Tours/Melbourne/Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne
Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne
4.8(52)Melbourne10–14 hours
VIATOR4.8(22)TRIPADVISOR4.9(30)
+14 photos
At a glance
Duration
10–14 hours
Price from
$457 / person
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Rating
4.8 / 5 · 52 reviews
Languages
RU, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Within 24h
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
BILBY TOURS
Description
A private, fully customisable Great Ocean Road journey from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles — ideal for couples, families and small groups who want to explore Victoria’s spectacular coastline at their own pace, without the crowds and fixed schedule of a group tour.
The culmination of your trip will be a visit to Australia’s icon, the Twelve Apostles. Apart from breathtaking ocean views, you will get a chance to see koalas in the wild, as well as hand-feed parrots.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8:00 AM
Next available
Mon, Oct 12
Adult
$457
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $945.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 11.
Tour Options
Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne
Pickup included
Itinerary
Bells Beach
20 min
This famous beach for surfers will allow you to marvel at the fantastic panoramic view of the shoreline. Watch the beautiful Australian waves being tackled by talented surf lovers. After a stop at this iconic beach, we will then take you towards the amazing Great Ocean Road.
30 min
We invite you to visit the Great Ocean Road chocolate factory, where you can try some outstanding coffee or tea with brilliant desserts and an endless selection of chocolate, made from cocoa beans from all over the world. Don’t forget to sample the local ice-cream, which is made on site.
Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway
20 min
Another landmark that should not be missed is the geographic border between the great Pacific and Indian oceans. This point is located at the Split Point Lighthouse which you will pass before the stop to take some memorable pictures in front of the memorial arch.
Teddy's Lookout
20 min
Your journey will then take you through the little town of Lorne, where we can stop to have a look from Teddy’s Lookout observation platform. The view of the Great Ocean Road, winding along the coastline at the foot of the hills, cloaked in thick eucalyptus forest will leave you speechless.
Kennett River
30 min
Apart from the scenic views, our tour includes the chance to see Australia’s favourite animal, the Koala, only this time, in the open wilderness.
Admission not included60 min
You will dine on delicious fresh fish meals. Vegetarian or gluten-free meals are available for those who aren’t seafood fans.
60 min
12 Apostles lookout
What's included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Private tour
12 Apostles Lookouts Entry Fee
Not included
Lunch
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-up from private addresses
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
52 reviews
5
47
4
2
3
3
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A maximum of 11 people per booking
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne take?
Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne lasts about 10–14 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne cost?
Prices start at $457 per person for this Melbourne experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $945. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM.
Can I cancel Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pick-up from private addresses Pickup points include Platinum City Serviced Apartments, Essendon Motel.
What languages is Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne offered in?
The experience is available in RU, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 24 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 52 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by BILBY TOURS.
Reviews(52)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
R
Russell_K
September 14, 2026 · via Viator
Don’t debate - hire a driver and enjoy an awesome day
You already know the Great Ocean Road is worth doing. The question is: drive yourself or go with group or hire private driver. The distance, the weather, etc precluded driving - and the small private tour experience made what is already a long day very very enjoyable, our driver Richard was terrific - safety conscious, knowledgeable, personable- everything you want in a guide. We all had an incredible day. Highly recommended!
O
olgalP160RK
September 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
The Bucket list kind of day!
We had a fantastic day! Richard was our driver/guide. He was super knowledgeable and a great driver.
Operator response
Thank you, Olga!
We’re delighted that your Great Ocean Road tour was a true bucket-list experience.
All the best, and we hope to see you next time.
M
M1838OXgraemeb
August 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne
Just wanted to pass onto you that we had a thoroughly great day yesterday on our Ocean Road Tour.
Richard was fantastic. Arrived for pickup as arranged and started the journey.
His driving was exemplary and he was very informative.
Richard is a definite asset for your company.
Cheers
Graeme ,Kathryn, Maree and Robert
Operator response
Thank you so much!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great day exploring the Great Ocean Road with Richard.
We’ll be very happy to pass your kind words on to Richard. He is certainly a valued member of the team.
Thank you again for choosing Bilby Tours, and we hope to welcome you back for another tour in Victoria one day!
1
166tinyp
June 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Think about Melbourne, think about Bilby Tour
It was worth every penny. We traveled as a large group of 11, spanning several generations from 2 to 80 years old. Max was an understanding and fair guide; he was easy to talk to and very open-minded. He provided a wealth of information and remained professional yet friendly throughout the trip.
A few highlights that really stood out:
Proactive Service: He took care of all our luggage without us even having to ask.
Great with Kids: He truly understands the needs of children, which made our family trip much smoother.
Expert Planning: He had a clear understanding of the local weather patterns. When it started to rain, he proactively swapped our itinerary to ensure we saved the main highlights for a day with better weather, allowing us to fully enjoy the outdoor activities.
We couldn't have asked for a better experience
Operator response
Dear Pachy,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are very happy to be useful and truly glad to be at your service.
Your family is great, and it was a real pleasure to travel with all of you. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Great Ocean Road tour and that the experience was smooth and memorable for everyone.
We would love to see you again on a future trip.
