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Great Ocean Road Small Group Eco Tour

Explore This World-Famous Stretch Of Spectacular Coastline With Us!

• Enjoy a complimentary morning tea at a beachside location on Victoria’s Surf Coast
• Scenic journey – with photo stops – along the spectacular Great Ocean Road
• See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
• Lunch break (own expense) in the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay
• Guided walk through the Otway Ranges ancient cool temperate rainforest
• View the iconic Twelve Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park
• Visit Loch Ard Gorge & hear the story of the tragic shipwreck of 1878
• View the collapsed Island Archway & the Razorback
• Descend to beach level at Gibsons Steps to view 2 awesome limestone stacks 

What You’ll Do

Great Ocean Road tours are a highlight for most on their visit to Melbourne and our high-quality vehicles and excellent guides will make this a day to remember. Departing Melbourne at around 8.00 am, we enjoy panoramic views of the city and Port Phillip Bay as we cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge at just under 2.6 kilometres in length. We pass by and learn a little about Victoria’s second-largest city, Geelong, as we make our way down towards the Surf Coast, with its enchanting beachside towns and powerful swells.

In Torquay, we stop for our first opportunity to visit the beach and to enjoy a complimentary morning tea. Departing Torquay, we set out along the Great Ocean Road itself, as your experienced driver-guide provides informative commentary about the road’s history and its place in Australian folklore.

The scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road is a highlight in itself, as we absorb some spectacular coastal scenery, with new views being revealed around every bend. We make plenty of scenic stops, including, of course, a photo opportunity at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View.

At the township of Kennett River, we make a brief detour into the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest to locate some of the local koalas in their native habitat. There is a large koala population here and numerous sightings are guaranteed! We also have an opportunity to see colourful local birdlife, including crimson rosellas and king parrots.

We then continue towards our lunch stop in Apollo Bay with another photo stop at Cape Patton on the way. After lunch, we follow the Great Ocean Road away from the ocean and into the mountains. The tour proceeds through the impressive Otway Ranges, where we stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool temperate rainforest. Here our guide accompanies the group through the forest, where we stop to learn a little about the world’s tallest flowering trees and other ancient rainforest species.

And then it’s onwards to the world-famous Port Campbell National Park and its iconic array of rock formations. You’ll be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the Twelve Apostles. Here we also have the opportunity to take to the air with an optional helicopter flight (from $165 per person).

For those guests who don’t take to the air, a further stop is possible at Gibsons Steps. Here, guests can descend the steps to Gibsons Beach below for beach level views of two of the Twelve Apostles.

Just down the road is the heart of the Shipwreck Coast, the Loch Ard Gorge where 52 lives were lost and only 2 souls survived the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Your guide will recount the legend of the Loch Ard, bringing the gorge to life in a way you never imagined. We take time to explore here, with more rock formations to see, including the Razorback, the Dumpling Pots and the delightful Island Archway.

We have been advised by Parks Victoria that access to the gorge at Loch Ard Gorge will be closed until some time in early 2024. The closure is due to dangerous cliff movement near the Upper Lookout, which could cause a collapse.

We will still be visiting this location, as there are many other interesting & spectacular viewpoints around the area above the gorge.

A dinner stop is made on the journey back to Melbourne before enjoying a stunning view of the illuminated city as we cross the Westgate Bridge again. With drop off right back to your inner city accommodation, you’ll remember this day as a true highlight of your Australian holiday.

FAQs for the Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour

Do i need to bring food along on tour, or are stops made for meals, what’s the difference between the sunset tour and the day tour.

• Pickups are between 7 am – 8 am
• Morning tea included
• Includes rainforest walk at Maits Rest
• Arrives back in Melbourne between 9 pm – 9:30 pm

Great Ocean Road Sunset tour:

• Pickups are between 9 am – 10 am (April-October) and 10 am – 11 am (November-March)
• No meals are included but we make stops along the way for you to buy food
• Does not include rainforest walk at Maits Rest
• Arrives at the 12 Apostles at sunset for an amazing photo opportunity
• Arrives back in Melbourne between 9 pm – midnight depending on the month

What time does this tour return to Melbourne?

• Nov – Feb: midnight
• March: 11:30 pm
• April: 10:30 pm
• May – Aug: 9:30 pm
• September: 10:00 pm
• October: 11:00 pm

Can I feed wildlife on this tour?

Are meals included, have more questions.

Check Out Our FAQ Page!

• Descend to beach level at Gibsons Steps to view 2 awesome limestone stacks

FAQs for the Great Ocean Road Tour

Can i swim during the tour, will i see koalas and kangaroos on this tour, do we stop for dinner on this tour, what time does the tour return to melbourne, what level of mobility is required to join this tour, can i bring a pet along on tour with me.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD SMALL GROUP ECO TOUR

TRIP DETAILS

• High-Quality Vehicles
• Small-Group Tours
• Passionate, Expert Guides

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Payment Forms Accepted

Melbourne Office

208 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Vic 3000

10/167 Beavers Road, Northcote VIC 3070

Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 39485 5290

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
• Selected City Hotel pick up and drop of.

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 kangaroos and koalas. 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.

The small group size allows more stops along the way at different lookouts, stop for a coffee, and to look for the local wildlife.

Stop 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.

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.

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Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour

Discover Australia’s greatest coastal drive – the spectacular great ocean road, including the world famous 12 apostles and loch ard gorge

• Infant $125

Tour Information

• Discover the incredible coastal views that have made the Surf Coast world famous
• Hear memorable stories at Memorial Arch about the engineering feat that ended decades of isolation for coastal communities of the Great Ocean Road
• Look for koalas and native birds in the wild at Kennett River
• Enjoy time to explore Apollo Bay on the surf coast
• Take a walk in the rainforest at the Great Otway National Park
• The history of the tragic Shipwreck Coast is revealed on the beach at Loch Ard Gorge.
• The world famous 12 Apostles – see these enormous limestone stacks from the roadside lookout and on the beach at the foot of soaring cliffs.

What's included

• Immerse yourself in the stunning coastal views that have made the Surf Coast a global sensation.
• Learn about the impressive engineering achievement that connected coastal communities along the Great Ocean Road at the Memorial Arch.
• Discover koalas and native birds in their natural habitat at Kennett River.
• Take a lunch break (at your own expense) and have some time to explore Apollo Bay.
• Enjoy a walk through the lush rainforest of the Great Otway National Park.
• Unearth the history of the tragic Shipwreck Coast as you visit Loch Ard Gorge.
• Witness the world-famous 12 Apostles, these colossal limestone formations can be seen from a lookout along the road or from the beach at the base of towering cliffs.
• All park entrance fees
• Air-conditioned touring vehicle
• Morning tea / coffee / cake
• Friendly and informative tour guide
• Free Wi-Fi onboard

Options (Must Be Pre-Booked)

• Soar over the 12 Apostles in a 15 min helicopter flight ($165)*
• You can chat with your guide on the day of the tour to make arrangements re a helicopter flight

Flexible Fare

no cancellation fees apply for changes up to 24 hours before your tour departure time.

Description

Join our small group eco-tour and embark on a stunning journey along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most magnificent coastal drives.

As we follow the coastal road, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and pristine beaches along Victoria’s Surf Coast. We’ll also make a detour into the Great Otway National Park to spot wild koalas in their natural habitat, and then we’ll continue to Apollo Bay for lunch.

After lunch, our route takes us through the Otway Ranges, where you can explore the cool, lush rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. You’ll be surrounded by towering Mountain Ash trees, which happen to be the tallest flowering trees on the planet.

Moving on from the Otway Ranges, we reach the Shipwreck Coast. Here, you’ll witness incredible limestone formations, including the iconic 12 Apostles. Stroll along the boardwalks to take in the breathtaking scenery. We’ll also visit Loch Ard Gorge, known for its tragic shipwreck history, where only two teenagers survived the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. The tour includes a visit to the beach to learn about their remarkable story and then we’ll descend to the beach again at Gibson’s Steps. This is where you can truly appreciate the immense limestone cliffs and the offshore rock stacks.

Our tour will conclude with drop-off at your Melbourne accommodation, and you’ll cherish this day as one of the standout highlights of your visit to Australia.

You Should Bring (Advisable)

• Appropriate clothing for all weather conditions
• Snacks & Water bottle
• Bathers for swimming (time permitting)

Daily 7.00am – 8.00am and returns approximately 8.30pm – 9pm

Important Information

• During peak times Parks Vic may close Gibson Steps from time to time due to due safety concerns posed by excessive crowds
• At times this tour may operate in the reverse direction

Related Tours

• 10/167 Beavers Road, Northcote, Vic 3070, Australia
• (+61 3) 9629 3364
• [email protected]

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Great Ocean Road Small Group Deluxe $150

• Tour Details
• What's Included?
• Pickup Locations
• Upgrade Option

Great Ocean Road Small Group Deluxe Itinerary

Travel down the iconic Great Ocean Road – the world’s largest war memorial. Spanning for almost 250 kilometres, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Victoria. You’ll explore the coastline and visit beautiful sites that have been carved out by the ocean over millions of years.

We’ll leave Melbourne early to ensure we can spend the most time possible along the picturesque coastline. The first stop of the day will be in Anglesea for some morning tea and a coffee with a view. Get your first taste of Australian coastal air before we head to the Memorial Arch, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road.

You’ll have time to take some photos with the archway before we head along the winding road towards some of Australia’s most beautiful coastal destinations.

No trip Down Under is complete without some wildlife spotting, so we will stop to roam through wild koala habitat. Tread quietly and look up to spot the grey cuties and listen out for the songs of kookaburras and fairy-wrens.

Having worked up an appetite wildlife spotting we’ll make the short trip to Apollo Bay for some lunch. Explore the quaint town and enjoy a delicious meal at a local café or head down to the beach for a picnic on the sand.

With full bellies, we’ll journey to Cape Otway National Park. Your guide will lead you through this stunning rainforest and past centuries-old eucalyptus trees. You won’t believe such a lush green forest could be so close to the dramatic coastline you’ve just left. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife and exquisite native Australian plants.

Next, you’ll return to the coast, ready to visit the 12 Apostles. See these incredible limestone stacks, carved from the cliffs over millions of years by the unforgiving sea they stand in. Watch as the sky changes colour and the fabulous stacks are lit up by the fading sun behind him.

Learn about the region’s shipwreck history from your tour guide, then make your way down to Loch Ard Gorge. Feel the sand beneath your feet as you explore the contained beach, watching the waves gently crash along the shore. From here you can also see the Razorback, an impossibly thin cliff face, or marvel at the Island Archway. Say goodbye to the coast with one final barefoot walk along the sand before boarding the bus ready to head towards Melbourne again.

