MELBOURNE & GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Sunday 12 October – Sunday 19 October 2025

Overview Itinerary Image Gallery Inclusions Terms & Conditions

We discover the best of Melbourne, from its parks and gardens to its gracious buildings, sporting venues, the Yarra River and Phillip Island. This tour also features the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most scenic drives. We discover the amazing Twelve Apostles and other incredible formations fashioned by nature, learn about the history of the “shipwreck coast” at Warnambool, and find out about the gold rush of Ballarat and much more.

Day 1

Sunday 12 October - We Fly to Melbourne

Pack your bags and have your passports ready for a mid-morning transfer to Wellington Airport to catch our afternoon flight to Melbourne. We’ll be welcomed on arrival by our friendly coach captain and transferred to our hotel located in the heart of the Docklands district of the city. We’ll be based three nights in Melbourne, so we can unpack our bags and settle in, meeting up again for our welcome dinner in our hotel.

Staying at: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (3 nights)

Meals: Meal in flight, Dinner at hotel

Day 2

Monday 13 October - The Dandenongs and Phillip Island

This morning we drive through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs into the Dandenong Ranges to take a ride on the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train. As we journey through the ranges onboard the open sided carriages, lush fern gullies brush past and Mountain Ash trees tower overhead. Reboarding our coach, we drive to Phillip Island where on arrival we visit the Koala Conservation Centre. Take a walk along the elevated boardwalk to see the Koala’s sleeping and eating amongst the trees. From here we make our way to the western end of the Island to take in the stunning rugged coastline with a visit to the Nobbies Centre, which offers spectacular coastal scenery as well as viewing of the offshore seal colony at Seal Rocks. We enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading to Phillip Island Nature Park, recognised as one of Australia’s most popular “nature islands” and known as a place of natural beauty, sandy beaches, tranquil wetlands and unique wildlife experiences. We are here for the Penguin Parade. The area is a reserve designed to protect and promote awareness of the Little Penguin. At dusk, the penguins cross Summerland Beach after fishing for whitebait for their young and return to their sand dune burrows. To see them come out of the surf in small groups and waddle up the beach is a unique and fascinating spectacle.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, lunch own expense, dinner at Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant

Day 3

Tuesday 14 October - Discovering Melbourne

Today we take in the highlights of Melbourne with a sightseeing drive around the city before our visit to the Australian Sports Museum, located at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The museum presents world class exhibitions and sporting artefacts. Lunch will be at
the Belgian Beer Café prior to joining Melbourne River Cruises for their ‘River Gardens’ trip upriver. Within moments of departing Melbourne’s cultural arts precinct, we are cruising through picturesque gardens, parklands and past some of the famous sporting arenas. Enjoy a cuppa on board as we listen to the captain’s interesting commentary. Next, make our way to the Melbourne Skydeck. Prepare for awe inspiring views as we take the fastest lifts in the Southern Hemisphere to level 88 where we can see Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Docklands, Yarra River, Port Phillip and on a clear day, as far as the Dandenong Ranges. After an interesting day exploring Melbourne, we return to our hotel for a relaxed dinner in house.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner at hotel, lunch at Belgian Beer Café, Crown Casino

Day 4

Wednesday 15 October - The Great Ocean Road

Today we join the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic drives in Australia. Leaving Melbourne behind, we travel to seaside towns Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne. The approach to Lorne is remarkable as the township is built amongst native forest stretching down to the water. It’s then on to Apollo Bay where we’ll stop for lunch (own expense). From here the road leaves the coast, winding its way up the slopes of the Great Otway National Park. The natural beauty of the area continues as we find ourselves back driving along the Southern Ocean as we journey the full length of Port Campbell National Park. Here we see the Twelve Apostles – a group of magnificent rock stacks rising up from the Southern Ocean. We also see Loch Ard Gorge, the scene of the region’s most famous shipping disaster. More than 100 ships and boats have been wrecked within 80 kilometres of Warrnambool, hence the name for the area – the Shipwreck Coast. The final leg of today’s journey takes us to Warrnambool where we settle into our accommodation, dining in this evening.