J
Jeanette_G
March 6, 2026 · via Viator
Fiasco!
Although we did get to see the places on the itinerary the guide Neil was unable to be understood. My brother actually had to show him how to set up the amplifier. The van itself had seats that were extremely small (we are not heavy people) and were very uncomfortable. The retractable step to exit the van did not work 95% of the time. He did not seem familiar with the vehicle. My sister actually almost fell when trying to exit when the step did not come out. None of the sites were truly explained since Neil had trouble speaking. He had at least 10 personal calls while he continued to drive. His instructions regarding the time in each place was very vague.
We had been told by friends that this was a must do excursion and we all exited and looking forward to a wonderful day. . It turned out to be terrible! We were 7 in our group and each of us were totally disappointed! I have never written a bad review but I do believe you should be aware of this fiasco. I believe we deserve compensation for this abomination!
Operator response
Dear Guest,
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We are genuinely very sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
We are particularly concerned to hear about the issues you raised regarding the vehicle, the retractable step, and the clarity of communication during the tour. Guest safety, comfort, and clear commentary are fundamental to our service, and it is disappointing to learn that we did not meet those standards on this occasion. Your comments regarding the phone calls and time management at stops are also being taken seriously.
Please be assured that this feedback has been shared with our operations team so that we can investigate the matters raised and prevent similar situations in the future.
We understand how much anticipation goes into a special day out, especially when travelling as a group, and we truly regret that the experience did not meet your expectations.
A
Alexandra_K
February 20, 2026 · via Viator
A Spectacular Great Ocean Road Experience with Maxim
This tour along the Great Ocean Road was absolutely incredible — truly one of the highlights of my trip!
Maxim picked me up right on time from my hotel in a very comfortable vehicle, which made the long scenic drive relaxing and enjoyable from the very beginning. Along the way, he shared fascinating stories about Australian history, making the journey as interesting as the destinations themselves.
We visited some of the most iconic and breathtaking locations, including Bells Beach, the monument honoring the veterans who built the road, the historic lighthouse, and of course the magnificent Twelve Apostles. In addition to the main stops, Maxim frequently pulled over at the most scenic viewpoints so I could take beautiful photos — which made the experience feel very personal and unhurried.
One of the most special parts of the day was spotting wild koalas resting in eucalyptus trees — we stopped several times to observe them in their natural habitat. On the way back, we also drove to see wild kangaroos, and passed through pastoral landscapes with farming areas and charming small towns, which added a lovely glimpse into regional Australia.
What made the tour truly exceptional was Maxim’s depth of knowledge and enthusiasm. He didn’t just talk about Australian history — he explained the geological origins of the dramatic rock formations, discussed important military events that influenced Asia’s history, and even shared insights about Australia’s modern economy. The conversations were thoughtful, engaging, and intellectually stimulating.
The entire day was beautifully paced, informative, and inspiring. I learned so much while seeing some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
Highly recommended — and especially with Maxim as your guide!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
It was an absolute pleasure sharing the Great Ocean Road with you. I really enjoyed our conversations as well — thank you for making the day so engaging and memorable. You’re always welcome back for another adventure!
K
kee_S
February 11, 2026 · via Viator
Unbelievable sight
Great tour, the 12 apostles is a sight not to be missed, totally worth the long ride. Two thumbs up for this tour
Operator response
Thank you!
R
renata_b
January 17, 2026 · via Viator
The driver was very...
The driver was very polite and attentive! The walk is well worth it! The landscapes are beautiful and the 12 Apostles are worth every penny!
Operator response
¡Muchas gracias por tu encantadora reseña! Nos alegra saber que la experiencia valió cada centavo y esperamos darte la bienvenida nuevamente en otro tour con nosotros en el futuro 😊
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re glad the experience was worth every cent for you and hope to welcome you back on another tour with us in the future
D
DavidandCindy_B
October 21, 2025 · via Viator
Amazing trip
Absolute amazing trip. Richard was a wonderful guide. Recommend this trip to everyone. So much was seen in one day.
Operator response
Dear David. Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you had such an amazing experience on your Great Ocean Road tour. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another Bilby Tours adventure soon!
S
srjones5
July 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour but didn’t seem better than a group tour
We booked the private tour thinking that it would provide flexibility. The tour was very good, but also followed a very specific itinerary. While we highly recommend the tour, we wish our guide had listened more to our requests for what to see. We could have skipped the lighthouse and some of the other quick stops along the way. Part of the reason we chose the private tour was because we’d read others’ reviews of more customized tours.
Our favorite stop was the very last one, which was just past the twelve apostles.
Seeing the kangaroos was amazing!
Our guide was very friendly and worked hard to give us a great experience.
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback.
It's great to know that your guide was friendly and dedicated to making your day memorable. That said, we genuinely appreciate your comments regarding the itinerary and flexibility. While our private tours follow a thoughtfully designed route to maximise scenic highlights, we want our guests to feel empowered to personalise their journey. We're sorry to hear that this wasn't fully reflected during your tour. We will discuss this with our team to ensure our guides are even more attentive to guests' preferences moving forward.
Thank you again for your honest review. Your insights help us grow and ensure that we're delivering the flexible, tailored experiences for which we're known.
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