Great Ocean Road Melbourne Tour
Visit The Great Ocean Road, Australia’s most iconic tourist destination, and experience its breathtaking beauty. Spanning over 243 km from Torquay to Allansford, the winding coastal road offers spectacular views of the Southern Ocean, rugged cliffs and lush rainforests. The region is known for its diverse wildlife, stunning beaches, shipwrecks and ancient Aboriginal sites. There are various ways to explore the Great Ocean Road, but a tour is the best option.
Itinerary
A day trip to Great Ocean Road allows you to experience the beauty of this iconic road trip. A typical itinerary for a one-day tour usually starts with a drive from Melbourne to Torquay, the starting point of the Great Ocean Road. From there, you’ll have many opportunities to explore and appreciate its spectacular scenery. You’ll pass through charming seaside towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.
Your tour guide will typically take you to the iconic Twelve Apostles for great photo opportunities. Afterwards, you can explore other attractions such as Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Grotto, famous limestone formations located along the coast of Port Campbell National Park. If time permits, you can visit Bells Beach for surf lessons or stroll through the Otway Rainforest.
Before your day tour ends, you’ll have a chance to visit some of the local restaurants and cafes in the area and pick up some souvenirs from the many gift shops. At the end of your tour, you will be dropped off back in Melbourne with unforgettable memories of your Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne.
Overview of the Great Ocean Road
Embark on a breathtaking journey along the southeastern coast of Australia with the Great Ocean Road, a picturesque drive spanning over 243 kilometres of unparalleled beauty. With its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, ancient rainforests and stunning ocean views, it’s not surprising that this iconic road trip attracts millions of visitors each year.
The Great Ocean Road begins at Torquay, a coastal town about 100 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. From there, the road winds through picturesque seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. The coastal drive also takes you through the spectacular Port Campbell National Park, home to the famous limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles.
As you journey along this incredible region, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore and appreciate its natural beauty. You can walk through the lush Otway Rainforest, where you will find towering eucalyptus trees and ancient ferns. Wildlife lovers can also tour Kennett River to spot wild koalas, kookaburras and other native animals in their natural habitat.
The Great Ocean Road offers many other attractions besides stunning scenic drives. A visit to Bells Beach is a must for surf enthusiasts, as the beach is well known internationally for its famous surf breaks. The Memorial Arch at Eastern View is a prominent landmark commemorating the soldiers who built the Great Ocean Road.
Whether taking a full-day tour or exploring alone, the Great Ocean Road promises a beautiful experience filled with photo opportunities and unforgettable memories. A trip to this incredible region is incomplete without the spectacular views of the rugged coastline and limestone cliffs that make it truly unique.
Apollo Bay and Kennett River - Wild Koalas in Natural Habitat
Apollo Bay offers a unique blend of seaside charm and natural beauty. Stroll along the harbour, watch the waves crash against the shore, or simply relax under the sun and unwind in the peaceful ocean breeze. With a long stretch of sandy beach, a sheltered bay, and plenty of shops and restaurants, this coastal town is the perfect place to stop and take a break from your road trip. Stroll
But the real highlight of this area is the chance to spot wild koalas in their natural habitat at Kennett River. This small town, nestled between Apollo Bay and Lorne, is home to many koalas living in the abundant eucalyptus trees.
Suppose you’re keen to learn more about these koalas. Stroll down Grey River Road, and you may be lucky enough to spot these furry creatures napping on the branches or munching on eucalyptus leaves. Make sure to keep a safe distance and respect their space. In that case, several wildlife tours are available, providing you with an informative tour guide and ensuring you have the best chance of spotting these adorable marsupials
Port Campbell National Park - Rugged Coastline and Ancient Rainforest
The rugged coastline is magnificent with its towering limestone cliffs and stacks that rise from the Southern Ocean. One of the most famous landmarks in the park is the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks that grow out of the ocean. These incredible formations have been shaped over millions of years by the forces of nature and have become a symbol of the Great Ocean Road.
