So we arrrived in Melbourne, like we normally do, with nothing booked, just a clear 2 weeks in our diary. That’s how we like to travel and everything always seems to work out. Except this time. There were no cars we could hire in Melbourne - the only car hire place left was charging exorbitant amount, almost akin to buying a new car outright. So we had to look at tour companies instead. We normally give these a wide berth. Not really ‘our thing’.
But….based on all internet search algorithms of ‘tours’ and ‘gay bars’ and ‘Grampians National Park’ Google seemed to match us with a company called VIC Rainbow Tours. My partner called it fate. I called it selective marketing.
Anyhow, a quick phone call set us on a path to booking a tour. A local friend of ours had also used their services before, so we knew we were in good hands.
James was quick to point out that his specialist area was really the Great Ocean Road but he would happily take us on a custom made tour. It was quite refreshing to have someone actually declare, that where we wanted to go, wasn’t their main area of expertise, but this honesty ultimately led us to finally booking.
And really, his knowledge of Grampians National Park was second to none it has to be said. He knew all the good lookouts, the time and effort needed for certain walks. He recommended a great place to stay and took us to a cracking restaurant which he had pre-booked in advance (they were turning people away at the door).
He also had some good suggestions for dayselford in terms of boutique shops, cafes and a wonderful walk around lake Daysleford.
Ballarat took our own direction, as we were keen to see sovereign hill and stop off to see some long lost friends for a quick brunch.