You’ll have one final stop, usually in the small town of Colac, where you’ll have a quick break and bite before returning to Melbourne.

This tour is a perfect introduction to the dramatic and beautiful Victorian coastline. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see all the best the Great Ocean Road has to offer.

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1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour

The Great Ocean Road Tour offers a guided scenic drive along Australia’s stunning coastline , showcasing breathtaking ocean views and ancient rainforests . Our group day tour includes visiting the iconic rock formations known as the 12 Apostles . Explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge and marvel at the views from all the best lookouts within the Port Campbell National Park . Wander through seaside towns such as Apollo Bay and have time to explore other beautiful beaches and walks.

• Visit the historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Surf Coast beaches , seaside towns, and stunning coastal views
• Spot Australian wildlife along the the Great Ocean Road
• Enjoy lunch in the seaside town of Apollo Bay
• Rainforest walk through the  Great Otway National Park
• Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast Port Campbell National Park
• The world-famous Twelve Apostles Port Campbell National Park
• If time permits, we visit the Razorback, Island Archway, Salt & Pepper Shakers formations

Trip Inclusions

• All National Park entry fees
• Australian flora and fauna sightings
• A professional & friendly driver/guide
• Local informative tour commentary
• Comfortable coach transportation service
• Select inner-city pick-up & drop-off locations

Google & TripAdvisor Reviews

Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

The Great Ocean Road is Victoria’s famous must-do road trip. One day we will show you the beauty of this coastal drive and take you through pristine beaches, fresh rainforest and rugged limestone rock formations.

Be wowed by the 12 Apostles – these iconic rock formations lie just off the shore of Port Campbell National Park in  Victoria . Get lost in the beauty of this natural scenery and allow our guides to regale you with the stories and history that shapes this epic coastline.

Depart Melbourne

Once we have left Melbourne, we head down to the  Surf Coast,  passing through gorgeous seaside townships such as  Anglesea ,  Lorne  and  Airey’s Inlet . We stop for some morning tea and breathe in the fresh sea air while spotting surfers out on the water. The proximity to Antarctica means you will learn why everyone wears a wet suit once you dip your toes into the water.

Visit the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

Stop at the Great Ocean Road monument, which marks the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road. After some photos at the iconic  Memorial Arch  and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades, we will wind through more stunning views (of course, stopping for pictures!)

Search for Australian flora and fauna

Along the journey, we will make stops to look for Koalas and other Australian wildlife on the Great Ocean Road , hanging out in the wild. As they are wild, we cannot guarantee where they will appear, but our knowledgeable guides know all the best spots to get out into the bush and spot them sleeping!

Stop to Enjoy Lunch in Apollo Bay

A welcome lunch break is taken in  Apollo Bay   (approximately 45 minutes – at guests’ own expense).  Once you have  explored Apollo Bay , grabbed any souvenirs you wish to buy, or tasted some delicious ice cream, you are back on the bus to the Great Otway National Park inland.

Rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park

Still on the Great Ocean Road but continues into the lush green hills of the Great Otway National Park . Drive past towering  Eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a  Cool, Temperate Rainforest patch . You will be amazed at the difference in the scenery as we take a walk through the tree ferns and marvel at the ‘ancient relics’  Myrtle Beach trees . These provide perfect canopy shade and originate from when Australia was part of a supercontinent known as  Gondwanaland . Breathe in the fresh air before we take a relaxing drive to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast !

The Twelve Apostles

Once out of the trees and back by the  Southern Ocean,  we arrive in  Port Campbell National Park , home to the iconic  12 Apostles . We will spend about 40 minutes at the  Apostles,  where you will enjoy free time to take in the views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and get the perfect pictures of this wild and rugged coastline.

Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast

Also, in the  National Park,  we head down to  Loch Ard Gorge , the site of one of Australia’s most well-known shipwrecks, hear the dramatic tale of Tom and Eva and then head down to the beach to look for the caves. You will also find rock formations such as the Island Archway ,  Razorback , and the ‘ Salt and Pepper Shakers .

Returns to Melbourne

After a full day of exploring, we say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and turn back inland to drive back to Melbourne via country roads. We pass through farmlands en route to the country town of Colac. Here, you can grab a quick bite for dinner (at the guests’ expense) if you wish, as we will return home in Melbourne at approximately 8:30 pm.

Pick-up Locations & TImes

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35AM.

• 6:55 - Pegasus Apartments Hotel - 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
• 7:00 - Melbourne Marriott Hotel - Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St, Melbourne
• 7:05 - Space Hotel - 380 Russell St, Melbourne
• 7:10 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Russell St entrance, Melbourne
• 7:20 - Adina Apartment Hotel - 189 Queen St, Melbourne
• 7:25 -The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
• 7:35 - Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St corner of Market St, Melbourne
• 7:40 - Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank

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].

What you need to bring?

• Water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm and cool clothing
• Rain jacket
• A sense of adventure

How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

Starting from Melbourne, a trip to the Great Ocean Road is a 664 km return. Travelling via Torquay ,  Apollo Bay,  and  Port Fairy  and returning to Melbourne takes 9.5 hours to drive . The Great Ocean Road has two main starting points when travelling from Melbourne . You can turn onto the Great Ocean Road from either  Torquay  or  Anglesea . Our  1-day Great Ocean Road tours turn onto Great Ocean Road at Anglesea. From here, the Great Ocean Road hugs the coastline and goes to Apollo Bay. Our tours travel to the 12 Apostles before returning to Melbourne. This journey is a 504 km return to Melbourne , which takes 7hrs hours to drive. We spend 12 hours along the Great Ocean Road, enjoying many beautiful locations and stopping to explore.

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The Great Ocean Road starts from Torquay,  104km south of Melbourne . The Great Ocean Road ends  244 km  later in Allansford. However, we recommend you travel through to  Warrnambool  to visit the largest city along the  Great Ocean Road .

Can you do the Great Ocean Road in one day?

Yes, we specialise in offering one-day trips to the Great Ocean Road, helping travellers maximise their time in Melbourne. Between April and October, hiring a car for a one-day trip to the Great Ocean Road is not recommended . This region can experience high winds and severe rainstorms. You have limited daylight and will be returning to Melbourne in the dark on less maintained roads. From Melbourne, a Great Ocean Road day trip in a hire car is a tiring journey with approximately 7hrs of driving. We highly recommend joining a great ocean road tour and letting our experienced tour drivers ensure a fantastic day from start to finish.

How long should you take to do the Great Ocean Road?

664 km/413 miles , about  9.5 hours One of Victoria’s most scenic roads, the  Great Ocean Road is a fantastic 1-day bus tour from the capital of Melbourne  to the iconic  12 Apostles.

What is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road depends largely on what activities you plan on doing. For those who prefer warmer weather, September to April is the best time of year to visit. This period offers mostly sunny days and temperatures ranging from 16-25°C (60-77°F). During this period, you can take advantage of activities such as swimming at the beach or surfing in the ocean.

How hard is the Great Ocean Road Walk?

The  Great Ocean Walk  has a difficulty rating of “ moderate ” to “ challenging .” It means there will be short, steep climbs and uneven, bumpy trails. A relatively  energetic lifestyle  and some walking experience are recommended.

How long is the 12 Apostles walk?

At just over  100 kilometres , it combines Australia’s tallest coastal cliffs, the remains of various historic shipwrecks, and vast stretches of uninhabited beaches. A  walk along this route can perhaps bring a new twist at every turn .

Do you need a 4WD for Great Ocean Road?

You don’t need a 4WD drive  to travel the Great Ocean Road  to choose the cheapest rental car, and it will be just fine! If you’re travelling alone, with two people, or you don’t like the idea of planning your trip on the Great Ocean Road , you’re better off choosing a tour .

Is the Great Ocean Road worth it?

For most visitors to Melbourne, a tour-guided trip to the Great Ocean Road is a must. Like many other Australian cities, it’s always worth taking a car or bus tour and travelling outside the city.

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30 thoughts on “1 day great ocean road tour”.

My friend and I did this tour on our second day in Australia (both in our late 20s). We both had such a fantastic day and were lucky that the sunshine came out for us as well during the day. We had Tim (with long hair – there were two Tims!) as our guide and we couldn’t have asked for better. Such a friendly and knowledgeable guy, absolutely loved his stories and facts throughout the day and how his playlist linked in with the information he was telling us. I felt so lucky to see wild koalas in Lorne ( we weren’t successful in seeing any in Noosa or Magnetic Island later on during our travels so felt even luckier we had managed to see them on this trip and so early on!). Loved the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, had famous Dooleys ice cream in Apollo Bay…. we fit so much into the day, it was very worthwhile. Of course like with any daytrip /tour, I wish we could have had slightly more time in each place and to have seen even more sights rather than having to pick and choose here and there because of time constraints. Overall so happy that we decided to do this tour!

We have been in Melbourne for just 3 days . So We have chosen the 1 day Great Ocean Road and it was absolutely amazing. Had fun at Cape Patton and enjoyed the beautiful great ocean rod cost and the ‘12 Apostles’. Had a great experience with our couch tour operator. Our guide John was absolutely funny, responsible and prepared for it. Thanks for everything.

Excellent tour. Duane the driver/guide very well planned and well informed. He organised the day well, commencing with a welcome coffee break. There was a good choice of photo stops along the Great Ocean Road. Apollo Bay was a good place to have lunch followed by a delicious Chocolate Ice Cream at the Award winners local outlet. We enjoyed the Rainforest and had some fantastic walks at the coast as we made our way along to the Twelve Apostles. It was a beautiful sunny day so conditions were ideal for this tour. Although there was a lot to see we never felt rushed. There was also plenty of cool water on hand. It was a memorable day out. Thanks to Duane for being an excellent Guide and- Yes- I will remember: Melbourne is the greatest City in the World!!”

My two friends and I did the one day tour of the Great Ocean Road with Tim as our guide. He was awesome! We loved his music playlist on the bus – made the trip much more enjoyable! We stopped at beautiful places and got to see wild koalas and parrots. Definitely recommend this tour!

My friends and I did the reverse great ocean road with Daniel as our guide, and had the BEST time! Daniel is an awesome host and guide, if you’re lucky enough to get on his bus you’ll be in for an amazing day! We also did the optional helicopter tour which was a great way to see the “12” Apostles.

The day trip to Great Ocean Road starts early in the morning and takes 12 hours long (the whole day). Is good to wear comfortable clothes, shoes and bring a bottle of water with you.

It is a small group, no more than 20 people, and during our way, we stopped to see some wild Aussie animals as cockatoos, koalas, kangaroos.

We had lunch in Apolo Bay in a small restaurant and our guide suggested to try the famous local ice cream at Dooley`s (delicious).

