Victoria’s Great Ocean Road delivers Australia’s most spectacular coastal drive, packed with world-class sights and smart tour choices. The best options include intimate small-group tours (perfect for avoiding the big bus crowds), nature-focused excursions with wildlife spotting, and specialized private tours that cater to diverse travelers.
I especially love the eco-conscious operators who limit group sizes to 8-12 people and include stops at the marquee attractions – Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Split Point Lighthouse. Local guides provide cultural context and insider knowledge you won’t get on your own.
Take a look at these carefully selected tours that make the most of your precious time on the Great Ocean Road.
Key Points
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The Great Ocean Road tours offer diverse experiences, including iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, wildlife encounters, and conservation education, typically lasting around 12 hours.
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Specialized tour options cater to specific interests, such as LGBTQ+ travelers, cruise ship passengers, and those seeking wildlife experiences during golden hour.
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Many tours provide a personalized and inclusive experience, accommodating small group sizes, wheelchair users, and offering expert guides to enhance visitor satisfaction.
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The tours prioritize safety measures, including Covid-19 protocols, and often include all logistics, transportation, and national park fees to provide a seamless experience.
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High ratings and recommendation rates from hundreds of reviews suggest the Great Ocean Road tours offer exceptional value, with various pricing options to suit different budgets.
Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary ECO Tour (Max 22 People)
The Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary ECO Tour (Max 22 People) offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rugged coastline and diverse attractions.
This 12-hour tour features 11 stops, including museums, lookouts, and rainforest walks, providing a well-rounded experience. Key highlights include the iconic Twelve Apostles limestone formations and the breathtaking Gibson Steps beach with its towering 70-meter cliffs.
Guests travel in air-conditioned 22-seater minivans, with a live commentary from a local driver-guide. National Park fees are included, and the tour guarantees skipping long lines.
While food and drinks aren’t provided, the operator follows Covid Clean Tour practices, ensuring a safe and sanitized experience. The tour accommodates a maximum of 22 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, with specific requirements for children under 7.
Read our full review: Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary ECO Tour (Max 22 People) Review
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From Melbourne: LGBTQ+ Great Ocean Road Private Day Tour
Travelers seeking a personalized and inclusive Great Ocean Road adventure can embark on the “From Melbourne: LGBTQ+ Great Ocean Road Private Day Tour.” This private tour caters specifically to the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience.
Lasting 12 hours, the tour takes visitors on a journey along the iconic coastal route, showcasing its natural beauty and iconic landmarks. Highlights include visiting the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, with opportunities to spot local wildlife.
The tour is led by an experienced guide who provides in-depth commentary and tailors the experience to the group’s interests. With a rating of 4.6 from 574 reviews and a price from Kč 1,599, this tour offers a unique and memorable way to explore the Great Ocean Road.
Travelers can expect a personalized, inclusive, and insightful experience that celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
Read our full review: From Melbourne: LGBTQ+ Great Ocean Road Private Day Tour Review
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Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour
For those seeking a premium Great Ocean Road experience, the Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour offers an exceptional opportunity. This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 12 guests, covers the iconic highlights of the route, including the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and London Bridge.
What sets this tour apart is its reverse itinerary, which minimizes crowd exposure and provides better photo opportunities.
The tour includes hotel pickup from Melbourne CBD and Southbank, live commentary from professional guides, and all necessary fees and amenities. Guests consistently praise the organization, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenic views.
The reverse itinerary is a particular highlight, allowing travelers to avoid the typical crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
With an average rating of 4.9 from over 500 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, this tour is a must-consider for those seeking a premium Great Ocean Road adventure.
The attentive guides, comfortable transportation, and carefully curated itinerary ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Read our full review: Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour Review
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Cruise Ship Shore Excursion – Private Great Ocean Road Full Day Tour (12 Hour)
Designed specifically for cruise ship travelers, the Private Great Ocean Road Full Day Tour (12 Hour) offers an extensive exploration of the iconic coastal route. This 12-hour tour covers the highlights, including the 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, and Port Campbell National Park.
Guests have the chance to spot koalas on the Kennet River Koala Walk and explore charming coastal towns like Port Campbell.
The tour includes all taxes, fees, a knowledgeable driver/guide, National Park fees, bottled water, and fuel surcharge. Transportation is provided by a private air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off available for selected CBD, Docklands, and Southbank hotels.
Larger groups are advised to limit luggage to one cabin-sized bag per person.
The tour covers over 500 kilometers, with 8-9 hours of total car travel time. It’s not suitable for those prone to car motion sickness, and a 2-day tour is available as an alternative.
Minimum age is 12 years, and comfortable footwear is recommended. The tour has received exceptional reviews, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences.
Read our full review: Cruise Ship Shore Excursion – Private Great Ocean Road Full Day Tour (12 Hour) Review
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3-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour Including the Great Ocean Road
This 3-day tour from Melbourne to Adelaide takes travelers along the iconic Great Ocean Road, showcasing the region’s stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Highlights include stops at Apollo Bay, Lorne, and the Great Otways National Park, where visitors can see the famous Twelve Apostles and spot kangaroos and koalas.
The tour includes 2 nights of accommodation, national park fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, and meals such as 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 1 lunch.
