Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road Travel – Choose the most authentic experience for you!

For locals and visitors to Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular road trips. Even if you only have one day, we can show you the secret hidden gems and the awe-inspiring highlights of this world-renowned coastal drive.

A full selection of Great Ocean Road Travel available from Melbourne

Whether you’re a solo traveller or a bigger group of family or friends, our friendly and informative tour guides will make sure you have the trip of a lifetime! We cater to various group sizes because we want to share the beauty of the Great Ocean Road!

In addition, we also offer a free app with translations and transcribes for non-English speakers. We want to ensure that we provide everyone with the most authentic and unique experience.

With so many tours to choose from, we hope that the following info helps you decide which of the Great Ocean Road tours is right for you…

Our tour options

Our One day Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Tour are the most popular, and it is not hard to understand why! In one day, we take in the Surf Coast with its sandy pristine beaches, the lush green rainforest of the Otways and the wild and rugged Shipwreck Coast, home to the 12 Apostles and many a dramatic story!  This is a full-day tour (and we mean full!) with pick-ups around 7-8 am and returning to Melbourne by about 8-9 pm. Be prepared for a road trip to remember.

On the other hand, our One Day Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour is perfect for those wishing to take the road less travelled. On the reverse tour, we cover all the same itinerary points of the Great Ocean Road and Rainforest tour (including the rainforest!) but in reverse.

This means we drive for a bit longer in the morning, inland through country roads, to come out on the Shipwreck Coast at about 11 am. We then explore Port Campbell National Park, including the 12 Apostles, with far fewer other buses. Due to the more remote location at this end of the road, we have a fresh sandwich lunch that can be enjoyed at one of the stops along the way, if you are happy to avoid the crowds and have lunch on the go, then this will probably be the tour for you! We then come back to Melbourne in an easterly direction taking in the Green Coast and the Surf Coast along the way.

During the summer months, our Sunset Great Ocean Road Tours have a later departure of around 10-11 am and take you along the highlights of the Great Ocean Road, including an extra stop at the GOR Chocolaterie. You will not stop and walk around the rainforest on this tour, but we will still drive through the majestic Eucalyptus forest of the Green Coast.

The 2 day Great Ocean Road and Philip Island Tour combine the two most popular day tours into one action-packed adventure. After a full day exploring the Great Ocean Road in Reverse to avoid the crowds, we stay overnight in the seaside town of Queenscliff. The following day we take a ferry across the bay where dolphins can often be spotted, and we head up the Mornington Peninsula to continue on to Phillip Island, where you will have plenty of time to check out a range of Australian wildlife and watch the world-famous Penguin Parade.

The 2 day and 3 days option include the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park tours, with the night’s accommodation included in the Town of Halls Gap. In contrast, our three-day tour includes a night in the town of Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road at the end of day one and then Halls Gap in the Grampians for night two.

The standard accommodation included in the price of all our multiday tours is dorm accommodation in local backpacker hostels. We share in rooms of 6-8 people and will always be sharing with only people from our tour, no sleeping out in swags!

If you prefer a private room, then upgrades to a private hotel or Motel with an en-suite are available to book.

History

Built between 1919 and 1932 by returned World War I soldiers, the Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial. The road was built to connect isolated coastal towns and boost tourism, and today, it’s a tribute to human endurance and ingenuity. As you drive, you’ll find many landmarks along the way that commemorate its history, including the Memorial Arch at Eastern View, which marks the start of this beautiful stretch of road.

Essential Facts

• Length: 243km
• Pickup Location: Torquay to Allansford
• Best Time to Visit: September to May (mild weather and fewer crowds)
• Driving Time: 4 hours non-stop, but it’s recommended to take a multi-day trip to fully experience the coastline and towns

Towns

Along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find some of Australia’s most beautiful towns, each with its own character. Apollo Bay is a quaint seaside town nestled between mountains and sea and is a great place to enjoy fresh seasonal produce and views. Port Campbell is where you can see the Twelve Apostles and other natural wonders. Other towns like Port Fairy, Lorne and Skenes Creek are great stops, with beaches, cafes and historical landmarks. Each town along the Great Ocean Road has its own attractions, so it’s the perfect place to stay for a weekend or longer.

• Torquay: As the official start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is known as Australia’s surfing capital, home to Bells Beach and the Surf World Museum – a must-visit for surfers.
• Apollo Bay: Entry to the Otway Ranges, fresh seafood, beaches and walking trails. It’s a great place to relax after a day of exploring.
• Port Campbell: Near the Twelve Apostles, a small seaside village to explore the coastline.
• Port Fairy: This historic coastal town is famous for its folk festivals and views.

Beautiful Beaches

The Great Ocean Road has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, so it’s a must-see for beach lovers. Bells Beach, just outside Torquay, is famous for its world-class surf breaks and cliffs. Surfers Paradise Beach in Torquay is another popular spot for surfers. Further along the coast Apollo Bay and Loch Ard Gorge have golden sand and sandy stretches to relax or enjoy water sports. And the beaches near the Twelve Apostles are a peaceful escape perfect for quiet contemplation or a walk.

