The Great Ocean Road stretches for approximately 151 miles (about 243 kilometres) along the south-eastern coast of Australia, between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. Built by veteran soldiers and dedicated to fellow soldiers killed during World War I, this Australian National Heritage-listed road is the world's largest war memorial. An important tourist attraction in the region, the Great Ocean Road winds its way through diverse terrain along the coast and offers access to renowned landmarks, including the Twelve Apostles. Another highlight on this Mid -Voyage experience is a visit to Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula. Port Arthur was originally known for the former penal settlement, now it is an open-air museum. A visit here will give you insight into the life of the prisoners transported from England in the late 1700' and early 1800's. This panoramic, two-night overland adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the exquisite natural beauty, abundant flora and fauna, and iconic landmarks of these famous Victorian and Tasmanian coastlines. After disembarking the ship in Melbourne, take a helicopter flight-seeing excursion through a canyon of skyscrapers. From here, trace the route of the Great Ocean Road and enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the rugged coastline before touching down at Port Campbell National Park. Here, take a guided stroll along the boardwalks and marvel at the Twelve Apostles. Walk down to the wild beach, which is flanked by towering limestone cliffs at Loch Ard Gorge, and marvel at the cliffs and giant limestone stacks rising from the sea at Gibson Steps. You can also take an optional nature trek en route to the Shipwreck Walk and Razorback, or visit to the historic cemetery. Next, drive along the Great Ocean Road and through the rainforests of Great Otway National Park. After lunch at a restaurant in Apollo Bay, stop at the Kennett River to look for wild koalas, kangaroos, and colourful rosellas and parrots, then visit Teddy's Lookout for stunning panoramic vistas from high above the coast. En route to your hotel, stop at the world-renowned surfing hub of Bells Beach to watch local surfers catch a wave. Following check-in, dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast at the RACV Torquay Resort, check-out, drive to the Bellerine Peninsula and take a stroll through Queenscliff Village. Next, proceed for a guided tour, tasting and lunch at the Terindah Estate, a picturesque, boutique winery. After lunch, transfer to Melbourne Airport for your scheduled flight to Hobart, then transfer to the Macq 01 Hotel for check-in, dinner and an overnight stay. Your first stop on the Tasman Peninsula will be your 'Tassie Wilderness Cruise'. Along the way, ride beneath towering sea cliffs and explore waterfalls, rock formations, archways and deep-sea caves. The coastline is part of Tasman National Park, and home to a variety of wildlife that includes playful dolphin, migrating whales, hundreds of seals and thousands of seabirds. Following your 'Tassie Wilderness Cruise', proceed for lunch at the 'Gabriel's on the Bay' restaurant. After lunch, proceed to the historic site of Port Arthur where you will take a guided walking tour of the city, with some free time for independent shopping and exploration. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Three with a scenic drive to Hobart. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and embark the ship.
Escape to the Great Ocean Road
Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights
Departs from: Melbourne
Re-join ship: Hobart
Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.
Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
VISA INFORMATION:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Australia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The local currency is the Australian Dollar; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in larger shops and hotels (shopping stops are planned during the program).
Discover the exquisite natural beauty, abundant flora and fauna, and iconic landmarks along the Great Ocean Road and Tasman Peninsula during this panoramic, two-night overland excursion.
DAY ONE - Sunday, December 8, 2019 - Melbourne/Great Ocean Road/Torquay
Transfer to Melbourne, and a helicopter flight-seeing tour through a canyon of skyscrapers
After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to the heart of Melbourne. Receive your safety instructions, then board your awaiting helicopter, lift-off and take to the skies before flying through a canyon of skyscrapers.
Fly along the route of the Great Ocean Road en route to Port Campbell National Park
Leaving Melbourne, trace the route of the Great Ocean Road and marvel at the views of the rugged coastline before touching down at Port Campbell National Park. The park is famous for its extraordinary collection of wave-sculpted rock formations, including the majestic Twelve Apostles, one of Australia's most spectacular natural attractions
Take a guided stroll along the boardwalks, and enjoy exquisite views of the Twelve Apostles
Join your guide for a walk along the boardwalks, which offer iconic views of these famed rock stacks rising up majestically from the Southern Ocean.
