The Classic Great Ocean Road Tour

This great ocean road tour is a guided scenic drive along Australia’s most spectacular coastline with jaw-dropping ocean views and ancient rainforests.

This small group day tour includes a visit to the iconic rock formations known as the 12 Apostles. Explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge and marvel at the views from all the best lookouts within the Port Campbell National Park.

Your day will include the following highlights;

• Historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Surf Coast beaches, seaside towns and stunning coastal views
• Spot Koalas in the trees above the Great Ocean Road
• Enjoy Lunch in the Seaside town of Apollo Bay
• Guided Rainforest walk through the Great Otway National Park
• Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast Port Campbell National Park
• The world-famous Twelve Apostles Port Campbell National Park
• Razorback, Island Archway, Salt & Pepper Shakers formations Port Campbell National Park

Departs/Returns:

• Melbourne every day
• Departure times: from 7:00am approx. 

NOTE: Does not operate on Christmas Day (25th December) or New Years Day (1st January).

What is Included:

• Morning Tea and Coffee
• Park Entry Fees
• A friendly driver/guide
• Informative tour commentary
• Inner city hotel pick up and drop off
• Audio translation Smartphone app in 10 languages

Great Ocean Road Tour Itinerary:

Once we have left Melbourne, we head down to the Surf Coast, passing through gorgeous seaside townships such as Anglesea, Lorne and Airey’s Inlet. Along the way we stop for morning tea and to breath in the fresh sea air whilst spotting surfers riding some of the worlds renowned waves.

Stop at the Great Ocean Road monument which marks the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road. After some photos at the iconic Memorial Arch and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades, we will wind through more stunning views (of course stopping for pictures!)

Along the journey we will be making stops to look for Koalas on the Great Ocean Road, hanging out in the wild. As they are exactly that, wild, we cannot guarantee where they will show up, but our knowledgeable guides know all the best spots to get out into the bush and spot them sleeping!

A welcome lunch break is taken in Apollo Bay. (45mins Lunch Break) Once you have explored Apollo Bay, grabbed any souvenirs you wish to buy, or tasted some delicious ice cream then it is back on the bus to head inland to the Great Otway National Park.

This drive takes us past towering Eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a patch of Cool Temperate Rainforest. You will be amazed at the difference in the scenery as we take a walk through the tree ferns and, marvel at the ‘ancient relics’ – the Myrtle Beach trees that provide perfect canopy shade and originate from when Australia was part of a supercontinent known as Gondwanaland. Breath in the fresh air before we take a relaxing drive out to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast!

Once out of the trees and back by the Southern Ocean we arrive in Port Campbell National Park, home to the iconic 12 Apostles. We will spend about 40mins at the Apostles where you will enjoy free time to take in the views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and get the perfect pictures of this wild and rugged coastline.

Once out of the trees and back by the Southern Ocean we arrive in Port Campbell National Park, home to the iconic 12 Apostles. We will spend about 40mins at the Apostles where you will enjoy free time to take in the views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and get the perfect pictures of this wild and rugged coastline.

Also in the National Park we head down to Loch Ard Gorge, site of one of Australia’s most well know shipwrecks, hear the dramatic tale of Tom and Eva and then head down to the beach to look for the caves. This is also where you will find rock formations such as Island Archway, Razorback and the ‘Salt and Pepper Shakers’ too.

After a full day of exploring we say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and turn back inland to drive back to Melbourne via country roads. We pass through farmlands en route to the country town of Colac, here you can grab a quick bite for dinner (at own expense) if you wish as we will arrive back home in Melbourne at approximately 8:30pm.

Note: Itineraries may change due to weather or other circumstances

Important Information

• Itineraries may be subject to change dependant on weather and other circumstances
• Prices are in Australian Dollars (AU$)
• Food can be purchased on stops during the tour or bring your own
• Child rates apply to children between 0 and 12 years
• To maximise the comfort of your journey, no luggage storage facilities are provided and it is recommended you bring a small daypack no bigger than 5kg

Wildlife Tours Australia is part of the Get Lost Travel Group and take sustainability seriously.

Reducing their Carbon Footprint:

• Renewable Energy: The Get Lost Travel Group depot in Melbourne is powered by 100% solar energy.
• Offsetting Carbon Emissions: 100% of all transport emissions are offset with their partnership with not-for-profit Greenfleet (see below).
• LED Lighting: The majority of lighting used by Get Lost Travel Group’s offices and depots is LED. This has reduced consumption by 65%.
• Carbon Neutral Printing: All Get Lost Travel Group printed brochures use 100% recycled paper and natural inks. The local Melbourne printing company, Mystique, offset 100% of their carbon footprint.

Commitment to Wildlife:

• Koala Clancy Foundation: The Get Lost Travel Group are proud sponsors of the Koala Clancy Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation passionate about the health and well-being of wild koalas.
• Wipe for Wildlife: Get Lost Travel Group, we have chosen to Wipe for Wildlife at the workplace, using only recycled toilet paper and tissues supplied by Who Gives A Crap.

Greenfleet Accreditated

Greenfleet is a leading not-for-profit environmental organisation on a mission to protect our climate by restoring our forests. 

They plant native biodiverse forests to offset carbon emissions on behalf of individuals and businesses and help fight the impacts of climate change. Since 1997, Greenfleet have planted more than 9.4 million native trees across over 500 biodiverse forests in Australia and New Zealand. 

Note: Wildlife Tours Australia does not currently hold Eco-Accreditation from Eco Tourism Australia.