We stopped to do small hiking (40 minutes) at the Rain Forest and then, we continued by car until the Twelve Apostles Lookout. The view is unbelievable and the sunset is breathtaking. We also visited some places around where is possible to go to the beaches and see the huge stones which are part of The Twelve Apostles, as well.

Our guide, Guy, is an amazing and kind person and he knows everything about the place.

It was a happy and unforgettable day. I strongly recommend it!

Seriously the Great Ocean Road should be renamed The Amazing Ocean Road!! What a journey this is full of coastal wonders, Koala encounters and the breath taking 12 Apostles. I completely recommend this tour… brilliant day!

I must commend Simon on such a brilliant tour of the Great Ocean Road. His guidance and entertaining commentary as we travelled further brought to life an already breath taking journey. Cheers Wildlife Tours

We chose this tour for its great reviews and great price and we were not disappointed. Thank you to Wildlife Tours for an amazing trip

Had an amazing 1-day Great Ocean Road- trip, with a great itenirary and fun tour-guide! We were super happy with the whole day 🙂

Amazing tour way beyond my expectations. Id like to thank Darren our tour guide. his knowledge took this Great Ocean Road Tour to another level

I joined this great ocean road day tour over the new year period and was blown away by the service and knowledge of our tour guide Brad. Really enjoyed this incredible region. Highly recommend this tour

We loved this great ocean road tour so much. Seeing Koalas in the wild and a stunning rainforest walk were surprising highlights of this beautiful tour. Great value for money I will recommend to all my friends and family.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Tim’s commentary and guidance throughout our tour. Strongly recommend.

We didn’t expected it would be such a long day, yet it was a great one. Thanks to our very experienced and passionate tour guide Darren and the excited Koala Charlie! Highly recommended!

We booked the private group with the same highlight with this day trip, everything are wonderful lunch is great, all the place are so beautiful and impressible. The best of the best is “Charlie”our tour leader and driver, he knows everything about the trip very well and entertain us along the trip, he has knowledge in dept since he worked in that forest before so real and fantastic, my daughter and son learned a lot about rain forest during walking and have fun. He is so professional tour leader and kind person, he recommended the good restaurant for dinner and managed the time perfectly. I strongly recommend all my friends to visit Melbourne and have the trip with you again. Thank again for wonderful trip. Regards Charlie’s angel

Thank you Wildlife Tours and to our Guide Darren for such an incredible experience. I will highly recommend to friends and family

Wow what can I say about this trip but another WOW! Our guide was incredible and helped create an incredible experience. The Great Ocean road is a must do if coming to Melbourne

Had a great day trip with Autopia to The Great Ocean Road & Rainforest walk. Henning, our tour guide was fantastic. Generous with his time (we are still on the bus at 9.30pm), knowledgeable, professional – and a really nice bloke! Would recommend this company and this gentleman to anyone. Hotel pick up fantastic. Thank you

Excellent day trip! Bus is a little small, but it didn’t take away from the day and the driver was fantastic and very knowledgeable. This trip is worth every penny.

We were picked up in central Melbourne and had morning tea in a little town called Colac. First landmark we saw was the London Bridge where we stopped for 15 mins to take in the view, we then went on to Loch Ard Gorge where we had longer time to walk around, really beautiful spot. Then we headed to the 12 Apostles where we had an hour, we had lunch here and there was an opportunity to go up in a helicopter for those who had pre-booked. There is a steady walk around the cliffs to take in the views of the Apostles. It is a busy place with lots of posing and selfies!

We then moved on to Mait’s rest forest tour again an easy 30 min walk the guide was entertaining and new his stuff. The trees were amazing to see.

We then had a toilet break at a seaside town and on to my favourite part of the day….Koalas! I got to see my first wild koalas on this trip. In fact one was sat on the crash barrier looking out to the ocean! Our guide said he had never seen anything like it before! At Kennett River there were also a lot of parrots which are clearly used to being fed as they were jumping on some of the other tourists.

We then drove along the rest of the Ocean Drive Road and had a photo opportunity at the Memorial Park Gates. One last stop for pizzas in Torquay and back to Melbourne for about 7.30pm all in all a very memorable day and thanks to a great driver and tour guide. Definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Melbourne and has a spare day.

What a fantastic tour we had on the 6th December with Andrea (and Rob) who was training. He will be a lovely and very approachable tour guide when he is ready.

A lot of people recommended doing great ocean road over several days. However we saw everything we felt the need to see on the day tour, it was more than sufficient.

Throughout this time we had morning tea, stopped at several bays and beaches, a wildlife park, had a lunch stop, went to viewing points, did a rainforest walk AND saw the 12 Apostles. The day went by very quickly and although there were so many stops, we didn’t feel rushed which was great.

The highlight of our tour was definitely seeing the parrots and koalas in the trees. You can feed the parrots and get some amazing photos!

We were picked up at 6.55am and didn’t return in the CBD until 8.30pm! Andrea was extremely knowledgable about everything that we did and saw. I can thoroughly recommend it as something to do in Melbourne.

This tour is not a must, but can be done if you have a day to spend and don’t know what to do. This tour takes you along different sights and places along the Great Ocean Road. It was a good tour as we got to see the 12 Apostles (now only 9 left), the Shipwreck Cove (The Loch Ard Gorge), The Maits Rest Rainforest (A small 20-25 mins walk through the rainforest) and many beautiful views along the Great Ocean Road. We also stopped in a place with some beautiful birds and koalas. It was a day well spent.

Our host for this tour was KK. She was really fun and patient (as at times we would return later than the rest of the group to the bus – apologies to everyone for that).

The tour was awesome. Got to spend time at all the major highlights of the Great Ocean Road! Tour guide was very helpful and nice. Would highly recommend as price is unbeatable.

I booked the Great Ocean road day tour with an online travel agent (Travel Freedom), who got me a day tour with Wildlife tours. I had been shopping around for rates and got a good deal for our family of six, which included lunch, so I was not sure what I would be getting for less than $100 per person, while other rates go as high as $130. Our tour went very well, my family enjoyed all the beauty and wonder of this tour, and all the history and information provided by our tour guide, Craig- who is not only knowledgeable, but full of wit and humor. Will look for Wildlife Tours again when we visit Australia!

We had a truly memorable day and couldn’t believe how much we managed to cram in. I need to give special mention to our tour guide Grant who really made the day with his informative but easygoing and often amusing commentary- it’s a long time to spend on a small coach and the commentary really helped the time pass and helped us learn about our surroundings. The meal stop was also really good – better than you often expect on tours where restaurants cater for large groups converging on them. Thanks for a tremendous day that we will always remember. Best wishes, Andy and Jill

My friends and I visited 3 places during our 1 week stay in Australia and the great ocean road was the best. The tourist guide was very friendly. Lots of things to see and pictures to take. We surely had a wonderful time.

It was my first time on the Great Ocean Road and I was not disappointed. The best part of it was the photo opportunities. So many things to see on a beautiful sunny day, I recommend this trip.

What an amazing tour with Rob, he had us in stitches. The views were amazing at the great ocean road. Everyone on the tour I spoke to really enjoyed themselves. Thanks Rob

Thanks for a good time. The koalas were my favorite of the one day tour. A long drive but the tour guide made it more fun.

I had an amazing time with Darren on the Great Ocean Road tour. He answered all our questions and helped us get the best out of our cameras by taking nice photos of beautiful places.

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Great Ocean Road Tours

• Loch Ard Gorge
• The Twelve Apostles
• Gibson Steps

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About Great Ocean Road Tours

Experience the Best of Great Ocean Road with Our Day Tours

Discover some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Australia and learn about the region's history and culture with our day tours to the Great Ocean Road. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey, without having to worry about planning or driving.

Our tours include comfortable, air-conditioned buses, and provide plenty of breaks for restrooms, snacks, and photo opportunities. We offer a selection of day tours from Melbourne to visit the Great Ocean Road attractions, with most tours taking around 12 hours to complete and including the main attractions such as the Twelve Apostles rock formation and Loch Ard Gorge beach.

With hotel pickup and drop-off included, our tours make your day easy and stress-free. We'll also stop at small towns along the way where you can purchase lunch or dinner. Some tours even offer the chance to sample local food and wine, such as artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and wines from nearby vineyards.

On your journey, be prepared to be awed by stunning views of the coastline, beaches, and cliffs. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and our day tours ensure that you don't miss out on any of the sights.

Great Ocean Road Attractions

Discover Iconic Attractions with Great Ocean Road Tours

A Great Ocean Road tour offers you the chance to experience some of Australia's most iconic attractions in just one day. Here's a quick overview of the attractions you can expect to visit on our tours.

The Twelve Apostles One of the most famous attractions along the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone rock stacks rising out of the ocean. You'll have the opportunity to stop here for photos and learn about the history and geology of the area.

Loch Ard Gorge Named after the clipper ship Loch Ard which was wrecked here in 1878, Loch Ard Gorge is a beautiful cove with stunning beach and rock formations. You'll explore the area and learn about the tragic history of the shipwreck.

The Otways This lush forested area offers a range of hiking trails and stunning waterfalls for nature lovers to explore.

Bells Beach Known for its massive waves, Bells Beach is a famous surf beach and an Australian icon.

London Arch This natural arch formation in the ocean, formerly known as London Bridge, is a beautiful and unique sight.

Cape Otway Lighthouse This historic lighthouse perched on a cliff offers stunning views of the coast and is a great spot for photos.

The Grotto A unique rock formation resembling a sinkhole, the Grotto offers a beautiful view of stunning blue water.

Gibson Steps A staircase leading down to the beach, the Gibson Steps offer a unique ground level view of the Twelve Apostles.

Apollo Bay A charming seaside town with a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, Apollo Bay is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Great Otway National Park As you travel along the Great Ocean Road, you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and native birds in the Great Otway National Park.

The Twelve Apostles is one of the most iconic attractions in Victoria, Australia, and a must-see destination when exploring the region. These limestone stacks rise up to 45 meters from the ocean, and there are currently eight remaining.

The limestone cliffs were formed over 20 million years ago, during a period when the area was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, the accumulation of marine organisms, including shells and coral, built up on the ocean floor and solidified into limestone.

Around 10 million years ago, the land began to rise, and the sea retreated. This left the limestone exposed to the elements, including the waves and wind. Over time, the constant pounding of the waves and the wind caused the limestone to erode and weather. The soft limestone was eroded faster than the harder limestone, creating the unique rock formations that we see today.

Loch Ard Gorge is a stunning natural attraction located along the Great Ocean Road. It is situated within the Port Campbell National Park and is named after the clipper ship Loch Ard which was wrecked nearby in 1878.