Walk down to the wild beach, which is flanked by towering limestone cliffs at Loch Ard Gorge
Next, descend the steps to the wild beach flanked by towering limestone cliffs at Loch Ard Gorge, and hear the tails of tragedy and survival that occurred along the infamous Shipwreck Coast.
Marvel at the cliffs and giant limestone stacks rising from the sea at the Gibson Steps
Marvel at the approximately 230-foot-high (about 70-metre-high) vertical cliffs, and two giant limestone stacks rising out of the sea at the Gibson Steps.
Optional nature trek en route to the Shipwreck Walk and Razorback, or visit to the historic cemetery
You may also opt to stroll the trails to explore the Shipwreck Walk and Razorback, or visit the historic cemetery.
Drive along the Great Ocean Road, and through the rainforests of Great Otway National Park
Re-board your coach and proceed along the Great Ocean Road, and through the towering rainforests of Great Otway National Park before arriving at the seaside town of Apollo Bay.
Lunch at a leading restaurant in Apollo Bay
Enjoy a two-course lunch with locally-sourced produce at one of the leading restaurants in the region.
Stop at the Kennett River to look for wild koalas, kangaroos, and colourful rosellas and parrots
After lunch, continue along the winding road. A stop is made at Kennett River to see wild koalas and kangaroos among the eucalyptus trees, and the colourful Australian rosellas and parrots that frequent the area.
Visit Teddy's Lookout for stunning panoramic vistas from high above the coast
A stop is also made at Teddy's Lookout. From here, take in stunning panoramic vistas from the platforms high above the coast, where the St. George River empties into a small cove; look for seals and dolphins in the waters below.
Stop at the world-renowned surfing hub of Bells Beach to watch local surfers catch a wave
Leaving Teddy's Lookout, head for a brief stop to watch local surfers catch a wave at Bells Beach, one of the most famous surf breaks in Australia. This is where the world's top surfers converge each year to tackle waves of up to 16.4 feet (about five metres) in the longest-running and most prestigious surfing contest in the world, the Rip Curl Easter Pro.
Transfer to the RACV Torquay Resort for check-in and some free time
Leaving Bells Beach, transfer to the RACV Torquay Resort for check-in and some time to freshen-up before dinner. The 4-star RACV Torquay boasts stunning ocean views, a gym, pool, and spa that are ideal for relaxing and unwinding after the adventures of the day.
Dinner at the Number One restaurant
Dinner is served at the hotel's Number One restaurant (guests may opt to dine alone or as a group).
Overnight in an Ocean View Room at the RACV Torquay Resort - Torquay
Please note: The Loch Arc Gorge Lookout has about 20 steps and this experience is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges. The first viewing area at Loch Arch Gorge is approximately 65 feet (about 20 metres) from the designated accessible car park. This path is sealed, approximately 5.6 feet (about 1.7 metres) wide and leads to a small viewing area overlooking the Gorge. The path beyond this lookout leads to steps, and does not offer good viewing opportunities.
DAY TWO - Monday, December 9, 2019 - Torquay/Melbourne/Hobart
Optional beach stroll, tennis or swimming before breakfast
Wake early for a leisurely stroll on the beach, spot of tennis or swim at the resort's inviting, approximately 82-foot (about 25-metre) pool, and enjoy a buffet breakfast served from 6 a.m.
Breakfast, check-out, a drive to the Bellerine Peninsula and stroll through Queenscliff Village
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guided and depart for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the historic maritime village of Queenscliff, located on the Bellarine Peninsula. Upon arrival, take a self-guided stroll along Hesse Street. Marvel at the heritage architecture, art galleries and boutique stores, or grab a coffee at one of the independent cafes.
Lunch at the Terindah Estate, a picturesque, boutique winery
Next, re-board your coach and transfer to the picturesque, boutique winery, Terindah Estate. Upon arrival, proceed for a guided walking tour and wine tasting experience, followed by a two-course lunch overlooking the vineyards.
Transfer to Melbourne Airport for your scheduled flight to Hobart
After lunch, depart for the 1.5-hour transfer to Melbourne Airport, and a scheduled, approximately 75-minute flight to Hobart.