• Bells Beach: One of the world-famous Bells Beach and famous surf beaches, it’s a must-see for surfers and spectators. The beach hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro.
• Fairhaven Beach: A long stretch of golden sand perfect for walking and sunbathing. It’s peaceful and great for unwinding and beach time.
• Lorne Beach: Family-friendly Lorne Beach has calm waters and a lively promenade, so it’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Johanna Beach: Johanna Beach is a surfers paradise with great waves and camping spots nearby. It’s more secluded, so it feels peaceful and connected to nature.
• Port Campbell Beach: A pretty cove near the Twelve Apostles, perfect for a swim or a picnic with stunning views of the cliffs and rock formations.

Waterfalls

One of the hidden gems of the Great Ocean Road is the waterfalls. The Otway National Park, just a short detour from the main road has several beautiful waterfalls, including the spectacular Triplet Falls and serene Erskine Falls, both surrounded by rainforest. For a full experience, the Great Otway National Park has walking trails that lead to these waterfalls, so you can really experience the region’s natural beauty. Waterfalls are a must-see for nature lovers and a peaceful break from the coastal drive.

• Erskine Falls: A 30-metre waterfall near Lorne surrounded by rainforest, one of the most popular in the area.Hopetoun Falls: A beautiful cascade in the Great Otway National Park, a short walk, great for photographers and nature lovers.
• Triplet Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall in the Otways, Triplet Falls is stunning and more secluded than some of the other waterfalls along the route.
• Beauchamp Falls: A short walk in the Otways’s ancient forests, peaceful and calm.
• Sheoak Falls: Hidden near Lorne, quiet.

Lookouts and Viewpoints

The Great Ocean Road has so many amazing lookouts and viewpoints with incredible coastline views and surrounding landscape. The Twelve Apostles tour is a highlight, where you get to see the famous limestone stacks up close, towering above the Southern Ocean. Other notable viewpoints are the Loch Ard Gorge Great Ocean Road, where you can see the area’s shipwreck history, and the Gibson Steps, where you can stand on the beach and marvel at the cliffs above. These rugged cliffs are great for photos, with awesome views of the dramatic coastlines. These lookouts are perfect for capturing the beauty of the area and getting some great photo opportunities.
Twelve Apostles Lookout: Coastline views, this is the most popular lookout along the Great Ocean Road, with great views of the limestone formations.

• Loch Ard Gorge: A historic and stunning location named after a famous shipwreck, here you can learn about the history of the area while enjoying the scenery.
• Gibson Steps: A viewpoint where you can walk down to the beach for a unique perspective of the cliffs. It’s a rare chance to get up close to the coastal rock formations.
• The Grotto: A natural rock formation with ocean views, The Grotto is great for photography or just to chill out.
• Cape Otway Lighthouse: Australia’s oldest mainland lighthouse, with views of the coast. If you love history and scenery, this is the spot.

Breweries & Pubs

The Great Ocean Road is also famous for food and drink and local breweries and historic pubs. There are several microbreweries where you can taste craft beers made with local ingredients. In Lorne and Apollo Bay, you’ll find cosy pubs with a wide range of drinks and food, often made with local produce. For beer enthusiasts visit the Otway Estate Brewery or Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay to experience the local brewing culture and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

• Great Ocean Road Brewhouse (Apollo Bay): Beer fans will love this, with local brews and live music.
• Salt Brewing Co. (Torquay): Pale ales and a beer garden, this small brewery is chill and has great views.
• Wye Beach Hotel (Wye River): Pub food with ocean views, relax and take in the coast.
• Apollo Bay Hotel: Cosy pub with seafood, try the local stuff.
  Brewhouse Warrnambool: Busy spot with local craft beers to unwind after a big day on the Great Ocean Road.

Nature and Wildlife

The best part of the Great Ocean Road is the wildlife. The region is home to the cockatoos of the Great Ocean Road, wild koalas, Australian koalas and kangaroos. The Great Otway National Park is the best place to see koalas in the wild, especially in the Kennet River area. Along the coast, you’ll find large colonies of Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks near the Twelve Apostles. If you want to get up close to marine life, dolphins and even migrating whales can be found in the waters off the Great Ocean Road. A wildlife tour is the way to go.

• Koalas: Best seen in the Kennett River area, where you can get up close to these cuties in the wild.
• Kangaroos: Often seen at the Anglesea Golf Course, these kangaroos have become part of the landscape.
• Whales: Southern right whales migrate along the coast between June and September, perfect for whale watching.
• Birdlife: The Great Ocean Road is home to many bird species, including parrots, cockatoos and seabirds.
• Rainforests: The Otway Ranges is where you can explore temperate rainforests with unique flora and fauna, a nature lover’s paradise.

Dining

Dining on the Great Ocean Road ranges from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Seafood lovers will love the fresh fish and seafood, many restaurants serve locally caught abalone, lobster and whiting. If you want a more relaxed dining experience many of the towns along the way have cafes where you can grab a coffee with an ocean view. The region is also known for its fresh, local produce, so it’s a foodie’s heaven to try real Australian flavours. Maits Rest is a great place to stop for lunch if you’re hiking and want to eat under the Eucalyptus trees.

