melbourne tour great ocean road

Trip Details

What's included.

• • Experienced Driver Guide
• • Comprehensive commentary
• • Travel in an air-conditioned coach

What to Bring

• • Hat, Sunscreen, Enclosed Walking Shoes, Camera

Fitness Requirements

• • Low level of fitness required

Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Melbourne to the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, a journey that promises to be a feast for the senses. Your adventure begins with a refreshing morning tea stop in Anglesea, where you can savor a warm cup of coffee or tea at your own expense. As you continue along the stunning surf coast, you'll be treated to numerous photo stops, allowing you to capture the beauty of this iconic Australian coastline. After working up an appetite, Apollo Bay offers a delightful lunch stop (again, at your own expense) where you can relish a delicious meal while enjoying the coastal ambiance.

The tour takes you through the lush and enchanting Otway National Park, where you'll be immersed in the serenity of towering eucalyptus trees and diverse flora and fauna. Princetown beckons with its scenic charm, providing the perfect opportunity for another memorable photo stop. As the day unfolds, you'll be captivated by the dramatic beauty of Loch Ard Gorge, a site steeped in maritime history and surrounded by rugged cliffs.

The pinnacle of your journey is the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks standing tall against the forces of nature. Here, you'll be left in awe of the sheer grandeur of these natural formations, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and contemplation.

Finally, the tour will conclude as you head back inland directly to Melbourne. With memories of the Great Ocean Road etched in your mind and the satisfaction of having witnessed some of Australia's most iconic sights, this day tour promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Please Note: Itinerary subject to run in reverse, at the discretion of AAT Kings.  

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.

• Prices above may vary according to your departure date.
• Itinerary may operate in reverse.
• Coach sizes may vary.

Full Day Tour | Melbourne

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Great Ocean Road Day Tour

Take your time to experience this majestic coastal drive on the Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Oceania Tours. Travel from Melbourne with your small group and let us show you the best hiding spots for koalas and kangaroos in the wild. Cap the day off with a visit to the famous 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Highlights & Inclusions

• Small group touring
• Expert guide with extensive local knowledge
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• We plant a native tree for every passenger on our Great Ocean Road Tour.

Experience this majestic coastal drive in style with your small group and enjoy time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous touring route. Stay on the lookout for some very special animals including whales, dolphins, echidnas and bandicoots. Your camera will get a good workout along this exciting journey where we will stop for plenty of photo opportunities.

To begin, your expert Oceania Guide will collect you from your Melbourne hotel to commence your exciting road trip.

Your next stop will be at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town which is most noteworthy for its setting among the soft rolling hills. It offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some lunch (not included).

Following this, we will enjoy a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges.

A truly unique day out, capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Finally, your Oceania guide will transfer you back to the comfort of your hotel in Melbourne.

We plant a native tree for every passenger on our Great Ocean Road Tour. Learn more: ( Koala conservation | Greenfleet )

What to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof clothing

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s truly spectacular coastal drives.

This famous route begins 90 minutes from the centre of Melbourne. It continues for 400 kilometres from Torquay, winding alongside the wild Southern Ocean until Nelson on the South Australian border.

Significantly, it is the home of surfing with the International Pro Competitions each year at Bells Beach. Furthermore, the limestone spires of the 12 Apostles have helped to put this region on the world map.

In the Otways, you will find some of Australia’s best rainforest scenery. Walk amongst the towering tall trees and lush foliage.

On your Great Ocean Road tour with Oceania, you will visit a pristine rainforest paradise.

The Great Otway National Park covers the coastline from Torquay to Princetown and up into the hinterland. You will discover rugged coastlines alongside tall forests and ferny gullies.

Other tours you may be interested in...

The 4 best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne

On any given tourism brochure, commercial or billboard featuring Australia, there is one image that inspires people to get in their car, get on a plane or even board a bus to see it with their own eyes, this magnificent sight is the Great Ocean Road.

Dreamy shots of the 12 Apostles basking in the sun surrounded by clear blue waters, world-famous surf beaches or people wandering through the Redwood Forrest are high on the list of images to get.

Reverse Tour Great Ocean Road

There are some lucky people that live right on this natural beauty’s doorstep but what is a visit to the Great Ocean Road like for the rest of us? How do you get to the Great Ocean Road if you are on holiday in Melbourne?

Luckily we have put together this post on the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne so you can tick off a visit to this unique Australian landmark.

Where is the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road, located in Victoria, Australia, is a 243-kilometre-long road that travels along the south-eastern coast of Australia and was built between 1919 and 1932 by returning World War I veterans.

The road travels through the Victorian towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell taking in some of the most stunning scenery on the planet making the Great Ocean Road one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.

Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, consider taking a tour of the famous Great Ocean Road. There are many Great Ocean Road tour companies that offer GOR day trips from Melbourne , and the options vary in price and scope.

You can choose a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne that focuses on sightseeing and history or one that includes plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. No matter what you decide, you’re sure to have a great time exploring this beautiful part of the world on a great tour from Melbourne.

If you’re looking for some of the best Great Ocean Road day trips from Melbourne, Victoria, then you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will be discussing some of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne and some of the things that you can do while on these trips. So, without further ado, let’s get started on the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne!

Do you love Victorian beaches?  Here are the very best Victorian beaches

Day Tours, Melbourne Great Ocean Road – Coastal highlights, forest and wildlife tour

If you’re looking for Melbourne day tours that combine the beauty of the Great Ocean Road coastline and some of Australia’s iconic animals, this is one of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne for you.

This fantastic tour includes a hotel pickup in Melbourne CBD before heading down to Torquay where you will stop for morning tea and a photo opportunity in front of the iconic Great Ocean Road sign.

You will also have a stop to see some native Australian wildlife including Koalas and beautiful Australian birds, lunch at Apollo Bay and a cool temperate rainforest walk before heading to the big sites on this Great Ocean Road day trip.

After a bit of a drive, you will pull up at Gibson’s Steps, see the rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and check out Loch Ard Gorge. Your Great Ocean Road trip heads back to Melbourne from here, with a stop for dinner in Colac before dropping you off at your Melbourne hotel.

What’s included in Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne:

• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation
• Morning tea
• Wildlife tours of koalas and parrots in their natural habitat
• Tour Guide for a forest walk
• Coastal highlights tour
• The tour goes for 13.5 hours

You will find that most Great Ocean Road day tours offer the exact same itinerary because, in essence, there are only so many things to see and do in one day on a Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour. You will find that the length of time at spots along the way will vary, the start-finish time will vary, and the number of people on your Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne will vary.

In the end, it’s your choice on who you do a Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne with. Below you will find some alternatives to the full-day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne

Tour to Great Ocean Road full-day sunset tour

This Melbourne Great Ocean Road day tour is very similar to the tour above. It takes in the entire Ocean Road in southwest Victoria including the Memorial Arch Great Ocean Road, the surf coast, the rainforests and the Shipwreck coast. See Lorne, Apollo Bay, wildlife, pristine beaches the 12 apostles, Lock Ard Gorge and a more spectacular coastline.

The big difference with this tour is it starts and ends a little later, letting you see the sunset over the Great Ocean Road Apostles before heading back to Melbourne. Listen to the expert commentary and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to share your experience on social media to make your friends and family jealous as it happens. There is just so much to do on the Great Ocean Road.

What’s included in Melbourne Great Ocean Road day tours:

• Pickup and drop-off from accommodation
• Entrance fees to the Great Otway National Park
• Wi-Fi onboard
• Translation app in 16 languages (link provided after booking)
• You can bring a packed lunch or buy food at stops
• All tours operate with a maximum of 24 participants to ensure an in-depth and personalized experience

Is Regional Victoria on your list?   Here are 8 spectacular places for a summer holiday in Victoria

Great Ocean Road and Otway overnight tour

An overnight tour on the Great Ocean Road gives you a chance to experience a more in-depth look at the area and sites. On day one, you leave Melbourne and head west towards the seaside town of Port Campbell.

On the way, you will stop at Tower Hill Volcano site and go on a guided First Nations walk where you will learn about the traditional lifestyle of Australia’s indigenous people, bush tucker, medicine, and skills.

In the afternoon you can explore the Shipwreck Coast and its icons such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto, London Bridge and Port Campbell National Park.

Heading to Port Campbell where you spend the first night. Grab some dinner which is included in your great ocean road tickets and then end the day at 12 Apostles watching the sun go down.

Day 2 of your Great Ocean Road tours kicks off early as you head to the big ticket locations on the Great Ocean Road before the crowds arrive, head to the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, walk a short distance on the Great Ocean Walk and head down to the sand at Gibsons Steps beach. Back onto the bus and off to the Otway rainforest to walk among the Giants at the Redwoods of the Otways.

You will stare in awe at the tallest and second-tallest species of trees in the world growing side by side in Western Victoria. Turning back towards Melbourne, there are stops at the seaside towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne to enjoy some beaches on the Great Ocean Road.

For those with a sweet tooth, you will have time to check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. The tour will have you back in Melbourne by around 7:30 p.m.

What’s included in this Great Ocean Rd day trip from Melbourne:

• Overnight tour to/from Melbourne
• 1 night’s accommodation at Port Campbell Hostel with shared bathroom facilities
• 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
• Indigenous culture tour including bush tucker and boomerang throwing
• All national park entrance fees
• Guided bush walks
• Guaranteed Australian wildlife sighting

Extend your stay on the Great Ocean Road: All the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road

This reverse tour heads to the far end of the Great Ocean Road first, hoping to avoid all the other tours at the iconic sight in the Port Campbell National Park. This will hopefully allow you a better experience and spectacular coastal views at the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard George with fewer tourist buses around. Your tour guide will keep you informed about the local history and more along the way for a better experience.

After taking in the amazing sights, you will experience some of Australia’s best-known wildlife as you enjoy a guided walk through Maits Rest or Melba Gully. This ancient rainforest will have you admiring some of the world’s tallest trees in the Great Otway National Park and your tour guide will be looking for wild Koalas to point out.

Heading back towards Melbourne your final stop of the day on this amazing tour will be the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch near Bells Beach, one of the most photographed spots along this rugged coastline.

What’s included in this Great Ocean Road reverse day tour from Melbourne:

• Light picnic lunch
• Experienced driver guide
• National Park entry fees
• Onboard Wi-Fi and water refill station
• Australian wildlife sightings, in the wild!
• Audio translation is available in 10 languages
• Select inner-city pick-up and drop-off points

In reality, a tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is best done over a few days if you have the time. You can easily grab a rental car in Melbourne, and find accommodation along the way.

This allows you to experience more things such as taking a surfing lesson, visiting the Otway Fly Tree Top Adventure, exploring Apollo Bay, doing a rainforest tour and visiting the absolutely amazing Cape Otway Lighthouse just to name a few. You will not be rushed seeing all the highlights including the twelve apostles, Kennett River and the Southern Ocean.

In conclusion, doing a Great Ocean Road tour is something that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. There are so many Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne available, with most of them offering the same thing. We have listed some of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne you can take, each offering a little something different.

The views are absolutely breathtaking, and it’s a great way to see some of the best parts of Australia. If you’re looking for an adventure, then there are definitely Great Ocean Road day trips to suit everyone.

If you are looking for more amazing and best places to visit in Victoria or more travel in Victoria destinations  Explore Victoria  has some more articles below for you to check out. If you have an idea, attraction or top spot feel free to leave us a comment or email us at [email protected]

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All You Need For An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne

Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne

Victoria is the second-smallest state in Australia but packed with abundant natural beauty, all of which is easily accessible on quick day trips from Melbourne. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks.

Great Ocean Road Tour Melbourne - An Epic Road Trip

Monumental. That’s the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. The world’s largest war memorial is built along the road whose story began in 1919 when World War I heroes returned home and started building a memorial for their martyrs. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the world’s best road trip destinations. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. A drive down the road will take you through magnificent landscapes of the white surf hitting the golden beaches, where the limestone stacks and arches weather the powerful ocean. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia!

Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code

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Best Ways to Experience A Great Ocean Road Tour

Organized tours from melbourne to great ocean road.

The iconic spots and landmarks on the Great Ocean Road can be covered within a day as it is stretches for only about 243 Km (151 miles). You don’t have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. You will ride on an AC tour bus, accompanied by a friendly tour guide who will ensure you hit all the spots on your Great Ocean Road tour . You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own!

Self Driven Tour from Melbourne To Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! For those who love to drive and are comfortable in driving outside the city and through a variety of terrain it is a paradise waiting to be explored. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road.

Great Ocean Road Tour Itinerary

Things to do on your road trip.

If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. While it is possibe to do most of these in a day with an early start and quick pitstops at every location, you should factor in a 2 day trip for a sedate trip.

However, if you're short on time and want to cover a good portion of the Great Ocean Road, signing up for an organized trip from Melbourne will come handy. These tours are crafted to help you cover most of it in a short span of time, something you may not be able to do as a tourist in the city.

12 Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. Don’t start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset.

Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. The gorge has been named after a ship Loch Ard ran aground nearby and the rock pillars are named Tom and Eva after the only two survivors.

London Bridge

The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. The standalone arch was earlier connected to the coast with another such arch giving it the name London Bridge, but in 1990 the connecting arch fell down due to erosion.

The Grotto is multiple geological formations rolled into one and is one of the most spectacular points to view the coast. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset.

Gibson Steps

Not for the faint hearted, Gibson steps are a set of 86 steep steps that head down from the cliffs to the beach near the twelve apostles. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. Going up is going to be a task though!

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

Memorial Arch

The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque.

Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales!

In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife.

Koalas at Kennett River

The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees.

Bells Beach

Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean.

Teddy’s Lookout

There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddy’s Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here!

Cape Otway Lighthouse

The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the ‘Beacon of Hope’. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history.

Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park.

Great Ocean Road Map

All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. Like I mentioned before, covering all of these in a day may be a long shot, hence plan for a 2 day Great Ocean Road trip.

Your Transport Options For Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne

If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there.

The Great Ocean Road is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne with dual lane highway conditions for most of the journey and excellent signposting. There are 2 main routes to reach the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - an inland road that follows the Princes Highway from Geelong to Warrnambool, or drive over the West Gate Bridge and along the Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast Highway. If you're planning on the West Gate Bridge route, take the Princes Highway over the bridge and travel along the Bellarine Peninsula or the Surf Coast Highway to the famous surfing town of Torquay.

The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool.

If you want to travel by bus, know that there are plenty from Geelong to Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland,all travelling via the Great Ocean Road

Another fun way to get to the Great Ocean Road is by using the ferry service from Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula.

On Organzied Tours

Taking an organized bus tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road is the best way to experience the best of the pictursque route from the comfort of your bus. Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider.

Best Time to Take a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne

December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! The colors are vivid, the sun is out and the water is ideal for water sports and activities, but it is also the busiest time of the year. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why –

• Autumn (March to May): Cooler weather and fewer tourists
• Winter (June to August): Whale watching season, cheaper accommodation and few tourists
• Spring (September to November): Flowering season, perfect for visiting the Otways, mild weather and fewer crowds

Skydiving at Great Ocean Road

Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? Heavenly, right? Skydiving is a popular sport at the Great Ocean Road and you're likely to spot many gutsy ones plummeting from the sky at 200 kmph from 15,000 feet above. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive .

Quick Hacks for Your Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne

• The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming.
• You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and it’s best to dress accordingly. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. It can get quite chilly in winter and autumn, bring your warm clothes and it is always quite windy so keep a windcheater, scarf or cap handy.
• Don’t feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour.
• Although most Great Ocean Road tours offer snacks they might be limited and since you are in for a long day it’s best to stock up on extra snacks and beverages for the road. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. You can also carry a pair of flip flops or sandals if you wish to dip your feet in the ocean at Loch Ard Gorge or any other beach enroute.
• The road curves quite a lot and if you suffer from motion sickness carry anti-nausea medication or chew on citrusy candy to keep it in check.
• The coastline will be on the left side of the bus for Great Ocean Road tours starting from Melbourne, so if the bus seats are not pre-booked you can try to catch a window-seat on the left side.

More Day Trips From Melbourne

Melbourne to phillip island.

Enjoy the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, hand feed kangaroos and wallabies at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit the famous Brighton Beach boxes and more on a day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island.

Read more about taking a Melbourne to Phillip Island Tour .

Recommended Experiences • Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour • Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

Melbourne to Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley is mostly known for its wineries, but that’s just one of its many treasures. Visit some of the valley’s most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax

Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley .

Recommended Experiences • Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour • Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive the great ocean road.

It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way.

Can you do Great Ocean Road a day?

Yes, you can. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne.

What is the best way to travel the Great Ocean Road?

Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions.

What is the Great Ocean Road tour?

The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way.

Is the Great Ocean Road dangerous?

The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. But if you are driving under the speed limit and following protocols, it could be one of the best drives of your life given the amazing view throughout the drive.

Where should I stay when visiting the Great Ocean Road?

If you are spending a night while on the road, the best coastal towns to rent a motel are Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Around the Otway National Park.

Why is the Great Ocean Road special?

The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests.

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish?

Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. It stretches for 243 kms.

What towns are on the Great Ocean Road?

Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne.

Are there any Great Ocean Road Tours I can purchase?

Yes. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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private great ocean road tour

A private  Great Ocean Road tour is the ultimate way to maximise your time in this stunning destination. Let us show you the highlights of the Great Ocean Road away from the crowds and with your own expert private tour guide/driver.

The Private Tour Guide can also offer a shorter  express tour  to the Twelve Apostles with an opportunity to combine the tour with a helicopter scenic flight.

Our multi-day itineraries allow you to relax and enjoy each moment along one the worlds most stunning coastlines and by choosing a private tour along the Great Ocean Road you will also be able to combine the regions amazing wine and produce into your itinerary.

For 5 years we have been rated in Tripadvisor's Top 10 tour companies in Melbourne. So why not

consider all of our amazing private tours. We offer complete Great Ocean Road private tours, shorter day private tours, overnight great ocean road adventures, family friendly tours and our exclusive drive and fly one day great ocean road and 12 Apostles experience.

The Great Ocean Road is a must see for anyone who visits Melbourne.

The most popular Great Ocean Road Private Tour receiving over 300 5 star rave reviews. Come experience this incredible journey of a life time along the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, VIC.

This shorter Great Ocean Road Private Tour itinerary is best suited for those arriving by cruise ship. This also suits young families and those who are short on time.

Enjoy an incredible day of food & wine along the stunning Great Ocean Road. This Great Ocean Road Private Tour is best suited to those who have seen the 12 Apostles and would love to journey this magnificent coastline once more.

Experience the exhilaration of flying over the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles. This is our top of the range touring option; indulge yourself.

private great ocean road tour reviews

Bill P - Chicago, Illinois

Reviewed 23 December 2017

Making the †Great‡ †Ocean‡ †Road‡ †Great‡

After my wife and I booked a trip to Australia, starting at Melbourne, she found a company called The Private Tour Guide to show us the Great Ocean Road. She contacted Simon Greenland at the company, and he made it easy and pleasant to customize a one-day tour to fit our available time. Exactly as scheduled, guide Peter Luehman picked us up and explained how we’d spend the day, starting with a moderately long drive to his recommended first vista, taking advantage of light early-morning traffic and giving us a chance to get comfortable with each other. That worked out very well. We walked the boardwalk near the Twelve Apostles, learned the history and geology of the area, and took a lot of pictures in the beautiful morning light. Peter even showed us some useful tricks with our digital camera and iPhones. We explored Gibson Steps and the Loch Ard Gorge from above and from beach level. We moved on to the engaging town of Apollo Bay for lunch, then continued to the Maits Rest Rainforest Trail and the Kennett River area (I don’t remember which was first) to see parrots, cockatoos, and koalas in a natural habitat. After that, we continued to a golf course at Anglesea to see kangaroos in what’s become their habitat, and then back to our hotel right as scheduled. We saw and did even more; this is just a summary. Both my wife and I highly recommend touring the Great Ocean Road, particularly with the company and guidance of The Private Tour Guide, Simon, and Peter.

theresasV7529LM - Mason, Ohio

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

Great Ocean Rd and More!

Stupendous tour of the Great Ocean Rd and more - including koalas in the wild as well as opportunities to see kangaroos and native birds. Comfortable vehicle and great driver/tour director in Peter. We had 4 people and appreciated the pick up and drop off timing flexibility.

JimBobTraveler - Northeast

An Exhilarating Day, Custom Tailored to Our Needs

Simon picked us up at our hotel in a very comfortable Mercedes SUV and we were soon on the main roads taking the 'reverse course', inland first, to the Twelve Apostles, then to the Loch Ard Gorge and then to Apollo Bay for a nice lunch. We were heading in the opposite direction from all the big tour buses and had virtually no traffic along the coast on the return trip. On little side trips he showed us koalas and habituated colorful parrots that were delightful. Lots of 'roos, some on golf courses, some in packs running along the fields by the road. With just the three of us, we had great conversation the whole trip. Simon was very informative and we had lots in common to talk about. It was a great day and well worth the extra expense of a custom tour

Nxt_Hol - New Delhi, India

Reviewed 12 March 2018

Stop looking! Start booking!!

Simon Greenland is your man. In 35 years of touring with guides all over the world, I can say without hesitation that I have not come across a more personable, more knowledgeable and more solicitous travelling companion. We booked The Great Ocean Road tour and The Yarra Valley tour with his company. For the GOR we had Pete, who was very good and very informative. But, on the Yarra valley day, we had Simon, and our experience that day was at a different level altogether. From the moment we met him, each one of us (in a party of 6 ranging from 27 to 80 years of age) felt as if we've known him all along. He has the rare art in a guide of informing enough, but knowing when to keep silent. With 20 years of very diverse travel experiences behind him in all parts of the world, the interaction ceases to be about the just the scenery or the sights, but encompasses life.  Do not miss out on touring with him. You'll find not just a guide, but a friend.

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We have 3 kids who will be 8, 6 and 2. 5yo in particular is not great for long periods in the car .

We want to see 12 Apostles and do Maits Rest Walk. I have found some cool bush cabins in Lorne and Horden Vale. Are these too close together? Would be cool to go to Sovereign Hill (I went on a school exchange as a kid) but can skip if need be

So far tentative plan is:

Day 1: arrive MEL 8am. Pick up rental car . Drive to Torquay for the foreshore playground/lunch etc. drive on to accommodation in Lorne. Total drive approx 2:10

Day 2: drive to Horden Vale, stop for Maits Rest walk en route. Overnight Horden Vale. Total drive approx 1:20

Day 3: drive to 12 Apostles. Any interesting places to stop en route? Sunset 12 Apostles. Overnight Port Campbell. Total drive approx 1 hr

Day 4: sunrise 12 Apostles. Drive to Ballarat. Spend day at Sovereign Hill. Drive back to Melbourne. Total drive approx 3 hrs

Day 5: time to chill!

Does this itinerary seem sensible/manageable? I have chosen Lorne and Horden Vale specifically for the cabins available as we are nature type people. Open to any ideas/critiques/suggestions of things to do both on GOR and in Melbourne at the other end of our trip.

Your itinerary is a bit unusual but actually it looks good and has the makings of a good trip. One question though are you stopping the night in Ballarat after visiting Sovereign hill? 🤠

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