English
English
See koalas, parrots, and other Australian wildlife, along the Great Ocean Road, particularly around Kennett River. Perfect for families traveling with kids.
Language
Currency
- Melbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours
- Reverse Tour
- Loch Ard Gorge
- Great Otway National Park
- Koalas
- Sunset Tour
- 12 Apostles
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Tickets
- Phillip Island Tours
- Melbourne Museum Tickets
- SkyBus Melbourne
- Yarra River Cruises
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Tickets
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Skydive Melbourne Tickets
- Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tickets
- Sovereign Hill
- Ballarat Wildlife Park Tickets
- Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tours
- Healesville Sanctuary Tickets
- Moonlit Sanctuary Tickets
Book Great Ocean Road Tours
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
TimelineMap
Start point
Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)
1. Colac
2. Mutton Bird Lookout
3. Twelve Apostles
4. The Razorback
5. Loch Ard Gorge
Passes By
Mait's Rest
Apollo Bay
6. Kennett River
7. Anglesea
End point
Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Beat the crowds and travel in a luxury transport on a small-group reverse tour.
- Great for: Families and senior travelers looking for a premium, relaxed, and well-paced tour with expert commentary and uncrowded views.
- What you'll get: Luxury deluxe bus, small group setting, round-trip transfers from Melbourne, expert guide, guided rainforest walk.
- Must-see sights: 12 Apostles, Gibson Steps, Razorback, Mutton Bird Lookout, Loch Ard Gorge, Mait’s Rest, Kennett River, Anglesea.
- Don't miss: Rare yellow-bellied gliders flying from tree to tree during your guided rainforest walk at Great Otway National Park
Beat the crowds and travel in a luxury transport on a small-group reverse tour.
- Great for: Families and senior travelers looking for a premium, relaxed, and well-paced tour with expert commentary and uncrowded views.
- What you'll get: Luxury deluxe bus, small group setting, round-trip transfers from Melbourne, expert guide, guided rainforest walk.
- Must-see sights: 12 Apostles, Gibson Steps, Razorback, Mutton Bird Lookout, Loch Ard Gorge, Mait’s Rest, Kennett River, Anglesea.
- Don't miss: Rare yellow-bellied gliders flying from tree to tree during your guided rainforest walk at Great Otway National Park
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road
- Round-trip transfers from Melbourne
- Expert guide
- Guided rainforest walk
- Luxury deluxe bus
- Vanilla flavor coke zero
- Tip: Stop at Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe for lunch to savor their fresh oysters and fresh flake, blue grenadier and potato cakes.
- This experience is not wheelchair and pram/ stroller accessible.
- The central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria).
- The tour will stop at Apollo Bay for lunch and at Anglesea for evening tea and ice cream (at own expense).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
See wild koalas, sweeping coastal cliffs, and the legendary Twelve Apostles—all in a single day along Australia’s most iconic coastal drive.
- Great for: Families, first-time visitors, and travelers who love relaxed ocean views, local stories, and wildlife moments in their natural habitat.
- What you'll get: Round-trip Melbourne transfers, a bilingual driver-guide, comfortable AC transport, and the chance to spot koalas in the wild.
- Must-see sights: Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, Memorial Arch, Lorne, Cumberland River lookout, Apollo Bay, Barham River Road koalas, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge.
- Don't miss: Starting your morning with a sweet treat at the Chocolaterie or enjoying a seaside lunch in Apollo Bay.
See wild koalas, sweeping coastal cliffs, and the legendary Twelve Apostles—all in a single day along Australia’s most iconic coastal drive.
- Great for: Families, first-time visitors, and travelers who love relaxed ocean views, local stories, and wildlife moments in their natural habitat.
- What you'll get: Round-trip Melbourne transfers, a bilingual driver-guide, comfortable AC transport, and the chance to spot koalas in the wild.
- Must-see sights: Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, Memorial Arch, Lorne, Cumberland River lookout, Apollo Bay, Barham River Road koalas, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge.
- Don't miss: Starting your morning with a sweet treat at the Chocolaterie or enjoying a seaside lunch in Apollo Bay.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road
- Round-trip transfers from Melbourne CBD
- Bilingual driver-guide
- Wildlife sightings
- AC vehicle
- Tip: Try some honey malt, pepper berry, or avocado lime ice cream after your lunch at Dooley's Premium Ice Cream at Apollo Bay.
