The Great Ocean Road in Australia attracts tourists from around the world. With stunning views, exotic wildlife, pristine beaches, and diverse flora and fauna, it’s no surprise that each year millions of tourists descend upon this route for Great Ocean Road tours.
Some of the most popular attractions in Australia include Great Ocean Road sights such as the 12 apostles, Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay and Otway National Park. However, these are just some of the amazing sights you’ll visit on a Great Ocean Road tour.
Whether you’re interested in beautiful beaches, rainforests or Australian wildlife, the Great Ocean road has something for everyone to enjoy. Tours range from 1 day to multiple days and can be self-drive or taken with a tour.
On a pre-arranged tour of the Great Ocean Road your group will often be paired with a knowledgeable tour guide, who can divulge the history of the Great Ocean Road and let you in on interesting facts. You’ll learn about the rich Aboriginal culture in Australia, the workers who built the road, and the countless number of animals that you’ll spot along the way.
Perks of a Great Ocean Road Tour
When planning a trip, we often start with the notion that we have all the time in the world. We therefore aim to cram in as much as possible, until the realization kicks in that some countries, cities, and roads are larger than can be comprehended.
The Great Ocean Road is no exception, with a length span of over 240 km of beautiful, winding road along the ocean. You could spend a lifetime exploring it’s shores.
If you don’t have the luxury of time but still would like to experience some of this route’s most magical sights then we suggest you take a 1-day, 2-day or 3-day Great Ocean Road tour option.
The tours are designed to give you an enjoyable experience whilst taking away the hassle of planning it yourself. You don’t need to rent a car, book accommodation or arrange a tour guide – everything is done for you.
Full Day Trip Great Ocean Road Tours
It can be tricky to find the right balance between a jam-packed itinerary and a well-paced day with enough stops. However, these one day tours from Melbourne have managed to hit the sweet spot.
1. Classic Melbourne Great Ocean Road Day Tours
This classic one day tour covers the main attractions along the Australias Great Ocean Road. With a mix of landscape, ocean, wildlife and rainforest included on the tour, there’s something to suit every type of traveler.
- Stop at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
- Spend time koala sighting at Kennet River
- Walk around the seaside town of Apollo Bay
- Cool down at the Otway Ranges with a stop at Maits Rainforest Reststop
- View the incredible rock formations at Port Campbell National Park and stop at the famous 12 Apostles
Pros:
This 1 day tour this trip can be enjoyed by families and solo travellers alike. It offers excellent tour guides with extensive knowledge of the history, landscape and animals. The intimacy of the small group is enjoyable. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Cons:
The tour is not suitable for young toddlers or babies, and no snacks or meals are provided throughout the tour.
2. Great Ocean Road Reverse Order Experience
This one day reverse tour covers all the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road. Departing in the early morning, the amazing tour aims to beat the crowds by reversing the order in which the main attractions are visited. Based on a small group, you can expect to see:
- Explore the Shipwreck Coast including The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps
- Hike through the rainforest at Otway National Park with a guided tour
- Visit the quaint Apollo Bay seaside town
- Stop at the Memorial Arch to view the sign made in honor of those who helped build The Great Ocean Road
- View koala bears and native birds at Kennet River
Pros:
Travelers love the fact that most crowds are avoided with this tour. Additionally, the tours given by the guides are engaging, informative and friendly. Lunch is provided, alongside water refills and snacks. The tour is suitable for families, solo travelers and couples. However, it isn’t accessible for children under the age of 3 years old.
Cons:
Some customers mention the lack of time spent at each destination, however it is also acknowledged that 1 day is a short amount of time to cover so many main attractions.
3. Classic Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne with Snacks
This classic one day tour is aimed at nature lovers, with many opportunities to see exotic wildlife and some of the tallest tree species in the world. With a small group of a maximum of 24 people, travelers can really experience the best of the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
- Tour around Apollo Bay and Lorne, with time to explore the coastal towns
- Opportunities to see koalas, kangaroos and different bird species
- Discover Shipwreck Coast including the 12 apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
- Drive through the Otway rainforest
Pros:
Travelers are pleased with the amount of time given at each destination during the road tour, and enjoy the informative commentary provided by throughout the tours by the friendly guides. This classic tour is suitable for all, with snacks and tea and coffee included.
Cons:
Some reviews mention that they didn’t find the bus up to standard for the length of the day trip.
2 Day Great Ocean Road Tours
For those who have a bit more time on their hands wishing to explore the Great Ocean Road Australia, 2 day tours may be a better option. Often, the 2 day tours have a smaller group in comparison to the 1 day tours, and cover more of the road, and allowing for more free time at each attraction and additional attractions.
1. 2-Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Tours from Melbourne
This 2 day trip offers an overnight stay in the Grampians National Park, where you can enjoy jaw dropping views and an abundance of wildlife. Some of the highlights of the tour include:
- Explore the town of Torquay, followed by koala and wildlife spotting before heading to Apollo Bay
- Enjoy kangaroo watching and take a hike whilst learning about Aboriginal culture and history
- Visit the Mackenzie Falls
- Enjoy a tour with your guide through the Great Otway National Park, followed by a trip to the 12 apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
- Pass through Port Campbell on the way to Grampians National Park where you’ll spend the night
Pros:
Travelers enjoy the enthusiasm and information of the tours at each attraction. The guides make an effort to provide a thrilling experience with their positive energy. A decent amount of time is also provided to explore each attraction.
