Road Scholar : Walking Australia: From Tasmania to the Great Ocean Road - Australia

Walking Australia: From Tasmania to the Great Ocean Road

Program Number:

20755RJ

Start and End Dates:


	3/1/2014 - 3/16/2014;

Duration:

15 nights

Location:

Australia

Price starting at:

$6,322.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Walking/Hiking

Activity Level:

t (see description)

Meals:

35; 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Meal Options:

Vegetarian

The rainforests, coastlines and islands of Australia are home to some of the country�s most valuable treasures � and there�s no better way to experience them than on foot! Join local experts for a walking exploration along some of Australia�s most notable national parks and iconic coastal roads. Walk in the footsteps of indigenous peoples, learn about early penal colonies, and explore the natural habitats of animals such as the koala and platypus.

Highlights

� Experience Tasmania�s pristine wilderness during walks through Mole Creek Karst, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet national parks.
� Marvel in Victoria�s coastline as you explore the Great Ocean Walk in the Great Otway and Port Campbell national parks.
� Get a first-hand look at Australia�s indigenous creatures, including wallabies, platypus, wombats and more.

Activity Particulars

Walking and standing two hours per day; some stairs. Elevations of 3,500 feet.

Date Specific Information

3-1-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology � listening devices � on this date.

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Melbourne, flight to Launceston, 1 night; coach to Cradle Mountain National Park, 2 nights; coach to Strahan, 1 night; coach to Hobart, 2 nights; coach to Freycinet National Park, 2 nights; flight to Melbourne, coach to Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay), 3 nights; coach to Great Ocean Road (Port Campbell), 1 night; coach to Warrnambool, 1 night; departure.

Overnight flight from the U.S.A.	1 night
Cross International Dateline	1 night
Arrival Melbourne
Flight to Launceston	1 night
Coach to Cradle Mountain National Park	2 nights

Begin your exploration of Australia with a walk through the historic center of Launceston along the Tamar River. Field trips to Mole Creek Karst National Park and Cradle Mountain National Park offer opportunities to explore the Tasmanian landscape. Search for the elusive platypus, and learn the history of the Waldheim Chalet and beautiful Dove Lake.

Coach to Strahan	1 night
Coach to Hobart	2 nights

In Strahan, marvel in the temperate rainforest and mountain crags along the Gordon River �a UNESCO World Heritage Site � during a study cruise, and learn about Tasmania�s role as a penal colony during a stop at Sarah Island. Go on an expert-led walk through Lake St. Clair National Park, and enjoy a day of walking explorations through Hobart�s historic district.

Coach to Freycinet National Park

2 nights

Ferry to Maria Island for a first-hand look at Tasmanian kangaroos, wallabies and wombats, and journey to Bicheno to see local penguin rookeries. Walks through Freycinet National Park offer breathtaking views over Wineglass Bay, and opportunities to learn about Cape Tourville lighthouse and aquaculture industry at Freycinet Marine Farm.

Flight to Melbourne
Coach to Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay)	3 nights
Coach to Great Ocean Road (Port Campbell)	1 night

Thrill in the beauty of Australia�s coastline during walks along Great Ocean Road, an Australian National Heritage site. See koalas and wallabies at Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology, and explore the rainforest of Great Otway and Port Campbell national parks.

Coach to Warrnambool	1 night
Departure

Marvel at more than 10,000 Short-tailed Shearwaters on Griffith Island, and walk with emus and kangaroos at the Tower Hill State Game Reserve.

Australia

From expansive desert to the 1,616 mile Great Barrier Reef, the planet�s smallest continent is also one of the most diverse. Native Aboriginal culture dates back nearly 30,000 years, and with the arrival of Europeans colonists followed by a Gold Rush, Australia evolved into a true amalgam of ethnicities and cultures. Its cities, outbacks and beaches harbor tales of pirates and penal colonies, marine wonderlands and a modern, multi-national citizenry.

Accommodations
Launceston: Centrally located hotel with Jacuzzi. Cradle Mountain National Park: Lodge with spa. Strahan: Comfortable motel overlooking the harbor. Hobart: Centrally located hotel. Freycinet National Park: Hotel with beach views. Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay): Hotel with beach views. Great Ocean Road (Port Campbell): Four-star motor inn. Warrnambool: Centrally located hotel.

