FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Go West Melbourne Tours

Is there a charging port for my phone on the bus?

Our touring vehicles are not equipped with charging ports, but there are a couple of ports at the front of the bus. If you’re running low and haven’t brought a power bank or other portable charger with you, please ask you guide & they will be happy to assist.

 

How does the audio translation app work?

Our translation app is extremely user-friendly. Just download it to your phone or other device, open the app, select your preferred language and your tour destination and the tour information is all there for you to read and/or listen to. The information is presented in chronological order as you progress through the tour, so you can’t go wrong. Guests consistently tell us how easy the app is to use, so we’re sure you’ll find it equally simple to follow.

 

Do I need to bring my own headphones for the translation?

Yes, please bring your earphones along if you wish to listen to the translated information. Many users of the app prefer just to read the information in text form, so if you wish to do this you won‘t require headphones or earphones.

 

Is the onboard Wi-Fi unlimited?

Yes, our onboard Wi-Fi is the best available through Australia’s premier network. It is unlimited and our speeds are not throttled, so you’ll be able to access smooth & consistent Wi-Fi throughout your journey.

 

Can I choose my seat on the bus?

Seating is not allocated in advance and is generally available on a first-come basis. If you have a specific requirement or concern, please let your guide know on the day and they’ll do their best to assist. Guests who would like a wider choice of seating may wish to join the tour at one of our earlier pickup locations — please contact our office if you’d like advice on this.

 

Are there toilets on the bus?

Our touring vehicles are not equipped with onboard toilets, so we carefully plan our itineraries to ensure regular comfort stops for our guests and our guiding team.

 

Can I take photos of the penguins at Phillip Island?

Photography at the Penguin Parade is not permitted after dusk. As darkness falls, the ranger staff will ask all attendees to ensure their cameras, phones etc are put away. No form of photography is permitted once the penguins begin to come ashore. This is for the protection & wellbeing of the penguins. Hi-res imagery of the penguins is available at no cost from the Penguin Parade webpage. Please just ask your guide for assistance if you have any trouble locating the online images.

 

What is the difference between the “Day” and “Sunset” Great Ocean Road tours?

Both tours showcase the highlights of the Great Ocean Road, but they offer a different feel. The Day Tour focuses on daylight coastal views, while the Sunset Tour is designed around arriving at the Twelve Apostles at sunset for a more dramatic and atmospheric finale. The only significant destination included in the day tour that is not included in the sunset tour is the guided rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park.

 

Will I get to walk on the beach at the Twelve Apostles?

No — there is no beach access at the Twelve Apostles. The area is viewed from purpose-built clifftop platforms that offer spectacular coastal views. Depending on conditions and timing, our tours may include beach access at nearby coastal sites like Gibson Steps.

 

Can I book a helicopter flight during the Great Ocean Road tour?

Yes, helicopter flights are available as an optional upgrade on our Great Ocean Road tours, subject to availability and suitable weather conditions. If you’re interested in taking a helicopter light, we recommend having a chat with your tour guide early in your tour, as they will be able to assist with arranging your booking.

 

Is the Puffing Billy train ride a full trip or a segment?

The Puffing Billy experience included on our half-day Puffing Billy tour is a one-way journey from Belgrave to Lakeside, with a travel time of approximately 50 minutes.

 

On our Puffing Billy & Redwoods tour, the train journey is a shorter 30-minute one-way trip from Belgrave to Menzies Creek. While shorter in duration, this section of the Puffing Billy Railway is often considered one of the most scenic along the line.

 

How much hiking is actually involved in the Grampians tour?

Our Grampians tour is designed to be accessible to a wide range of guests. The walks included are short and manageable, with none considered particularly challenging. The longest walk is approximately 30 minutes return to its starting point. We’d summarise the required mobility level as “You don’t need to be very fit to enjoy this tour, but you wouldn’t want to be very unfit”.

 

Is it much colder at the Penguin Parade than in Melbourne?

Yes — It can feel significantly cooler at the Penguin Parade than in Melbourne, particularly in the evening. The coastal location and sea breeze can make temperatures feel much colder, even on warmer days. We strongly recommend bringing warm, windproof layers.