• Seafood: Try Apollo Bay’s famous fish and chips or seafood platters perfect for eating by the sea.
• Bakeries: Lorne and Port Campbell have some great bakeries where you can grab some homemade pastries and treats.
• Farm-to-Table: Along the way you’ll find cafes and restaurants that pride themselves on serving organic, locally sourced food, the real taste of the region.
• Wineries: Visit wineries near Geelong and Otway to taste some great wine, a must for wine buffs.

Walking and Hiking Trails

For those who love to walk and hike, the Great Ocean Road has it all. The Great Ocean Walk, a multi-day trek from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, is one of the most popular hikes in the region. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of cliffs, beaches and Eucalyptus trees. The Great Otway National Park has several shorter walks, including the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk and the Jebbs Creek Walk, perfect for a peaceful escape into nature. These walks suit all fitness levels, and you can get up close and personal with the beauty of the area.

• Great Ocean Walk: A multi-day walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles with views of the coastline, rainforests and waterfalls.
• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: A short but sweet walk through ancient rainforests, an immersive experience in one of the area’s best environments.
• Melba Gully: A night walk to see glowworms in the forest, a magical experience for nature lovers.
• Cape Otway Lightstation Walk: A walk to the coast with the opportunity to learn about the history of the lighthouse and the area.

Accommodation

From resorts to B&Bs, the Great Ocean Road has accommodations to suit every budget. For a fancy stay, there are boutique hotels and beachfront resorts with ocean views and lots of extras. On a budget there are motels and camping options, and many parks with scenic sites to park up and enjoy the views. For a real experience there are eco lodges and treehouses where you can get up close and personal with nature.

• Luxury Resorts: The Cumberland Lorne Resort and RACV Torquay Resort offer fancy stays with great views and heaps of extras.
• Beachfront Hotels: If you want to wake up to the sound of the ocean Apollo Bay’s Seafarers Getaway and Warrnambool’s Deep Blue Hotel are beachfront with great facilities.
• Cozy B&Bs: Captain’s at the Bay in Apollo Bay and the Port Campbell Parkview Motel offer a homey atmosphere, perfect for an intimate stay.
• Camping & Caravan Parks: If you want to get up close and personal with nature, the Great Otway National Park and Johanna Beach Campground are great options for camping and caravan stays.

Unforgettable Experiences

The Great Ocean Road has something for every kind of traveller. For adventure seekers surfing near Melbourne, kayaking and hiking. History buffs will love the shipwrecks along the Shipwreck Coast or the history of the Great Ocean Road’s construction. Families will enjoy the beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and scenic drives. For a totally immersive experience, book Great Ocean Road helicopter tours or Great Ocean Road sunset tours and see the coastline from a different angle. With so much to offer, the Great Ocean Road is a destination for everyone. Whether you like adventure, relaxation, or history, here are just a few to consider:

• Surfing at Bells Beach: A must-do for surfers, where you can catch some waves at one of the world’s best surf spots.
• Helicopter Tours over the Twelve Apostles: For the ultimate experience, book a helicopter tour and see the Twelve Apostles from above.
• Whale Watching in Warrnambool: Winter means whale watching as the southern right whales migrate along the coast.
• Shipwreck Coast: This stretch of coastline has several shipwrecks and historical sites, a glimpse into Australia’s history.
• Cape Otway Lightstation: One of the oldest lighthouses in Australia, insight into the region’s history and views of the coast.
• Naracoorte Caves: Discover the stunning limestone caves of Naracoorte, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  Indigenous heritage sites: Learn about the region’s Aboriginal history through cultural

FAQ

How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road takes 4-5 hours to drive non-stop. But most people take 2-3 days to do the whole road and all the attractions if they do a 2-day Great Ocean Road tour or a 3-day Great Ocean Road tour.

What’s the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

The best time to visit is spring (Sept-Nov) and autumn (March-May) when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.

Can I see wildlife along the Great Ocean Road?

Yes, the Great Ocean Road is wildlife heaven: koalas on Great Ocean Road, kangaroos, seals and dolphins. There are many tours to see them in their natural habitat.

Is the Great Ocean Road suitable for families with young kids?

Yes! The Great Ocean Road has many family-friendly activities, beaches, parks and wildlife sanctuaries, so it’s a great place for families.

Are there good places to eat along the Great Ocean Road?

Yes, the Great Ocean Road has many great places to eat with fresh seafood, local produce and views to enjoy a meal with a view.

Questions? Contact our Great Ocean Road Bus Travel experts today

By now, you should be ready to book your perfect Great Ocean Road Adventure with Wildlife Melbourne Tours, but if you have any questions, our friendly reservations team is on standby to help ensure you have the best tour possible! We are so lucky to have this iconic landmark within driving distance of the city, and with our Great Ocean Road tours, we want to share it all with you!

If you’d like to contact us about our selection of Great Ocean Road day trips and tours, you can call +613 9393 1300, email [email protected], or by using our online contact form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible with all the information you need about our Great Ocean Road bus tours!