Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne
Great Ocean Road Day Tour with a visit to the 12 Apostles and other wonders of the Australian coast.
Briefing
The Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne is one of the best trips for exploring Australia’s southern coast. During this tour, you’ll travel along the famous Great Ocean Road, a scenic coastal highway that winds past cliffs, wild beaches, coastal towns, and eucalyptus forests.
Throughout the day, you’ll visit some of Victoria’s most iconic sites, such as the breathtaking 12 Apostles—a cluster of gigantic limestone formations rising from the ocean to create one of Australia’s most famous postcard views— and you’ll also pass through Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, and Loch Ard Gorge. Plus, you’ll be accompanied by an expert tour guide who will share the area’s history, its most famous shipwrecks, and interesting facts about Australian wildlife.
Why choose this tour?
- Travel along the majestic Great Ocean Road from Anglesea to Loch Ard Gorge.
- See the historic Memorial Arch and the famous Great Ocean Road sign—a perfect spot for photos.
- Enjoy a guided hike through an ancient rainforest in Great Otway National Park.
- Keep your eyes peeled for Australian wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Marvel at the views of Island Archway and The Razorback from the Great Ocean Road.
- Visit the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, surrounded by stunning cliffs.
- Admire the panoramic views from the 12 Apostles lookout in the warm afternoon light.
- Use a multilingual translation app to better follow the guide’s explanations.
And if you’d prefer to take this tour in reverse for a more relaxed and exclusive experience, check out the Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour with Lunch from Melbourne.
Tour details
Included
- Round-trip transportation from downtown Melbourne
- Expert Driver's Guide
- Entrance to Great Oatway National Park
- Morning tea or snack
- Onboard Wi-Fi (subject to availability)
- Multilingual translation app
Not included
- Lunch, dinner, and drinks
- Personal headphones for the translation app
Important information
- RESTRICTIONS: Tour suitable for all ages. The rainforest walk is easy, but we recommend wearing comfortable footwear.
- ITINERARY: The itinerary may vary depending on weather, traffic, or road conditions.
- CANCELLATIONS: The tour will operate in the rain unless extreme weather conditions make travel unsafe.
- WILDLIFE: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, although along the route you may have the chance to see native birds, koalas, kangaroos, or other animals in their natural habitat.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. After that time, or if you don’t show up, no refunds will be issued.
Tour itinerary
Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne
Duration: Approximately 13 hours.
Departure from Melbourne
You’ll start the tour in the morning with pickup at one of the designated locations in Melbourne. From there, you’ll head to Victoria’s south coast to begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most famous scenic routes. During the trip, the guide will tell you about the history of this coastal highway, and you’ll stop at the Memorial Arch, one of the most photographed spots along the route.
Visit to Apollo Bay and free time for lunch
You’ll continue along the coast until you reach Apollo Bay, a small coastal town surrounded by beaches, green hills, and natural landscapes. Here, you’ll have free time to grab lunch on your own, take a stroll along the waterfront, or simply relax before continuing on the tour.
A Walk Through the Forest of Great Otway National Park
Next, you’ll venture into Great Otway National Park, a temperate forest area that’s very different from the coastal landscape you saw this morning. You’ll take an easy walk among ferns, eucalyptus trees, and lush vegetation, and discover one of the greenest natural areas along the Great Ocean Road.
Viewpoints of the 12 Apostles
The next stop will be at the famous 12 Apostles, the most iconic site on the tour. From the lookouts, you’ll see these limestone formations rising out of the ocean, shaped over thousands of years by the wind and waves. You’ll have time to walk along the boardwalks and take photos of one of Australia’s most famous landscapes.
Visit to Loch Ard Gorge
Just a few minutes from the 12 Apostles, you’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, a spectacular gorge featuring cliffs, white sand, and turquoise waters. In addition to enjoying the views, you’ll learn about the history of the Loch Ard shipwreck, one of the most famous episodes along the so-called Shipwreck Coast.
Return to Melbourne with a stop for dinner
Once the tours are over, you’ll head back to Melbourne. Along the way, you’ll stop for dinner on your own and arrive in the city around 8:30 p.m., after a Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne.
What to bring to Great Ocean Road Day from Melbourne tour
The weather in the area can change quickly throughout the day, with wind along the coast and possible rain even on sunny days. Temperatures typically range from 10 to 18 ºC in winter and from 18 to 26 ºC in summer, so we recommend the following list of what to pack for a trip to the Great Ocean Road in Australia:
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cap or hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or cell phone with a charged battery
- Cash or card for meals and personal expenses
- Personal headphones if you want to use the translation app
Where does the tour Great Ocean Road Day from Melbourne start
This tour departs from the meeting point in Melbourne, which you'll reach via the shuttle service from select locations in downtown Melbourne.
Questions & Answers
What are the 12 Apostles?
The 12 Apostles are a group of limestone formations located off the coast of Port Campbell National Park, along the Great Ocean Road. Although there were originally more formations, only eight remain today. They are one of the most photographed sites in Australia because of their beauty, especially at sunrise or sunset.
What's the best way to see the 12 Apostles?
The best way to see the 12 Apostles is from the viewing platforms along the Great Ocean Road. From there, you'll enjoy one of the most famous views of Australia's southern coast.
Is there an admission fee to visit the 12 Apostles?
No. Admission to the 12 Apostles will be free and open to the public year-round.
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?
You could spend several days leisurely exploring the Great Ocean Road and discovering all the beauty of the coast and the Otway Forest. However, this one-day tour from Melbourne is designed to take you to the route’s must-see spots in a single day.
What is the maximum group size for the Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne?
The maximum group size is 38 people.
Will I be able to see koalas and kangaroos during the tour?
During the tour, you’ll have the chance to see koalas and kangaroos in the scrubland and forest areas near the Great Ocean Road. However, sightings are not guaranteed, as these are wild animals living in the wild.
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