In addition to the coastline, the park also boasts an ancient rainforest full of unique flora and fauna. The Otway Ranges are home to towering eucalyptus trees, lush ferns, and crystal-clear streams that wind through the forest.
The park is a haven for wildlife, and visitors can spot kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and various bird species. The park is also home to the elusive platypus, which can be seen feeding in the streams at dawn and dusk.
A walk along one of the many hiking trails in the park is the perfect way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for the Memorial Arch, which commemorates the construction of the Great Ocean Road and offers stunning coastline views.
The 12 Apostles - Iconic Attraction of the Shipwreck Coast
Visitors to The 12 Apostles can enjoy spectacular views from the cliff-top walk along the coastline. The walkway is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the stacks and the surrounding ocean. For those who want to get even closer, helicopter tours provide a bird’s-eye view of the stacks.
But The 12 Apostles is more than just a unique natural site – it’s also steeped in history. The rugged coastline has seen numerous shipwrecks over the years, and The 12 Apostles were named after the biblical apostles to appeal to the religious beliefs of those who had lost loved ones at sea.
Visitors can also learn about the history and geology of the area at the visitor centre, which features interactive displays and exhibits. Staff members are on hand to answer questions and provide information about the surrounding area, including nearby attractions such as the Loch Ard Gorge and the London Arch.
Bells Beach - Famous Surfing Spot on Victoria's Surf Coast
However, Bells Beach isn’t just for the pros – there are waves for surfers of all skill levels to enjoy. The beach has several sections, each offering different conditions and challenges. The Winkipop section, for example, provides long, rolling waves ideal for longboarders, while the Rincon section has steep, fast-breaking waves that more experienced surfers favour.
But even if you’re not a surfer, Bells Beach is still worth a visit for its stunning natural beauty. Towering cliffs, rugged rock formations, and sweeping ocean views surround the beach. The nearby Great Ocean Road offers a scenic coastal drive with plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures.
Bells Beach is also part of the Surf Coast Walk, a 44-kilometre trail from Torquay to Aireys Inlet. The walk takes you past some of the region’s most picturesque beaches, coastal towns, and natural landmarks, including Point Addis Marine National Park and the Anglesea Heathlands.
Port Fairy - Quaint Seaside Town Rich in History
The Port Fairy Lighthouse is one of the town’s most notable historical features. Built in 1859, this lighthouse was vital for ships travelling along the treacherous Shipwreck Coast. Today, it still stands as a symbol of the town’s maritime past and offers unparalleled views of the Southern Ocean that surround the city.
Another must-see attraction in Port Fairy is Griffiths Island. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, this small island is home to a colony of shearwater birds, which makes for a unique wildlife experience. A stroll around the island also lets one take in some of the town’s beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes.
Regarding food and drink, Port Fairy is a foodie’s paradise. The town boasts many restaurants and cafes that serve the best local producers offer. Port Fairy’s food scene celebrates the region’s rich culinary traditions, from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses.
Pick-up Locations & Times
Get ready to embark on an adventure! Our meeting point is the Immigration Museum (east side) at 400 Flinders St, where it intersects with Market St in Melbourne. Please don’t be late; we’re starting at 7:35 AM sharp.
- 6:20 – Newport Bus Interchange, Mason St, Newport
- 6:55 – Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 7:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
- 7:15 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St, Melbourne (Hotel Guests Only)
- 7:25 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:30 – Holiday Inn, 575 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
- 7:35 – Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St corner of Market St, Melbourne
Pricing
The great ocean road tour is available for a competitive and affordable price. Pricing includes transportation to and from the locations visited and a knowledgeable guide to provide commentary and answer questions on the journey. The general cost for this tour is $150 per person, with discounts available for groups of 4 or more people. For those looking to stay overnight, additional hotel packages are also available at an additional cost.
What do you need to bring?
When taking part in a tour of the Great Ocean Road, it is crucial to come prepared. Here are some essential items that you should bring along with you: comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for walking, sunscreen and sunglasses, hat and rain jacket, snacks and water bottle, camera and binoculars (for taking pictures of wildlife or stunning views), flashlight (in case it gets dark before you return), and any necessary medication.