- Pets are not allowed on this experience.
- This experience is not wheelchair and pram/ stroller accessible.
- Your safety comes first. So, visitors with cardiac issues are restricted from participating in this experience.
- The tour will stop at Apollo Bay for lunch (at own expense).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
4.8(46)
[Headout Exclusive 20% Off] Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Full Day Tour with Round-Trip Hotel Transfers
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION13 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
TimelineMap
Start point
Melbourne CBD
1. Torquay Surf Beach
2. The Pole House
3. Memorial Arch at Eastern View
4. Cape Patton
5. Apollo Bay
6. Kennett River
7. Maits Rest
8. Gibson Steps
9. Twelve Apostles
10. Razorback
11. Island Archway
12. Loch Ard Gorge
13. Colac
End point
Melbourne CBD
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Exclusive 20% off when you book between Feb 18-Mar 31, 2026 and travel anytime in 2026.
- Great for: Those seeking a scenic coastal drive with koala spotting, rainforest walks, and famous landmarks.
- 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 trees along the road and spotting humpback whales at Cape Patton.
Exclusive 20% off when you book between Feb 18-Mar 31, 2026 and travel anytime in 2026.
- Great for: Those seeking a scenic coastal drive with koala spotting, rainforest walks, and famous landmarks.
- 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 trees along the road and spotting humpback whales at 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.
- Walkers or strollers are allowed, provided they can be folded and tucked 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.
Wondering which Great Ocean Road tour to pick?
Photographers & couples choose the Sunset Tour to capture the 12 Apostles at dusk & glimpse returning penguins. Reverse tours offer fewer crowds, front-row views & picnic lunch, which solo travelers will love. Classic Day Tour offers live commentary, covering all the best spots, making it great for families and groups.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
TimelineMap
Start point
Melbourne
1. Anglesea
2. Memorial Archway
3. Kennett River
4. Loch Ard Gorge
5. Twelve Apostles
6. Colac
End point
Melbourne
Your ending point would be same as your start point
See the best of the Great Ocean Road, with a sunset finale at the Twelve Apostles.
- 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: Penguins returning from their fishing expedition at sunset from the 12 Apostles.
See the best of the Great Ocean Road, with a sunset finale at the Twelve Apostles.
- 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: 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
- Tip: Spot Eastern Gray Kangaroos peering at you while walking alongside Anglesea River.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- This experience is suitable for guests with a moderate mobility or fitness level.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- The tour starts 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 Lorne (at your own expense).
- The tour can accommodate up to a maximum of 24 people in 1 group.
- The tour is conducted in English. However, you can access pre-recorded written & verbal tour information in 16 different languages by downloading the free Go West Tours App from the App Store or Google Play. You can download the app before departure or use the complimentary onboard Wi-Fi to do so. Please ensure you bring your own headphones.
- Guests will be picked up from selected Melbourne hotels between 9am to 11am and dropped off between 9pm to 12am at the same locations.
- 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 Minibus
TimelineMap
Start point
Melbourne
1. Winchelsea
2. Twelve Apostles
3. Gibson Steps
4. The Razorback
5. Loch Ard Gorge
6. Maits Rest
7. Kennett River
8. Teddy's Lookout
End point
Melbourne
Your ending point would be same as your start point
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 12 people
- Round-trip transfers from Melbourne CBD
- Round-trip hotel transfer from Melbourne CBD (as per option selected)
- 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
TimelineMap
Start point
Melbourne
1. Twelve Apostles
2. Loch Ard Gorge
3. The Razorback
4. Great Otway National Park
5. Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway
Photo stop & Sightseeing
End point
Melbourne
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Reverse the route. Fewer crowds, better views of the 12 Apostles, and a picnic lunch.
- Great for: Travelers who value quieter stops and front-row views. And those who want to enjoy lunch on the go.
- What you'll get: Picnic lunch, live commentary by an 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.
Reverse the route. Fewer crowds, better views of the 12 Apostles, and a picnic lunch.