Staying at: Best Western Olde Maritime Motor Inn, Warrnambool (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast and dinner at hotel, lunch at own expense

Day 5

Thursday 16 October - Wonderful Warrnambool

This morning we meet our local guide for a sightseeing tour of Warrnambool. We also take a look at the Fletcher Jones Gardens and Market. The heritage listed gardens surround the iconic former clothing factory of the same name, founded here in 1948. With well over 60 stalls, the market has something for everyone and is a haven for collectors. The remainder of the day is spent exploring Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, where we also enjoy lunch. Supported by the local community, this delightful complex authentically recreates the appearance, atmosphere and activities apparent in a small coastal port during the 19th century. With engaging storytelling, fresh new imagery and dazzling lighting and sound effects throughout the village, it is sure to impress. We head back to our motel for dinner before returning to the village for the wonderful sound and light show called “Tales of the
Shipwreck Coast”. Be taken on a journey into the past from local Aboriginal stories to a colourful whaling past and uncover the events that gave the coastline a reputation that inspired fear and trepidation among mariners.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner at motel, lunch Flagstaff Hill Museum

Day 6

Friday 17 October - Warrnambool to Ballarat

Leaving sea breezes behind, we head inland to Winchelsea. Here we visit the unique attraction, Hastings Ostrich Farm, Australia’s leading ostrich breeding farm. Our knowledgeable tour guide will tell us all about the ostrich, their history and how farming saved them from extinction. See the different breeds including magnificent reds, blues, blacks and whites along with native emus also on the farm. After lunch at the nearby Winchelsea Hotel, we continue to Ballarat. Explore the legacy of the gold rush, still evident in the magnificent architecture and tree lines streets of the town today. After dinner at our motel, we travel to Sovereign Hill for the evening Sound and Light Show. AURA tells the story of gold throughout the ages, from its original formation and the gold rush to the enduring allure of gold today. We will instantly be transported into an immersive multi-sensory experience as we are guided through pastoral settlements to the rich cultural tapestry of life on the goldfields. This experience is spellbinding and takes us on an enrapturing Sovereign Hill journey.

Staying at: Sovereign Park Motor Inn, Ballarat

Meals: Breakfast and dinner at motel, lunch Winchelsea Hotel

Day 7

Saturday 18 October - Ballarat and the Goldfields

We return to Sovereign Hill this morning where Australia’s history comes to life! Step back in time to the golden past and days of the great gold rush of the 1850s at this unique open-air museum. There’s real gold to be panned, street theatre, the opportunity to meet costumed goldfield characters and watch skilled craftsmen at work. Lunch will be served at Craig's Royal Hotel. Located in the heart of Ballarat, the legendary gold rush era grand hotel was built in 1862 and became the towns first official licenced pub. Host to poets, Princes and Prime Ministers over the course of its lifetime, the hotel is a true icon. Our final stop in Ballarat is to the Eureka Centre. Standing on the memorial site of the Eureka Rebellion, the museum focuses on the significant 1854 Battle of the Eureka Stockade. Here we explore the social history and cultural impact of the Victorian gold rush and honour the stories of the people who risked their lives in the fight for miners’ rights. We now make our way to Caroline Springs, a suburb of Melbourne which has good access to the airport for our flight tomorrow. We enjoy our farewell dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

Staying at: Mercure Caroline Springs

Meals: Breakfast and dinner at motel, Lunch at Craig’s Royal Hotel

Day 8

Sunday 19 October - Flying Home

An early breakfast is booked for this morning before we are transferred to Melbourne Airport for our homeward flight to Wellington. Here we will be met by transfer vehicles to return us to our homes, completing a memorable trans-Tasman holiday.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel, meal in flight

The cost of the tour includes

Fully escorted by Tranzit Tour Team
Return Qantas flights Wellington to Melbourne with inflight meals
7 nights accommodation
All breakfasts and dinners
Full coach charter
Puffing Billy heritage train excursion
Koala Conservation Centre, entry
Nobbies Centre, visit
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Melbourne City Sights touring
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), entry
Lunch at Belgian Beer Café
Melbourne “River Gardens” Cruise
Melbourne Skydeck
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, entry and lunch
“Tales of the Shipwreck Coast”, Sound and Light Show
Hastings Ostrich Farm, tour
Lunch at Winchelsea Hotel
Sovereign Hill Museum, entry and Sound and Light Show
Lunch at Craig’s Royal Hotel
The Eureka Centre, entry

Departure Detail

Before you book a tour with Tranzit Tours, please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions below.

Pricing Validity

All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.

Reservations and Payments

Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.

A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.

The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.

Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations

Cancellations by the Customer

Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.

Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.

Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.

Alterations by the Customer

The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).

Cancellations or Postponements by the Company

Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.

In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.

In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).

The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.

In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.

Alterations by the Company

Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.

Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.

Insurance

Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour. Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.

Health and Fitness

Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.

Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:

o   the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and

o   the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and

o   the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.

Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.

Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

Authority on Tour

Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.

Responsibilities

Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.

Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.

Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.

Acceptance of Risk

The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.

Seat Rotation

For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.

Photographs

Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.

Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.

Privacy Policy

Any personal information that Tranzit Tours collects about the Customer may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour or to send the Customer marketing material in relation to Tranzit Tour products. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable Tranzit Tours to operate the tour. Tranzit Tours will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available on our website).

Applicable Law

The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.

"This tour ticked all the boxes for me. Particularly the road from Cromwell to Dunedin which I had not traveled before." Betty