If you’re considering a day trip from Melbourne to the iconic Great Ocean Road, you’ll find a variety of options. One standout is the Premium Great Ocean Road Tour offered by TOURS AROUND MELBOURNE. This particular tour promises a relaxed, comfortable way to see some of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, with plenty of stops for exploration and wildlife viewing. With a consistent rating of 5.0 based on 72 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers found value and enjoyment in this experience.
What draws us to recommend this tour? First, its emphasis on comfort and convenience—travelling in a premium coach with a small group size (max 22 travelers)—makes for a more personal, less rushed experience. Second, the expert guides who are praised for their knowledge, humor, and attentiveness truly enhance the day. However, a potential consideration is the price point of $179.31 per person — which, while reasonable considering the inclusions, might be on the higher side for budget travelers.
This tour suits travelers who want to see the highlights without sacrificing comfort or feeling overwhelmed by too many stops. If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and informative journey with a touch of luxury, this trip could be just right.
Key Points
- Comfortable transportation in a premium coach enhances the overall experience.
- Small group size allows for a more personalized and relaxed day.
- Expert guides provide engaging stories and insightful commentary.
- Multiple stops for sightseeing, wildlife spotting, and exploring key attractions.
- Flexibility for additional activities like helicopter rides at the Twelve Apostles (extra cost).
- Good value for the price, given the inclusions and overall quality of the experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
- Starting Early and Comfortably
- First Stop: Colac
- The Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge and Tom and Eva Lookout
- Port Campbell National Park Drive
- Melba Gully National Park
- Lunch in Apollo Bay
- The Great Ocean Road and Wildlife
- Memorial Arch and Final Stops
- Ending at the Immigration Museum
- What Travelers Say About This Tour
- The Transport and Group Size
- Price and Value
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Top Picks in Melbourne
- More Tours in Melbourne
- More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Melbourne we have recnetly reviewed
An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Melbourne.
Starting Early and Comfortably
The tour begins at 7:00 am from Melbourne, with pickup options offered—making it easy to start your day without an early hotel wake-up. Traveling in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll settle into a journey that balances scenic drives with stops for exploration. This setup is perfect if you’re eager to maximize sightseeing without a cramped or noisy bus.
First Stop: Colac
The journey kicks off with a 20-minute stop in Colac, a charming country town in Victorian dairy country. While this stop is primarily for morning tea or breakfast (own expense), it provides a welcome break and a chance to stretch your legs before hitting the coast. According to reviews, the stop in Colac is appreciated for its quaint vibe and sets a relaxed tone for the day.
The Twelve Apostles
Next, you’ll arrive at the famous Twelve Apostles, arguably the most iconic sight along this stretch of coast. These limestone stacks, formed over roughly 20 million years, are a marvel of natural erosion. You’ll have about 55 minutes here, which is ample time for photos and soaking in the spectacular views.
For those seeking an extra thrill, there’s an optional helicopter ride (additional cost), offering a bird’s-eye view of this geological wonder. Several reviews mention this as a worthwhile splurge, providing a unique perspective on the towering formations.
Loch Ard Gorge and Tom and Eva Lookout
A highlight for many is the Loch Ard Gorge, a site shrouded in maritime history. The story of the shipwreck in 1878 and the survival of Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael adds a poignant layer to the stunning scenery. The 20-minute stop here lets you walk along the gorge and imagine the shipwreck’s drama.
Adjacent is the Tom and Eva Lookout, a short walk offering views of the area where the ship ran aground. This spot is frequently praised for its dramatic cliffs and history-rich atmosphere.
Port Campbell National Park Drive
A scenic drive through Port Campbell National Park gives a broader sense of the coastline’s rugged beauty. While there’s no formal stop here, the drive itself offers stunning vistas and photo opportunities, allowing you to appreciate the undulating coastline from the comfort of the coach.
Melba Gully National Park
Next, the tour ventures into Melba Gully, a rainforest renowned for its wet climate and lush plant life, including Myrtle Beech, Blackwood, and Tree-ferns. A 25-minute walk through this environment immerses you in an entirely different ecosystem, with reviews noting the verdant, moss-covered scenery as a highlight.
Lunch in Apollo Bay
No visit to the coast is complete without a stop in Apollo Bay, where you’ll have 50 minutes for lunch. The town’s cafes and restaurants are praised for their fresh seafood and relaxed vibe. Many travelers say this break is a perfect way to recharge before the afternoon’s sightseeing.
The Great Ocean Road and Wildlife
After lunch, you’ll continue along the Great Ocean Road, famous for dramatic landscapes, shipwreck stories, and surfing culture. You’ll enjoy a 20-minute drive through this iconic stretch, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the rugged coast.
Kennet River offers a chance to spot koalas and kangaroos, a favorite among wildlife lovers. Several reviews highlight how unexpected and delightful it is to see native animals in their natural habitat during the tour.
Memorial Arch and Final Stops
The Kennet River stop culminates at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, a symbolic spot marking the road’s beginning. It’s a popular photo location, with its classic arch and statue representing the road’s significance.
Finally, the tour winds down in Anglesea, a charming town known for its surf culture and friendly atmosphere. It’s a fitting ending, as you get a taste of local life before heading back.
Ending at the Immigration Museum
The trip concludes with a 10-minute stop at the Immigration Museum, where travelers can catch free trams, trains, or cruises back to their hotels. It’s a convenient and straightforward end to a full day.
What Travelers Say About This Tour
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with one remarking, “Steve made the whole trip truly memorable,” emphasizing the personalized attention and storytelling that elevate the experience. Multiple reviews mention the gorgeous scenery, wildlife sightings, and engaging commentary.
Some mention the value for money, with one noting that the tour allowed for more time at lookout points since it’s a reverse itinerary—meaning you reach some of the key sights before the crowds. Others highlight the comfort and small group size as factors that made the trip more enjoyable.
A less positive review pointed out some expectations of luxury versus reality, but even here, the guide’s friendliness and the bus quality were acknowledged. The company responded promptly, showing their commitment to customer satisfaction.
The Transport and Group Size
Traveling in a premium coach ensures a comfortable ride, especially on long stretches with twisty roads. The small group limit of 22 travelers fosters a more intimate atmosphere, allowing for easier conversation and personalized attention from the guide. This is a significant advantage over larger bus tours, especially for photography or wildlife spotting.
Price and Value
At $179.31 per person, the tour offers a full day of premium service, multiple stops, and entrance fees to key attractions included. The inclusion of bottled water, a knowledgeable guide, and a comfortable vehicle means you’re paying for a hassle-free, curated experience rather than just transportation.
While some might find the price slightly higher than budget options, the quality of the coach, guidance, and itinerary justifies the cost for those wanting a more relaxed, insightful day.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour is ideal for travelers who value comfort and expert guidance over just ticking sights off a list. If you prefer to relax on a comfortable coach, enjoy scenic stops, and learn interesting stories about the coast and its history, this trip hits the mark. It’s well-suited for small groups who appreciate personalized attention, and for those who want a full-day, immersive experience with opportunities for wildlife sightings, stunning vistas, and cultural insights.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a premium guided tour like this one means swapping the stress of driving and planning for a day of comfortable sightseeing. The itinerary balances iconic sights with lesser-known gems, all delivered with the help of a guide praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge. The stops are spaced out to prevent fatigue and allow ample time for photos and exploration.
The value is clear: a well-organized, scenic, and educational experience that appeals to travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity. Whether it’s your first time to the coast or you’re returning for another look, this tour offers a comprehensive, enjoyable way to experience the Great Ocean Road.
Premium Great Ocean Road Tour IN A Relaxed Way IN Premium Coach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s designed for comfort and convenience. However, some walking is involved at stops like Loch Ard Gorge and Melba Gully, so consider mobility levels.
What is included in the price?
All fees and taxes are covered, along with bottled water, transportation in a premium coach, and a guide. Entrance fees to attractions like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge are included.
Can I bring my own lunch?
Yes, you’ll have a 50-minute stop in Apollo Bay for lunch, so you can choose to dine at a restaurant or bring your own food.
What if I want to do the helicopter ride?
The helicopter ride at the Twelve Apostles is an optional activity with an additional expense. It’s highly recommended by past travelers for a unique perspective.
How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:00 am with pickups available, making it an early but well-paced start to maximize your day.
Is there enough time at each stop?
Yes, the itinerary offers sufficient time for photos, exploration, and wildlife viewing, as well as more time at some sites due to the reverse itinerary effect.
What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour start for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.
To sum it up, this Premium Great Ocean Road Tour combines comfort, expert guidance, and carefully planned stops to give you a memorable day along one of Australia’s most stunning coasts. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, informative, and scenic experience without the hassle of self-driving or crowded larger tours.
