Escape the crowds and experience the Great Ocean Road at your own pace on this 2 day adventure. Watch the sunset over the 12 Apostles, stand among the tallest trees on Earth, explore an extinct volcano, and search for koalas, kangaroos, emus and echidna. Walk a section of the Great Ocean Walk, stay at a local brewery and soak up the Surf Coast vibe and beaches—this is just the beginning of what this trip has in store for you.
Join a 2 day tour and experience the best of the Great Ocean Road, with beautiful beaches, ancient rainforest and charming coastal towns. This trip is perfect for everyone. Guided by friendly tour guides who love sharing their knowledge of the area’s native wildlife and landscapes. With flexible operating days, you can choose the best time to start this scenic drive and take in some of Australia’s most stunning coastal roads. Discover hidden gems in coastal towns, relax in the peaceful atmosphere, and make memories on your private tour of one of the world’s most famous coastal routes.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a more leisurely exploration of the Great Ocean Road away from the crowds.
- Witness the beautiful view of the 12 Apostles at sunset.
- Discover iconic landmarks along the Great Ocean Road that regular tours may overlook.
- Venture into an extinct volcano teeming with native Australian wildlife.
- Participate in a guided tour of Indigenous history and experience bush tucker.
- Stay in a boutique brewery (dormitory style) and savour their delicious craft beers.
- Hike a segment of the scenic Great Ocean Walk.
- Experience the stunning limestone monoliths and coastline from pristine beach level at Gibson Steps.
- Capture picture-perfect moments among the towering Redwoods of the Otways.
- Visit renowned surf beaches along the Surf Coast.
- Look out for whales during the migration season (May to October).
- Optionally, try Australia’s only Zip Coaster (available as an add-on).
Great Ocean Road & Otway Forest Itinerary
Day 1: Melbourne - Port Campbell
We start our day with a scenic drive through the old lava fields of western Victoria to the lovely coastal town of Warrnambool. We’ll take a detour to Tower Hill, home to Australia’s most recent volcano and plenty of Aussie wildlife. Join a Worn Gundidj guided walk to learn about the traditional lifestyle of Australia’s Indigenous people and bush tucker and medicinal plants. Then we’ll drive the Great Ocean Road in reverse, starting with the Shipwreck Coast, visiting the Bay of Islands, The Grotto, London Bridge and the village of Port Campbell. Dinner tonight is at Sow & Piglets Brewery, and we finish the day at the 12 Apostles at sunset.
Meals: Dinner
Accom: Port Campbell Hostel or similar
Driving Distance: 340km
Hike Distance: 2km.
Day 2: Port Campbell - Melbourne
Day 2, we start with a descent down the stairs to the beach at Loch Ard Gorge before the crowds arrive and get a unique perspective on this popular spot. Then, we’ll walk a section of the Great Ocean Walk and head to the famous beach at the Apostles via Gibson Steps and then into the Otway rainforest. Here, hidden from the usual tracks, the Redwoods of the Otways will blow your mind, the tallest and second tallest tree species in the world standing side by side. We’ll then hit the road again and continue our coastal drive with stops in the lovely towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne, where you can really get into the Aussie beach town vibe. Don’t miss the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery for a sweet treat, and check out one of Australia’s most famous surf beaches before we head back to Melbourne around 6:30 PM.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 300km
Hike Distance: 3km.
Pickup Times
Please arrive at your designated pickup location 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure the tour proceeds smoothly and on time. Here are the pickup times and locations:
- 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
Pricing Options
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
Tour Inclusions
- National Park entry fees
- The driver/guide is friendly and provides informative tour commentary.
- Experienced DriverTour Guide
- Hotel pick up and drop off within the city.
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
Meals included?
Yes, dinner on the first night and breakfast on the second.
What are the Otways?
In the southwest of Victoria, this region is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and the Great Otway National Park. The park is a haven for outdoor activities like hiking, camping and amazing wildlife spotting.
What to see on the Great Ocean Road?
Port Campbell National Park has some of the big ticket items – the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Grotto. This two-day tour also includes some of the lesser-known stops – the Gibsons Steps, which are often missed off other itineraries.
Can we see koalas on the Great Ocean Road?
This tour is a wildlife experience where you can see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. We also visit Tower Hill, an Australian wildlife sanctuary. Keep an eye out for emus and the rare echidna!
How can we be environmentally friendly?
Visitors can help by staying on marked paths and boardwalks to prevent damage to native plants, disposing of rubbish or using bins, and observing the behaviours of wildlife from a distance without disturbing or feeding them.