Hotel transfer and some free time
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the Macq 01 Hotel for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner.
Dinner is at the hotel's Old Wharf restaurant.
Overnight in a Standard Room at the Macq 01 Hotel - Hobart
DAY THREE - Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - Hobart/Port Arthur/Hobart
Breakfast, check-out, and a transfer to Port Arthur via outer-Hobart and Tasman National Park
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Tasman Peninsula. En route, travel through the outer suburbs of Hobart and Tasman National Park.
Tassie Wilderness Cruise
Upon arrival, check-in for your first activity, an award-winning Tassie Wilderness Cruise via RIB-boat. Your route travels beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar. Explore waterfalls, rock formations, archways and deep-sea caves. The coastline is part of Tasman National Park, and home to a variety of wildlife including hundreds of seals, migrating whales and thousands of seabirds.
Bird-, wildlife- and dolphin-watching along the spectacular coastline of the Tasman Peninsula
At any time of year, you're likely to see the feeding frenzy of diving gannets, albatross and sea eagles wheeling on the wind, cliff-nesting cormorants and peregrine falcons, or a pod of playful dolphins surfing the bow-wave of the boat. The custom-built, yellow boats are ideal for viewing the spectacular coastline and wildlife of the Tasman Peninsula.
Lunch at the Gabriel's on the Bay restaurant
Following your cruise, disembark your RIB-boat, re-board your coach and proceed for a casual lunch at the nearby Gabriel's on the Bay restaurant.
Guided walking tour of Port Arthur, with some free time for independent shopping and exploration
After lunch, transfer to historic Port Arthur, a 19th-century penal settlement. It is now an open-air museum, with ruins that include the huge penitentiary and the remaining shell of the Convict Church, which was built by inmates. During your exclusive walking tour of the site, visit many of the ruins and maybe even see the solitary confinement cells in the separate prison building, which were used to inflict mental punishment in place of floggings. Following your tour, some free time is made available for independent exploration.
Transfer to the pier and ship
At the conclusion of your visit, depart for the approximately 1.5-hour transfer to the port in Hobart. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles-2.5 miles (about two kilometres-four kilometres) per day, at times over uneven, rocky, sandy, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, board/de-board the airplane and helicopter, embark/disembark the RIB-boat, 20 steps at the Loch Arc Gorge Lookout and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking and beach shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, a sweater or light jacket, raingear, swimwear, a camera, towel and approximately one-quart (about one-litre) water bottle from the ship; some pants and long sleeves are recommended for the evening, as it can be windy along the Great Ocean Road. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Airlines restrict baggage to one bag at approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) per person; hand-luggage cannot exceed 15.4 pounds (about seven kilograms) in weight, and smaller aircraft may be utilised (at the discretion of the airline). Additional bags can be checked in at the service desk, and the fee is payable at the check-in counter at the time of booking.
Programme Includes:
- One-night stay in an Ocean View Room at the RACV Torquay Resort - Great Ocean Road
- One-night stay in a Standard Room at the Macq 01 Hotel - Hobart
- Scheduled flight: Melbourne/Hobart (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
- Two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners with drinks included
- Panoramic, 15-minute helicopter flight-seeing tour over skyscrapers, the Twelve Apostles and Great Ocean Road
- Twelve Apostles boardwalk stroll
- Limestone cliffs at Loch Ard Gorge
- Giant limestone stacks at Gibson's Steps
- Optional stroll along the trails to explore the Shipwreck Walk and Razorback, or visit the historic cemetery
- Lunch at Gabriel's on the Bay restaurant - Apollo Bay
- Photo stops at the Kennett River and Teddy's Lookout
- Search for wild koalas, kangaroos, birds, parrots, and dolphin
- Stop to watch surfers ride the waves at Bells Beach
- Optional beach stroll, tennis or swimming before breakfast (on your own) - Day Two
- Guided tour, wine tasting and a two-course lunch with wine at the Terindah Estate
- Tassie Wilderness Cruise - Port Arthur
- Lunch at the Gabriel's on the Bay restaurant - Port Arthur
- Exclusive walking tour, with some free time for independent exploration - Port Arthur
- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items. All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect. All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.