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Offered languages
- English
Experience one of Australia’s most iconic coastal journeys on a small-group Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne.
With an early departure designed to help avoid the busiest crowds, you can enjoy a more relaxed day, better photo opportunities and more time to take in the beauty of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and the Great Ocean Road coastline.
Travel in comfort with a friendly local guide as you journey along this world-famous coastal route, stopping at seaside towns, rainforest walks and wildlife viewing areas along the way. This full-day tour is designed to show you more than just the famous photo stops, with a well-paced itinerary that includes dramatic limestone cliffs, ocean views, lush Otway rainforest and the stories that make this region so special.
With a Melbourne-based team, knowledgeable guides and comfortable small-group touring, Explore Australia Tours makes the Great Ocean Road feel easy, memorable and full of local insight.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your pickup time may differ from the time shown on your voucher. Explore Australia Tours will contact you via email shortly after booking to confirm your exact pickup time.
Pickup locations are selected at the time of booking:
6:00am – Mercure Melbourne Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank
6:10am – Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne
6:15am – Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
6:30am - Mail Exchange Hotel, 688 Bourke Street, Melbourne
All tours are conducted in English. Guests can access pre-recorded audio and written tour information in 16 languages by downloading the free Explore Australia Language Translation App from Google Play or the App Store prior to departure. Your guide will provide a code on the day to unlock the content. Please bring your own headphones.
Tours operate rain or shine.
Estimated return time for the Great Ocean Road Day Tour is between 18:30 and 19:30.
Itinerary
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1Anglesea
Begin your Great Ocean Road journey with a stop in the relaxed coastal town of Anglesea. Stretch your legs, enjoy the ocean air and get ready for one of Victoria’s most scenic touring routes. This a break to buy some coffee/breakfast (own expenses)
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway
Stop for photos at the famous Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, one of the most recognised landmarks along the route and a tribute to the returned soldiers who helped build this iconic coastal road.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Great Ocean Road
Travel along one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal drives, with sweeping ocean views, cliffside roads, beaches, seaside towns and plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4Kennett River
Visit one of the best-known wildlife spotting areas on the Great Ocean Road. Keep your eyes open for koalas in the trees and colourful native birds in the surrounding bushland.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Apollo Bay (Pass by)
As we drive through Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, be captivated by the town's coastal charm and stunning vistas. Surrounded by rolling hills and pristine beaches, this picturesque destination offers a delightful blend of nature, relaxation, and coastal vibes.
Admission ticket free -
5Mait's Rest
Step into the cool, green rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. This easy walk takes you through towering trees, giant ferns and ancient forest that adds a completely different side to the Great Ocean Road experience.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6Great Otway National Park
Scenic drive through Otway National Park, surrounded by majestic ancient trees, showcasing the park's natural beauty and tranquility.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Lavers Hill
Pause for lunch (at own expense) in a regional town and enjoy time to relax before continuing towards the dramatic limestone coastline of Port Campbell National Park.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8The Twelve Apostles
Visit the world-famous 12 Apostles, the most iconic stop on the Great Ocean Road. Take in the dramatic limestone stacks, ocean views and rugged coastline from the viewing platforms.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
9Loch Ard Gorge
Explore one of the most beautiful and historic stops along the Shipwreck Coast. Loch Ard Gorge is known for its towering cliffs, turquoise water, coastal views and fascinating shipwreck story.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
10Gibsons Steps
When conditions allow, walk down towards the beach for a powerful view of the cliffs and limestone formations from sea level. This is one of the most memorable photo stops on the Great Ocean Road.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We do have child seats for 4 – 7 years old upon request
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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