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Find wild koalas snoozing among the branches of eucalyptus trees, and vibrant parrots flying playfully through the canopies, perfect for families with kids curious about Australian wildlife.
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Book Great Ocean Road Melbourne Tickets
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION13 hours
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Melbourne CBD
Kick off your journey with a hassle-free pickup from your hotel in Melbourne CBD at 7am.
1
Torquay Surf Beach
15 min
Your first stop is at Torquay Surf Beach where you'll get a clear view of the world-famous Bells Beach, renowned for its surfing culture. Take in the fresh seaside air and snap some stunning coastal photos to kick off your adventure.
2
The Pole House
5 min
Capture a moment at one of the most photographed landmarks on the Great Ocean Road—a house perched 40 meters above the ground on a single concrete column, designed to perfectly frame the stunning coastal views.
3
Memorial Arch at Eastern View
10 min
Photo stop at the iconic Great Ocean Road sign, where you can snap a selfie with your friends at this iconic wooden sign that marks the start of one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives and honors the efforts of WWI veterans who built the road.
4
Cape Patton
5 min
Pause at this spectacular lookout to soak in breathtaking views of the coastline and snap some truly memorable photos.
5
Apollo Bay
60 min
Break for lunch at this charming seaside town of Apollo Bay, where you can explore local cafes, enjoy a delicious meal, or take a refreshing swim if the weather is perfect.
6
Kennett River
25 min
Spot koalas and vibrant parrots in their natural habitat with guidance from your experienced tour guide, who knows just where to look.
7
Maits Rest
30 min
Enjoy a forest walk among towering trees, some of the tallest in the world, and breathe in the fresh, natural scents of the woodland.
8
Gibson Steps
25 min
Walk down this dramatic staircase carved into the cliffs, leading to a beach for a unique perspective of the Twelve Apostles—standing at sea level, you'll feel as though you can reach out and touch these majestic limestone formations.
9
Twelve Apostles
30 min
Marvel at the Twelve Apostles from the cliffside, an awe-inspiring sight with fantastic photo opportunities that showcase why these natural wonders are world-renowned.
10
Razorback
5 min
Discover the unique Razorback formation, with its jagged edges shaped by time and sea, offering a distinct beauty of its own.
11
Island Archway
5 min
Visit the Island Archway remnants, where two dramatic stacks remain after the original arch collapsed in 2009, standing as striking natural sculptures.
12
Loch Ard Gorge
30 min
End your tour with the iconic Loch Ard Gorge, often considered the best stop for its incredible rock formations and the serene power of the rolling sea.
13
Colac
45 min
Pause in Colac for a dinner break, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants and cafes. Then, relax as we take you back to your CBD hotel.
14
END POINT
Melbourne CBD
A bucket-list adventure that combines rugged coastal beauty, history, and adventure.
- Great for: Nature and wildlife lovers looking to soak in the Victorian coastline and explore immersive outdoor experiences.
- What you'll get: Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne CBD, audio guide in 14 languages, expert guide, guided forest walk, and morning tea.
- Must-see sights: 12 Apostles, Pole House, Loch Ard Gorge, Torquay surf beach, Cape Patton, Apollo Bay, Gibson Steps.
- Don't miss: Koalas sleeping in the eucalyptus trees bordering the road and watching humpback whales swim in the Southern Ocean from Cape Patton.
A bucket-list adventure that combines rugged coastal beauty, history, and adventure.
- Great for: Nature and wildlife lovers looking to soak in the Victorian coastline and explore immersive outdoor experiences.
- What you'll get: Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne CBD, audio guide in 14 languages, expert guide, guided forest walk, and morning tea.
- Must-see sights: 12 Apostles, Pole House, Loch Ard Gorge, Torquay surf beach, Cape Patton, Apollo Bay, Gibson Steps.
- Don't miss: Koalas sleeping in the eucalyptus trees bordering the road and watching humpback whales swim in the Southern Ocean from Cape Patton.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne CBD
- Expert guide
- Guided forest walk
- Audio guide in 14 languages
- Complimentary morning tea
- Tip: Keep an eye out for yellow-tailed parrots on your guided forest walk.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests are allowed to bring a walker or a stroller, provided they can be folded up and tucked in between the guest and guest seat on the vehicle.
- The tour starts at 7am from your hotel in Melbourne inner city.
- The tour stops for lunch at Apollo Bay and dinner at Colac (at your own expense).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Melbourne
Start your journey with a smooth pickup from your hotel or the nearest pick-up point in Melbourne inner citys.