Meals and Lodgings
	Mercure Hotel Launceston
		Launceston, Australia	1 night
	Cradle Mountain Lodge
		Cradle Mtn National Park, Australia	2 nights
	Strahan Village
		Strahan, Australia	1 night
	Mercure Hotel Hobart
		Hobart, Australia	2 nights
	Swansea Waterloo Inn
		Freycinet National Park, Australia	2 nights
	Comfort Inn, The International
		Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay), Australia	3 nights
	Great Ocean Road Motor Inn
		Great Ocean Road (Port Campbell), Australia	1 night
	Comfort Inn Western Warrnambool
		Warrnambool, Australia	1 night

Mercure Hotel Launceston
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	Located in the city centre.
	Contact info:	3 Earl Street Launceston TAS, 7250 Australia phone: +61 -3-6333-9999 web: www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6331-mercure-launceston/index.shtml
	Room amenities:	Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television (cable), telephone, refrigerator and hairdryer.
	Facility amenities:	Hotel facilities include a jacuzzi, dry-cleaning service, massage service, internet access and foreign exchange.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Cradle Mountain Lodge
	Type:	Lodge
	Description:	Located on the northern edge of the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park.
	Contact info:	Cradle Mountain Road Cradle Mountain TAS, 7306 Australia phone: +61 -3-6492-1303 web: www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au
	Room amenities:	Room facilities include heating, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, refrigerator and hair dryer.
	Facility amenities:	Lodge facilities include guest laundry, guest television & video library, Spa Centre, Games area, internet kiosk and foreign exchange.
	Smoking allowed:	No

Strahan Village
	Type:	Motel
	Description:	Located on the waterfront overlooking Strahan Harbour.
	Contact info:	The Esplanade Strahan TAS, 7468 Australia phone: +61 -3-6471-4200 web: http://www.federalgroup.com.au/accommodation/Pure-Tasmania/Strahan%20Village
	Room amenities:	Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television, telephone, refrigerator, iron/ironing board and hairdryer.
	Facility amenities:	Hotel facilities include guest laundry and safety deposit box facility.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Mercure Hotel Hobart
	Type:	Hotel
	Contact info:	156 Bathurst Street Hobart TAS, 7000 Australia phone: +61 -3-6232-6255 web: www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6159-mercure-hobart/index.shtml
	Room amenities:	Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television, in-house movies, ISD/STD telephone, refrigerator, iron/ironing board and hairdryer.
	Facility amenities:	Hotel facilities include a guest laundry, swimming pool, fitness centre and safety deposit box facility.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Swansea Waterloo Inn
	Type:	Motel
	Description:	Located overlooking the beach and offering panoramic views to Freycinet Peninsula.
	Contact info:	1 Franklin Street Swansea TAS, 7190 Australia phone: +61 -3-6257-8577 web: http://www.innkeeper.com.au/east-coast/swansea-waterloo-inn/
	Room amenities:	Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, television and refrigerator.
	Facility amenities:	Hotel facilities include a guest laundry.
	Smoking allowed:	No

Comfort Inn, The International
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	Located opposite the beach and golf course.
	Contact info:	37 Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay VIC, 3233 Australia phone: +61 -3-5237-6100 web: www.theinternational.info
	Room amenities:	Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television (cable), telephone, refrigerator, iron/ironing board and internet connection.
	Facility amenities:	Hotel facilities include guest laundry, guest whirlpool/hot tub, swimming pool and safety deposit box facility.
	Smoking allowed:	No

Great Ocean Road Motor Inn
	Type:	Motel
	Contact info:	10 Great Ocean Road Port Campbell, VIC, 3269 Australia phone: +61 3 5598 6522 web: http://www.greatoceanroadmotorinn.com/
	Facility amenities:	Great Ocean Road Motor Inn offers spacious, comfortable, tastefully-decorated units with decks. Each apartment has been individually furnished and decorated. All rooms have electric blankets, air conditioning, tv/video and hair dryers. On site is a laundry.
	Smoking allowed:	No

Comfort Inn Western Warrnambool
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	The Comfort Inn Western is located in the heart of Warrnambool at the end of the Great Ocean Road. It is just a short walk to the beach, parks, gardens and Warrnambool's famous Lake Pertobe, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, the Old Shipwreck Village and Cheese World farm. It is just minutes from the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, which feature wide curving paths, rare trees, a lily pond with ducks, a fernery and a band rotunda.
	Contact info:	49 Kepler Street Warrnambool, VIC, 3280 Australia phone: +61 3 5561 5100 web: http://www.choicehotels.com.au/en/comfort-hotel-au597?promo=gglocalau
	Facility amenities:	All guest rooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with refrigerators, coffee makers, desks, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards and cable television. A laundry is on-site.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Travel Details
	Start of Program: 1400 You will be staying at Mercure Hotel Launceston that night.
	End of Program: 1000 You will be staying at Comfort Inn Western Warrnambool the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. All US passport holders travelling to Australia must obtain an electronic visa prior to entering the country. You will not receive a visa stamp inside your passport, nor will you receive anything in writing. Instead you will be registered with the Australian Government as valid to enter/exit Australia. Road Scholar Travel Services will process the visa electronically and will send the visa confirmation to participants three to four weeks before departure.

