Shore Excursion Details

Twelve Apostles & The Great Ocean Road

Portland, Australia

Twelve Apostles & The Great Ocean Road

DETAILS

  • 7
    hrs Estimate Duration

OVERVIEW

Travel along the Great Ocean Road that hugs the spectacularly beautiful coastline and stop to marvel at natural wonders such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. After departing from the pier, you will soon merge onto the Great Ocean Road, a 151-mile coastal highway that returning soldiers from World War I built and dedicated to the fallen soldiers who never returned home. As such, it is the world’s largest war memorial. After 13 years of construction the road opened in 1932, ending decades of isolation for many coastal communities. Incredibly, the Great Ocean Road was carved out of the rock without the use of heavy machinery; only picks, shovels and horse-drawn carts were used. As you travel the spectacularly scenic road, the sights will be absolutely mesmerizing. Even the most exaggerated superlatives fail to capture the beauty and majesty of the Great Ocean Road. It is that extraordinary, mile after glorious mile. Highlights include Twelve Apostles, where you will stop and have some free time to view this collection of 12 monolithic rock stacks that dramatically rise out of the sea at the ocean’s edge and take in the surrounding views. The limestone towers are among the most photographed sites in Australia and it’s no wonder. Take time at the Information Center to learn more about the area and its cultural heritage. A box lunch will be provided for you to enjoy while taking in the spectacular scenery. Continuing on, you will pause for photos at Loch Ard Gorge, a narrow opening to the sea flanked by sheer cliffs. The gorge is named after an 1878 shipwreck on nearby Muttonbird Island. Muttonbirds or short-tailed shearwaters are still prevalent, and you may spot one during your photo stop. From here, you will travel directly back to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most fabled drives, built by hand by returning WW1 soldiers.
• Pass magnificent surf beaches, whale lookouts, rainforests, mountain ranges and picturesque villages.
• See stunning, rugged Loch Ard Gorge, named for one of the many ships wrecked along this wild shore.


HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Need to Know:

Note: This tour includes approximately 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking/standing plus any additional walking at the guests’ discretion during free time. There will be some uneven surfaces to negotiate. Travel time in the coach is approximately 5 hours and may be bumpy at times. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach, and have an able-bodied companion to assist them. Those with walking difficulties are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing to include a light sweater or jacket; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. This tour may operate with a driver/guide. The tour sequence may vary.

Check Out the

ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Scenic & City Tours

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve walking over relatively level terrain, possibly some cobblestone, gravel, or a few steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
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