Travelers will journey in an air-conditioned minivan with knowledgeable guides, enjoying numerous photo opportunities along the scenic coastal drive.
With a maximum group size of 8 and a minimum of 2 passengers, the tour offers a flexible and personalized experience.
Based on 10 reviews, the tour has a 100% traveler recommendation, with positive feedback on the guides, accommodations, and overall experience.
The tour concludes with a wine sampling in Adelaide.
Read our full review: 3-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour Including the Great Ocean Road Review
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Great Ocean Road Private Tour – Full Day
Travelers seeking a personalized and memorable exploration of the Great Ocean Road can embark on a private full-day tour departing from Melbourne.
This tour accommodates up to seven or 11 passengers, making it ideal for groups. Guests will enjoy convenient hotel pickup and comfortable travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour includes bottled water, lunch, dinner, and all fees and taxes, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Highlights of the tour include iconic sights such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, eucalyptus forests, and Apollo Bay. Guests will have opportunities to spot wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, in their natural habitat.
The itinerary can be customized based on group interests, allowing for a leisurely pace. The tour duration is approximately 11 to 13 hours, with significant time spent enjoying scenic views along the Great Ocean Road.
With an overall rating of 4.9 stars and a 98% recommendation rate, this private tour is highly recommended for its knowledgeable and friendly guides, stunning scenery, and flexible itinerary.
Read our full review: Great Ocean Road Private Tour – Full Day Review
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Dusk Discovery Tour
A unique evening experience, the Dusk Discovery Tour along the Great Ocean Road offers travelers a chance to witness the region’s enchanting wildlife and stunning landscapes during the golden hour.
This 5-star rated tour has earned a 100% recommendation from past guests, thanks to its immersive and informative approach.
The tour includes a mezze plate of local produce and a glass of wine or beer, providing a delightful pairing for the experience.
Headsets and binoculars are provided, allowing guests to fully engage with the guide’s commentary and spot wildlife with ease.
The tour departs from the Wildlife Wonders visitor center, and guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for a punctual start.
Accessible to both wheelchair and stroller users, the tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
With a flexible cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later, the Dusk Discovery Tour is a must-do activity for those seeking to explore the Great Ocean Road at its most enchanting time of day.
Read our full review: Dusk Discovery Tour Review
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Walk With Wildlife: Guided Tour in Great Ocean Road
Immersing visitors in the diverse ecological wonders of Great Otway National Park, the Walk With Wildlife guided tour showcases the region’s remarkable natural habitats and resident wildlife.
Covering a distance of 0.8 mile along an all-abilities path, the 75-minute experience takes travelers through grasslands, forests, bushland, and tree fern gullies, providing opportunities to spot native animals in their natural settings.
Equipped with provided binoculars and headsets, guests can listen and observe as an expert guide shares insights about the park’s unique ecology.
The tour also includes a visit to the Conservation Ecology Centre Research Hub, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at the important conservation work happening in the area.
With a maximum of 20 travelers per group and accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, the Walk With Wildlife tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Great Ocean Road.
Highly recommended by 97% of past participants, this immersive ecological experience is sure to delight.
Read our full review: Walk With Wildlife: Guided Tour in Great Ocean Road Review
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Split Point Lighthouse Tours
Nestled along the iconic Great Ocean Road, the Split Point Lighthouse offers visitors a chance to explore a historic landmark and take in stunning coastal views. Built in 1891, this self-guided tour gives travelers the opportunity to discover “The White Queen” lighthouse and the surrounding Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary.
The tour runs daily from 11 am to 2 pm, with a maximum of 15 travelers per group. Visitors can enjoy the lighthouse’s history through historical photographs and stories of past lighthouse keepers.
The panoramic views from the top are a highlight, though those with vertigo, claustrophobia, or heart conditions may want to reconsider the moderate fitness required for the climb.
Bookings can be made online or on-site, with free parking available just a 3-minute walk from the lighthouse. However, some past guests have noted issues with booking coordination leading to cancellations.
Read our full review: Split Point Lighthouse Tours Review
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Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Small Group Tour
Though departing early from Melbourne, this boutique small group tour along the Great Ocean Road offers an immersive experience that avoids the typical crowds at popular sites.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the air-conditioned minivan ensures a comfortable journey as knowledgeable local guides share insights into the region’s history and culture.
Highlights include the iconic 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Rainforest of Great Otway National Park, where guests may spot koalas and kangaroos.
The flexible itinerary allows for ample time at each stop, from the seaside town of Apollo Bay to the stunning lookout at Teddy’s Lookout.
With guaranteed skip-the-line access and all national park fees included, this tour provides excellent value and a hassle-free way to explore the stunning Great Ocean Road.
Bookable with a lowest price guarantee, this small group adventure is a must-do for those seeking an intimate and memorable experience.
Read our full review: Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Small Group Tour Review
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Recap
The Great Ocean Road offers a variety of tours to suit different interests and budgets. From small group eco-tours to private luxury excursions, visitors can explore the stunning coastal scenery, wildlife, and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Melbourne or a multi-day adventure, there’s a Great Ocean Road tour that’ll provide an unforgettable experience.