Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience one of Australia’s most iconic coastal journeys on a small-group Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne.
With an early departure designed to help avoid the busiest crowds, you can enjoy a more relaxed day, better photo opportunities and more time to take in the beauty of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and the Great Ocean Road coastline.
Travel in comfort with a friendly local guide as you journey along this world-famous coastal route, stopping at seaside towns, rainforest walks and wildlife viewing areas along the way. This full-day tour is designed to show you more than just the famous photo stops, with a well-paced itinerary that includes dramatic limestone cliffs, ocean views, lush Otway rainforest and the stories that make this region so special.
With a Melbourne-based team, knowledgeable guides and comfortable small-group touring, Explore Australia Tours makes the Great Ocean Road feel easy, memorable and full of local insight.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We do have child seats for 4 – 7 years old upon request
What To Expect
Anglesea
Begin your Great Ocean Road journey with a stop in the relaxed coastal town of Anglesea. Stretch your legs, enjoy the ocean air and get ready for one of Victoria’s most scenic touring routes. This a break to buy some coffee/breakfast (own expenses)
Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway
Stop for photos at the famous Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, one of the most recognised landmarks along the route and a tribute to the returned soldiers who helped build this iconic coastal road.
Options
Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Small-Group Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Informative & friendly tour guide
National Park Fees
Lunch
Snacks
Coffee and/or Tea
Pickup points
Mercure Melbourne Southbank
9 Riverside Quay, Southbank Melbourne Australia
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day out
janetlQ5585VW,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous day out. Lots to see . Lauchie guide very relaxed and lots of interesting information
Great Ocean Road trip, one of the best days out I did when in Melbourne.
Mary B,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Despite the tour being a very long day, I was so glad I had done it and loved the fact we were a small group of 11 in a comfortable mini bus, driven by our brilliant guide Anthony who set the tone for the entire day with his welcoming, friendly demeanour and and knowledge. Just enough time was had at all the stops, toilet breaks were plentiful, and you could be sure we never missed sightings of kualas or kangaroos as Anthony always managed to spot them, often from afar. It is definitely a trip where you get to see so many different aspects the stunning state of Victoria has to offer, from beautiful small ocean towns, to stunning rain forests, culminating in the magnificent 12 Apostles and the even more stunning Loch Ard Gorge. Inspite of the early start, the GOR is a must see trip in my opinion. Just make sure you have comfortable walking shoes! Please convey my thanks to Anthony. He is a natural at what he does!
Underwhelming
Tabitha F,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The trip description is inaccurate. On our trip the itinerary was in reverse (not as advertised) and we did not stop at Kennett River, Lavers Hill or Gibsons Steps. However we did stop at Apollo Bay. Our tour guide was not very engaging, I learnt little about the history of the land we were on or the aboriginal custodians. At the stops it seemed other tour groups were receiving more information than us. Several times our guide told us he would share more information later but just...never did. This meant the stops felt long considering we weren't given information so were just taking photos. As a general note it's worth saying that on a bus tour you don't get the same vistas of the Great Ocean Road as you would if driving yourself in a car.
Delightful Day trip
ronaldd516,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide looked at the weather forecast for the day and determined, on our approval, that it would be best to do the tour in the “reverse” order to miss afternoon weather that was projected. This turned out to be the best decision as our weather was perfect all day. The sights are spectacular, the long ride is broken up with a cafe stop in the morning, a lunch break, and a chocolate shop stop later. Along the whole ride (all day) our guide shared historical information and stories about Australia, he was very entertaining and engaging. We experienced the sandstone formations along the great ocean road, a rainforest, and the ocean road itself. We extended our New Zealand trip for a return to Australia just for this tour and visiting friends. This did not disappoint.
If you want to see a ...
Lezli S,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you want to see a rainforest, koalas, kangaroos, scenic ocean roads, walk on the beach topped off seeing the 12 apostles Darren is your man. His associate, Stewart was bonus time for us as well. Highly recommend this outing!!
Awesome trip with an excellent tour guide
795mabeln,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the reverse trip and managed to see the attractions before the crowds started to grow. Beautiful views, amazing experience. The driver and tour guide, Mark, is the best. He was excellent throughout the 12 hour day. 5 stars for him.
Andy was our guide and...
nqtvmpmfv6,Feb 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Andy was our guide and was great. He was very knowledgeable about all the areas that we covered. He had a lot of unique stories that he shared.
Well worth it!
Anna C,Feb 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great day out! Beautiful scenery and top stops with expert local knowledge. Thanks so much Gary for showing us around!
Good experience for all visitors
607luisfernandor,Jan 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice trip around the coastal way, with beautiful location, good roads, and comfortable transportation. The best pictures!
A getaway not to be missed under any circumstances.
Mihuma,Jan 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb itinerary with splendid scenery accompanied by our guide Gary who was perfect in punctuating the journey with many stops and details. I highly recommend because it is an indispensable outing to do in Melbourne.
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Operated by Explore Australia Tours