Wombat Escape Tours that never disappointed us. From his good driving skill, funny jokes, very knowledgeable on this trip that made our trip very enjoyable. He drove us to see wildlife animals eg Koala and Kangaroos at some unexpected places. Such a memory trip. He prepared such a healthy alfresco lunch for us. 5stars for Chris Wombat. You may contact if you like to engage him for day tours in Melbourne . His contact is +61400144878
Written 25 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc Bautista
Makati, Philippines9 contributions
Sep. 2019
We were lucky that the weather held up and that helped us have a really great road trip! The lunch that Chris prepared for the group in the middle of the outdoors - very special indeed! Chris also shared a lot of information (& jokes) with group that was appropriate and timely! The clear weather truly made us appreciate the 12 Apostles and London bridge sites.... I initially was worried about the 12 hour day but it went by fast and was memorable! Highly recommended!
Written 6 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HighlandLass24
Baltimore, MD177 contributions
Jun. 2019 • Family
I booked Chris' tour based on all the five star reviews. We had a small group the day we went, so there wasn't a lot of waiting around for a bus full of people to get back to the bus from stops (some are always late). Since that cut down on waiting time, I was hoping for a few more stops at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road to see some rocky coastline, but we kind of zoomed past it to get to the main event at the end with the Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell coast. That being said, the scenery at the end was gorgeous and the ride was pleasant and the bus was comfortable. Chris gives you a good mix of commentary, quiet time, and jokes throughout the ride. He also puts out a tasty lunch which cuts down on time waiting in restaurants, which I liked. Chris is absolutely brilliant at spotting animals in the wild. We saw a field full of kangaroos, a wild peacock crossing the road, parrots, and multiple koalas in the trees that I have no idea how he can spot them while driving. Because it was a small group, he was also able to fulfill our request for a specific picture on the road, which was great. Chris will give you a nice tour, spot the wildlife, and show you great scenery.
Written 9 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masa061902
2 contributions
Jul. 2019 • Couples
This was a great tour with a mix of the scenic coastal views and wild animals. It was a long day (a good 12 hours), but our guide Chris Wombat is a funny man with no shortage of jokes and local knowledge which made our lengthy trip enjoyable.
The 12 Apostles and costal views were impressive, but what I most appreciated was the effort Chris made for us see the wild animals such as the koalas and kangaroos. He's a keen animal spotter, and would make sure we could get a close-up view by stopping the van throughout the trip. There's no guarantee to spot these wild animals, so the effort he made was much appreciated. If there is an area for improvement, the van could get dry and stuffy at times, so it would be great if the windows could be opened more often for better air circulation. It would also be nice if we had an opportunity to walk around the forests we drove through. Other then that, it was a great tour and would recommend it, especially if you want a taste of nature and wildlife while traveling in Melbourne.
The 12 Apostles and costal views were impressive, but what I most appreciated was the effort Chris made for us see the wild animals such as the koalas and kangaroos. He's a keen animal spotter, and would make sure we could get a close-up view by stopping the van throughout the trip. There's no guarantee to spot these wild animals, so the effort he made was much appreciated. If there is an area for improvement, the van could get dry and stuffy at times, so it would be great if the windows could be opened more often for better air circulation. It would also be nice if we had an opportunity to walk around the forests we drove through. Other then that, it was a great tour and would recommend it, especially if you want a taste of nature and wildlife while traveling in Melbourne.
Written 7 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karina
Grecia4 contributions
Jul. 2019 • Friends
We did the reverse Great Ocean Road tour with our amazing tour guide Chris Wombat! WOMBAT!! He was super friendly and funny. Always trying to give us an unique experience. He tried his best to make us watch kangaroos, koalas and whales and we did it! So lovely! He always recommended the best options and we will definitely recommend it. The bus was comfortable and it was a small group so perfect because we didn’t have to wait for a lot of people. Thank you Chris!!! Regards from the Costa Ricans!