- Great for: Travelers who value quieter stops and front-row views. And those who want to enjoy lunch on the go.
- What you'll get: Picnic lunch, live commentary by an 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: See 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 includes a light lunch, please notify the operator of any dietary requirements or food allergies before departure.
- The tour will stop for a picnic-style lunch at Loch Ard Gorge or the 12 Apostles.
- The tour starts at 7.35am from select pick-up points in Melbourne inner city. If your hotel is not in the pick-up zone, you can reach the meeting point, Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours
TimelineMap
Start point
Melbourne
1 hr 45 min
1. Koala Conservation Reserve
15 min
2. Phillip Island
Things to do
Cape Woolamai
Newhaven
Cowes
3. Philip Island Nature Park
10 min
4. Nobbies Centre
10 min
5. Penguin Parade
2 hr
End point
Melbourne
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Designed for every traveler: from quick half-day trips visits to relaxed full-day wildlife encounters, all in one easy package.
- Everything you get: Penguin parade viewing, coach transfers from Melbourne with an expert driver guide.
- Wildlife encounters: Koalas, wallabies, native birds, and little penguins waddling.
- Upgrades: Swap for up-close views of the parade with Penguins Plus, or opt for the full-day tour for slow exploration.
- Why choose this: The only tour that flexes to fit your travel style, packs in every must-see, and all planning is sorted.
Designed for every traveler: from quick half-day trips visits to relaxed full-day wildlife encounters, all in one easy package.
- Everything you get: Penguin parade viewing, coach transfers from Melbourne with an expert driver guide.
- Wildlife encounters: Koalas, wallabies, native birds, and little penguins waddling.
- Upgrades: Swap for up-close views of the parade with Penguins Plus, or opt for the full-day tour for slow exploration.
- Why choose this: The only tour that flexes to fit your travel style, packs in every must-see, and all planning is sorted.
Inclusions
- Full or half-day tour to Phillip Island (based on option selected)
- Round-trip transfers from Melbourne
- English-speaking guide
- Entry to Phillip Island National Parks, Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout
- Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park
- Access to boardwalk and visitor center
- Access to general viewing platform
Penguins Plus (if option selected)
- Access to Penguins Plus viewing platform
- Closest penguin pathway viewing
- Limited-capacity beachfront stand
Exclusions
- Food and beverages (available to purchase onsite)
- Headphones
- Tip: For families, bring a small bucket and spade to keep kids entertained on the sand before the penguins arrive.
- 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.
4.4(1,904)
From Melbourne: Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade
Itinerary
TimelineMap
Start point
Melbourne CBD
40 min
1. Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
60 min
2. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
15 min
3. Phillip Island
20 min
4. Nobbies Centre
5. Penguin Parade
2 hr
End point
Melbourne CBD
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Sunrise at Melbourne’s beach boxes to sunset with penguin viewing!
- Everything you get: Full-day guided tour from Melbourne, Brighton Beach photo stop, Moonlit Sanctuary entry, Point Grant & The Nobbies, boardwalk & visitor centre access, and Penguin Parade entry with general viewing.
- Wildlife encounters: Kangaroos, wallabies, and 300+ penguins to end the day.
- Upgrades: Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing for closer, more exclusive penguin parade views.
- Why choose this: Every stop is a postcard—colorful beach huts, up-close animal encounters, and the world’s cutest parade, with all planning sorted.
Sunrise at Melbourne’s beach boxes to sunset with penguin viewing!
- Everything you get: Full-day guided tour from Melbourne, Brighton Beach photo stop, Moonlit Sanctuary entry, Point Grant & The Nobbies, boardwalk & visitor centre access, and Penguin Parade entry with general viewing.
- Wildlife encounters: Kangaroos, wallabies, and 300+ penguins to end the day.
- Upgrades: Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing for closer, more exclusive penguin parade views.