1
Winchelsea
15 min
Start the day with a quick morning tea stop, offering you a chance to grab coffee or breakfast (own expense) before we head inland straight to the iconic Twelve Apostles.
2
Twelve Apostles
40 min
Arrive early at the Twelve Apostles, beating the afternoon crowds to experience the serene beauty of these majestic limestone formations.
3
Gibson Steps
20 min
Go down the steps and walk along the beach, stand in awe of the 70-meter high cliffs, and marvel at Gog and Magog, two towering sea stacks that dominate the view.
4
The Razorback
25 min
Visit the Razorback, one of the most dramatic formations on this rugged coastline, with its jagged ridges and breathtaking views.
5
Loch Ard Gorge
30 min
Explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge, where history meets natural beauty. Learn the tragic story of the famous shipwreck, take a stroll on the beach, and feel dwarfed by the towering sandstone cliffs.
6
Maits Rest
25 min
Take a 20-minute rainforest walk, where you’ll immerse yourself in nature, admire ancient trees.
7
Kennett River
20 min
Keep an eye out for adorable koalas lounging in the trees and snap some photos of the vibrant orange-bellied parrots that frequent this area.
8
Teddy's Lookout
10 min
End the day from this spectacular lookout in Lorne, offering panoramic coastal views and a serene finale to your adventure.
9
END POINT
Melbourne
Reverse the route. Fewer crowds, better light.
- Great for: Solo travelers and families looking for a relaxed tour with personalized attention from their guide sans the crowd.
- What you'll get: Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road, round-trip transfers from Melbourne CBD, expert guide, a small group setting.
- Must-see sights: 12 Apostles, Kennett River, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, Mutton Bird Island, Teddy’s Lookout, Great Otway National Park.
- Don't miss: Enjoying the view of the Saint George river winding down fern covered valleys from Teddy’s Lookout at Lorne.
Reverse the route. Fewer crowds, better light.
- Great for: Solo travelers and families looking for a relaxed tour with personalized attention from their guide sans the crowd.
- What you'll get: Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road, round-trip transfers from Melbourne CBD, expert guide, a small group setting.
- Must-see sights: 12 Apostles, Kennett River, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, Mutton Bird Island, Teddy’s Lookout, Great Otway National Park.
- Don't miss: Enjoying the view of the Saint George river winding down fern covered valleys from Teddy’s Lookout at Lorne.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road
- Small group of up to 11 people
- Round-trip transfers from Melbourne CBD
- Expert guide
- Guided forest walk
- Tip: Take the 10-minute drive from Lorne to see Erskine Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls of Great Ocean Road.
- Safety is a priority. So, this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 7 years.
- The tour starts at 6.50am from State Theatre in Arts Centre Melbourne.
- The tour stops for lunch at Port Campbell or Apollo Bay (at your own expense).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Melbourne
Start your journey with a stress-free pickup from your hotel or the nearest pick-up point in Melbourne inner city. Enjoy an unbeatable view of Port Philip Bay as you cross Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge.
1
Anglesea
15 min
Take a quick stop at this charming seaside town where you can stroll by Anglesea River and stretch your legs before continuing along the Great Ocean Road.
2
Memorial Archway
10 min
Stop for photos at the iconic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, a tribute to the pioneers who built this scenic coastal route.
3
Kennett River
20 min
Stop at Kennett River, in the eucalyptus forest of Great Otway National Park, and see native koalas snoozing in the treetops. This spot doubles as your lunch break (at your own expense).
4
Loch Ard Gorge
30 min
Head over to Loch Ard Gorge and see the tragic 1878 shipwreck. Explore nearby rock formations such as the Razorback, Dumpling Pots, Muttonbird Island, and the remnants of the Island Archway.
5
Port Campbell National Park
3 attractions
Explore this haven for nature lovers, where you can see iconic rock formations and diverse wildlife, and try walking trails along Victoria’s rugged coastline.
Highlights
1. Loch Ard Gorge
A dramatic gorge with a beach nestled between cliffs, rich in history thanks to the 1878 shipwreck of the Loch Ard.
2. Razorback
A striking limestone formation sculpted by wind and waves, resembling the spine of a razorback whale.
3. Island Archway
Once a complete arch, now two towering rock pillars named Tom and Eva, symbolizing resilience after the collapse in 2009.
6
Twelve Apostles
60 min
Catch a magical sunset at the Twelve Apostles, a world-famous highlight. If time permits, your guide may take you to the Gibson Steps for a closer view.
