12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne
Description
Embark on an extraordinary journey along the Great Ocean Road, a stretch of coastal paradise that promises breathtaking vistas, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences. Our specially curated Minibus and Large Van tours ensure that you not only witness the iconic attractions but also immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse landscapes that define this Australian gem.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel, residence, or agreed meeting point in Melbourne CBD or surrounding suburbs. Settle into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and meet your professional driver-guide. As you depart the city, enjoy a brief introduction to the Great Ocean Road, its history, and today’s highlights. The journey toward Victoria’s iconic coastline begins with scenic views transitioning from urban landscapes to coastal countryside.
Located near Aireys Inlet, Split Point Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Great Ocean Road. Often called the “Red Hat Lighthouse,” it offers stunning panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and dramatic cliffs. Take time for photos, short walks around the lighthouse precinct, and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze while learning about its maritime history.
Stop at the historic Memorial Arch, built in honour of the returned soldiers who constructed the Great Ocean Road after World War I. This is one of the most photographed locations on the route. Walk beneath the arch, read the plaques, and capture iconic photos marking your journey along this world-famous coastal drive.
Arrive in the charming seaside town of Lorne, nestled between lush rainforest and the ocean. Enjoy free time to explore the foreshore, browse local shops, relax at a café, or take a short stroll along the beach. This is an ideal spot for morning tea, coffee, or light refreshments while soaking in the coastal atmosphere.
Next, experience the natural beauty of the Otways at Kennett River, famous for its native wildlife. Enjoy a gentle guided nature walk through eucalyptus trees, where you may spot wild koalas, colourful parrots, and other native birds in their natural habitat. This stop offers a peaceful rainforest experience and excellent wildlife photography opportunities.
Stop at Apollo Bay, a picturesque coastal town and the perfect place for lunch (own expense). Relax along the sandy beach, enjoy ocean views, or dine at one of the local cafés or restaurants. The laid-back seaside vibe makes this a refreshing break before continuing toward the dramatic limestone coastline.
The highlight of the tour, the Twelve Apostles, showcases towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Walk along the designated boardwalks, admire the breathtaking coastal scenery, and take iconic photographs from multiple viewing platforms. Learn about the natural erosion process that shaped these formations over millions of years.
A short drive brings you to Loch Ard Gorge, a stunning coastal inlet with a fascinating shipwreck story. Walk down to the beach, view towering cliffs, and explore lookout points such as Razorback and Island Archway. This stop combines dramatic scenery with rich maritime history.
After a full day of coastal exploration, relax during the scenic return journey to Melbourne via inland roads. Enjoy comfortable seating, reflect on the day’s highlights, and arrive back at your drop-off point in the evening.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Our driver will be at pick up point 30 minutes prior to the pick up time. Text message will ensure driver presence with name and sign board.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
Fun day on the Great Ocean Road with our tour guide Koko. Enjoyed the views driving up the Great Ocean Road and listening to the history from our tour guide. We stopped at the entrance and at a rain forest, which was very beautiful. Along the way, our guide stopped off at a couple locations to try and show us kangaroos and koala bears. That was a nice added bonus! The cliffs by the ocean where there had been numerous ship wrecks was incredible to see, & the stories that Koko told us were also interesting to hear. The rock formations were interesting and just watching the waves crashing on them showed the force of the water on these jagged cliffs. We had a good lunch at a beach town called Apollo and never felt rushed to eat and get some souvenirs. The eating establishment we chose was set up perfectly for tours on a schedule, so our food did not take long to receive, which was much appreciated! Highlight of the day was seeing the twelve apostles rock formations. It truly is an incredible sight to see, and we were given plenty of time to walk around the various areas to view it from different angels. The only issue we had was the seating on our bus, which was very narrow. After putting on the seatbelt, it was actually digging into my hips & very uncomfortable. I was sitting in back row and felt very squished in between two men. The buses should have wider seats to accommodate adults, not children. Otherwise, we enjoyed our tour very much— especially when not inside the bus!
Not happy with the tour at all. It was just a car ride and all of us are just sitting in car for 8 hours and got down only for 1.5 hours in total. Waste of money as they did not show us a single place in the itinerary! Horrible !