- Why choose this: Every stop is a postcard—colorful beach huts, up-close animal encounters, and the world’s cutest parade, with all planning sorted.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Philip Island
- Round-trip transfers from Melbourne
- English-speaking guide
- Entry to Brighton Beach
- Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
- Entry to Point Grant & The Nobbies
- Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park
- Access to boardwalk and visitor center
- Access to general viewing platform
Penguins Plus (if option selected)
- Access to Penguins Plus viewing platform
- Closest penguin pathway viewing
- Limited-capacity beachfront stand
Underground Viewing (if option selected)
- Access to underground viewing platform
- Eye-level penguin encounters
- Weatherproof indoor platform
Exclusions
- Food and drinks (available to purchase onsite)
- Tip: Do not miss out on the “Conservation in Action” wildlife show, which showcases several lesser-known Australian species in a series of interactive and engaging ranger presentations.
- The experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- This tour can accommodate a maximum of 24 people in 1 group.
- The tour is conducted in English. However, you can access pre-recorded written & verbal tour information in 16 different languages by downloading the free Go West Tours App from the App Store or Google Play. Download the app before departure or use the complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. Please ensure you bring your own headphones.
- Guests will be picked up from selected Melbourne hotels between 10am to 12pm and dropped off between 9:30pm to 12am at the same locations.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Journey to Melbourne’s famous Great Ocean Road and absorb surreal coastline sceneries, local wildlife, vibrant forests, and relaxing beaches on a full-day guided tour.
- Sit back and relax as you enjoy comfortable round-trip transfers from your hotel.
- Grab every picture opportunity at Australian seaside landmarks, including Torquay Surf Beach, Bells Surfing Beach, the Pole House, the Great Ocean Road sign, and Cape Patton.
- Watch koalas and rainbow parrots in their natural habitats and saunter through the forest with your guide as you stand in awe of some of the tallest trees on the planet.
- Admire the natural splendor of the Gibson Steps and the ancient 12 Apostles, and notice the unique rock formations at Loch Ard Gorge and Razorback.
- Journey to Melbourne’s famous Great Ocean Road and absorb surreal coastline sceneries, local wildlife, vibrant forests, and relaxing beaches on a full-day guided tour.
- Sit back and relax as you enjoy comfortable round-trip transfers from your hotel.
- Grab every picture opportunity at Australian seaside landmarks, including Torquay Surf Beach, Bells Surfing Beach, the Pole House, the Great Ocean Road sign, and Cape Patton.
- Watch koalas and rainbow parrots in their natural habitats and saunter through the forest with your guide as you stand in awe of some of the tallest trees on the planet.
- Admire the natural splendor of the Gibson Steps and the ancient 12 Apostles, and notice the unique rock formations at Loch Ard Gorge and Razorback.
Inclusions
- Guided tour
- Round-trip hotel transfers in AC private vehicle
- Admission tickets
- Morning tea
Exclusions
- Meal inclusions
- Tip: Don't forget to carry your cameras to capture unforgettable moments on this tour.
- Bring water, sun protection, a hat, a camera, warm clothing, and an umbrella in case of predicted rainfall.
- The first part of the tour is at Torquay Surf Beach and the second part of the tour is at Cape Patton. You can't re-enter Torquay Surf Beach once you leave.
- The digital audio guide is available in Arabic, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
MelbourneMelbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours
Make the most of Melbourne
Top sights you’ll see on your Great Ocean Road tour
See all photos
6 reasons to go on a Great Ocean Road tour
Spotting wildlife up close
Choosing the best Great Ocean Road tour for you
Standard tour
Price: Starting from AU$147
Inclusions: Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne CBD, audio guide in 14 languages, expert guide, guided forest walk, and morning tea.
Best for: Nature and wildlife lovers
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 tea and get round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne CBD on this morning tour.
Recommended experience:
Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Koala Spotting
Reverse tour
Price: Starting from AU$138
Inclusions: Round-trip transfers from Melbourne, picnic lunch, live commentary by expert driver guide, audio and text translation app in 10 languages.
Best for: Solo travelers, time-conscious travelers, and families
Beat the crowds with a reverse itinerary for a quieter journey starting at the crowd-favorite 12 Apostles and continuing to Loch Ard Gorge and Lorne. Includes an expert guide, return transfers and an option to add lunch.
Recommended experiences:
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour with Lunch
Sunset tour
Price: Starting from AU$149
Inclusions: Full-day sunset tour, group of up to 24 people, round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne, expert guide, access to the free translation app.