Cons:
A few travelers remarked on the hostel style accommodation. The tour isn’t suitable for children under the age of 7 years old. In addition, only two meals are provided (1x lunch and 1x breakfast) so arrangements should be made to purchase other meals during the trip.
2. From Melbourne: Ultimate 2-Day Great Ocean Road Tour
An ideal 2-day out-and-back trip from Melbourne that offers an overnight stay in the quiet village of Apollo bay. Along the way you will enjoy swimming at the beach and enjoying some of Victoria’s most attractive villages, waterfalls, and lookouts. Major highlights include:
- Enjoy some morning tea and watch the locals catch a wave at legendary Torquay.
- Visit the Memorial Arch and learn Great Ocean Road history before visiting the famous Erskine falls.
- Spend the night at Mariners Lookout in quiet Appollo Bay.
- Go on a rainforest walk through the wonderland of the Green Coast until you reach Lavers Hill.
- Travel the iconic Shipwreck Coast visiting the landmarks of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge.
Pros:
Hotel pickup straight from your Melbourne hotel or hostel. Morning tea is provided and chilled water throughout the day. Maintaining a small group gives the tour an intimate feeling. Fresh fruit is provided. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Cons:
Food is not provided throughout the trip and must be bought at the travellers own expense. Drop-off is not provided at the end of the trip.
3. 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour
Another small group tour providing a convenient 2-day out-and-back excursion from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. Spend the night in an accommodation with stunning coastal views, and learn about wildlife and history on this unforgettable adventure!
- Stretch your legs at transformed Geelong and then start traveling the Great Ocean Road at Torquay
- Observe Eastern Gray Kangaroos in the wild and learn about the local wildlife
- Visit memorial arch and learn the history of the Great Ocean Road
- Eat lunch and take a swim in scenic Lorne
- Spot Koalas at Kennett river then enjoy a 1 km guided walk through Great Otway National Park
- Dine at the award-winning Chris’s restaurant in Apollo Bay
- Learn about the aboriginal heritage of Castle Cove
- Visit the iconic 12 Apostles
Pros:
The small group of 2-10 people means a quieter experience. Overnight accommodation in a 4-star property. 2 course a la carte dinner and a cafe breakfast. Pickup and drop off in Melbourne. Friendly and knowledgeable tour guide.
Cons:
Like most tours, sometimes bad weather can be a problem.
3 Day Great Ocean Road Tours
3 day tours are a great option for travelers who wish to go further and experience more with the help of an informative tour guide. Due to the size of Australia, a Great Ocean Road tour which spans over 3 days should guarantee that most crowds from other tours are avoided, plenty of time is provided at each sight and exciting locations are chosen.
1. Melbourne to Adelaide: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Grampian Tour
An exciting 3-day tour through the Grampians National Park starting in Melbourne and ending in Adelaide. Along the way, you will see some of Victoria and South Australia’s greatest sights.
- Travel through three National Parks on the journey to Adelaide
- Visit the iconic 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Razorback heritage sights.
- Experience the Tower Hill Conservation Reserve. The wildlife park sits in an ancient volcano crater, and hosts some of Australias most distinct wildlife such as emus, kangaroos, wild koalas, and blue wrens.
- Enjoy some of the best views in southern Australia at the Reeds, Boroka, and Pinnacles lookouts. Then bask in the beauty of Mackenzie waterfalls.
Pros:
The tour is guided by a knowledgeable expert who will provide exciting and relevant information throughout the tour. Visiting some of the greatest sights along the south coast of Australia will make for an unforgettable trip. Some meals are provided by the tour, including a traditional Aussie barbecue.
Cons:
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, children under 6 years old, people with mobility impairments, and babies less than a year old. Also, most meals will need to be purchased by the travelers.
2. Oceans to Mountains Explorer: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Tours
If you want a real taste of Australia, Great Ocean Road has something for everyone. This 3 day tour covers everything from volcanoes to rainforests and beaches.
- After passing through surf haven town of Torquay, stop at Memorial Arch. Carry on to Apollo Bay with animal sighting possibilities
- Enjoy a guided walk through the Great Otway National Park. Head on to see the world famous 12 apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
- Spend the night in the seaside town of Warrnambool, with a clifftop walk around the town the morning after. Visit Tower Hill and take a bush walk to the extinct volcano
- Pay a visit to Bambruk Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Grampians National Park. Stop at the Mackenzie falls before spending the second night in the town of Halls Gap
- The final day is spent enjoying nature and wildlife spotting in the Grampians many lookout points
Pros:
Travelers enjoyed the accommodation and the attractions along the route. The tour also comes with a running commentary and a small group, so travelers can enjoy a cozy, personal experience alongside an informative tour.
Cons:
This tour isn’t suitable for families traveling with children under the age of 7.
Your Tour of the Great Ocean Road
Taking into account the vastness of Australia, it is important to map out your expectations of the tour before choosing one so you make the most of your time. Be clear on what you want to get out of it, then narrow the search down taking into account your budget, time and type of tour you want to experience.With the right research, you can choose a tour which will be the highlight of any trip to the area.
