Explore the Great Ocean Road on an unforgettable day trip from Melbourne. See Victoria’s stunning coastline. On this trip, you’ll visit the best bits of the region, including the coastline and seaside towns like Apollo Bay, as well as one of our faves: Loch Ard Gorge.
Join our 1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour and see pristine beaches and spectacular views that will blow your mind. This guided tour has commentary as you wind your way along a scenic route through ancient rainforests and their ecosystems. Keep an eye out for wild koalas in their natural habitat and soak up the coastal scenery that makes this drive so famous. Our guides will show you the sights and let you know about any park entrance fees. This day tour is the perfect mix of adventure, learning and natural wonder!
Tour Inclusions
- Entrance fees for national parks
- Sightings of Australian wildlife
- An experienced guide
- Comfortable transport in air-conditioned coaches
- Specific pick-up and drop-off locations within the city
Highlights
- Take a memorable photograph at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.
- Wander through the delightful streets of scenic coastal towns.
- Keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, and various Australian wildlife!
- Enjoy a lunch break (at your own expense) in Apollo Bay.
- Discover the captivating history and breathtaking beauty of Loch Ard Gorge.
Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary
Come along for the ride as we cruise along Victoria’s stunning coastal route. We’ll start in the morning, leave Melbourne, and head to the Shipwrecks Coast.
The first scenic stop will be the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, where you can get a quick photo at the start of the Great Ocean Road, the longest war memorial in the world.
Then, we’ll head to the charming laid-back coastal town of Apollo Bay, where you’ll have an hour to wander around and have lunch (at your own expense).
We’ll then enter the beautiful Great Otway National Park. Keep an eye out for koalas in the tall eucalyptus trees as we drive through this gorgeous landscape. We’ll also take a short walk through the Great Otway Rainforest National Park.
Be prepared to be blown away by one of the highlights of the day: the 12 Apostles at sunset. These stunning rock formations are stunning from the viewing platform.
Then, we’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, where you can learn about the shipwrecks and hear some amazing survival stories that add to the place’s atmosphere.
On the way back to Melbourne, we’ll stop in Colac, where you can have dinner (at your own expense).
Leave Melbourne
After Melbourne, we head to the Surf Coast, where we drive through the beautiful coastal towns of Anglesea, Lorne and Airey’s Inlet. We stop for morning tea and enjoy the sea breeze while watching surfers catch the waves. The Antarctic waters explain why everyone wears a wetsuit as you can feel the cold water with your toes.
Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
We will stop at the Great Ocean Road monument, which marks the start of the Great Ocean Road. We will take some photos at the famous Memorial Arch and learn about the soldiers who built this road in memory of their mates who didn’t return. Then, we will continue on through more stunning views and stop for photos along the way.
Search for Australian flora and fauna
Stop for Lunch in Apollo Bay
Rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park
The Twelve Apostles
Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast
Back to Melbourne
Pickup Times
- 6:55 AM: Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 7:00 AM – Ibis on Therry, 15-21 Therry St, Melbourne
- 7:05 AM: Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A'Beckett St, Melbourne
- 7:10 AM: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:15 AM: Windsor Hotel, 111 Spring St, Melbourne (Exclusive to Hotel Guests)
- 7:25 AM: The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:35 AM: Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne
- 7:40 - Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
*It is strongly recommended that you arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure time. Please be patient and do not panic if your bus is running a few minutes late. If your bus has not picked you up within 10 minutes of your departure time, then contact our office on 03 9393 1300
What To Pack
- Water Bottle - 2L
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Prescribed medications
- Camera
- All-weather clothing
- A sense of adventure!
- Binoculars for bird watching
Pricing
Great Ocean Road and Rainforest 1 Day Tour: $150 Adult (13+), $120 Child (0 to 12)
If you’re keen on travelling to the Great Ocean Road on a private tour with just your friends or family we can help take you there. You can create your own tailor-made Melbourne trip or follow our itinerary. Contact our charters team for more information on [email protected].
Gallery
What To Bring
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Tropical strength insect repellent
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes/boots
- Camera
- Money for lunch and snacks (alternatively BYO as we will have an eski onboard for chilled items)
- Small day bag
- Hand sanitiser
Important Notes
- This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- COVID-19 – together we can stop the spread, please seek medical attention and stay at home if you are feeling unwell
- Remember to double-check your exciting tour plans with the tour operator! Just ring them at 03 9393 1300 within seven days of your departure.
- Before you embark on your adventure, let the tour perform the operator's pre-existing medical conditions.
Check Availability & Book
FAQ
What time does the tour leave and get back?
Leaves Melbourne in the morning and gets back around 8:30 PM.
Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish?
Starts in Torquay 104km from Melbourne and goes to Allansford 244km. We recommend going to Warrnambool the biggest town along the way.
What are the top highlights?
Top highlights include the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
When to visit?
If you like warmer weather, best time to visit is September to April. During this time you can expect sunny weather with temperatures 16-25°C (60-77°F).
How hard is the Great Ocean Road Walk?
Rated from “moderate” to “difficult” with short steep climbs and uneven tracks. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and some walking experience.
How long is the 12 Apostles' walk?
This route is 100km long and will show you Australia’s highest coastal cliffs, historic shipwrecks and deserted beaches. Something new to see around every corner.
Do I need a 4WD to drive on the Great Ocean Road?
A 4WD is not required to drive the Great Ocean Road. A standard rental car will do. If you’re solo, with a friend, or don’t want to plan your trip, consider a guided tour.
Is it worth it?
For many Melburnians, a guided tour of the Great Ocean Road is necessary. As with most Australian cities, it’s worth getting out of the city.
Will we see Australian wildlife on the tour?
Yes. The tour will stop along the Great Ocean Road to see koalas and other Australian wildlife in the wild.