Getting to Loch Ard Gorge is easy, as it is located just a short drive from The Twelve Apostles. Visitors can access the gorge by car or tour bus. There is a large car park at the top of the cliff, which is just a short walk from the viewing platform overlooking the gorge.

While Loch Ard Gorge is a beautiful spot to take in the views, it is not recommended to swim in the water as the currents can be dangerous. The water can also be quite cold, even during the summer months.

To access the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, visitors must walk down a set of stairs that lead from the viewing platform to the beach below. The stairs can be a bit steep, and some visitors may find them difficult to navigate. However, once you reach the bottom, the beach is easily accessible and provides a great spot to explore the rock formations, caves, and arches.

Unfortunately, Loch Ard Gorge is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep stairs leading down to the beach. However, visitors can still enjoy the stunning views from the viewing platform at the top of the cliff. Additionally, there are several other wheelchair-accessible attractions nearby, such as The Twelve Apostles Visitors Centre.

The Gibson Steps

The Gibson Steps are a popular attraction located along the Great Ocean Road. Visitors have the opportunity to walk down stone steps leading to the beach to get a ground level view of the towering rock formations, including the iconic Twelve Apostles.

The Gibson Steps are named after Hugh Gibson, who built the steps in the early 1900s to provide access to the beach for local fishermen. Today, the steps are a popular stop for tourists visiting the Great Ocean Road.

Visitors to the Gibson Steps can take in the breathtaking views of the towering limestone cliffs and the pounding waves of the Southern Ocean. The beach at the bottom of the steps is not suitable for swimming due to the strong currents, but it is a great spot for a walk or for taking photographs.

The Gibson Steps are easily accessible from the Great Ocean Road, and there is a small car park nearby for visitors. There is also a viewing platform at the top of the steps, which offers stunning views of the beach and the surrounding cliffs.

Apollo Bay is a charming coastal town located on the Great Ocean Road, 3 hours drive from Melbourne. It is a popular destination for day tours. With its stunning beaches, walking tails, and charming town center, it is a great spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.

The Apollo Bay Visitor Centre is open from 9am - 5pm daily a great place to stop and chat to one of the local volunteers who can help you get the most out of your time in the region.

Apollo Bay Beach The Apollo Bay Beach is a beautiful spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. It is also a great spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing.

Marriners Lookout Marriners Lookout is a stunning viewpoint located on a hill overlooking Apollo Bay. It provides panoramic views of the town, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains.

Cape Otway Lightstation The Cape Otway Lightstation is a historic lighthouse located on the edge of the Great Ocean Road. Families can climb to the top of the lighthouse for incredible views of the coast.

Apollo Bay Farmers Market If you happen to be in Apollo Bay on a Saturday morning, be sure to check out the Apollo Bay Farmers Market. It is a great spot to sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade baked goods.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures For an adrenaline-packed experience, families can head to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. It is an eco-tourism attraction that features a treetop walkway, zip line tours, and a high ropes course.

Apollo Bay Seafood Festival If you happen to be in town during February or March, be sure to check out the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. It is a celebration of the region's seafood industry, featuring fresh seafood, local wines, and live entertainment.

Getting to Apollo Bay from Melbourne The driving distance from Melbourne to Apollo Bay is approximately 195 kilometers (121 miles) via the Great Ocean Road. The driving time can vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but typically it takes around 3 hours to drive from Melbourne to Apollo Bay. However, if you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way, it's recommended to allow for a full day for the journey.

The Surf Coast

The Surf Coast region in Victoria, is located along the southern coast of Victoria, stretching from Torquay in the east to Lorne in the west.

The Surf Coast region is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surf breaks, and beautiful natural scenery. The Great Ocean Road officially begins in Torquay.

Bells Beach Bells Beach is one of the most famous surf spots in the world, and is the site of the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition. It has a rugged coastline and powerful waves, attracting surfers from all over the world.

Torquay Torquay is the gateway to the Surf Coast region and the Great Ocean Road. Torquay is known for its beautiful beaches, including the family-friendly Jan Juc Beach and the popular surf spot, Point Danger.

Great Otway National Park The Great Otway National Park is a stunning natural reserve located just inland from the Surf Coast region. It is home to lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and beautiful hiking trails. There are several stunning waterfalls located within the Great Otway National Park, including Erskine Falls and Triplet Falls. Most Great Ocean Road Tours visit the Otway National Park.

Lorne Lorne is a popular tourist town located on the Great Ocean Road, at the western end of the Surf Coast region. It is known for its beautiful beaches. Mountjoy Parade is the main street running along the esplanade and has many shops and cafes.

The Otways region is a stunning natural area located just inland from the Great Ocean Road. It is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, and hiking trails. Some Great Ocean Road tours visit this region.

Waterfalls There are several beautiful waterfalls located within the Great Otway National Park, including Triplet Falls, Beauchamp Falls, and Hopetoun Falls. These waterfalls are easily accessible by hiking trails and provide a breathtaking sight.

Cape Otway Lighthouse Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia and offers stunning views of the coastline. Visitors can also learn about the history of the lighthouse and its importance for navigation.

The Great Ocean Walk The Great Ocean Walk is a 104-kilometer hiking trail that winds through the Great Otway National Park and along the coast. It offers hikers stunning views of the ocean and coastline and is a great way to explore the beauty of the region.

The Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre

The Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre is located at the entrance to the Port Campbell National Park, which is home to some of the most popular attractions along the Great Ocean Road, such as The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

The Visitor Centre is open daily from 9am - 5pm and offers a wide range of facilities and services for tourists visiting the region.

Information and advice The visitor center offers a wealth of information and advice about the Great Ocean Road and the surrounding area. Visitors can learn about the history, geology, and culture of the region, as well as get recommendations for the best places to eat, stay, and explore.

Maps and brochures The visitor center provides maps and brochures that can help visitors plan their trip and navigate the Great Ocean Road.

Souvenir and gift shop The visitor center has a gift shop that offers a range of souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards, and locally-made products.

Restrooms and picnic areas There are restrooms and picnic areas for visitors to use, providing a comfortable and convenient stop along the Great Ocean Road.

Wheelchair accessibility The visitor center is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking spaces, restrooms, and pathways.

Read Great Ocean Road Tours Reviews

An excellent, well managed trip along the Great Ocean Road. Plenty to see along the way and decent hostel accommodation. Well worth it..

a great trip, good iternary and a nice mix between culture and nature experiences, also the walkingtrails was great pleasure. and as mentioned before, Peter as guide and driver! ment a lot for the trip whis his professional and nice way of guiding us through both the practical things with stops, food and overnights, and all the information.

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Great Ocean Road Small Group Tours

Uncover new and exciting adventures in Great Ocean Road by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in Great Ocean Road will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

9 Great Ocean Road small group tours with 53 reviews

• Coach / Bus
• Hiking & Trekking

3 Day Melbourne to Adelaide Overland (One Way)

Nice trip with friendly guide

Great Ocean Road & Grampians Adventure

I have just filled in the review for Inspiration I am confused about which company organised it we have Intrepid., Inspiration and Tour Radar. I found the organisation poor and the amount of detail given to passengers lacking and confusing as other passengers had different details at times eg. the number of breakfasts some had 3 others had 5. The tour guide was not given enough details as he often had to ring the office for clarification eg. which motel we were booked into. We were not informed of the starting point and I had to ring to find out and then it was very vague eg told The Melbourne GAllery but we went there and it was closed so looked up the street to find the bus in a gutter with the doors open so assumed it was the one. The guide was excellent and deserves a pat on the back for his patience when he was not informed of details of motels or meal arrangements. We saw a great deal of very interesting views and places. Well worth the upsets and confusion .but very hesitant to use your company again due to lack of organisation .

Hike the Great Ocean Walk

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

3 Day Melbourne to Adelaide

We enjoyed our three-day trip tremendously! Our driver-guide, Eddy, was very knowledgeable about interesting places to see, and he filled us in on the background information that made the site even more memorable.

3 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians

This was our first time to Australia and we saw & learned so much in four packed days. Pierre was amazing, a non-stop stream of information on just about anything. I was constantly asking questions and never had one that he didn’t have the answer for. For example, while on the road between stops, I asked about the indigenous peoples of Australia and got a half hour thorough (and sometimes sad) lecture on their history. The hotels and included meals were first rate. Highly recommended.

• Christmas & New Year

Melbourne to Kangaroo Island Adventure

3 Day Adelaide to Melbourne

Melbourne to Adelaide Tour 3 DAYS

Darren was an excellent knowledgeable and friendly driver. The whole tour was professional amd well thought out.

Great Ocean Road and Grampians 3 DAYS

The sights were really amazing and excellent guide, equipped transport and nice food helped it to enjoy even more. Speaking about accommodation: the first night was great, the second one was not the best, the hostel was in the nice area, but facilities not the best ones. :) Waiting for another tour with Wild Life Tours

Great Ocean Road Guide

Unofficial Guide to Australia's favourite Coast Road

10 BEST Great Ocean Road Tours & Day Trips

If you are short on time in Melbourne (or Australia in general!) but still want to experience Victoria’s amazing coastal road you are going to want to hop on a Great Ocean Road Day Trip. There are lots on the market but it can seem like a minefield when it comes to deciding which is the best Great Ocean Road Tour for you, and that’s where we come in. We have reviewed the top Great Ocean Road Tours on the market – from 1 day trips through to 3 day adventures and some specialty Great Ocean Road day tours thrown in for good measure ( think Trikes & Helicopters! )

Whatever the size of your group, if you are celebrating a special occasion or you simply want to get the best value for money in whatever time that you have, we are positive that you will find your perfect Great Ocean Road Day Tour (or longer adventure) from our list. So what are you waiting for – scroll down now!

Table of Contents

Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

Great ocean road small group ecotour, great ocean road sunset tour, reverse great ocean road day trip from melbourne, small group great ocean road day trip in reverse, great ocean road trike tour, great ocean road private helicopter tour, great ocean road + phillip island tours (2d1n), great ocean road + healesville sanctuary combo tour, great ocean road and grampians tour, 10 best great ocean road tours & day trips.

There’s no wonder it’s one of the top rated day tours from Melbourne.

From the sandy beaches to the rugged coastline view, you will also have the opportunity to see koala’s in the wild along the Kennett River during this tour, along with the 12 Apostles Loch Ard Gorge (and more!) and the option to add on a helicopter ride over the amazing Twelve Apostles.

Specialty Great Ocean Road Tours

You will have the opportunity to get up close with kangaroos, koalas and wombats, ride the famous Puffing Billy steam train through lush fern gullies and Eucalyptus forests. Also included within your ticket is free entry to either the Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Observation Wheel or the Melbourne Zoo via the Melbourne Attraction Pass. It’s fantastic value if you were planning to visit all these spots!