 

Should I bring a reusable water bottle?

While not essential, we do recommend bringing a reusable water bottle. Melbourne’s tap water is some of the very best in the world, so there is no need to purchase bottled water, and using your own reusable bottle is much better for the environment.

 

Are there vegan or gluten-free food options at the lunch stops?

All of the locations where we stop for meals will have vegan and gluten free meal options. While the range of choices in regional Victoria may not be terribly extensive, you won’t go hungry if you have specific dietary requirements.

 

Can I bring a tripod for my camera?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a camera tripod. As long as it folds down small enough to fit inside a standard day pack, it can be comfortably accommodated on the tour.

 

What happens if I’m 5 minutes late for my pickup?

If you think you may be running late for your pickup, please contact us as soon as possible. In some cases, we may be able to direct you to a later pickup point along the guide’s route. While we do our best to be accommodating, our tours run to a schedule and we can’t delay departures indefinitely, as this would impact other guests. If necessary, our Operations team may direct the guide to continue to the next pickup, or depart the tour without latecomers.

 

Why do you need to see my ID and credit card when I board?

We don’t. Alternate question below:

 

Will you need to see my ID and credit card when I board?

In most cases, we won’t need to see your ID or credit card when you board. As long as you’re at the correct pickup location, on time, and booked under the right name, we’ll be happy to welcome you on board. We may only request ID if there’s genuine uncertainty around a booking and we’re unable to locate you on our guest manifest.

 

Can I change the date of my tour after booking?

Yes, you can change the date of your tour, provided the request is made at least 24 hours before departure and is subject to availability. Changes made within this window are free of charge. For requests made within 24 hours of departure, changes may not be possible. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible if you need assistance.

 

Do you offer a discount if I book more than one tour?

We have a range of discounts available for guests that purchase more than one of our sightseeing tours. Please visit our Special Offers page to explore what’s currently available.

 

How do I use the “Exclusive Discounts” e-book I received?

Your Exclusive Discounts e-book contains a selection of special offers from our trusted partners. Simply follow the instructions listed with each offer — this may involve showing the relevant page on your phone, entering a promo code when booking, or presenting the offer in person at the venue.

 

Can I bring my own child car seat?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own child car seat. Please ensure it complies with Australian safety standards and be sure let us know in advance so we can confirm it will be suitable for use in our vehicles.

 

What is your “Service Animal” policy?

We welcome accredited service animals on our tours. Service animals must be trained to assist a person with a disability and comply with relevant Australian regulations. As space and vehicle configurations can vary, we ask that you contact us in advance so we can confirm suitability and make any necessary arrangements. It is important to note that some destinations on our tours may not permit service animals in certain areas. For example, while the Phillip Island Penguin Parade welcomes service animals in the Visitor Centre, they are not permitted in the penguin viewing areas.

 

I have a “hidden disability”—how can the guide support me?

We understand that not all disabilities are visible, and we’re committed to creating a supportive and comfortable experience for all guests. If there’s anything that would help you enjoy your tour — such as seating preferences, pacing, or clear communication — we encourage you to let us know in advance or discreetly speak with your guide. Our guides are trained to be attentive, flexible, and respectful of individual needs.

 

Do I need travel insurance for a day trip?

While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for our day tours, we do recommend it. Travel insurance can provide valuable cover for unexpected situations such as illness, injury, or last-minute changes to your travel plans.

 

Do you offer private charters for weddings or corporate events?

Yes, we offer private charter services for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Our charters can be tailored to suit your group size, itinerary, and timing. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a personalised quote.

 

Can we customize the itinerary for a private group?

Yes, absolutely. Private group itineraries can be customised to suit your interests, timing, and group size. Whether you’re planning a relaxed sightseeing day, a special celebration, or a corporate event, our team will work with you to create an itinerary that fits.

 

Is there a discount for groups of 10 or more?

Group discounts may be available for bookings of 10 or more guests, depending on the tour destination and travel date. Please contact us with your group details and we’ll be happy to advise.