7
Colac
Stop at a quaint inland town surrounded by lush volcanic plains and grab dinner here (at your own expense).
8
END POINT
Melbourne
Witness a breathtaking sunset along Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road.
- Great for: Photographers, nature lovers, and couples looking for a picturesque sunset experience.
- What you'll get: A group of up to 24 people, round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne, expert guide, access to the free translation app.
- Must-see sights: Anglesea River, Great Otway National Park, Gibsons Steps, 12 Apostles, Island Archway, Kennett River.
- Don't miss: Keep an eye out for penguins returning from their fishing expedition at sunset from the 12 Apostles.
Witness a breathtaking sunset along Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road.
- Great for: Photographers, nature lovers, and couples looking for a picturesque sunset experience.
- What you'll get: A group of up to 24 people, round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne, expert guide, access to the free translation app.
- Must-see sights: Anglesea River, Great Otway National Park, Gibsons Steps, 12 Apostles, Island Archway, Kennett River.
- Don't miss: Keep an eye out for penguins returning from their fishing expedition at sunset from the 12 Apostles.
Inclusions
- Full-day sunset tour of Great Ocean Road
- Small group of up to 24 people
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne
- Expert guide
- All park entrance fees
- Access to the free translation app
- Pick up from Melbourne
- Visit beaches at Victoria's Surf Coast
- Stop at Anglesea
- Lunch at the township of Kennett River (at own expense)
- Shipwreck Coast
- Port Campbell National Park
- Twelve Apostles
- Dinner at the Lake City of Colac (at own expense)
- Drop-Off at Melbourne
- Tip: Spotting several Eastern Gray Kangaroos peering at you on your walk alongside Anglesea River.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- This experience is suitable for guests with a moderate level of mobility or fitness.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- The tour starts at 10am from your hotel in Melbourne inner city. If your hotel is not in the pick-up zone, you will be provided with the nearest pick-up location.
- The tour stops for lunch at Kennett River (at your own expense).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Melbourne
Start your journey with a smooth pickup from a selected point in Melbourne inner city.
1
Twelve Apostles
A must-see landmark, these towering limestone stacks are a testament to the power of erosion and one of Australia's most photographed spots.
2
Loch Ard Gorge
A stunning gorge steeped in history, named after the 1878 shipwreck Loch Ard. It features dramatic cliffs, a hidden beach, and fascinating stories.
3
Great Otway National Park
Take a guided rainforest walk on Mait's Rest or Melba Gully offering lush greenery, ancient trees, and a peaceful atmosphere.
4
Memorial Arch
Sightseeing & Photography
5
END POINT
Melbourne
Beat the crowds and experience a more exclusive view of the towering cliffs and limestone stacks from one of Australia’s iconic coastlines.
- Great for: Nature lovers and time conscious travelers looking to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner while optimizing their schedule.
- What you'll get: Picnic lunch, live commentary by expert driver guide, round-trip transfers from Melbourne, audio and text translation app in 10 languages.
- Must-see sights: Shipwreck Coast, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Mutton Bird Island, Razorback Lookout, Melba Gully, Great Otway National Park.
- Don't miss: Spotting the Otway Black Snail and swamp wallabies on your guided rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park.
Beat the crowds and experience a more exclusive view of the towering cliffs and limestone stacks from one of Australia’s iconic coastlines.
- Great for: Nature lovers and time conscious travelers looking to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner while optimizing their schedule.
- What you'll get: Picnic lunch, live commentary by expert driver guide, round-trip transfers from Melbourne, audio and text translation app in 10 languages.
- Must-see sights: Shipwreck Coast, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Mutton Bird Island, Razorback Lookout, Melba Gully, Great Otway National Park.
- Don't miss: Spotting the Otway Black Snail and swamp wallabies on your guided rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road
- Round-trip transfers from Melbourne
- Live commentary by expert driver guide
- Picnic lunch
- Morning tea and snacks
- National Park entry fees
- Audio & text translation app in 10 languages
- Tip: Check out the Tom and Eva limestone rock formations, named after the two survivors of the 1878 shipwreck at Loch Ard Gorge.
- Your safety comes first. So, visitors with mobility issues are restricted from participating in this experience.
- Guests under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or guardian
- As this tour itinerary provides a light lunch, please notify the operator of any dietary requirements or food allergies prior to departure.
- The tour starts at 7.35am from you select pick-up points in Melbourne inner city.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Imagine this: thousands of the world's tiniest penguins, waddling home across the beach. That's the magic you'll witness on a half-day or full-day Philip Island tour from Melbourne.
- Take a stroll along the boardwalk trails with an audio guide, and you might just spot a koala snoozing peacefully in a eucalyptus tree.
- Next stop? The Nobbies Center at Seal Rocks with spectacular clifftop views! Catch a sight of seals lounging and little penguins returning from their fishing expedition.
- Upgrade for a premium viewing experience of the penguin parade as they take on the surf before going back to their nests.
- Learn about the life cycle of penguins and the many initiatives taken to protect their dwindling numbers.
- Imagine this: thousands of the world's tiniest penguins, waddling home across the beach. That's the magic you'll witness on a half-day or full-day Philip Island tour from Melbourne.
- Take a stroll along the boardwalk trails with an audio guide, and you might just spot a koala snoozing peacefully in a eucalyptus tree.
- Next stop? The Nobbies Center at Seal Rocks with spectacular clifftop views! Catch a sight of seals lounging and little penguins returning from their fishing expedition.
- Upgrade for a premium viewing experience of the penguin parade as they take on the surf before going back to their nests.
- Learn about the life cycle of penguins and the many initiatives taken to protect their dwindling numbers.
Inclusions
- Half/full-day tour of Philip Island (based on the option selected)
- Audio guide in 10 languages (optional)
- Expert driver guide
- Access to Penguin Parade general viewing area
- Entry to Koala Conservation Reserve (optional)
- AC coach
- Access to Penguin Parade premium viewing area (optional)
- Wi-Fi (optional)
Full-day tour
- Koala Conservation Reserve
- Phillip Island
- Cowes
- Phillip Island Nature Park
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- 9:45pm (Apr-Sep) or 11:45pm (Oct-Mar): Return to Melbourne
Half-day tour
- Koala Conservation Reserve
- Phillip Island
- Phillip Island Pengeuin Parade
- Return to Melbourne
- Tip: Sheltered alongside the Westernport Bay there is a township named after Cowes on the Isle of White. Beautiful seaside scenery, unique stores to peak into, and many nice restaurants to purchase food.
- This experience is not pram/stroller or wheelchair accessible.
- A low level of fitness is required to complete the walks on this tour itinerary.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
MelbourneMelbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours
Top things to do in Melbourne
Why go on a Great Ocean Road tour?
Spotting wildlife up close
Choosing the best tour for you
Standard tour
Starting from AU$147
- Go on a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road with stops at landmarks like the 12 Apostles and Gibson Steps. Take a guided forest walk, spot koalas on treetops, savor morning tea, and get stress-free round-trip hotel transport from Melbourne CBD on this morning tour.
Recommended experience:
Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Koala Spotting
Reverse tour
Starting from AU$138
- Beat the crowds with a reverse itinerary for a quieter and more relaxed journey with your journey starting at the crowd-favorite 12 Apostles before continuing on to other popular spots like Loch Ard Gorge, and Lorne. Enjoy a picnic and an expert guide for company.
Recommended experiences:
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour with Lunch
Sunset tour
Starting from AU$149
- A full-day tour of Great Ocean Road with stops at iconic spots like Loch Ard Gorge and witness a breathtaking sunset at the iconic 12 Apostles. An audio translation app and round-trip transport from Melbourne CBD included.
Recommended experience:
Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour
Plan your visit
Timings & best time to visit
Getting there
Transfers
Stay
Dining
Tips
- Tour duration: 12 to 13 hours.
- Tour timings: Tours start between 7AM to 10AM and end between 7PM to 10PM.
Summer (December - February): Longer days, clear skies, and pleasant wind make it the best season to visit the Great Ocean Road. This is the best time to go on a guided forest walk, swim, or surf. However, school holidays could bring larger crowds.
Autumn (March - May): Weather and smaller crowds make it ideal for smaller groups to take time to explore the road. Watch southern right whales return to the Victorian coast during their migration season.
Winter (June – August): This is the quietest time of the year with cheaper accommodation, fewer daylight hours, and freezing winds. However, the 12 Apostles in the rain, with strong waves crashing against them, are quite a sight to see.
Spring (September – November): This is a beautiful time as the weather gets warmer and days get longer. Full waterfalls and green foliage make it perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
- Distance from Melbourne: 187 km
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes.
- By train: The V/L line offers train services from Melbourne to Geelong or Warrnambool with stops along major hinterland towns such as Winchelsea and Colac.