3 Day Great Ocean Road Tours

As the world’s most scenic coastal drive, we can say for certain that you will have a memorable trip no matter where you stop off along the way and we hope our selection of tours will make the perfect activities to look forward to and experience the Great Ocean Road in a unique and unforgettable way.

Which one of these Great Ocean Road day tours most appeals to you? We would love to hear from you in the comments below and if you know of anyone planning a trip to the Great Ocean Road, please be sure to share this post with them on social media: Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter or grab the image below for Pinterest. And remember – sharing is charing (and we thank you in advance!)

READY MORE GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRAVEL INSPIRATION? YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE TRAVEL TIPS, TRIPS & ITINERARIES, DESTINATION GUIDES AND RELATED POSTS ABOUT FABULOUS DESTINATIONS ON THE #GOR:

• Read our Complete Guide to Driving the Great Ocean Road including tips, FAQs and a sample Great Ocean Road Touring Itinerary
• Want to see more of Oz? We’ve got the Top 100 Bucket List Experiences in Australia including Alice Springs, The Great Barrier Reef, The Blue Mountains, Arnhem Land – and a little closer to home, several Yarra Valley tours for a spot of wine tasting!
• The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Map – featuring waterfalls , viewpoints, campsites , petrol stations, beaches, spas and more!

Hi There! Thanks for reading our travel guide to the 10 Best Great Ocean Road Tours & Great Ocean Road Day Trips.   I just wanted to let you know that this post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something after clicking a link, I may get a small commission – which is at absolutely no cost to you . If you enjoyed this article and are going to be searching for some of the things I mention anyway, I would love it if you could click through from the links above & thank you in advance! Read my full disclosure here .

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15 Best Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne In 2024

This article may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer here.

By Audrey Chalmers

Looking For The Best Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne?

You’re in the right place! In this article, we will help you pick the perfect Great Ocean Road tour for you.

Living near the Great Ocean Road we’ve spent heaps of time in the area enjoying the scenery in between hikes and exploring seaside villages.

If you’re planning a trip here, lucky you! The Great Ocean Road is one of the best coastal drives in the world and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

Taking one of the excellent Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne is the easiest way to see this magnificent coastal part of Victoria.

Don’t Have Time To Read The Whole Article?

Our Favourite: Great Ocean Road Plus Koalas, Forest Walk & Morning Tea

An affordable one day group tour with wildlife, a nature walk, and morning tea.

➡️ Check Rates and Availability Here!

There are many tours to choose from depending on how much time you have and your preferred style of travel. There are one, two, three, and even four day day trips available.

You can do a group tour, which is great for meeting people as well as the budget. Or, you can go on a private tour, which is perfect if you’d like to set your own itinerary.

No matter what type of tour you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

Below we’ve compiled a list of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne, complete with all the information you need to know to plan the perfect trip!

Table of Contents

Our Top 3 Picks: Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great Ocean Road Plus Koalas & Forest Walk ✔️ 13 Hours ✔️ Koalas ✔️ Rainforest Walk

Great Ocean Road Highlights Tour ✔️ 2 Days/1 Night ✔️ Set Your Own Itinerary

Great Ocean Road & Grampians 3 Day Escape ✔️ 3 Days ✔️ Great Ocean Road Plus Mountains

1 Day Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne

Whether you want to take a group Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne or would like the services of your own dedicated driver guide, below you’ll find plenty of options to suit every budget!

Read on to discover 15 of the best one, two, three, and four day tours of the Great Ocean Road area.

1) Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk, And Morning Tea

Duration: 13 hours

Food and drinks included: Morning tea (lunch and dinner at own expense)

This whistle-stop trip is the pick of the Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne when you want to do it all in one day.

The tour lasts for 13 hours, during which time you’ll see the star Great Ocean Road attraction – the 12 Apostles.

Several other top spots are also covered by the itinerary, including Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay for swimming and lunch, and the koalas of Kennett River.  

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The first stop of the day is Front Beach in Torquay, from which you can also see Bell’s Beach, a famous surfing location.

You’ll also call at the photogenic Pole House in Fairhaven, the iconic Great Ocean Road sign, Cape Patton lookout, Gibson’s Steps, and The Razorback, and take a tall trees walk at Mait’s Rest.

The final stop is Colac, where you can choose a restaurant for dinner. 

What Past Guests Have Said:

This was a spectacular experience led by an authentic, knowledgeable, kind, and engaging driver…The sights are once in a lifetime memories and the best way to see them is with a great driver on a well-structured tour. This is the one. – John_N See more reviews

An action and attraction packed 13 hour tour with morning tea including local beaches, the 12 Apostles, koalas, and various scenic spots.

2) Private Great Ocean Road Tour With Early Departure

Duration: 12 hours

Food and drinks included: Bottled water, fruit and snacks

If the idea of Great Ocean Road private tours appeals to you more, then how about this 12-hour trip commencing at 7 a.m?

It includes central hotel pick-up, travel by air-conditioned car, and is limited to only your group. You also get fruit, water, and other snacks thrown in.  

I particularly like this tour as it’s tailor-made to your needs and you can choose your own stops.

This Great Ocean Road day tour itinerary focuses on highlights such as native wildlife – including kangaroos and koalas – breathtaking beaches and iconic local sights.

Stops include Torquay and other beaches, the memorial archway, Kennett River, Cape Patton, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. 

I highly recommend doing a private tour and James was the perfect tour guide. He catered the trip to make sure my son would enjoy it and we had a blast – Joshua_G Read more reviews

A 12 hour private trip by air conditioned car to see koalas and kangaroos, as well as Great Ocean Road beaches and other highlights.

3) Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour

Food and drinks included: Bottled water

This one stands out as it heads in the opposite direction to other Melbourne tours of the Great Ocean Road.

An early start at 6.45 a.m also means you have more chance of beating the crowds. Starting with a stop in Winchelsea for morning tea and ending at Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne, you’ll take in all the area’s most stunning spots en route.

These include the 12 Apostles, Gibsons Steps, The Razorback, Loch Ard Gorge, Maits Rest, Apollo Bay, and Kennett River, plus Port Campbell and Great Otway National Parks.

In addition to rock formations, beaches, and rainforests, you can expect to see koalas and orange-bellied parrots during the day.

Long day but totally worth it!! The Gibson Steps and rainforest walk were my favourite parts. Neil was an amazing host and guide. Worth the trip! – Megan_M Read more reviews

An early start and following a reverse itinerary maximise your chances of beating the crowds on this boutique one day Great Ocean Road tour.

4) From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Tour

Food and drinks included: No (lunch and dinner at own expense)

This Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne is the best bet when you want to see the sun sink beyond the horizon, fronted by the famous 12 Apostles.

Beginning at one of six Melbourne pick-up points, you’ll pass by the beautiful beaches at Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay along the way.

Other sites of interest visited include the memorial arch for selfies, Gibson Steps, Kennett River for koala-spotting and Loch Ard Gorge.

Lunch and dinner stops are also included, so you can pick where to dine out with a view.

Your guide will also regale you with tales of the Surf Coast, shipwrecks and the construction of the iconic seaside road. 

Rob was a great guide who managed to convey a lot of information in a fun way. The landscape is beautiful and the sunset was certainly an added value. The WiFi on the bus is an added value. It’s definitely worth it! – Liesbet Read more reviews

A 13 hour day trip beginning in central Melbourne and ending with sunset at the 12 Apostles. Also includes beaches, wildlife, and scenic lookouts. 

5) 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Express Private Tour

Duration: 9 hours

Food and drinks included : Bottled water

If you prefer the idea of taking private Great Ocean Road tours with only your group for company, then this nine-hour trip might be the best choice.

This tour is particularly good when time is tight, as you’ll get back to Melbourne during mid-afternoon. 

The untamed Shipwreck Coast forms the backdrop for your day, where you can see landmarks like Gibsons Steps, The Razorback, Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles.

Seeing native Australian wildlife including koalas and kangaroos is also a highlight.

Unlike numerous other Great Ocean Road trips from Melbourne, you’ll head to the 12 Apostles first to avoid the crowds. 

A private tour of the Great Ocean Road highlights that will get you back to Melbourne by mid-afternoon – but not without seeing some stunning sights. 

6) Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers Aged 18-35

Food and drinks included: Tea and coffee

This particular Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne is aimed at the 18 to 35 age group.

The tour is perfect for backpackers and other young people looking to connect with other travellers.

It’s also ideal for anyone hoping to see Australian wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas in their natural habitat. 

Pick-up at several central Melbourne and St Kilda hostels is included.

You’ll then head out on your Great Ocean Road adventure, commencing with the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park and ending at the memorial archway.

En route, other stops include The Razorback, Gibsons Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, Kennett River, Lorne Pier, and Fairhaven Beach. 

A day trip for backpackers and 18 to 35 year olds, taking in local wildlife in addition to all the main Great Ocean Road icons. 

2 Day Great Ocean Road Tours

7) great ocean road highlights tour: 2 days 1 night.

Duration: 2 days 

When Great Ocean Road day tours don’t seem enough to let you explore this area properly, why not consider a two-day trip?

This private tour takes you to all the sites that the day trips do, as well as a whole lot more. So you can really get to know this unparalleled region.

Additional stops include Castle Cove, the Bay of Martyrs, Melba Gully, the Princetown Wetlands Boardwalk, London Bridge, the Bay of Islands, and Cape Otway Lightstation.

You can also add optional walking tours in Melbourne at the start of the first day.

Options here include Melbourne Cricket Ground, Southbank, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Yarra River, Old Melbourne Gaol, and many more. 

We had an amazing time. The driver James was super lovely well-informed and made our tour a better experience all round…It also helped that we arrived at most stops and had them to ourselves – Jake Read more reviews

A two day private tour including more Great Ocean Road highlights, including London Bridge, Cape Otway Lightstation, Melba Gully, and more.

8) Private 2 Day Great Ocean Tour From Melbourne

Duration: 2 days

Another of the best from-Melbourne Great Ocean Road tours is this two day trip.

As this is a private tour only for your group, you can tailor make a more personalised experience in agreement with your guide. 

After a relaxed 10 a.m start, you’ll start making your way towards Apollo Bay via the 12 Apostles, Mait’s Rest, Castle Cove, Lavers Hill, and Melba Gully National Park.

After visiting the iconic 12 Apostles, next up is Gibsons Steps, Port Campbell National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. 

A private Great Ocean Road tour that can be personalised to suit your preferences, while taking in all of the area’s most picturesque sights. 

9) 2 Day Camping And Surfing Great Ocean Road Trip From Melbourne

Food and drinks included: 2 lunches, 1 dinner & 1 breakfast

Accommodation included: Camping in a teepee

If you want something more action-packed than the average Great Ocean Road bus tour, then how about a two-day adventure that includes surfing and camping?