Written 6 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Outback Adventure
1 contribution
Jun. 2019 • Solo
The most aggressive driver I have ever witnessed drive a tour group on the western ring road. CALM DOWN ON THE ROAD! There is no need to undertake cars doing the speed limit and then slam your breaks and put your hazards on! Would not recommend this tour group to anyone!
Written 10 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would never slam my brakes on like you suggested here.
You were lingering in the right overtaking lane clogging up the freeway many cars were trying to get around you and compromising their buffer zone between each other changing lanes squeezing and shuffling about. This is not safe.
I could see the culprit up a head it was you.
All the cars could finally get though on the middle lane including myself with a nice buffer zone in front of me.
I was calm be the way not like some of the other cars.
‘Keep left unless overtaking’. This is how freeways work best.
It’s not just courteous it’s the law.
Written 15 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leah T
8 contributions
Jun. 2019
Highly recommend - Chris was such a great guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable, funny and genuinely made sure everyone was having a nice time throughout the day. He also customized the tour to our needs/wants which was really nice.
Written 6 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annaloni231
Innsbruck, Austria18 contributions
Apr. 2019 • Friends
I would highly recomend this Tour because of it’s wholesome program and very nice Tour Guide Chris
You’ll be there before the crowds are
You’ll be there before the crowds are
Written 11 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin
2 contributions
Apr. 2018 • Couples
I’m about a year late writing this review but that goes to show just how much of an impact Chris had on our trip. He saved a couple Canadians stranded along the great ocean road and let us tag along to enjoy the sites for the day. He was very informative and quite the character. Everyone on the bus had a great time with consistent laughter throughout the duration of the tour, which in our eyes is what it should be. We would recommend this tour to anyone without hesitation!
Thanks again Chris,
The stranded Canadians.
Thanks again Chris,
The stranded Canadians.
Written 27 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GourmetGirlfriends
175 contributions
Oct. 2018 • Friends
Don’t take this tour. You are better off renting a car or staying in Melbourne.
First the good: Chris takes you to all the important sites, which are beautiful. And, to his credit, he beats all the tourists buses there, which is excellent. He also found unique Australian animals (like kangaroo) in non-touristy areas. But spending the day in his van is absolutely not worth it.
The bad: First, he sings and whistles far more than he guides. We learned nothing. He spent 5 minutes talking to the van, out of a total 10hr ride. During those cumulative 5min, sometimes he would wear a headset and sometimes he didn’t. If the van is full, which ours was, it’s very stuffy, and whenever he stops (which is often), he turns off the van so there’s no airflow- even when the group is still inside (like at a traffic light). No water was provided throughout the 10h day, and no biscuits were offered (as promised).
Lunch is nice enough. It’s in the parking lot by a rainforest. Pretty spot but no seats. Lunch is healthy - pita bread and lots of veggie options to fill it. No drinks though, or chairs.
We learned that he accepts spillovers from the bigger tour groups, which meant some of our group had signed up for a boutique day tour (how wild wombat is billed), while others had signed up for a less personal experience. This combines two different crowds, and makes for a fuller bus, and a less boutique experience.
Worst of all, however, was the drive. The views are gorgeous but we missed half of them keeping our eyes closed so we wouldn’t be sick. Don’t think you can fall asleep though, the whiplash around every curve will snap you back awake. A passenger in our group puked half way through the morning (outside the van, luckily). but that wasn’t enough to slow Chris down.
The price is very reasonable so we did feel like we got our money’s worth, but it wasn't worth it.
First the good: Chris takes you to all the important sites, which are beautiful. And, to his credit, he beats all the tourists buses there, which is excellent. He also found unique Australian animals (like kangaroo) in non-touristy areas. But spending the day in his van is absolutely not worth it.
The bad: First, he sings and whistles far more than he guides. We learned nothing. He spent 5 minutes talking to the van, out of a total 10hr ride. During those cumulative 5min, sometimes he would wear a headset and sometimes he didn’t. If the van is full, which ours was, it’s very stuffy, and whenever he stops (which is often), he turns off the van so there’s no airflow- even when the group is still inside (like at a traffic light). No water was provided throughout the 10h day, and no biscuits were offered (as promised).
Lunch is nice enough. It’s in the parking lot by a rainforest. Pretty spot but no seats. Lunch is healthy - pita bread and lots of veggie options to fill it. No drinks though, or chairs.
We learned that he accepts spillovers from the bigger tour groups, which meant some of our group had signed up for a boutique day tour (how wild wombat is billed), while others had signed up for a less personal experience. This combines two different crowds, and makes for a fuller bus, and a less boutique experience.
Worst of all, however, was the drive. The views are gorgeous but we missed half of them keeping our eyes closed so we wouldn’t be sick. Don’t think you can fall asleep though, the whiplash around every curve will snap you back awake. A passenger in our group puked half way through the morning (outside the van, luckily). but that wasn’t enough to slow Chris down.
The price is very reasonable so we did feel like we got our money’s worth, but it wasn't worth it.
Written 15 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi GourmetGirlfriends it’s good that you took the time to write a review.
I think some of your points here are ‘a bit of a miss’ and doesn’t warrant a ‘terrible’ one star. And a bit unfair too.
Small (boutique) can be 22/24 seat mini buses my smaller bus has only 13 seats so boutique, not that I use that word in any of my advertising.
When my small bus is full that’s still only 13 passengers no matter where they sign up for the tour. A private tour may suit you but that would be at a much higher cost.
If you’re feeling stuffy let me know. I often ask my passengers how the environment is in the bus and often change the airflow air/con or heating levels to suit.
Any problem let me know.
When I have a passenger that is experiencing motion sickness I ask them to do proven things that can greatly reduce or fix this, including sitting up front and not staying in the bus at sights, get out go for the walks.
Do not keep your eyes closed (that is one of the worst)
Looking out at the scenery works.
If they listen, trust / believe me the problem solves.
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s great road trips and has many bends, almost like a mountain road trip with the bends.
To lessen the motion a good driver will square off corners using the apex, straighten slighter bends and slow wright down on half round and hairpin corners. So no whiplash around every corner like you wrote here, not even close.
Not a tour goes by without me giving commentary about so many things.
Ancient and recent history of the area and the world, indigenous, environment and more.
I just can’t do that in just 5 minutes. And I don’t have a headset ‘by the way.’
May be you meant I talk sometimes on the microphone and sometimes without.
That’s ok isn’t it?
Sometimes I will forget something like chili or the onion for the lunch but water and biscuits on the same tour, I can’t remember that. But I’m sure I would have given you the chance to get water. I usually always have water with the bus that passengers can fill their personal bottles with.
Thank you for saying is nice enough GourmetGirlfriends. Though I usually get better comments on the lunch.
There are seats; I setup lunch by the bus 13 of them.
This lunchtime is a better opportunity than in the bus or at sights to get to know one other. No knife & fork or chopsticks. Its a make a pitta wrap or top rice crackers buffet you can eat with one hand and talk with the other. Mostly people don’t use the seats; it’s a lunch party.
Don’t try to fall asleep on one of the most scenic drivers in the world.
Fall asleep when we are on the highway or in your bed at night.
I do thank you for saying some nice things about my tour.
Your one star sticks far out from all my 5 star review ratings.
Can you be fair and let me just say here. “My tour is absolutely worth it.”
Written 24 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
is it advisable to visit during winter ?
ev1lcrumb
Rye, Australia4 contributions
We just took a trip during winter and it was fantastic. Yes, it can be a little cold and windy but the Victorian climate is changeable at any time of year. The scenery is magnificent and I highly recommend this tour.
PeterClarke2015
Majorca, Spain199 contributions
Travelling to Melbourne at Christmas and have done the GOR before but still looking to book Chris for a trip.....Are there other trips, other than the GOR/12 Apostles, as would like to try something different?
LiewSL
Lutry, Switzerland143 contributions
Penguin Parade at Philip Island and the Grampians are nice.