- By bus: Take a train from Southern Cross Station (Melbourne) to Geelong, Colac, or Marshell, and then take a V/Line bus or a guided tour bus to Anglesea or Lorne.
- By car: You can hire a car service or choose from the day trip options available to enjoy hassle-free round-trip transfers from Melbourne.
- Round-trip hotel transfers: These Great Ocean road tours offer round-trip transfers from your hotel or selected hotels in Melbourne CBD. Choose or add your hotel name while making the booking. If your hotel is not in the pick-up zone, you will be provided with the nearest pick-up location.
- Round-trip transfers: These tours offer a list of selected pick-up points in Melbourne such as the Grand Hyatt and Crown Towers. Select the relevant pick-up point while booking your ticket.
- Budget-friendly hotels: Torquay Tropicana Motel, The Sands Torquay
- Campervan sites: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, Kennett River Family Caravan Park
- Pet-friendly hotels: Seahorse Coastal Villas, Daysy Hill Country Cottages
- Mid-range hotels: Great Ocean Road Resort, Mantra Lorne
- Luxury hotels: Chocolate Gannets - Beachfront Luxury Villas, The Boomerangs on the Great Ocean Road
Explore a wide variety of breweries, cafes, bakeries, and fine-dining spots that span the length of the Great Ocean Road.
- Great Ocean Road Brewhouse: A cozy pub in Apollo Bay offering craft beers, hearty pub meals like the venison burger, and live music.
- Apollo Bay Bakery: Famous for its award-winning scallop pies and freshly baked treats, this cute bakery is perfect for a quick bite by the coast.
- Brae Restaurant: A fine-dining gem in Birregurra showcasing seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine focusing on local produce and sustainability.
- Start early: Begin your journey early, around 7am to avoid crowds, especially at popular attractions like the 12 Apostles.
- Drive in one direction: Stick to the left-hand side and drive from East to West, ensuring that the ocean views are always on your left.
- Respect the speed limit: The official speed limit on the Great Ocean Road is between 80-100km per hour. Watch out for speed traps, as not sticking to the limits can lead to fines of $300AUD and above.
- Fuel up: Gas stations are sparse, especially past Apollo Bay. Fill up your tank before starting the drive.
- Respect wildlife: You will spot koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies on the roadside and in certain spots like Kennett River. Avoid feeding them as it may increase their risk of being hit by cars.
- Check for special events: Keep an eye out for local festivals and events during your visit such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Apollo Bay Seafood Festival to make your experience richer and more memorable.
Highlights of the Great Ocean Road tour
See all photos
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?
The Great Ocean Road (B100) starts at the surf town of Torquay and finishes in Allansford, near Warrnambool.
Are pets allowed on tours?
If you opt for the Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour, you are allowed to bring your service animal for the experience. The other tours do not allow pets on the experience.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users and guests with mobility issues?
All these tours require a lot of walking and exploring trails and attractions with stairs and foliage, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs and guests with mobility issues.
Is there an audio guide available for the tour?
The Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Koala Spotting comes with a multilingual audio guide that will give you interesting facts and information about the various stops in your journey.
Is food included in the tour?
This depends on the tour you opt for. The Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour with Lunch includes a picnic-style lunch and tea and snacks, whereas the Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Koala Spotting only includes complimentary tea and morning snacks.
Can you stop on the Great Ocean Road to take photos?
Yes, you can stop at the various designated parking areas and scenic lookouts to safely take photographs. However, stopping on the road itself is strictly prohibited as it would disrupt traffic flow.
What should I bring on a Great Ocean Road tour?
We suggest you bring a weatherproof jacket, jumper, hat, binoculars, camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, sturdy footwear, socks, and any medications you may need as there are only pharmacies present in the towns and not on the road itself.
What is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road?
Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, which is only a 35-minute drive from Torquay. It offers easy transport and car hire options to Geelong and Torquay.
What are the other places you can visit on the Great Ocean Road?
You can visit the Split Point Lighthouse, which is perched on the rugged cliffs of Aireys Inlet along the Great Ocean Road, the seaside village of Port Campbell, the London Arch, and other coastal towns along the way.
What are the top cultural spots on the Great Ocean Road?
You can visit the Warrnambool Art Gallery or the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum & Village to learn about some local art and history. If a food tour is more you, then visit Farm Stores, Cellar Doors and Providores where you can sample cheeses, preserves, chocolates, ice cream, beer, whiskey and other products made with fresh regional produce.