1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour

Days
1
DEPARTS
7:35 am
RETURNS
8:30 pm
PRICE from
$95 AUD

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure on our 1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour! Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery as you navigate this famous coastal drive, featuring pristine beaches and majestic limestone cliffs. With every twist and turn, you’ll be treated to amazing views and insights from your knowledgeable tour guide, who will illuminate the wonders of the ancient rainforest and the rich natural habitats around you. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas and enjoy breathtaking photo stops along the way!

On this tour you will get to see all the highlights this beautiful region has to offer. Discover the dramatic coastline, charming seaside coastal towns such as Apollo Bay and explore one of our personal favourites; the Loch Ard Gorge.

Operates

MON, TUE, WED, THU, FRI, SAT, SUN

Tour Map

Age Restriction
No age restriction
Bus Capacity
Up to 40 passengers
Tour Language
English

Highlights

  • Get that iconic photo at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

  • Wander the streets of picturesque seaside towns

  • Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, koalas and other Australian wildlife!

  • Enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) in Apollo Bay

  • Be captivated by the dramatic history and beauty of Loch Ard Gorge

Trip Inclusions

  • National Park entry fees

  • Morning tea & snacks included

  • Unique Australian wildlife experience

  • A knowledgeable tour guide

  • Comfortable air conditioned coach transport

  • Selected inner city pick-up and drop-offs

  • Translation services available in 10 different languages

What you need to bring?

  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Your sense of adventure
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Money for snacks and meals

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Trip Itinerary

Depart Melbourne

Join us on this awesome epic road trip, travelling along one of the most beautiful scenic coastal routes Victoria has to offer.
Our adventure begins when we leave Melbourne in the morning and head straight for the famous Shipwreck Coast.

Our first scenic stop is the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.
This is a great photo opportunity to capture the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, the longest war memorial in the world.

We then journey on to the quaint seaside town of Apollo Bay.
Enjoy an hour of free time to explore the shops and grab some lunch at your own expense.

Continuing on, we venture into the beautiful Great Otway National Park.
Keep your eyes open for Australian koalas nestled among the towering eucalyptus trees as we drive through this lush landscape.
We will stop and enjoy a rainforest walk through the Great Otway Rainforest National Park.

Then, prepare to be awestruck by one of the highlights of our tour: the iconic 12 Apostles at sunset.
These stunning rock formations are a definite highlight of the day, offering breathtaking coastal views from the viewing platform.

Next, we head to Loch Ard Gorge.
Learn about the history of the shipwrecks and the remarkable stories of survival that unfolded here, adding to the magic of this location.

As we make our way back to Melbourne, we will stop in Colac, where you have the opportunity to purchase dinner at your own expense.

Once we have left Melbourne, we head down to the Surf Coast, passing through gorgeous seaside coastal townships such as Anglesea, Lorne and Airey’s Inlet.
We stop for morning tea, breathe in the fresh sea air and spot surfers out on the water.
With Antarctica not too far beyond the Southern Ocean, you will quickly understand why everyone wears a wetsuit once you dip your toes into the water.

Visit the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

Stop at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, which marks the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road.
After taking photos at this iconic monument, your guide will share the history of the soldiers who built this famous route and dedicated it to their fallen comrades.
From there, we continue winding through more stunning views, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Search for Australian flora and fauna

A welcome lunch break is taken in Apollo Bay for approximately 45 minutes, at guests’ own expense.
Once you have explored Apollo Bay, picked up any souvenirs, or enjoyed some delicious ice cream, we will get back on the bus and continue inland to the beautiful Great Otway National Park.

Stop to Enjoy Lunch in Apollo Bay

Still following the Great Ocean Road, the journey continues into the lush green hills of the Great Otway National Park.
Drive past towering eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a cool, temperate rainforest patch.
You will be amazed by the change in scenery as we take a walk among the tree ferns and marvel at the ancient relics, the Myrtle Beech trees.
These trees create the perfect canopy shade and date back to when Australia was part of the supercontinent known as Gondwanaland.
Breathe in the fresh air before we continue on a relaxing drive to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast.

Rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park

Still following the Great Ocean Road, the journey continues into the lush green hills of the Great Otway National Park.
Drive past towering eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a cool, temperate rainforest patch.
You will be amazed by the change in scenery as we take a walk among the tree ferns and marvel at the ancient relics, the Myrtle Beech trees.
These trees create the perfect canopy shade and date back to when Australia was part of the supercontinent known as Gondwanaland.
Breathe in the fresh air before we continue on a relaxing drive to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast.

The Twelve Apostles

Once we leave the trees behind and return to the Southern Ocean, we arrive in

Port Campbell National Park
,
home to the iconic 12 Apostles.
We will spend approximately 40 minutes at the Apostles, giving you free time to take in the magnificent views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and capture the perfect photos of this wild and rugged coastline.

Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast

Also in Port Campbell National Park, we head down to Loch Ard Gorge, the site of one of Australia’s most well-known shipwrecks.
Here, you will hear the dramatic tale of Tom and Eva before heading down to the beach to look for the caves.
You will also see remarkable rock formations such as the Island Archway Razorback and the Salt and Pepper Shakers.

Returns to Melbourne

After a full day of exploring, we say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and turn inland for the journey back to Melbourne.
We pass through peaceful farmlands on the way to the country town of Colac, where you can grab a quick bite for dinner at your own expense.
We will return to Melbourne at approximately 8:30 pm.

Route details

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, please wait on Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35AM.

  • 6:50 – Pullman Albert Park – 65 Queens Road Albert Park
  • 6:55 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St Melbourne
  • 6:58 – Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane – 388 Lonsdale St Melbourne
  • 7:00 – Melbourne Marriott Hotel – corner Exhibition St & Lonsdale St Melbourne
  • 7:00 – Nomads St Kilda Beach – 17 Carlisle St St Kilda
  • 7:05 – Space Hotel – 380 Russell St Melbourne
  • 7:10 – Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Russell St entrance Melbourne
  • 7:15 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St Melbourne
  • 7:20 – Adina Apartment Hotel – 189 Queen St Melbourne
  • 7:20 – Mercure Melbourne Southbank – 9 Riverside Quay Southbank
  • 7:25 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St Melbourne
  • 7:25 – Crown Towers – 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
  • 7:30 – Pan Pacific Melbourne – 2 Convention Centre Pl South Wharf
  • 7:30 – The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne – 44 Spencer St Melbourne
  • 7:35 – Immigration Museum – 400 Flinders St corner Market St Melbourne
  • 9:25 – Bunnings Waurn Ponds, 237 Colac Rd, Geelong

Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.

Our Contract 

All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.

Validity 

Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 March 2026, effective from 01 June 2024 dates and itineraries are indicative only.

Standard Conditions 

Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates to Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Walking Country, Wayoutback Australian Safaris, Australian Bus Charters & Tailormade Touring, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.

Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below before booking a trip with us.

We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service before booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style, and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.

Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay, or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, should they have to cancel a trip at the last minute.

GLT reserves the right to modify routes or itineraries, vehicle types, fares, days of operation, or even cancel tours when unforeseen circumstances arise. This is especially true during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours.

Fares are shown in Australian Currency and are correct at time of printing but are subject to change.

Traveller Information 

For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. Your full name, contact details, email address, dietary requirements (if applicable), nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements.

For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Booking Terms and Conditions 

Customers Responsible Travel

The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State, and Territory) conditions of entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services.

In the event that a traveler needs to cancel unexpectedly due to visa restrictions, a medical condition, family reasons, or changes to regulations imposed by the government, the operator shall apply discretion when applying cancellation policies in these circumstances. The operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.

