Embarking on a full-day adventure along the Great Ocean Road is a must-do experience for any visitor to Melbourne. This immersive tour promises stunning coastal vistas, charming seaside towns, and the chance to encounter unique Australian wildlife. With knowledgeable guides, delectable local cuisine, and a personalized small-group setting, travelers can expect an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking moments and educational insights. From the iconic 12 Apostles to the quaint town of Apollo Bay, this comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded exploration of one of Victoria’s most remarkable natural wonders. What awaits beyond the scenic drive, however, may just surprise you.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Full-Day Tours In Melbourne.

Key Points

Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles From Melbourne - Key Points

  • Comprehensive full-day tour from Melbourne covering the famous Great Ocean Road and the iconic 12 Apostles, with informative guide, lunch, and wildlife encounters.
  • Pickup from Melbourne CBD or Mail Exchange Hotel, with return to the original meeting point at the end of the 6:30 am to 6:30-7:00 pm tour.
  • Includes National Park fees, snacks, and beverages, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for up to 21 passengers.
  • Highlights include mesmerizing views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the 12 Apostles, as well as opportunities to spot native wildlife like koalas.
  • Positive traveler reviews praise the friendly and knowledgeable guides, the delightful culinary experiences, and the overall educational and entertaining nature of the tour.

Tour Overview

Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles From Melbourne - Tour Overview

The Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne is a full-day excursion that takes travelers along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal routes, culminating in a visit to the iconic 12 Apostles.

This tour can accommodate up to 21 passengers and runs from 6:30 am to 6:30-7:00 pm.

Along the way, travelers will be accompanied by an informative and friendly tour guide who’ll provide insights into the region’s natural wonders.

The tour includes National Park fees, a delicious lunch, snacks, and coffee or tea.

With a 5.0 overall rating from 12 reviews, this tour offers an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors to Melbourne.

Inclusions

Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles From Melbourne - Inclusions

The tour includes an informative and friendly guide who provides insights throughout the day, as well as the necessary National Park fees, a lunch, snacks, and coffee or tea. This ensures that guests can fully enjoy the stunning natural landscapes without worrying about the logistical details.

The lunch stop allows travelers to refuel and experience the local cuisine, while the snacks and beverages help sustain energy levels during the day’s activities.

With all these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the breathtaking Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles without the hassle of organizing everything independently.

Meeting and Pickup

Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles From Melbourne - Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the tour takes place between 6:00 – 6:30 am from four convenient locations within the Melbourne CBD or at the Mail Exchange Hotel, located at 688 Bourke Street. The exact meeting time will be provided upon booking. This ensures a smooth start to the day’s adventure.

Once the tour begins, travelers can look forward to:

  1. Scenic views along the Great Ocean Road

  2. Encounters with local wildlife, like the iconic koalas

  3. Delicious food stops, including fish and chips in Apollo Bay

  4. An educational and enjoyable experience guided by friendly, knowledgeable staff

At the end of the day, the tour will return to the original meeting point, completing the circle of this unforgettable journey.

Additional Information

Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles From Melbourne - Additional Information

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. It’s also not recommended for travelers with back problems.

Child seats can be provided for children aged 4-7 upon request. Travelers can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour operator wants to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Certain physical limitations may make the tour challenging, so they’ve provided this additional information to help travelers make an informed decision.

Traveler Feedback

Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles From Melbourne - Traveler Feedback

Travelers who’ve experienced this Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne have overwhelmingly praised the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, Leah and Maigread, for enhancing their enjoyment of the scenic vistas, wildlife encounters, and food stops along the way.

Highlights of the tour, according to reviewers, include:

  1. Mesmerizing views of the iconic 12 Apostles and other stunning coastal landscapes.

  2. Delightful encounters with koalas and other native Australian wildlife.

  3. Savoring delicious fish and chips at the charming town of Apollo Bay.

  4. The overall educational and entertaining nature of the tour experience.

Travelers emphasize that Leah and Maigread’s expertise and personable approach make the full-day adventure truly memorable.

Scenic Highlights

Embarking on this Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panorama of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic 12 Apostles, sculptural rock formations that have been shaped by millennia of relentless waves.

Along the way, the tour makes stops at scenic lookout points, allowing travelers to snap photos and soak in the dramatic coastal landscapes.

One of the highlights is the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay, where visitors can indulge in fresh local seafood.

As the journey continues, the tour also offers opportunities to spot native Australian wildlife, including koalas nestled in the eucalyptus trees, adding to the overall enchantment of the experience.

Wildlife Encounters

Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles From Melbourne - Wildlife Encounters

As the tour progresses along the Great Ocean Road, visitors are often treated to enchanting encounters with Australia’s native wildlife.

Koalas can be spotted nestled high up in the eucalyptus trees, offering a delightful glimpse into the lives of these iconic marsupials.

Along With these lovable creatures, the tour may also provide opportunities to see:

  1. Eastern Grey Kangaroos grazing in the open fields

  2. Colorful parrots and other bird species soaring overhead

  3. Echidnas, or ‘spiny anteaters,’ slowly foraging on the forest floor

  4. Wallabies bounding through the lush, coastal vegetation

These wildlife encounters add to the overall excitement and appreciation for the natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road region.

Dining Experiences

One of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road tour is the chance to indulge in delectable local cuisine at various stops along the way.

Visitors can savor fresh, succulent seafood and traditional Australian dishes, often accompanied by stunning ocean views that heighten the dining experience.

At the charming town of Apollo Bay, for instance, the tour makes a stop at a renowned fish and chips hotel, where travelers can enjoy crisp, golden-fried seafood and thick-cut chips while admiring the picturesque harbor.

Throughout the journey, the tour also provides opportunities to sample artisanal baked goods, locally roasted coffee, and other regional specialties, ensuring that the culinary aspect of the tour is just as memorable as the breathtaking scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. This provides flexibility for travelers to change their plans without penalty.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes complimentary snacks, lunch, and beverages, but guests are welcome to supplement with their own provisions if desired.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with stops at various scenic lookout points and short hikes to see the natural attractions. Travelers should expect to walk up to 2 miles throughout the day on uneven terrain.

Can I Book This Tour for a Larger Group?

The tour can accommodate larger groups, with a maximum of 21 travelers per tour. Bookings for group sizes beyond the usual can be made, though availability may be limited. Customers should check with the tour provider for specific group booking options.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Tour Bus?

No, there’s no Wi-Fi available on the tour bus. The tour focuses on experiencing the natural scenery and wildlife of the Great Ocean Road, so Wi-Fi connectivity isn’t provided as part of the experience.

Recap

This full-day Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles tour from Melbourne is an immersive experience that showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty.

Travelers will enjoy knowledgeable guides, delicious local cuisine, and opportunities to spot iconic Australian wildlife.

With a small group size, the tour provides a personalized adventure filled with unforgettable moments and educational insights along the famous coastal route.