Best for: Photographers, nature lovers, and couples
A full-day tour of Great Ocean Road with stops at iconic spots like Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles where you can catch the sunset. Round-trip transport from Melbourne CBD included.
Recommended experience:
Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour
Great Ocean Road tour routes
Planning a Great Ocean Road tour? Whether you choose the standard and sunset route or the reverse route to beat the crowds, each offers stunning coastal views. Scroll down to find the best route for you.
Standard and sunset tour route
- Benefits: Follows the traditional route, which starts at Torquay and ends at the Twelve Apostles with a highly experienced guide, lunch stops at coastal towns like Apollo Bay or Port Campbell.
- Duration: 12 - 13 hours
- Other pros and cons: Morning light enhances views as you travel westward, the Twelve Apostles can be very crowded during peak hours.
Reverse tour route
- Benefits: Begin with the Twelve Apostles, offers flexibility, a more relaxed pace, an expert guide, and avoids heavily trafficked routes.
- Duration: 12 - 13 hours
- Other pros and cons: Lunch stops at quieter towns and attractions in the morning hours like Kennett River, requires earlier starts.
Plan your visit
Timings
Best time to visit
Getting there
Transfers
Stay
Dining
Tips
Depending on the chosen tour, the tour commences between 7am to 10am and wraps up between 7pm to 10pm, with a duration of 12 to 13 hours.
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): Pleasant weather and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to explore the road peacefully. To top it off, this time of year also marks the migration of southern right whales back to the Victorian coastline.
Winter (June – August): This is the quietest time 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.
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 to Torquay (starting point of the Great Ocean Road): 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: Get 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, Seahorse Coastal Villas
- Campervan sites: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, Kennett River Family Caravan Park
- Pet-friendly hotels: The Sands Torquay, 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.
Frequently asked questions about the Great Ocean Road tour
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.
From happy customers
Karen
AustraliaFeb, 2026
+ 2 more
We as a family had a wonderful morning on the cruise, the weather was perfect, water was quite calm .The scenery & the colours of the water were beautiful & we got to see 2 Seals .Highly recommended going on the cruise. Loved it .
Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise at Phillip Island
Teresa
IrelandApr, 2026
We did the Ocean road tour with Warren and not forgetting Sally. Warren was an excellent tour guide, we had a lovely day and a great bit of fun!
[Headout Exclusive 20% Off] Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Full Day Tour with Round-Trip Hotel Transfers
Corinne
AustraliaMar, 2026
Had a great with Joe, and highly recommend. He was really friendly and knowledgeable with plenty of stories and information on each of the places the tour visited along on the Great Ocean Road trip
Great Ocean Road Premium Coach Tour
Gyllander
SingaporeMar, 2026
The setup of the tour doing it in "reverse" seemed to benefit us with no or very little people at the stop sites. The apostles is absolutely fantastic and so is the razorback and the Great Ocean Road in itself with plenty of great views. Also loved the communities chosen for stop and lunch etc. Our guide Bill gave a lot of good insights and very knowledgeable and also added a lot to the experience with his genuine Aussie character.
Great Ocean Road Premium Coach Tour
Lynn
United KingdomMar, 2026
Chris H was a fantastic driver/guide, he knew so many interesting facts and was a lot of fun too. He gave us tips on the best place to sit to see the penguins and it worked a treat. Overall just a fab day out, would highly recommend to anyone.
From Melbourne: Half/Full-Day Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade
Stephanie
Feb, 2026
Jono shared lots of useful information and fun facts about his experiences. His service was very appreciated. Besides, his voice is so nice to listen to; he should do a podcast.
From Melbourne: Half/Full-Day Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade
Laura
United StatesFeb, 2026
We had a great time on this excursion. Our guide, Tom, was fantastic at pointing out and stopping so we could see wildlife during our drive. We were able to see many swamp wallabies and even an echidna in the wild. HUGE moment for me! Tom was also fantastic in giving us tips on where to sit and how to best see the penguins to have the best experience! Tip: even though it was HOT the entire day, once we got to the sites for seeing the penguins it was windy and chilly so be sure to bring a jacket to stay warm enough while waiting and viewing the penguins!
From Melbourne: Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade