Our chief guide is Mike Raetz, a geologist, with a passion for the local landscape and understanding how it evolved. All landscape and geological surfaces tell a story, he says, from their initial formation to change over time by the elements and human occupation.
Tours are comfortable and safe, with most stops only a short walk to viewing areas. We are also mindful of rest stops for your comfort.
Our personalised tours, with a maximum of four passengers, are designed to enhance your experience and knowledge. Your accommodation in Port Fairy is self-contained and private.
Our vehicles presently include a large SUV VW Touareg and BMW station wagon.
SUV VW Touareg
Mike & Marjorie
BMW station wagon
About us
Geotours is based in Port Fairy specialising in escorted travel along the western Great Ocean Road and it’s volcanic hinterland. Our “Great Ocean Road and Port Fairy Explorer” tour plus accommodation package being a highlight.
Destinations include some of the most breathtaking scenery on the coast west of Port Campbell, The Bay of Islands and the extinct volcano and wildlife reserve of Tower Hill.
As a Regional Rail Linked Tour Operator we are helping more travellers experience our beautiful region, and as geologists we specialise in telling the story of how landforms are created. But a Geotour experience will also include ecology, local history and culture.
Your hosts are Mike and Marjorie Raetz. Marjorie comes from the Western District and has worked as a nurse in many parts of Australia. Mike was an exploration geologist then a university Research Fellow before moving to Broken Hill. There they restored an 1880’s hotel into a Four Star Bed and Breakfast. So we understand hospitality, he says, combining this now with his passion for “surfaces with a story” along the western Great Ocean Road and its’ volcanic hinterland.
What our clients say about us:
Toni Jordan, Easter 2019: We travelled with geologist Mike, who was very experienced and knowledgeable about the Port Fairy region. The tour was a highlight of our trip: great fun, and a fascinating glimpse of the science underlying this beautiful coast. Five stars, best of luck!
Our Logo
The design elements of the Geotours logo are derived from Mount Napier, a large volcano north of Port Fairy. The erupting smoke tells of past eruptions. The lower yellow shape represents the limestone pillars of the 12 Apostles.
maar design
Geotours’ brand was created by Jo Condon, a local geologist, artist and designer, who runs a small, creative business called Maar Design in Melbourne.
FLO IT & ENTERTAINMENT
Our website is designed by Florian Lindemann, a german web-designer, I.T. Specialist and musician from Port Fairy.