Experience the Best of Great Ocean Road with Our Day Tours
Discover some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Australia and learn about the region's history and culture with our day tours to the Great Ocean Road. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey, without having to worry about planning or driving.
Our tours include comfortable, air-conditioned buses, and provide plenty of breaks for restrooms, snacks, and photo opportunities. We offer a selection of day tours from Melbourne to visit the Great Ocean Road attractions, with most tours taking around 12 hours to complete and including the main attractions such as the Twelve Apostles rock formation and Loch Ard Gorge beach.
With hotel pickup and drop-off included, our tours make your day easy and stress-free. We'll also stop at small towns along the way where you can purchase lunch or dinner. Some tours even offer the chance to sample local food and wine, such as artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and wines from nearby vineyards.
On your journey, be prepared to be awed by stunning views of the coastline, beaches, and cliffs. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and our day tours ensure that you don't miss out on any of the sights.
Discover Iconic Attractions with Great Ocean Road Tours
A Great Ocean Road tour offers you the chance to experience some of Australia's most iconic attractions in just one day. Here's a quick overview of the attractions you can expect to visit on our tours.
The Twelve Apostles
One of the most famous attractions along the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone rock stacks rising out of the ocean. You'll have the opportunity to stop here for photos and learn about the history and geology of the area.
Loch Ard Gorge
Named after the clipper ship Loch Ard which was wrecked here in 1878, Loch Ard Gorge is a beautiful cove with stunning beach and rock formations. You'll explore the area and learn about the tragic history of the shipwreck.
The Otways
This lush forested area offers a range of hiking trails and stunning waterfalls for nature lovers to explore.
Bells Beach
Known for its massive waves, Bells Beach is a famous surf beach and an Australian icon.
London Arch
This natural arch formation in the ocean, formerly known as London Bridge, is a beautiful and unique sight.
Cape Otway Lighthouse
This historic lighthouse perched on a cliff offers stunning views of the coast and is a great spot for photos.
The Grotto
A unique rock formation resembling a sinkhole, the Grotto offers a beautiful view of stunning blue water.
Gibson Steps
A staircase leading down to the beach, the Gibson Steps offer a unique ground level view of the Twelve Apostles.
Apollo Bay
A charming seaside town with a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, Apollo Bay is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Great Otway National Park
As you travel along the Great Ocean Road, you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and native birds in the Great Otway National Park.
The Twelve Apostles is one of the most iconic attractions in Victoria, Australia, and a must-see destination when exploring the region. These limestone stacks rise up to 45 meters from the ocean, and there are currently eight remaining.
The limestone cliffs were formed over 20 million years ago, during a period when the area was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, the accumulation of marine organisms, including shells and coral, built up on the ocean floor and solidified into limestone.
Around 10 million years ago, the land began to rise, and the sea retreated. This left the limestone exposed to the elements, including the waves and wind. Over time, the constant pounding of the waves and the wind caused the limestone to erode and weather. The soft limestone was eroded faster than the harder limestone, creating the unique rock formations that we see today.
Loch Ard Gorge is a stunning natural attraction located along the Great Ocean Road. It is situated within the Port Campbell National Park and is named after the clipper ship Loch Ard which was wrecked nearby in 1878.
Getting to Loch Ard Gorge is easy, as it is located just a short drive from The Twelve Apostles. Visitors can access the gorge by car or tour bus. There is a large car park at the top of the cliff, which is just a short walk from the viewing platform overlooking the gorge.
While Loch Ard Gorge is a beautiful spot to take in the views, it is not recommended to swim in the water as the currents can be dangerous. The water can also be quite cold, even during the summer months.
To access the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, visitors must walk down a set of stairs that lead from the viewing platform to the beach below. The stairs can be a bit steep, and some visitors may find them difficult to navigate. However, once you reach the bottom, the beach is easily accessible and provides a great spot to explore the rock formations, caves, and arches.
Unfortunately, Loch Ard Gorge is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep stairs leading down to the beach. However, visitors can still enjoy the stunning views from the viewing platform at the top of the cliff. Additionally, there are several other wheelchair-accessible attractions nearby, such as The Twelve Apostles Visitors Centre.
The Gibson Steps are a popular attraction located along the Great Ocean Road. Visitors have the opportunity to walk down stone steps leading to the beach to get a ground level view of the towering rock formations, including the iconic Twelve Apostles.
The Gibson Steps are named after Hugh Gibson, who built the steps in the early 1900s to provide access to the beach for local fishermen. Today, the steps are a popular stop for tourists visiting the Great Ocean Road.
Visitors to the Gibson Steps can take in the breathtaking views of the towering limestone cliffs and the pounding waves of the Southern Ocean. The beach at the bottom of the steps is not suitable for swimming due to the strong currents, but it is a great spot for a walk or for taking photographs.