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Launceston
	Nearest airport:	Launceston Domestic Airport
	Transportation to site:	Meeting the designated group flight.

	From End of Program
	Location:	Warrnambool
	Transportation from site:	To meet the designated group flight.

Elevation Note: The accommodation and walks in the Cradle Mountain area are at an elevation of around 3,500 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Normal walking equipment for comfortable terrain. Hiking/walking boots/shoes are highly recommended as being more suited to this program than ordinary sports shoes. Thin, easily stored wet-weather gear is advised as is clothing that can be easily layered. If you are in the habit of using hiking poles, they would be worth bringing. A pair of gaiters would also be useful.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Departure
(Saturday, March 1)

Evening:

Depart the USA this evening on overnight flight to Australia.

Day 2:

In flight
(Sunday, March 2)

In Transit:

Cross International Dateline

Day 3:

Arrive in Melbourne / Fly to Launceston / Program Overview / Orientation to Launceston
(Monday, March 3)

Morning:	Arrive in Melbourne. Transfer to your flight to Launceston. Upon arrival in Launceston, coach to lunch.
Lunch:	Lunch at local cafe.
Afternoon:	Transfer to your accommodation and check in. After time to settle in, we will have a welcome meeting and program overview followed by a lecture introducing us to Australia and Tasmania. We can then have a short walk to explore the centre of historic Launceston along the Tamar River.
Dinner:	Dinner at accommodation.
Evening:	After our long flights, we have an early evening.

Accommodations:	Mercure Hotel Launceston
Meals Included:	Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Mole Creek Karst National Park / transfer to Cradle Mountain National Park
(Tuesday, March 4)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at accommodation.
Morning:	This morning we leave Launceston and head into Mole Creek Karst National Park. Here we will have a guided walk getting our first taste fo the pristine Tasmanian landscape.
Lunch:	Lunch at accommodation.
Afternoon:	This afternoon we begin our exploration of Cradle Mountain National Park with several short walks in the general vicinity of our accommodation. We can explore the Enchanted Walk, Pencil Pines Falls Walk and the Rainforest Walk.
Dinner:	At accommodation.
Evening:	At dusk this evening we will go on a short stroll to try and locate the elusive platypus. When samples of the platypus were first sent back to the British Museum in the 19th century, the curators believed it was an elaborate hoax and that explorers had joined the remains of a duck to a beaver.

Accommodations:	Cradle Mountain Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Exploring the wonderful Cradle Mountain National Park.
(Wednesday, March 5)

Breakfast:	At accommodation. At dawn, before breakfast, we can embark on another excursion to try and find the platypus if last night's efforts failed.
Morning:	This morning we have a half-day guided walk around the beautiful Dove Lake. On this walk we will also explore the historic Waldheim Chalet.
Lunch:	We return to our accommodation for lunch.
Afternoon:	This afternoon is free for you to relax and soak up the natural beauty. You leader will be able to assist those of you wishing to walk further. There is ample opportunity to embark on additional walks along the Cradle Valley and/or along King Billy Walk.
Dinner:	Dinner tonight is at our accommodation.

Accommodations:	Cradle Mountain Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Coach to Strahan / Nature & history cruise on the Gordon River
(Thursday, March 6)

Breakfast:	This morning we depart early from Cradle Mountain taking a boxed breakfast with us.
Morning:	We drive through to Strahan for our cruise on the Gordon River - a World Heritage Listed area of temperate rainforest and mountain crags. The area is the site of one of Australia's longest-running and most successful environmental protests.
Lunch:	We have lunch on board the cruise vessel.
Afternoon:	Our cruise continues with an exploration of Tasmania's notorious convict past as we visit the ruins of a former convict gaol on Sarah Island and discover the harsh conditions endured by those sentenced there. The remainder of the afternoon is free for us to explore the delightful historic fishing village of Strahan at leisure.
Dinner:	We have dinner tonight at our accommodation.
Evening:	The evening is free to relax at leisure.