It was previously recommended by the Department of Health that commercial passenger vehicle drivers and passengers wear fitted face masks whilst in transit to minimise the spread of the virus. This is no longer mandatory, but rather at the driver’s or traveller’s own discretion. Some remote regions have limited access to RAT tests, so multi-day travelers are still advised to bring some along.

In the unlikely event that a traveller must leave a tour midway after it has commenced, or attempt to join a tour after departure, the operator is not required to reimburse any aspects of the tour that they did not participate in. As part of this, the traveler is responsible for any relocation expenses incurred from the point of departure to their nominated destination and is the traveller’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.

Note: Different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents. Your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Cancellations & Refund Policy 

Cancellation by the Traveller 

We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent notifying them of your cancellation.

If you wish to change or cancel a trip:

Day Trips 

(a) 0 to 1 day / within 24-hrs from the experience start time or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 2+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day

Short Break / Extended Tours

(a) 0 to 14 days before the departure date or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 15+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day

Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveller) has an expiry date of 3 years and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable on experience, however not redeemable for cash.

Note different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents, your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise travellers to take out personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Cancellation by the Operator 

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure (refer below) resulting in the cancellation of a trip.

We have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.

Standard Cancellation 

If we the tour operator cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip
(b) transfer amounts paid to an alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or
(c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years

Force Majeure Cancellation 

If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% credit voucher of monies paid for your trip; or
(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.

If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.

Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveller):
● 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
● are not redeemable for cash;
● excludes flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions

In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. GLT cannot be held responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.

“Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue.

Acceptance of Risk

Australia is home to a wide range of dangerous animals, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard our tours.

Travel Insurance

We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover.

We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and pose a threat to other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and whilst in operation, that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old, photo ID is required.

Child Policy (Age Requirements)

Our child and infant policy, as well as pricing, vary depending on the specific trip due to the diversity of our product offerings. Please refer to the tour page for detailed information. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed.

Important Note: Due to the type of experiences we operate throughout Australia, some may require a medium to high level of fitness and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).

Prices and surcharges 

Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. Depending on the trip, passengers are likely to be charged different prices, so booking at that time is the best option if you like the price. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your fare price will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out below in (Cancellation by the Traveller). The most up-to-date pricing is available on our websites. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.

Luggage Policy 

To maximize the comfort of your journey no luggage storage facilities are provided on our (Day Trips): It is recommended you bring a small day pack no bigger than 5-7kg. (Short-Break / Extended Tours): Maximum baggage allowance per person is 15-20kg preferably a soft travelling pack.
Excessive amounts of luggage may incur a surcharge fee. Inappropriate luggage presented on the day of departure such as surfboards, bikes, and an excessive amount of luggage may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged. Other: mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushers, prams, walking frames, and other walking aids cannot be stored safely on our vehicles. Please advise prior to booking if there are any of these aids required.

Pick-up & Drop-offs

GLT may offer complimentary inner-city pick-up and drop-off services to selected accommodation providers. Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected accommodation or nominated meeting point may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.

Weather Policy

The weather conditions throughout Australia can vary significantly. While we strive to operate our tours as planned, tours will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather conditions that pose a safety risk, such as storms, floods, lightning or extreme temperatures. Tours will not be cancelled due to rain, fog, or similar weather occurrences unless they significantly impact safety or accessibility. If a tour is cancelled due to extreme weather, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer the option to reschedule or provide a full refund, depending on availability and your preferences.

We recommend checking the average temperatures for your travel dates and packing accordingly. Please note that we are not responsible for any additional costs or inconvenience caused by weather-related changes, including accommodation, travel, or other expenses. We advise all travellers to come prepared for varying weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Special Requirements

Please notify the tour operator of any food allergies or special dietary requirements, and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days prior to the tour departure. While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, there are limited food options in some regions we visit on extended tours, so forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but it is not guaranteed. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks along.

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries 

All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to [email protected].

Updated June 2024.

At Autopia Australia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Melbourne Tours. It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to this World  Heritage Listed region and the species that call it home. Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional owners should also be shown at all times.

Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.

Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/

Traditional Owners

Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Wurundjeri people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.

Wildlife Encounters

The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.

Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.

Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger or Visitor Centre Staff.

Protecting our National Parks

People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover. Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.

No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.

Waste Management

All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our Grampians Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into the landfill. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.

First Aid

All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.

We highly recommend guests do not fly out on the same day a tour finishes if we are delayed due to uncontrollable circumstances. This is Australia-wide advice on all tours.

What is a suitable age for this tour?

Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed. We are not obligated by regulations to provide child safety seats. Please note our vehicles do not have the storage to accommodate prams or strollers, these must be left at your hotel or accommodation.

How much luggage can I bring on tour?

We ask that guests travelling on day trips bring small day packs and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Suitcases and large backpacks must be put in storage at your hotel or bus station lockers prior to boarding our vehicles.

How many people are on this tour?

We operate this tour with an average of 35 people onboard, our fleet consists of mainly 28-seater or 38-seater Yutong Coaches. These vehicles are designed for safe & comfortable on long journeys (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views and USB charging ports. It is possible that the trip will be conducted in a larger vehicle on rare occasions, based on demand.

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

A low level of fitness is required to complete the walks on this tour itinerary.

What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?

In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, whereby it’s not safe to travel along the Great Ocean Road.

Safe Travel Statement

For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. For more information click here.

Check Availability & Book Now!

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FAQ

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

Starting from Melbourne, a trip to the Great Ocean Road is a 664 km return. Travelling via Torquay, Apollo Bay, and Port Fairy and returning to Melbourne takes 9.5 hours to drive. The Great Ocean Road has two main starting points when travelling from Melbourne. You can turn onto the Great Ocean Road from either Torquay or Anglesea. Our 1-day Great Ocean Road tours turn onto Great Ocean Road at Anglesea. From here, the Great Ocean Road hugs the coastline and goes to Apollo Bay. Our tours travel to the 12 Apostles before returning to Melbourne. This journey is a 504 km return to Melbourne, which takes 7hrs hours to drive. We spend 12 hours along the Great Ocean Road, enjoying many beautiful locations and stopping to explore.

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The Great Ocean Road starts from Torquay, 104km south of Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road ends 244 km later in Allansford. However, we recommend you travel through to Warrnambool to visit the largest city along the Great Ocean Road.

Can you do the Great Ocean Road in one day?

Yes, we specialise in offering one-day trips to the Great Ocean Road, helping travellers maximise their time in Melbourne. Between April and October, hiring a car for a one-day trip to the Great Ocean Road is not recommended. This region can experience high winds and severe rainstorms. You have limited daylight and will be returning to Melbourne in the dark on less maintained roads. From Melbourne, a Great Ocean Road day trip in a hire car is a tiring journey with approximately 7 hours of driving. We highly recommend joining a great ocean road tour and letting our experienced tour drivers ensure a fantastic day from start to finish.

How long should you take to do the Great Ocean Road?

One of Victoria’s most scenic roads, the Great Ocean Road is a fantastic 1-day bus tour from the capital of Melbourne to the iconic 12 Apostles.

What is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road depends largely on what activities you plan on doing. For those who prefer warmer weather, September to April is the best time of year to visit. This period offers mostly sunny days and temperatures ranging from 16-25°C (60-77°F). During this period, you can take advantage of activities such as swimming at the famous surf beaches in the ocean.

How hard is the Great Ocean Road Walk?

The Great Ocean Walk has a difficulty rating of “moderate” to “challenging.” It means there will be short, steep climbs and uneven, bumpy trails. A relatively energetic lifestyle and some walking experience are recommended.

How long is the 12 Apostles walk?

At just over 100 kilometres, it combines Australia’s tallest coastal cliffs, the remains of various historic shipwrecks, and vast stretches of uninhabited beaches. A walk along this scenic route can perhaps bring a new twist at every turn.

Do you need a 4WD for Great Ocean Road?

You don’t need a 4WD drive to travel the Great Ocean Road to choose the cheapest rental car, and it will be just fine! If you’re travelling alone, with two people, or you don’t like the idea of planning your trip on the Great Ocean Road, you’re better off choosing a tour.

Is the Great Ocean Road worth it?

For most visitors to Melbourne, a tour-guided trip to the Great Ocean Road is a must. Like many other Australian cities, it’s always worth taking a car or bus tour and travelling outside the city.

Reviews

30 thoughts on “1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour”

  1. I had an amazing time with Darren on the Great Ocean Road tour. He answered all our questions and helped us get the best out of our cameras by taking nice photos of beautiful places.

  2. Thanks for a good time. The koalas were my favorite of the one day tour. A long drive but the tour guide made it more fun.

  3. What an great tour with Rob, he had us in stitches. The amazing views at the great ocean road. Everyone on the tour I spoke to really enjoyed themselves. Thanks Rob

  4. It was my first time on the Great Ocean Road and I was not disappointed. The best part of it was the photo opportunities. So many things to see on a beautiful sunny day, I recommend this trip.

  5. My friends and I visited 3 places during our 1 week stay in Australia and the great ocean road was the best. The tourist guide was very friendly. Lots of things to see and pictures to take. We surely had a wonderful time.

  6. We had a truly memorable day and couldn’t believe how much we managed to cram in. I need to give special mention to our tour guide Grant who really made the day with his informative but easygoing and often amusing commentary- it’s a long time to spend on a small coach and the commentary really helped the time pass and helped us learn about our surroundings.
    The meal stop was also really good – better than you often expect on tours where restaurants cater for large groups converging on them.
    Thanks for a tremendous day that we will always remember.
    Best wishes,
    Andy and Jill

  7. I booked the Great Ocean road day tour with an online travel agent (Travel Freedom), who got me a day tour with Wildlife tours. I had been shopping around for rates and got a good deal for our family of six, which included lunch, so I was not sure what I would be getting for less than $100 per person, while other rates go as high as $130. Our tour went very well, my family enjoyed all the beauty and wonder of this tour, and all the history and information provided by our tour guide, Craig- who is not only knowledgeable, but full of wit and humor. Will look for Wildlife Tours again when we visit Australia!

  8. The tour was awesome. Got to spend time at all the major highlights of the Great Ocean Road! Tour guide was very helpful and nice. Would highly recommend as price is unbeatable.

  9. This tour is not a must, but can be done if you have a day to spend and don’t know what to do.
    This tour takes you along different sights and places along the Great Ocean Road. It was a good tour as we got to see the 12 Apostles (now only 9 left), the Tragic Shipwreck Cove (The Loch Ard Gorge), The Maits Rest Rainforest (A small 20-25 mins walk through the rainforest) and many beautiful views along the Great Ocean Road. We also stopped in a place with some beautiful birds and koalas. It was a day well spent.

    Our host for this tour was KK. She was really fun and patient (as at times we would return later than the rest of the group to the bus – apologies to everyone for that).

  10. Nicola K Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    What a fantastic tour we had on the 6th December with Andrea (and Rob) who was training. He will be a lovely and very approachable tour guide when he is ready.

    A lot of people recommended doing great ocean road over several days. However we saw everything we felt the need to see on the day tour, it was more than sufficient.

    Throughout this time we had morning tea, stopped at several bays and pristine beaches, a wildlife park, had a lunch stop, went to viewing points, did a rainforest walk AND saw the 12 Apostles. The day went by very quickly and although there were so many stops, we didn’t feel rushed which was great.

    The highlight of our tour was definitely seeing the parrots and koalas in the trees. You can feed the parrots and get some amazing photos!

    We were picked up at 6.55am and didn’t return in the CBD until 8.30pm! Andrea was extremely knowledgable about everything that we did and saw. I can thoroughly recommend it as something to do in Melbourne.

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