Two hours of surf instruction is included, and guests of this 2 day Great Ocean Road tour will also enjoy a satisfying Aussie-style BBQ before camping out in a teepee by the beach. 

As the group size is capped at 15 people, you can expect a more intimate experience where you’ll get to know your guide and fellow travellers.

You’ll also see the best of the Great Ocean Road, plus Australian wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas. 

Expect koalas, kangaroos, a surfing lesson, an Aussie BBQ and teepee camping by the beach on this great value two day adventure tour.

10) Ride Tours 2 Day Great Ocean Road Trip for 18 -35 Year Olds

Food and drinks included: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

Accommodation included: Mixed dorm room

This is another of the Great Ocean Road 2 day tours that’s aimed specifically at the 18 to 35 age range.

Meals and accommodation are covered as well as travel, and as the tour takes the opposite route to most you have more chance of avoiding the crowds.

You’ll stay overnight at the Sow and Piglets, a hostel with its own on-site craft brewery. 

A couple of wildlife stops also make this tour a little different. You can see emus, koalas and kangaroos at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, and might even spy Southern Right Whales from the Logan’s Beach viewpoint.

Famous for surfing, Bell’s Beach is the last stop before heading back to Melbourne. 

This tour is a little different, heading in the opposite direction to the crowds. It also includes Bell’s Beach, a wildlife reserve and Logan’s Beach.  

11) LGBTQ+ Friendly 2 Day Private Great Ocean Road Tour

Food and drinks included: No

Accommodation included: No (Apollo Bay accommodation at own expense)

Your Great Ocean Road guide leading this private tour will have connections with the local LGBTQ+ community, and the company also has links with Melbourne LGBTQ+ organisations.

The extra day means you can travel at a more relaxed pace, timing your visits to avoid many of the tourists. It also allows for a later 10 a.m. start.

It’s possible to tailor this tour to suit your own preferences, as it will only be your group plus the guide.

You’ll travel from Melbourne to Apollo Bay and vice versa, but are free to agree on the exact stops as you go. 

A private, LGBTQ+ friendly Great Ocean Road tour that allows your group to go their own way, and includes an overnight stop in Apollo Bay. 

3 Day Great Ocean Road Tours

12) melbourne short break holiday to the great ocean road & grampians 3 day escape.

Duration: 3 days

Food and drinks included: 2 breakfasts & 1 dinner

Accommodation included: 2 nights accommodation in Warrnambool and Hall’s Gap

This is which of the 3 day Great Ocean Road tours to go for if you want to see the Grampians in addition to the famous and fabulous coastal route.

You can encounter local fauna, including kookaburras, emus and kangaroos, and even learn about Aboriginal culture and history. 

The tour includes overnight accommodation in both Warrnambool and Hall’s Gap, and if you’d prefer, you can choose your own place to stay instead of using the inclusive option.

An expert guide will help you make the most of your time in the area, as you enjoy the valleys, mountains, waterfalls and coast. 

An amazingly well put together trip to see the Great Ocean Road and Grampians! It was truly spectacular…Highly recommend to anyone thinking about doing it! – Rachel H Read more reviews

A three day tour that takes in the Grampians mountains, native wildlife and Aboriginal culture as well as the Great Ocean Road. 

13) Private 3 Day Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne

Accommodation: Not included. Choose your own place to stay.

Travel between destinations in air-conditioned, luxurious comfort with this Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne.

This gives you a whole additional day as compared to Great Ocean Road tours for 2 days, and all your time is spent exploring this lovely area. 

Though there are suggested stops in the usual sort of locations, the itinerary of this tour is down to your party.

You can contact the company before booking to discuss this and will have the services of your own driver guide throughout. 

A fully flexible 3 day tour of the Great Ocean Road with your own private driver guide and vehicle, so you can decide exactly where you want to go. 

14) Great Ocean Walk Highlights Hiking Tour: 4 Days

Duration: 4 days

Food and drinks included: 4 lunches, 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts

Accommodation included: 3 nights at the Cape Otway Lightstation

When a 2 days Great Ocean Road tour – or even Great Ocean Road tours for 3 days – don’t seem like they give you enough time to explore fully, then how about taking 4 days to discover the area?

That’s exactly what you get with this Great Ocean Road from Melbourne tour. Plus you get to rest your head at the iconic Cape Otway Lightstation each night!

As it’s a hiking trip, you also get far more of a feel for the area than when travelling by car or coach.

Different walks are included each day, and your group will have a maximum of 10 participants.

Your chances of seeing wildlife are very good, too, including koalas, echidnas, kangaroos, dolphins and even whales in season.

A 4 day hiking tour to the Great Ocean Road, with daily walks led by your experienced guide, and including all meals and accommodation. 

Luxury Great Ocean Road Tour

15) melbourne to 12 apostles vip helicopter tour.

Duration: 5 hours

Food and drinks included: No (private winery lunch option at own expense)

This is truly a bucket list, one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll feel like a rock star when you arrive at the 12 Apostles on your very own private helicopter tour.

Everyone is guaranteed a window seat and you’ll have a view of the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles that few people get to experience.

Other landmarks you’ll see include Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Bay of Islands.

The trip includes a couple of hours of free time on the ground, which you can spend at the beach, visiting the lookouts and Gibsons Steps, or exploring the walking trails.

To make your day even more memorable you can opt to have lunch at a local winery with views that rival the Great Ocean Road’s scenery. 

Whilst it’s not for everyone’s budget I felt as a once-in-a-lifetime experience it was worth every dollar. It’s the only way to avoid a 12-13 hour day trip by mini bus. Lunch booked at Jack Rabbit Vineyard with private helipad was also excellent and good value for money. We will be thinking about this perfect day for a long time to come. – LeslieMcC1958 Read more reviews

A private, once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight over the Great Ocean Road area, with two hours of free time on the ground to explore more fully. 

Tips For Choosing A Great Ocean Road Tour

We’ve put together a few tips for choosing a Great Ocean Road, so you’ll have all the information you need to select the right one for you.

A group or private tour?

Generally speaking the bigger the tour group the cheaper it will be. Larger tour groups can have 25 or more participants, whereas smaller group tours typically have no more than 15 people.

If you’re travelling on a budget or like meeting fellow travellers then a group tour is a great choice.

Private tours on the other hand are best if you want it to be just you and your travel partner (s). This is a more expensive option but you get to tailor-make your itinerary as the guide is yours and will cater to your interests, wants, and needs.

Make sure you’re the right match for the tour.

Along with the size of the tour, you need to make sure you are a match for the tour. Some tours target young backpacker types, while others are aimed at over 35s or seniors.

Perhaps the tour includes an activity you don’t want or can’t do. For example one of the tours above includes a surfing lesson. So it’s important to ensure you’re the target audience for the tour.

What does the tour include and exclude?

It’s important to know what you are paying for and what you are not, so there aren’t any surprises! Nothing can turn a tour sour like having to pay for things you didn’t know about before hand.

For example, if the tour visits paid sites are the entrance fees included in the cost of the tour? Are food and drink included? What about accommodation?

Sometimes it’s better if these things aren’t included as it keeps tour prices down and you have control over how much you spend. It’s just important to know in advance.

How long is the tour?

Whether you’re doing a group or private tour, always check how long the tour lasts. It’s also important to know yourself. Most tours of the Great Ocean Road are extremely long, lasting 12 and even 13 hours.

For some people that’s just too long. If that’s you I suggest choosing the Express 9 hour Private Tour, or one of the multi-day options.

Is there a central pick up point?

For convenience many tour operators will pick you up from your hotel. I personally find this annoying as too much time is wasted on the bus going from hotel to hotel. I much prefer meeting at a central point even if I have to get there on my own.

But that’s just me. You may prefer the convenience of being picked up from your hotel without worrying about how to get to a central pick up point. Either way it’s important to know where you’ll be joining the tour from.

If you’ll be based in Melbourne and want to take a Great Ocean Road trip, then organised trips that take care of travel, accommodation and where to go are an awesome option. 

Whether it’s Great Ocean Road day tours from Melbourne for those short on time or longer options lasting up to four days, there are plenty to pick from.

➡️ Book The Best Great Ocean Tour Today!

You can also include one-off experiences such as a surfing lesson, touring the Grampians or staying at a pub with its own microbrewery on site. 

Which from-Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour will you be booking? If there’s one you like the look of, don’t wait too long – this is an incredibly popular part of Australia!

Join our Great Ocean Road Travel Planning and Tips Facebook Group here . It’s the perfect place to ask your questions and be inspired!

Recommended:

• Best Apollo Bay Accommodation: 11 Top Stays
• Great Ocean Road 4 Day Itinerary: A Local’s Guide
• 10 Best Waterfalls In Lorne: Don’t Miss These!
• 21 Unmissable Things To Do At The Docklands Melbourne
• 21 Amazing Landmarks In Melbourne: Don’t Miss These!
• 15 Top Things To Do In Werribee
• Top 10 Best Hotels In Docklands Melbourne
• Accommodation In Werribee: 7 Top Places To Stay

Audrey grew up in Victoria and travelled the world but she always called Victoria home. She loves nothing more than exploring her home state and sharing it here.

11 Best Great Ocean Road Tours To Take In 2024

READY TO BOOK YOUR GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR?

Then you’ve come to the right article as I’m about to show you the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the best things you can do in all of Australia, and there’s no better way to see the coastline than by taking a tour.

It’s one of my favourite days I’ve ever had, and I know how important it is to have a good tour, and how hard it can be to pick the good from the bad.

So that’s why I’ve done all the hard work for you and put together a list of the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours which I recommend.

This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me to keep my site up and running! Read my disclaimer for more information.

🏆 EDITOR’S PICK: Best Tour = Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne with thousands of 5-star reviews. Book now!

Ready to explore the best options and book your tour? Let’s get straight into it!

My Top 3 Picks: Great Ocean Road Tour

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne ✔️ 3700+ 5 star reviews ✔️ Viator Experience Award ✔️ 14 hour tour

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour ✔️ Beat the crowds ✔️ Max 12 people ✔️ 2200+ 5 star reviews

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip ✔️ 9+ stops ✔️ All the iconic sights ✔️ Rainforest Walk

Best Great Ocean Road Tours

It can be hard to choose the good tours from the bad, that’s why I’ve handpicked the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours that are sure to give you an unbelievable experience without breaking the bank. Each one is packed with must-sees, from the 12 Apostles to rainforest walks, book any of these tours and you’re in for a great time.

1. Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (3700+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 14 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 6 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

The best Great Ocean Road tour is the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne which has nearly 4000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

• Spot wild koalas along the way
• Experience Great Otway National Park’s rainforest and wildlife
• See iconic rock formations, including the Twelve Apostles

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the Great Ocean Road in person? Well, you might want to try the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne to experience one of the most scenic drives in the world. 