Accommodations:	Strahan Village
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Drive through the World Heritage wilderness en route to Hobart / Walk in Lake St Clair National Park
(Friday, March 7)

Breakfast:	We have breakfast at our accommodation.
Morning:	This morning we drive through the wilderness bound for Lake St Clair National Park. We will have a guided walk in the park en route.
Lunch:	We will have lunch at the Lake St Clair Lodge.
Afternoon:	En route to Hobart we visit the Wall in the Wilderness � an an inspirational tale carved from the mountains and rivers of the Central Highlands of Tasmania. The area is surrounded by wilderness and is full of mining heritage which highlights days gone by when Queenstown was a thriving gold and copper town. We carry on to our hotel in Hobart.
Dinner:	We have dinner at our accommodation.

Accommodations:	Mercure Hotel Hobart
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Day at leisure in Hobart.
(Saturday, March 8)

Breakfast:	We have breakfast in our hotel
Morning:	We have an early morning guided walk around Hobart's historic Battery Point precinct. After that, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore Tasmania's compact capital at leisure. Perhaps you will join in the fun of the Salamanca Markets in Hobart's historic quarter; perhaps you will head off and visit Hobart's newest attraction, the cutting-edge Museum of Old & New Art and finish in the winery and brewery also located on-site; perhaps you will walk up Mount Wellington for its panoramic outlook. The day is yours to do as you see fit.
Lunch:	Lunch is at own arrangements.
Afternoon:	This afternoon is free at leisure in Hobart.
Dinner:	Dinner is at own arrangements.
Evening:	This evening is free at leisure in Hobart.

Accommodations:	Mercure Hotel Hobart
Meals Included:	Breakfast

Day 9:

Maria Island walk / Bicheno Penguin Rookeries
(Sunday, March 9)

Breakfast:	We have breakfast at our hotel.
Morning:	This morning we leave Hobart and travel to board the Maria Island ferry at Triabunna. We board and cruise across the bay to stunning Maria Island - a formal penal colony known for its amazing scenery and abundant wildlife. On the island are Tasmanian kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and echidnas. The unique birdlife includes the endangered forty spotted pardalote, Cape Barren geese (the world�s second rarest breed), eagles and numerous sea bird species. On the island we will have a walking tour of the old Darlington settlement.
Lunch:	We will take a packed lunch with us to eat on the Island.
Afternoon:	This afternoon, depending on the conditions, we will walk to the Fossil Cliffs or Mount Bishop. After gaining an insight in to the Island's spectacular vistas, we take the ferry back to the mainland. We carry on to Swansea, on the edge of the Freycinet National Park, and check in to our accommodation.
Dinner:	We will have an early dinner at our accommodation.
Evening:	This evening we will travel through to Bicheno and visit the local penguin rookeries so we can get up and close to these delightful little creatures.

Accommodations:	Swansea Waterloo Inn
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Walking in Freycinet National Park / Wineglass Bay Lookout / Marine Farming
(Monday, March 10)

Breakfast:	We have breakfast at our accommodation.
Morning:	We take our coach through to Freycinet National Park and walk up to the lookout overlooking Wineglass Bay, one of Tasmania�s iconic destinations and most memorable vistas.
Lunch:	We have a BBQ lunch as we take in the scenery at Freycinet Lodge.
Afternoon:	This afternoon we take a walk to Cape Tourville lighthouse for another spectacular scenic spot. We then have a field trip at the Freycinet Marine Farm where we learn about the local aquaculture industry.
Dinner:	We return to Swansea for dinner and an evening to relax.

Accommodations:	Swansea Waterloo Inn
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Fly to Melbourne to start out on Australia's iconic Great Ocean Road.
(Tuesday, March 11)

Breakfast:	We have breakfast at our hotel.
Morning:	This morning we dash to Hobart Domestic Airport for our flight to Melbourne.
Lunch:	We will have lunch at a local cafe en route to the Great Ocean Road.
Afternoon:	This afternoon we travel to the Great Ocean Road via Torquay and Bell's Beach, famous for the world surfing titles held there each Easter. We will pause and stand under the Memorial Arch on the Great Ocean Road where we will learn about the history of the Great Ocean Road - built mainly with picks and shovels by returned soldiers from WWI and dedicated to all those who died in battle. We will pause to view koalas in the gum trees by the ocean at Kennett River. We will have a short orientation walk in Apollo Bay on arrival.
Dinner:	We will have dinner at our accommodation.