The Gibson Steps are easily accessible from the Great Ocean Road, and there is a small car park nearby for visitors. There is also a viewing platform at the top of the steps, which offers stunning views of the beach and the surrounding cliffs.
Apollo Bay is a charming coastal town located on the Great Ocean Road, 3 hours drive from Melbourne. It is a popular destination for day tours. With its stunning beaches, walking tails, and charming town center, it is a great spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.
The Apollo Bay Visitor Centre is open from 9am - 5pm daily a great place to stop and chat to one of the local volunteers who can help you get the most out of your time in the region.
Apollo Bay Beach
The Apollo Bay Beach is a beautiful spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. It is also a great spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
Marriners Lookout
Marriners Lookout is a stunning viewpoint located on a hill overlooking Apollo Bay. It provides panoramic views of the town, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains.
Cape Otway Lightstation
The Cape Otway Lightstation is a historic lighthouse located on the edge of the Great Ocean Road. Families can climb to the top of the lighthouse for incredible views of the coast.
Apollo Bay Farmers Market
If you happen to be in Apollo Bay on a Saturday morning, be sure to check out the Apollo Bay Farmers Market. It is a great spot to sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade baked goods.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
For an adrenaline-packed experience, families can head to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. It is an eco-tourism attraction that features a treetop walkway, zip line tours, and a high ropes course.
Apollo Bay Seafood Festival
If you happen to be in town during February or March, be sure to check out the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. It is a celebration of the region's seafood industry, featuring fresh seafood, local wines, and live entertainment.
Getting to Apollo Bay from Melbourne
The driving distance from Melbourne to Apollo Bay is approximately 195 kilometers (121 miles) via the Great Ocean Road. The driving time can vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but typically it takes around 3 hours to drive from Melbourne to Apollo Bay. However, if you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way, it's recommended to allow for a full day for the journey.
The Surf Coast region in Victoria, is located along the southern coast of Victoria, stretching from Torquay in the east to Lorne in the west.
The Surf Coast region is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surf breaks, and beautiful natural scenery. The Great Ocean Road officially begins in Torquay.
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is one of the most famous surf spots in the world, and is the site of the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition. It has a rugged coastline and powerful waves, attracting surfers from all over the world.
Torquay
Torquay is the gateway to the Surf Coast region and the Great Ocean Road. Torquay is known for its beautiful beaches, including the family-friendly Jan Juc Beach and the popular surf spot, Point Danger.
Great Otway National Park
The Great Otway National Park is a stunning natural reserve located just inland from the Surf Coast region. It is home to lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and beautiful hiking trails. There are several stunning waterfalls located within the Great Otway National Park, including Erskine Falls and Triplet Falls. Most Great Ocean Road Tours visit the Otway National Park.
Lorne
Lorne is a popular tourist town located on the Great Ocean Road, at the western end of the Surf Coast region. It is known for its beautiful beaches. Mountjoy Parade is the main street running along the esplanade and has many shops and cafes.
The Otways region is a stunning natural area located just inland from the Great Ocean Road. It is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, and hiking trails. Some Great Ocean Road tours visit this region.
Waterfalls
There are several beautiful waterfalls located within the Great Otway National Park, including Triplet Falls, Beauchamp Falls, and Hopetoun Falls. These waterfalls are easily accessible by hiking trails and provide a breathtaking sight.
Cape Otway Lighthouse
Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia and offers stunning views of the coastline. Visitors can also learn about the history of the lighthouse and its importance for navigation.
The Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is a 104-kilometer hiking trail that winds through the Great Otway National Park and along the coast. It offers hikers stunning views of the ocean and coastline and is a great way to explore the beauty of the region.
The Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre is located at the entrance to the Port Campbell National Park, which is home to some of the most popular attractions along the Great Ocean Road, such as The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
The Visitor Centre is open daily from 9am - 5pm and offers a wide range of facilities and services for tourists visiting the region.
Information and advice
The visitor center offers a wealth of information and advice about the Great Ocean Road and the surrounding area. Visitors can learn about the history, geology, and culture of the region, as well as get recommendations for the best places to eat, stay, and explore.
Maps and brochures
The visitor center provides maps and brochures that can help visitors plan their trip and navigate the Great Ocean Road.
Souvenir and gift shop
The visitor center has a gift shop that offers a range of souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards, and locally-made products.
Restrooms and picnic areas
There are restrooms and picnic areas for visitors to use, providing a comfortable and convenient stop along the Great Ocean Road.
Wheelchair accessibility
The visitor center is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking spaces, restrooms, and pathways.