When booking a tour, no matter what tour it is, I always like to go with the tried and tested option. Having a 5/5 rating after nearly 4000 reviews is incredible and speaks to the standard of this tour.

I personally had the best day ever and I can’t recommend it enough! It’s more than passed the test of travellers before both you and me.

What I like about this tour straight away is that it includes hotel pickup. After picking you up from your selected hotel in Melbourne, you’ll head to the coast.

Keep your eyes peeled and try to spot wild koalas in the trees. This eco-tour is focused on observing these adorable furry creatures in their natural habitat, which is honestly, the best way to experience them.

Next, you’ll explore the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park, where you might see kangaroos and wallabies hopping around. Your guide will tell you all about the plants and animals that live here, and how they adapt to the changing seasons.

I love animals and having a guide so knowledgeable on all of the wildlife in Australia was really great!

The highlight of the tour is Port Campbell National Park, where you’ll get to see the iconic Twelve Apostles and other rock formations. They really are a sight to behold. Seeing them in real life is surreal- pictures don’t do it justice.

But speaking of pictures, you’ll be given plenty of time to take photos and take in the views.

During the tour, you’ll have the chance to stop for coffee or tea breaks. You can opt to bring your own lunch like I did because I was on a budget, or the guide will also suggest some great places to eat local food along the way.

To summarise the quality of the tour, it has a Viator Experience Award , making it one of the best tours in the whole world.

Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne is a great introduction to the Great Ocean Road with a focus on the ecology of the region, and I encourage anyone looking to take a tour to book this one.

2. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (2200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you want to avoid the crowds, Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People is the best tour for you.

• All-day reverse beat-the-crowd tour of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road
• Knowledgeable local guide sharing history and culture
• See the formations of London Bridge, the 12 Apostles, and the Great Otway

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People is also super highly thought of, with more than 2000 5-star reviews. The quality of these tours is so impressive!

This Great Ocean Road tour is a bit different – that’s because it’s in the reverse of what most other tours offer.

But going in reverse means you aren’t going to the same places at the same time as most people, and you’ll also start your tour early to beat the crowds , and by early, I mean 7 a.m.

And you have quite a personable experience on the tour too, as it’s a small-group tour, limited to 12 people. It really feels like the guide is part of the group.

There are plenty of stops along the way including the stunning London Bridge and the Twelve Apostles. You’ll also get to explore the rugged landscape of Great Otway National Park. 

As cheesy as this sounds, this is more than a tour; it’s a journey of discovery!

The National Park fees are also included in this tour price, so there are no surprises along the way. You can choose to bring a lunch with you, however, there are plenty of stops along the way for food and drink. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or not, I highly recommend Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People as an opportunity to explore the Great Ocean Road like never before and with minimal crowds.

3. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (1200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Another really good Great Ocean Road Tour is the From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip , again with more than a thousand positive ratings!

• Small group tour along the iconic Great Ocean Road
• Spot koalas at Kennett River
• Explore the rainforest of Great Otway National Park and Shipwreck Coast
• Optional 15-minute helicopter rides offer a thrilling aerial view

Are you ready for an amazing adventure along Australia’s Great Ocean Road? If your answer is yes, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip is definitely made for you!

This full-day Great Ocean Road tour features a little bit of everything. You’ll see koalas in the wild at Kennett River, walk through a stunning rainforest in the Great Otway National Park, and visit the spectacular Shipwreck Coast – where you’ll visit the famous 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Step.

If you’re feeling adventurous, or are celebrating a special occasion then you opt to take a helicopter ride and fly over the coast.  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget!

Just imagine the views you’ll get from up there! It’s a perfect example of a situation I use the quote “Money always comes back, memories are priceless.” It’s expensive, yes, but so worth it!

All of the guides for all of these tours are really friendly, but the guides on this tour even treat you to a delicious and refreshing morning cup of tea!

Your guide will also take care of everything for you from pick up and drop you off at selected hotels in Melbourne. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy this full-day immersive experience. 

If you want a deep dive into the Great Ocean Road with some unique perks, From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip this is the tour for you.

4. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (1500+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13.5 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 8 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you’re an animal-lover like me, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour just might be the tour you’ve been looking for! And guess what? Once again, it’s incredibly well-rated with over 1500+ positive reviews.

• Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines
• Go on a guided forest walk among the world’s tallest trees
• Encounter native koalas and parrots in their natural habitat

As a wildlife lover, I’m actually excited to tell you about From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour . Unlike the other tours I’ve mentioned, this one has an animal focus to it, where you’ll get the chance to see some of the best Australian wildlife up close.

You’ll start the tour by seeing some incredible sights along the way. Keep a look out for things like adorable koalas and colourful parrots in their natural home. Australia is famous for a lot of things, and wildlife is one of the main things.

What I also love is that you also get to walk through the rainforest with your guide pointing out various species as you go.

After your wildlife encounters, you’ll carry on to the stunning and infamous coastline. Here you’ll get to witness some of the country’s most impressive views.

You’ll stop off to see the famous landmarks, like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. And of course, you’ll get plenty of time to take photos or simply sit and take in the view. 

Everything is included on this full-day tour. You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Melbourne and enjoy a refreshing morning tea before your full adventure starts. There are plenty of options for lunch during this tour. 

If you’re a wildlife buff, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour is a tour you don’t want to miss!

5. Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip

⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (500+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 14 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip is yet another amazing Great Ocean Road Tour. The guides are some of the funniest guides in the world on this tour!

• Enjoy a road trip along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and visit the charming town of Apollo Bay on the surf coast
• Discover the iconic Shipwreck Coast, Loch Ard Gorge, and the 12 Apostles.
• Spot koalas, and native birds, and wander amidst the lush trees and ferns

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip covers all the classic highlights of this iconic road trip and more!

You’ll not only see stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush rainforest along this amazing route, but you’ll also visit the Shipwreck Coast, where you’ll find the 12 Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge as well as Apollo Bay! So many bucket-list sights in just a few hours.

During this tour, you’ll also get to meet some of Australia’s cutest wildlife, like koalas and native birds. Trust me when I say that you’ll feel a special bond with nature as you walk among the tall trees and ferns of the Otway Ranges.

Taking a Great Ocean Road tour leaves you really appreciating life by the end of the day, it’s one of those types of experiences where it makes you love life.

You’ll have plenty of time to take in the vibes of Apollo Bay, a surf town with a relaxed vibe and to use ChatGPT’s favourite phrase, “a coastal charm”. You can opt to walk on the beach or soak up the local culture – the choice is up to you!

The tour includes your transportation with a knowledgeable local guide who knows everything about the area like the back of their hand. There are plenty of stops along this tour to pick up food and drink, or you could pack a picnic to have on the beach.

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip is an excellent tour that includes all of the highlights of a Great Ocean Road trip with a few nice extras on top.

6. Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (160+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours |🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you want a really personable Great Ocean Road tour, and one that includes absolutely everything, then Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is the tour you’ve been looking for.

• Enjoy a local cafe lunch in a charming coastal township
• Travel in style with extra legroom in a premium vehicle
• Experience the convenience of a drop-off service at your central Melbourne hotel

Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is an amazing all-inclusive adventure that will surely provide a memorable experience and comfort at the same time!

You’ll travel in style and comfort in a Mercedes mini-van . These are not your average tour buses—they’re spacious, luxurious, and equipped with everything you need to relax. You’ll feel like a VIP as you cruise along the scenic route!

You’ll also get to taste the best of the region with a delicious cafe lunch in a charming coastal town. Whether you’re craving classic Australian fare, or something a little different, they’ve got you covered! And the best part is, it’s all included in the price .

Your guide will take care of everything for you, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. They’ll pick you up at your hote l or Southbank at the start and drop you off at the end of the tour at whichever location is more convenient for you.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is not your ordinary tour and is the epitome of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

7. Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (125+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you’re backpacking Melbourne , then you won’t find a better tour than Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35 . It’s designed for younger people and solo travellers.

• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Take unlimited photo stops to capture unforgettable moments
• Experience the stunning Australian coastline and forest

Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35 is exclusively designed for the young and adventurous! Tailored for anyone aged 18-35, this Great Ocean Road tour ensures a vibrant and energetic day from start to finish!

You’ll start the day with a pick-me-up cup of tea or coffee to get you ready for the day ahead. Then you’ll be transported around in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and have plenty of chances to snap some awesome photos along the way.

Also, don’t be shy to ask the driver to stop whenever you see something you want to hop out and take a photo of. If there’s one thing I know about Aussies it’s that they’re very laid back , so if there’s an unplanned stop, it’s no big deal to them.

Quite the contrast from when I visited Iceland and took a Golden Circle tour and we were told off for being 1 minute late back to the bus!

You’ll head to the Australian coastline, with its iconic rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters.

But that’s not all, you’ll also get to visit the rainforest where you can try to spot local wildlife that lives there. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see koalas and kangaroos, so keep your eyes open!

Although the coastline is amazing, I absolutely love exploring the rainforests in the area. It’s such a diverse place, and I felt like a proper explorer walking through it.

This tour is more than just a sightseeing trip —it’s a chance to have fun, make new friends, and experience one of the world’s most famous road trips with like-minded people.

If you want to have a blast with your fellow travellers, sharing stories and laughs along the way, book the Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35 .

8. Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (350+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 13 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea is one of the tours with the most stops on this list, with at least 13 named stops. But as I said, the tours are all mostly laid back and usually have a few spontaneous stops.

• Drive along the Great Ocean Road and see the 12 Apostles from different angles, including Gibson Steps
• Encounter wild koalas and parrots at Kennett River
• Enjoy lunch in Apollo Bay and have dinner in Colac savoring the local culinary delights

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea includes incredible sights and unforgettable experiences along the way!

One of the highlights is undoubtedly the 12 Apostles, a group of massive limestone pillars rising from the ocean. Would it really be a Great Ocean Road Tour without visiting the highlight of the National Heritage Site ?

During this tour, you’ll get to see them from different perspectives , including the Gibsons Steps, where you can feel the spray of the waves and the awe of nature.

You’ll also have the chance to spot local wildlife, like koalas and parrots, at Kennett River, a stop not included in most of these tours. It’s difficult to resist seeing these adorable creatures in their natural environment, and if you’re lucky, try to get a photo with them.

Seeing all of the animals in Australia is so much better than seeing them in zoos. It creates precious memories. I remember one time I was fortunate enough to see a platypus which is quite rare to see, it was incredible.

You’ll also stop off to enjoy delicious local food in Apollo Bay and Colac, two charming towns with great options for lunch and dinner (not included in the price). You can choose whatever you like, from fresh seafood to hearty burgers.

Morning tea is provided during the tour, along with everything else you need for a comfortable and memorable experience. All you have to do is relax and have fun on this full-day excursion!

To get unreal views of the 12 Apostles, book the Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea today.

9. Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 7 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you love guides who are passionate about storytelling, then you should book the Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne .

• Experience a day trip along the Great Ocean Road
• Explore the enchanting Otway Ranges and visit the historic Cape Otway lighthouse
• Discover the tale of the Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck and wander at the majestic Twelve Apostles rock formations

If you love both landscapes and adventure, then join this full-day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne!

The Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne begins the day with a drive through the Otway Ranges, where you’ll see giant eucalyptus trees create a fragrant and tranquil forest. Quite the unique way to start, right?

You’ll also stop at the Cape Otway lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia  – this one definitely holds a significant history and role in guiding ships to safety. I love the atmosphere here.

Next, you’ll visit the Loch Ard Gorge, where a shipwreck in 1878 left only two survivors. Be prepared to be moved by their story and the beauty of the gorge, with its cliffs and caves. Unfortunately, you can’t actually see the shipwreck from the surface, but the story gave me goosebumps.

You’ll then continue your journey to see the Twelve Apostles, the most famous attraction on the Great Ocean Road. It’s difficult not be stand in awe by their mighty size and shape – you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities! They’re much more impressive in real life.

Throughout the day, the guide will make your trip fun and informative, sharing their knowledge and stories along the way. I had a guide named Red and he was amazing.

And as the name suggests, the group is small too so you really get to know the guide rather than just listen to them.

If this is your first time in the area, then Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne allows you to enjoy the best that the region has to offer.

10. Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (300+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

The penultimate Great Ocean Road tour on this list comes in the form of the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne which still has remarkable reviews. Remember, these are the best of the best out of hundreds of tours, all of these options are top-class.

• A full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
• Delicious lunch overlooking Apollo Bay, soaking in the famous coastal scenery
• Experience a temperate rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park and spot Australian wildlife in their natural habitat

Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne features all the typical GOR highlights.

You’ll start your adventure by visiting the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, starting the day off on a high. Here you’ll see the mighty cliffs looking out over the endless ocean. I know that you’ll be amazed by these natural wonders – it’s hard not to be – and even though it’s an unforgettable view , you’ll also have plenty of time to take photos.

Next, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch at Apollo Bay, where you’ll get to enjoy the local cuisine whilst taking in the tranquil coastal vibe . Trust me, you’ll love the views and the atmosphere. It’s a really quaint place, I love it there. It reminds me of being home in Northern Ireland.

Then, you’ll hop back on to your transportation, enjoying the scenic drive. That’s one of the most underappreciated things about any Great Ocean Road adventure- the drive is just as beautiful as all of the stops. Even when you’re driving for an hour, it goes so quickly.

You’ll then stop at Great Otway National Park, where you’ll walk among the ancient rainforest trees , taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

You’ll hear hundreds of birds and if you’re lucky maybe spot some local wildlife! Speaking of wildlife, you’ll also get to see some of Australia’s most adorable animals, like kangaroos and koalas.

All in all, Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne offers a day filled with bucket list experiences, that offer memories you’ll cherish forever.

11. Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12-13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Last but by no means least of these Great Ocean Road tours is the Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour and it really is a case of “last but not least” as it still has more than 100 positive reviews.

• Spectacular coastal views along the Great Ocean Road, including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
• Complimentary chocolate and ice cream tastings at the renowned Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
• Spot cute koalas, and visit historical landmarks like the Memorial Arch, and the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay

Do you love adventure, nature, and… chocolate? Then you’ll love Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour .

You’ll start your day with a sweet stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where you can enjoy free samples of chocolate and ice cream. Yum!!! How many people include that on their Great Ocean Road itinerary ? Not many, but more should!

Next, you’ll see the Memorial Arch , a beautiful tribute to the people who built this incredible road. Again, another unique stop, but this is why I love this tour- it goes beyond the “must-dos”.

After the memorial, you’ll watch the surfers in action at Lorne, a famous beach break where the ocean meets the land. 

For lunch, you’ll have some time to explore Apollo Bay, a lovely seaside town with lots of options for places to eat to suit your taste and budget. 

After that, you’ll visit the Loch Ard Gorge, a stunning site with a sad story of a shipwreck. Be prepared to be moved as your guide tells you its fascinating history. As I said earlier, the story gives me goosebumps every time.

Finally, you’ll get to visit the infamous Twelve Apostles with plenty of time to take photos before heading back to Melbourne.

What an amazing day Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour offers- it’s extraordinary.

Great Ocean Road Tours: FAQ

Below are some FAQs related to these Great Ocean Road tours along with my answer to each question.

Not at all! You can drive the Great Ocean Road on your own. This way, you have the freedom to stop wherever you want and for as long as you like. But if you don’t want to drive or plan the trip yourself, a tour can be a great choice too.

There are eight of the 12 Apostles still standing. Even though they’re called the ’12’ Apostles, there were only nine to begin with. The ocean is slowly but surely wearing them down, but they’re still an amazing sight.

Yes, a Great Ocean Road tour is worth it if you want to sit back and enjoy the ride without the stress of driving or planning. On a tour, you get to hear cool stories and facts about the places you’re seeing too. It’s also a fun way to meet other travellers.

Great Ocean Road Tours: Conclusion

And there you have it, a complete list of the best Great Ocean Road tours.

Remember, the best tour is the Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne with thousands of 5-star ratings.

But no matter which of these tours you decide to take, you’ll have the most amazing time. The Great Ocean Road does not disappoint!

Now that you’ve got one of your days planned for your trip to Melbourne, why not plan another day and take a hot air balloon tour over the city?

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

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Great Ocean Road Trip

5 Days / 4 Nights Self Guided Tour

Experience One of the World’s Greatest Road Trips With Your New Travel Family

Famous around the world and the 5th most visited place in Australia, The Great Ocean Road is special. Why don’t we include it in our  Welcome to Melbourne  tour? Because a road trip with mates is the  only  way to do it. 

Tour Length

5 Days / 4 Nights

Perfect For

Adding on to your Welcome to Melbourne tour

5 – 22 people

Travel Style

Self Guided

Vehicle hire, accommodation and advised itinerary

Departure Dates

Tuesday or Sunday after your Welcome to Melbourne  tour

Top Experiences

World Famous Surf Beaches

The Great Ocean Road has famous surf beaches as well as surf history. Home to Rip Curl, Billabong and the Australian National Surfing Museum, you have to stop in Torquay.

Beach Meets The Rainforest

Lush rainforest to your right and world-class beaches to your left, you’ll be feeling pretty blessed. For true Australian authenticity, the water is full of surfers and the trees are full of koalas!

The Impressive 12 Apostles

Despite the photos you’ve seen of the 12 Apostles, nothing can prepare you for how spectacular these towering limestone structures along the rugged Victorian coastline really are.

The Grampians National Park

The unsung hero of this road trip, with Aboriginal culture, an abundance of scenic hikes and so many sunset and sunrise viewpoint options. This place really is incredible.

WHERE YOU'LL GO

Leaving Melbourne you will head west to the Grampians National Park which is full of amazing hikes and waterfalls, dropping down to Port Fairy at the very end of the Great Ocean Road. Witness the spectacular 12 Apostles, be dwarfed by trees in the Otway Rainforest, then spend time on the Surf Coast.

WHERE YOU'LL STAY

You don’t want to be worrying about accommodation, you just want to be taking in the road trip of a lifetime. We’ve organised your hostel accommodation in the Grampians National Park, Port Fairy, Apollo Bay and Queenscliff.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Views for days.

What time is it? Road trip time! We’ll give you the details for your car pickup and an advised itinerary and you and the crew are on your way! As long as you have a driving licence* you’re able to drive.

The first stop is the awe-inspiring  Grampians National Park . We guarantee you will lose count of how many  kangaroos  you see here. The Grampians is also a great spot for hikes as well as lookout points, one of which we’ll recommend to you for sunset.

*Your Driving license must say ‘Driving License’ in English. If it doesn’t please bring an International License or a certified translation of your license.

The Best Sunrise in Australia?

Rise and shine, time to experience your first Australian sunrise. You’ll have plenty of time to get some sleep on the drive so make sure you’re out of bed to experience this.

Later that morning you’ll make your way to the end of the  Great Ocean Road , hopefully seeing some emus and koalas on the way to your destination for the night, the quirky town of  Port Fairy .

See the Iconic 12 Apostles

Today is the day you take in the majority of what is known as the Shipwreck Coast. This drive is something else and it is even better if you beat the crowds in the morning. This will also serve you well for when you get to the  12 Apostles , as well as London Bridge, Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge – all iconic landmarks on this spectacular road trip.

Tonight you’ll stay in the liveliest town on the trip,  Apollo Bay  which has one of the most beautiful beaches lining the entire town. 

Waterfalls & Wildlife

You’ve left the Shipwreck Coast behind and now you’re driving along the  Surf Coast , don’t worry, the views are just as special. Not only can you visit cool towns like Lorne, there are inland walks and hikes to waterfalls and a chance to spot  koalas in the wild. 

There’s only one more thing to do that day, send us the photo of you and your group of mates under the famous Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch! 

You’ll wake up in Queenscliff, a small town close to Torquay, a town known for its surf culture due to it hosting the  Rip Curl Pro  (part of the World Surf League) every Easter. We have friends everywhere and can easily organise for you to  hire a board  and wetsuit while you’re in town. 

Post morning surf it’s time to head back to Melbourne to reflect on the best two weeks of your life. You may even want to hit the bar crawl again and join this week’s Welcome to Melbourne group for one last big  Melbourne night  as a group.

Is this tour for you?

You don’t know them now, but you’ll make friends for life on your Welcome to Melbourne tour.

Make sure your time with them doesn’t end early and join them for a road trip you’ll remember forever.

The experiences you have travelling will last forever. It's time for you to start making memories.

Travel Is All About Meeting People

Want to know more about our tours.

We love to hear from you and help you with your travel plans. If you have any questions at all then feel free to get in touch. Not only can you message us, we also offer free travel advice calls meaning you can have a real conversation with a real person that’s been in your shoes.

• [email protected]
• (03) 7065 9970
• 6b 300 King Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
• 812B, George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

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Please note you can only book this tour if you are also travelling on our Welcome to Melbourne tour.

EXCLUSIVE ADD-ON TOUR

Please note – this add-on tour is exclusive to travellers who are planning to join us on either our Welcome to Sydney or Welcome to Melbourne tours. Don’t miss joining your future travel-fam on this self-guided tour after your Welcome Tour ends!