Accommodations:	Comfort Inn, The International
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:

Walking Exploration of Cape Otway - history, native fauna & indigenous archaeology
(Wednesday, March 12)

Breakfast:	We have breakfast at our accommodation.
Morning:	This morning we begin our exploration of the Great Ocean Road with a guided tour of Australia's oldest mainland lighthouse. En route to the lighthouse we will gain another opportunity to hopefully view the koala in their natural habitat. We will have a walk to the scenic lookout and the historic Signal Station.
Lunch:	We will have a packed lunch or pause at a local cafe.
Afternoon:	We will have a guided visit to the Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology where we will see koalas and wallabies being rehabilitated and also learn of the vulnerability of the tiger quoll (often called the Australian native cat). We will then have a lecture and guided walk on Indigenous archaeology along a section of the Great Ocean Walk.
Dinner:	Dinner tonight is at own arrangements in Apollo Bay with an evening to explore independently.

Accommodations:	Comfort Inn, The International
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13:

The Great Ocean Walk
(Thursday, March 13)

Breakfast:	We will have breakfast at our accommodation.
Morning:	Today we will have a half-day guided walk along the Great Ocean Walk experiencing spectacular coastal views in a pristine environment.
Lunch:	We will have a BBQ lunch today at Bimbi Park nestled within unique coastal manna gums abounding in koalas.
Afternoon:	We return along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay and have some time at leisure.
Dinner:	Dinner this evening is at own arrangements.

Accommodations:	Comfort Inn, The International
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14:

Melba Gully & The 12 Apostles
(Friday, March 14)

Breakfast:	We will have breakfast at our accommodation before departing Apollo Bay.
Morning:	This morning we have a guided walk in magnificent rainforest at Melba Gully in the Great Otway National Park. We will have another field trip to the Gables Lookout from where we gain spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and Shipwreck Coast.
Lunch:	We will have a packed lunch en route to Port Campbell.
Afternoon:	Upon arriving in Port Campbell we will explore the magnificent Port Campbell National Park with guided walks to Loch Ard Gorge and the historic Gibson Steps.
Dinner:	We will have dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Evening:	This evening we will return to have a sunset viewing of the 12 Apostles.

Accommodations:	Great Ocean Road Motor Inn
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15:

Completing the Great Ocean Road
(Saturday, March 15)

Breakfast:	We will have breakfast at our accommodation.
Morning:	Today we travel to Warnambool and the historic fishing village of Port Fairy. We will explore Griffith Island, home to over 10,000 short-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds).
Lunch:	We will have lunch at a local cafe.
Afternoon:	This afternoon we explore the spectacular Bay of Islands Coastal Park. We will walk with emus and kangaroos at the Tower Hill State Game Reserve. We return to Warrnambool for our final night of the program.
Dinner:	We will have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:	This evening we will say our farewells and do our final pack before our early morning transfer through to Melbourne Airport.

Accommodations:	Comfort Inn Western Warrnambool
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16:

Depart from Melbourne Airport to the USA.
(Sunday, March 16)

Breakfast:

We have a very early start with our breakfast packs as we race to get to Melbourne Airport for our flight home.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

13 nights accommodations
35 meals: 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 10 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 2
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 26
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Flights during the program: 2
Flights during the program

Flights during the program that are included in the program price for all participants.
Visas: 1 (out of 1 required)

Plus these special experiences...

Walk deep in Tasmania's pristine and rugged wilderness as we explore Mole Creek Karst, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks.
Walk sections of Victoria's fabulous and spectacular Great Ocean Walk in the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks along the Shipwreck Coast.
Meet the unique Australian fauna - keep an eye out for the wombat, tasmanian devil, platypus, echidna and koala.
Learn about Tasmania�s history, from its original settlement by aboriginal people to its time as a penal colony.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Walking and standing two hours per day; some stairs. Elevations of 3,500 feet.

Date Specific Information

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology � listening devices � on this date.

Itinerary Summary

Overnight flight from the U.S.A.

1 night

Cross International Dateline

1 night

Arrival Melbourne

Flight to Launceston

1 night

Coach to Cradle Mountain National Park

2 nights

Coach to Strahan

1 night

Coach to Hobart

2 nights

Coach to Freycinet National Park

2 nights

Flight to Melbourne

Coach to Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay)

3 nights

Coach to Great Ocean Road (Port Campbell)

1 night

Thrill in the beauty of Australia�s coastline during walks along Great Ocean Road, an Australian National Heritage site. See koalas and wallabies at Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology, and explore the rainforest of Great Otway and Port Campbell national parks.

Coach to Warrnambool

1 night

Departure

Marvel at more than 10,000 Short-tailed Shearwaters on Griffith Island, and walk with emus and kangaroos at the Tower Hill State Game Reserve.

Australia

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

And included with all Road Scholar programs: