11 Best Great Ocean Road Tours To Take In 2025

READY TO BOOK YOUR GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR?

Then you’ve come to the right article as I’m about to show you the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the best things you can do in all of Australia, and there’s no better way to see the coastline than by taking a tour.

It’s one of my favourite days I’ve ever had, and I know how important it is to have a good tour, and how hard it can be to pick the good from the bad.

So that’s why I’ve done all the hard work for you and put together a list of the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours which I recommend.

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A picture of the 12 Apostles, the highlight of any Great Ocean Road tour. It's a group of rock formations coming out of the sea near a clifface.

🏆EDITOR’S PICK: Best Tour = Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne with thousands of 5-star reviews. Book now!

Ready to explore the best options and book your tour? Let’s get straight into it!

My Top 3 Picks: Great Ocean Road Tour

#1 TOP PICK

A picture of the 12 Apostles, the highlight of any Great Ocean Road tour. It's a group of rock formations coming out of the sea near a clifface.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne
✔️ 3700+ 5 star reviews
✔️ Viator Experience Award
✔️ 14 hour tour

#2 PICK

A picture of Loch Ard George, a bay with some similar rock formations.

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour
✔️ Beat the crowds
✔️ Max 12 people
✔️ 2200+ 5 star reviews

#3 PICK

A different angle of the 12 Apostles.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip
✔️ 9+ stops
✔️ All the iconic sights
✔️ Rainforest Walk

Best Great Ocean Road Tours

It can be hard to choose the good tours from the bad, that’s why I’ve handpicked the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours that are sure to give you an unbelievable experience without breaking the bank. Each one is packed with must-sees, from the 12 Apostles to rainforest walks, book any of these tours and you’re in for a great time.

1. Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne

A picture of the 12 Apostles, the highlight of any Great Ocean Road tour. It's a group of rock formations coming out of the sea near a clifface.

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (3700+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 14 hours |
🗻 STOPS: 6 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

The best Great Ocean Road tour is the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne which has nearly 4000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

Review which says "We had a great time and Felix was a great tour guide. We even got to see a koala. Glad the weather held out until the end and we enjoyed ourselves. Would recommend to anyone. My partner and I loved the small group size and being able to do a bushwalk, away from the larger tours."
Review by Maria_I, read more reviews here.
  • Spot wild koalas along the way
  • Experience Great Otway National Park’s rainforest and wildlife
  • See iconic rock formations, including the Twelve Apostles

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the Great Ocean Road in person? Well, you might want to try the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne to experience one of the most scenic drives in the world. 

When booking a tour, no matter what tour it is, I always like to go with the tried and tested option. Having a 5/5 rating after nearly 4000 reviews is incredible and speaks to the standard of this tour.

I personally had the best day ever and I can’t recommend it enough! It’s more than passed the test of travellers before both you and me.

What I like about this tour straight away is that it includes hotel pickup. After picking you up from your selected hotel in Melbourne, you’ll head to the coast.

Keep your eyes peeled and try to spot wild koalas in the trees. This eco-tour is focused on observing these adorable furry creatures in their natural habitat, which is honestly, the best way to experience them.

Next, you’ll explore the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park, where you might see kangaroos and wallabies hopping around. Your guide will tell you all about the plants and animals that live here, and how they adapt to the changing seasons.

I love animals and having a guide so knowledgeable on all of the wildlife in Australia was really great!

The highlight of the tour is Port Campbell National Park, where you’ll get to see the iconic Twelve Apostles and other rock formations. They really are a sight to behold. Seeing them in real life is surreal- pictures don’t do it justice.

But speaking of pictures, you’ll be given plenty of time to take photos and take in the views.

During the tour, you’ll have the chance to stop for coffee or tea breaks. You can opt to bring your own lunch like I did because I was on a budget, or the guide will also suggest some great places to eat local food along the way.

To summarise the quality of the tour, it has a Viator Experience Award, making it one of the best tours in the whole world.

Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne is a great introduction to the Great Ocean Road with a focus on the ecology of the region, and I encourage anyone looking to take a tour to book this one.


2. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People

A picture of Loch Ard George, a bay with some similar rock formations.

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (2200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours |
🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you want to avoid the crowds, Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People is the best tour for you.

Review which says "Fabulous itinerary with the best tour guide we have ever had. Peter is personable,friendly with vast knowledge of the tour route He is a great driver and always concerned for our enjoyment and comfort. We laughed all day and enjoyed every minute. The reverse itinerary is fabulous with no crowds anywhere!"
Review by Patricia_G, read more reviews here.
  • All-day reverse beat-the-crowd tour of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road
  • Knowledgeable local guide sharing history and culture
  • See the formations of London Bridge, the 12 Apostles, and the Great Otway

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People is also super highly thought of, with more than 2000 5-star reviews. The quality of these tours is so impressive!

This Great Ocean Road tour is a bit different – that’s because it’s in the reverse of what most other tours offer.

But going in reverse means you aren’t going to the same places at the same time as most people, and you’ll also start your tour early to beat the crowds, and by early, I mean 7 a.m.

And you have quite a personable experience on the tour too, as it’s a small-group tour, limited to 12 people. It really feels like the guide is part of the group.

There are plenty of stops along the way including the stunning London Bridge and the Twelve Apostles. You’ll also get to explore the rugged landscape of Great Otway National Park. 

As cheesy as this sounds, this is more than a tour; it’s a journey of discovery!

The National Park fees are also included in this tour price, so there are no surprises along the way. You can choose to bring a lunch with you, however, there are plenty of stops along the way for food and drink. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or not, I highly recommend Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People as an opportunity to explore the Great Ocean Road like never before and with minimal crowds.


3. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

A different angle of the 12 Apostles.

RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (1200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Another really good Great Ocean Road Tour is the From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip, again with more than a thousand positive ratings!

Review which says "My wife and I went on the Great Ocean Tour and we really enjoyed it! Our guide, Rob, was super nice and knowledgeable. He taught us a lot about Melbourne and, more concretely, about Victoria. The sights are truly beautiful, although nothing could compare to the Twelve Apostles and the Gibson’s Steps. Amazing!"
Review by Jonathan, read more reviews here.
  • Small group tour along the iconic Great Ocean Road
  • Spot koalas at Kennett River
  • Explore the rainforest of Great Otway National Park and Shipwreck Coast
  • Optional 15-minute helicopter rides offer a thrilling aerial view

Are you ready for an amazing adventure along Australia’s Great Ocean Road? If your answer is yes, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip is definitely made for you!

This full-day Great Ocean Road tour features a little bit of everything. You’ll see koalas in the wild at Kennett River, walk through a stunning rainforest in the Great Otway National Park, and visit the spectacular Shipwreck Coast – where you’ll visit the famous 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Step.

If you’re feeling adventurous, or are celebrating a special occasion then you opt to take a helicopter ride and fly over the coast.  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget!

Just imagine the views you’ll get from up there! It’s a perfect example of a situation I use the quote “Money always comes back, memories are priceless.” It’s expensive, yes, but so worth it!

All of the guides for all of these tours are really friendly, but the guides on this tour even treat you to a delicious and refreshing morning cup of tea!

Your guide will also take care of everything for you from pick up and drop you off at selected hotels in Melbourne. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy this full-day immersive experience. 

If you want a deep dive into the Great Ocean Road with some unique perks, From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip this is the tour for you.


4. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

A picture of the 12 Apostles from the beach.

RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (1500+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13.5 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 8 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you’re an animal-lover like me, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour just might be the tour you’ve been looking for! And guess what? Once again, it’s incredibly well-rated with over 1500+ positive reviews.

Review which says "Best trip ever! Amazing road trip and best guide ever. It was not in itinerary but we stopped few times to see kangaroos in spot which only our tour guy knew. He was the funniest driver we ever met. In general, the best trip in Australia and really worth it!"
Review by Darko, read more reviews here.
  • Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines
  • Go on a guided forest walk among the world’s tallest trees
  • Encounter native koalas and parrots in their natural habitat

As a wildlife lover, I’m actually excited to tell you about From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Unlike the other tours I’ve mentioned, this one has an animal focus to it, where you’ll get the chance to see some of the best Australian wildlife up close.

You’ll start the tour by seeing some incredible sights along the way. Keep a look out for things like adorable koalas and colourful parrots in their natural home. Australia is famous for a lot of things, and wildlife is one of the main things.

What I also love is that you also get to walk through the rainforest with your guide pointing out various species as you go.

After your wildlife encounters, you’ll carry on to the stunning and infamous coastline. Here you’ll get to witness some of the country’s most impressive views.

You’ll stop off to see the famous landmarks, like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. And of course, you’ll get plenty of time to take photos or simply sit and take in the view. 

Everything is included on this full-day tour. You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Melbourne and enjoy a refreshing morning tea before your full adventure starts. There are plenty of options for lunch during this tour. 

If you’re a wildlife buff, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour is a tour you don’t want to miss!


5. Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip

A picture of a bay where there's a shipwreck

RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (500+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 14 hours |
🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip is yet another amazing Great Ocean Road Tour. The guides are some of the funniest guides in the world on this tour!

Review which says "The experience was unique and the guide was a really upbeat, friendly guy who humorously explained
impressive and interesting facts around the clock. The whole scenery andatmosphere is really unique and really takes your breath away...especially the huge 12 Apostles at the end of the outward journey - before
heading back to Melbourne. There was enough time to admire all the sights extensively - but you should plan a whole day for the tour because you are on the road from morning to night."
Review by Patrik, read more reviews here.
  • Enjoy a road trip along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and visit the charming town of Apollo Bay on the surf coast
  • Discover the iconic Shipwreck Coast, Loch Ard Gorge, and the 12 Apostles.
  • Spot koalas, and native birds, and wander amidst the lush trees and ferns

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip covers all the classic highlights of this iconic road trip and more!

You’ll not only see stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush rainforest along this amazing route, but you’ll also visit the Shipwreck Coast, where you’ll find the 12 Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge as well as Apollo Bay! So many bucket-list sights in just a few hours.

During this tour, you’ll also get to meet some of Australia’s cutest wildlife, like koalas and native birds. Trust me when I say that you’ll feel a special bond with nature as you walk among the tall trees and ferns of the Otway Ranges.

Taking a Great Ocean Road tour leaves you really appreciating life by the end of the day, it’s one of those types of experiences where it makes you love life.

You’ll have plenty of time to take in the vibes of Apollo Bay, a surf town with a relaxed vibe and to use ChatGPT’s favourite phrase, “a coastal charm”. You can opt to walk on the beach or soak up the local culture – the choice is up to you!

The tour includes your transportation with a knowledgeable local guide who knows everything about the area like the back of their hand. There are plenty of stops along this tour to pick up food and drink, or you could pack a picnic to have on the beach.

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip is an excellent tour that includes all of the highlights of a Great Ocean Road trip with a few nice extras on top.


6. Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience

A beautiful picture of the coast where a rocky bit of land with some greenery meets the sea. It's sticking out from the rest of the coast.

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (160+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours |🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you want a really personable Great Ocean Road tour, and one that includes absolutely everything, then Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is the tour you’ve been looking for.

Review which says "This tour was amazing! Brendan was our tour guide. He was very attentive and made sure everyone’s needs were met. Brendan was very knowledge. Lunch was
delicious! We enjoyed all the stops. Feeding the
Alpacas was a nice extra! Brendan made the trip home enjoyable with car karaoke using our favorite songs! I highly recommend this tour! You will not be sorry!"
Review by Suzanne_T, read more reviews here.
  • Enjoy a local cafe lunch in a charming coastal township
  • Travel in style with extra legroom in a premium vehicle
  • Experience the convenience of a drop-off service at your central Melbourne hotel

Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is an amazing all-inclusive adventure that will surely provide a memorable experience and comfort at the same time!

You’ll travel in style and comfort in a Mercedes mini-van. These are not your average tour buses—they’re spacious, luxurious, and equipped with everything you need to relax. You’ll feel like a VIP as you cruise along the scenic route!

You’ll also get to taste the best of the region with a delicious cafe lunch in a charming coastal town. Whether you’re craving classic Australian fare, or something a little different, they’ve got you covered! And the best part is, it’s all included in the price.

Your guide will take care of everything for you, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. They’ll pick you up at your hotel or Southbank at the start and drop you off at the end of the tour at whichever location is more convenient for you.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is not your ordinary tour and is the epitome of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.


7. Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35

A picture of Loch Ard Gorge from the beach

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (125+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours |
🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you’re backpacking Melbourne, then you won’t find a better tour than Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35. It’s designed for younger people and solo travellers.

Review which says "This tour was amazing, Cameron was the best driver and guide and he really made this tour what it was. He provided so much information about all the sights and his enthusiasm was present all day, he has a genuine interest in the Great Ocean Road. It was a great experience and highly recommend doing this tour, truly amazing!"
Review by Niamh_M, read more reviews here.
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Take unlimited photo stops to capture unforgettable moments
  • Experience the stunning Australian coastline and forest

Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35 is exclusively designed for the young and adventurous! Tailored for anyone aged 18-35, this Great Ocean Road tour ensures a vibrant and energetic day from start to finish!

You’ll start the day with a pick-me-up cup of tea or coffee to get you ready for the day ahead. Then you’ll be transported around in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and have plenty of chances to snap some awesome photos along the way.

Also, don’t be shy to ask the driver to stop whenever you see something you want to hop out and take a photo of. If there’s one thing I know about Aussies it’s that they’re very laid back, so if there’s an unplanned stop, it’s no big deal to them.

Quite the contrast from when I visited Iceland and took a Golden Circle tour and we were told off for being 1 minute late back to the bus!

You’ll head to the Australian coastline, with its iconic rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters.

But that’s not all, you’ll also get to visit the rainforest where you can try to spot local wildlife that lives there. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see koalas and kangaroos, so keep your eyes open!

Although the coastline is amazing, I absolutely love exploring the rainforests in the area. It’s such a diverse place, and I felt like a proper explorer walking through it.

This tour is more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a chance to have fun, make new friends, and experience one of the world’s most famous road trips with like-minded people.

If you want to have a blast with your fellow travellers, sharing stories and laughs along the way, book the Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35.


8. Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea

An aerial view of the road going along the coastline during a Great Ocean Road tour. You can see rocky cliffs meeting the sea while the road goes through a forest or rainforest going along the coast.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (350+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours |
🗻 STOPS: 13 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea is one of the tours with the most stops on this list, with at least 13 named stops. But as I said, the tours are all mostly laid back and usually have a few spontaneous stops.

Review which says "I had a brilliant time on this tour. Warren was an
excellent tour guide and made sure everyone had a good day. We were given the opportunity to see lots of things during the day. The time allocated at each stop was just the right amout of time. Would highly
recommend this tour company for seeing the Great Ocean Road."
Review by Rebecca_N, read more reviews here.
  • Drive along the Great Ocean Road and see the 12 Apostles from different angles, including Gibson Steps
  • Encounter wild koalas and parrots at Kennett River
  • Enjoy lunch in Apollo Bay and have dinner in Colac savoring the local culinary delights

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea includes incredible sights and unforgettable experiences along the way!

One of the highlights is undoubtedly the 12 Apostles, a group of massive limestone pillars rising from the ocean. Would it really be a Great Ocean Road Tour without visiting the highlight of the National Heritage Site?

During this tour, you’ll get to see them from different perspectives, including the Gibsons Steps, where you can feel the spray of the waves and the awe of nature.

You’ll also have the chance to spot local wildlife, like koalas and parrots, at Kennett River, a stop not included in most of these tours. It’s difficult to resist seeing these adorable creatures in their natural environment, and if you’re lucky, try to get a photo with them.

Seeing all of the animals in Australia is so much better than seeing them in zoos. It creates precious memories. I remember one time I was fortunate enough to see a platypus which is quite rare to see, it was incredible.

You’ll also stop off to enjoy delicious local food in Apollo Bay and Colac, two charming towns with great options for lunch and dinner (not included in the price). You can choose whatever you like, from fresh seafood to hearty burgers.

Morning tea is provided during the tour, along with everything else you need for a comfortable and memorable experience. All you have to do is relax and have fun on this full-day excursion!

To get unreal views of the 12 Apostles, book the Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea today.


9. Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne

A picture of a beach along the Great Ocean Road

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours |
🗻 STOPS: 7 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you love guides who are passionate about storytelling, then you should book the Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne.

Review which says "We had an absolutely fantastic time on this tour!! Pickup in Melbourne was seamless. Red, our driver and tour guide was great! He shared lots of information as we traveled from the city to the Great Ocean Road. We never felt rushed if we got off at one of the photo stops along the way. The weather was perfect for our tour. The tea and cake stop at Torquay Surf Beach was nice, along with lunch in Apollo Bay. The walk through the rainforest at Mait’s Rest was stunning. 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge were awesome! Highly recommend this trip!"
Review by Theresa_L, read more reviews here.
  • Experience a day trip along the Great Ocean Road
  • Explore the enchanting Otway Ranges and visit the historic Cape Otway lighthouse
  • Discover the tale of the Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck and wander at the majestic Twelve Apostles rock formations

If you love both landscapes and adventure, then join this full-day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne!

The Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne begins the day with a drive through the Otway Ranges, where you’ll see giant eucalyptus trees create a fragrant and tranquil forest. Quite the unique way to start, right?

You’ll also stop at the Cape Otway lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia  – this one definitely holds a significant history and role in guiding ships to safety. I love the atmosphere here.

Next, you’ll visit the Loch Ard Gorge, where a shipwreck in 1878 left only two survivors. Be prepared to be moved by their story and the beauty of the gorge, with its cliffs and caves. Unfortunately, you can’t actually see the shipwreck from the surface, but the story gave me goosebumps.

You’ll then continue your journey to see the Twelve Apostles, the most famous attraction on the Great Ocean Road. It’s difficult not be stand in awe by their mighty size and shape – you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities! They’re much more impressive in real life.

Throughout the day, the guide will make your trip fun and informative, sharing their knowledge and stories along the way. I had a guide named Red and he was amazing.

And as the name suggests, the group is small too so you really get to know the guide rather than just listen to them.

If this is your first time in the area, then Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne allows you to enjoy the best that the region has to offer.


10. Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

A picture of some rock formations in the sea along the route

RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (300+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours |
🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

The penultimate Great Ocean Road tour on this list comes in the form of the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne which still has remarkable reviews. Remember, these are the best of the best out of hundreds of tours, all of these options are top-class.

Review which says "The whole day was exciting. Travelling along the Great Ocean Road through the little coastal towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay was wonderful. The spectacular coastline especially the magnificent 12 Apostles made for a stunning, awe-inspiring day out of the hustle & bustle of Melbourne. A shout out to the driver who told us the history of the road and kept us entertained throughout the day."
Review by Michelle_B, read more reviews here.
  • A full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
  • Delicious lunch overlooking Apollo Bay, soaking in the famous coastal scenery
  • Experience a temperate rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park and spot Australian wildlife in their natural habitat

Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne features all the typical GOR highlights.

You’ll start your adventure by visiting the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, starting the day off on a high. Here you’ll see the mighty cliffs looking out over the endless ocean. I know that you’ll be amazed by these natural wonders – it’s hard not to be – and even though it’s an unforgettable view, you’ll also have plenty of time to take photos.

Next, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch at Apollo Bay, where you’ll get to enjoy the local cuisine whilst taking in the tranquil coastal vibe. Trust me, you’ll love the views and the atmosphere. It’s a really quaint place, I love it there. It reminds me of being home in Northern Ireland.

Then, you’ll hop back on to your transportation, enjoying the scenic drive. That’s one of the most underappreciated things about any Great Ocean Road adventure- the drive is just as beautiful as all of the stops. Even when you’re driving for an hour, it goes so quickly.

You’ll then stop at Great Otway National Park, where you’ll walk among the ancient rainforest trees, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

You’ll hear hundreds of birds and if you’re lucky maybe spot some local wildlife! Speaking of wildlife, you’ll also get to see some of Australia’s most adorable animals, like kangaroos and koalas.

All in all, Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne offers a day filled with bucket list experiences, that offer memories you’ll cherish forever.


11. Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour

An aerial view of the road going along the coastline during a Great Ocean Road tour.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12-13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Last but by no means least of these Great Ocean Road tours is the Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour and it really is a case of “last but not least” as it still has more than 100 positive reviews.

Review which says "This tour was wonderful . The driver/tour guide was very helpful and informative. It was a big day and we got to see the most amazing scenery and sights. The coach was very comfortable and Mick (our tour guide /driver) was an excellent driver and gave us a very
informative commentary along the way. Had a fabulous day. Fantastic tour. Would definitely recommend."
Review by Tracey_D, read more reviews here.
  • Spectacular coastal views along the Great Ocean Road, including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
  • Complimentary chocolate and ice cream tastings at the renowned Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
  • Spot cute koalas, and visit historical landmarks like the Memorial Arch, and the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay

Do you love adventure, nature, and… chocolate? Then you’ll love Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour.

You’ll start your day with a sweet stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where you can enjoy free samples of chocolate and ice cream. Yum!!! How many people include that on their Great Ocean Road itinerary? Not many, but more should!

Next, you’ll see the Memorial Arch, a beautiful tribute to the people who built this incredible road. Again, another unique stop, but this is why I love this tour- it goes beyond the “must-dos”.

After the memorial, you’ll watch the surfers in action at Lorne, a famous beach break where the ocean meets the land. 

For lunch, you’ll have some time to explore Apollo Bay, a lovely seaside town with lots of options for places to eat to suit your taste and budget. 

After that, you’ll visit the Loch Ard Gorge, a stunning site with a sad story of a shipwreck. Be prepared to be moved as your guide tells you its fascinating history. As I said earlier, the story gives me goosebumps every time.

Finally, you’ll get to visit the infamous Twelve Apostles with plenty of time to take photos before heading back to Melbourne.

What an amazing day Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour offers- it’s extraordinary.


A picture of the 12 Apostles, the highlight of any Great Ocean Road tour. It's a group of rock formations coming out of the sea near a clifface.

🏆EDITOR’S PICK: Best Tour = Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne with thousands of 5-star reviews. Book now!


Great Ocean Road Tours: FAQ

Below are some FAQs related to these Great Ocean Road tours along with my answer to each question.

Do you need a tour to do the Great Ocean Road?

Not at all! You can drive the Great Ocean Road on your own. This way, you have the freedom to stop wherever you want and for as long as you like. But if you don’t want to drive or plan the trip yourself, a tour can be a great choice too.

How many of the 12 Apostles are left?

There are eight of the 12 Apostles still standing. Even though they’re called the ’12’ Apostles, there were only nine to begin with. The ocean is slowly but surely wearing them down, but they’re still an amazing sight.

Is a Great Ocean Road Tour worth it?

Yes, a Great Ocean Road tour is worth it if you want to sit back and enjoy the ride without the stress of driving or planning. On a tour, you get to hear cool stories and facts about the places you’re seeing too. It’s also a fun way to meet other travellers.

Great Ocean Road Tours: Conclusion

And there you have it, a complete list of the best Great Ocean Road tours.

Remember, the best tour is the Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne with thousands of 5-star ratings.

But no matter which of these tours you decide to take, you’ll have the most amazing time. The Great Ocean Road does not disappoint!

Now that you’ve got one of your days planned for your trip to Melbourne, why not plan another day and take a hot air balloon tour over the city?