Things to do in

Apollo Bay

After being picked up from your accommodation in Melbourne CBD, you will explore the world-famous Great Ocean Road on this full-day tour. Spend the day exploring the coast, but also see koalas and birds in their natural habitat as well as going on a guided forest walk to see some of the tallest trees in the world. All of this on top of the iconic coastal favorites such as the Torquay Surf Beach, Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles, and Gibson Steps, with plenty of photo opportunities provided along the way. With the exception of lunch and dinner, all of the below is included in the price of the tour. Torquay Surf Beach Stop here to get your first taste of the stunning coastal scenery. You will be able to view the world-famous Bells Surfing Beach. Take some great coastal photos and smell the fresh seaside air. Morning tea Included with the tour. Great Ocean Road sign Snap a selfie at this iconic location to send to your friends and family. Koalas and Parrots Witness koalas and colorful parrots in their natural environment. Your experienced guide knows just where to go. Apollo Bay lunch stop Here, you'll stop at the coastal town of Apollo Bay where you can purchase your lunch from one of the many restaurants and cafes on offer. You can also walk around the coastal town or even take a swim on the beach if the weather suits. Guided Forest Walk Your guide will take you on a forest walk where you will see some of the tallest trees in the world. You will also take in the wonderful fresh natural smells the trees have to offer. The Gibson Steps Here (tide and wind permitting), you will be able to see some of the 12 Apostles from sea level on the beach. Seeing these amazing rock formations is a truly incredible experience. 12 Apostles Take your time to view the world-famous 12 Apostles, an awesome sight with fantastic photo opportunities. Find out firsthand why these limestone beauties are known all around the world. Loch Ard Gorge The final stop, and perhaps the best, is Loch Ard Gorge, a magnificent formation of rocks by the sea. Ground-level viewing will provide you with an optimal viewing angle. Dinner Stop Stop at Colac on the way home, where you can purchase dinner from one of the many restaurants and cafes. After dinner, you will return you to your CBD hotel.

Begin the day with an early start leaving the Melbourne CBD where you will drive over the Westgate Bridge towards the Great Ocean Road - one of the few places where the destination and the journey are the same thing. Once you arrive on the Great Ocean Road, enjoy morning tea along the Surf Coast at your first stop, a perfect way to meet your fellow travelers and your guide for the day. As you wind along this iconic road, each twist and turn reveals new spectacular views of the rugged coastline and into the Otway Ranges that lie inland. Hear the history of the road and its workers as you make a stop at Memorial Arch, also known as the Great Ocean Road sign. Pass through quaint yet popular holiday resort towns before your guide takes you on a wild koala spotting adventure amongst their natural habitat of the eucaluptus trees. Make your way to the historical town of Apollo Bay for a bite of lunch. Stroll the streets, meander the main beach or try some unique and award-winning ice cream. After lunch, the road ventures away from the coastline and into the heart of the Otways National Park. Embark on a guided walk through the crisp fresh air of an ancient rainforest. A truly magical part of the day as you're emersed amongst ferns and the world's second tallest species of tree. The journey continues through the rainforest before reaching the Shipwreck Coast where you will find some of the biggest attractions for the day. Hear about the coastline's most famous shipwreck before stepping down into the gorge at the center of the story of the Loch Ard ill-fated journey. Be towered by the sheer limestone cliffs that form the gorge as you stand on the beach or step into the cold waters of the Southern Ocean at the bottom before reaching the major attraction - the 12 Apostles. View these ginormous limestone monoliths formed by hundreds of years of erosion as they stand high and strong against the forces of nature. A true sight to behold and a perfect way to cap off the day before making your way back to Melbourne for the night. 

Discover the wild side of the Great Ocean Road as you explore a spectacular Australian bushland environment, where the forest meets the sea. Meet your conservationist guide at the Visitor Center. As you walk with them through the magical setting, learn the secrets of the bush and the plants and animals who call the Otways home. During your tour, pause at the Conservation Ecology Centre Research Hub to learn about the conservation projects that are being undertaken onsite to support the environment. You will also have the chance to see research techniques in action. The tour winds along a gentle, 1.4km path suitable to all ages and abilities. Before or after your tour, enjoy refreshments or a light lunch at the café, and browse the gift shop for a memento of your visit.

Day 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell (D) You'll begin your tour with a drive through the ancient lava fields of Western Victoria on your way to the country seaside town of Warrnambool. You'll take a detour to Tower Hill on the way, to explore Australia's most recently extinct volcano which is bursting with wildlife. Following that, take a guided walk with Worn Gundidj, learning about the traditional lifestyle of Australia's indigenous people, bush tucker, medicine, and the skills of the boomerang. You'll then drive the Great Ocean Road "backwards", starting with Shipwreck Coast and its icons such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto, and London Bridge, with time to explore the village of Port Campbell. Try some locally made beers from the Sow & Piglets Brewery with dinner, before finishing off your day at the 12 Apostles for sunset. Day 2: Great Ocean Road to Melbourne (B) The second day starts off with a climb down the stairs onto the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, well before the crowds arrive, for a unique take on this ever-so-popular attraction. It's then off for a stroll along a section of the Great Ocean Walk and down to the beach level at the Apostles at Gibson Steps before retreating into the Otway rainforest. Hidden in a place most don't venture, the Redwoods of the Otways will simply amaze as you admire the tallest and second-tallest species of trees in the world side by side. It's then back on the road to continue the breathtaking coastal drive with quality stops in the townships of Apollo Bay and Lorne to soak in the Aussie beach town lifestyle. You'll have time to check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery for some delicious treats, as well as one of the most popular surf beaches in Australia, before heading back to Melbourne at around 7:30PM.

After being picked up from anywhere in Melbourne in your private vehicle, explore the world-famous Great Ocean Road in this full-day tour. Follow the tour with commentary in a wide variety of languages via the local partner's website app. Start your tour at Torquay Surf Beach, to get your first breath of fresh sea air and look at the iconic beaches and coastal views. You will also be in clear viewing distance of Bells Surfing Beach. Enjoy morning tea on site. Then, move on to the next stop to take captivating photos at the iconic Great Ocean Road sign. Take another guided wildlife tour to see koalas and colourful parrots in their natural environment. Stop at the coastal town of Apollo Bay where you can purchase your lunch from the many restaurants and cafes. You can also walk around the coastal town or even take a swim in the beach if the weather suits. Next, go on a guided forest walk where you will see some of the tallest trees in the world. Take in the fresh smell of the trees. Then, tide and wind permitting, take your time viewing the 12 Apostles from sea level on the beach. Feel as if you could reach out and touch these renowned limestone rock formations from your proximity. Witness Loch Ard Gorge, the grande finale of the tour. Observe this magnificent formation of rocks and rolling sea from ground level to appreciate the power of nature. On the way home, stop at Colac where you can purchase dinner from many restaurants or cafes. After dinner, your driver will return you to your centrally located hotel.

After pickup at your hotel in Melbourne, depart early in the morning directly toward Torquay. Savor morning tea, then see some of the local surfers in action. Stock up on some chocolates for the day at the local Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery before continuing your journey through small local villages on the way to Split Point Lighthouse. Next, learn some of the history of the Great Ocean Road at the Memorial Arch before taking the steps down to the base of the Erskine Falls. Admire the magnificent falls, then grab lunch and take a stroll at Lorne. Enjoy some time for a quick swim off Lorne Beach, though be aware the water might be slightly cold. From Lorne, move on for another stroll to the Sheoak Falls. Soak up the spectacular views as you wind your way along the Great Ocean Road and stop to see some of the amazing wildlife. Then it’s time to enjoy the wonderful view from the Mariner's Lookout over the quiet village of Apollo Bay, your home for the night. Visit a lovely restaurant or cook for yourself in the hostel's large kitchen. Get another early start on Day 2 and walk through the temperate rainforest in the section of the Great Ocean Road known as the Green Coast. Continue your journey along the Green Coast, stopping at lookouts on the way, until you reach the highest point along the road, Lavers Hill. Tuck into your morning tea at Lavers Hill then visit the Shipwreck Coast to view all 9 lookouts along this section of the road, including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. After exploring all these stops, head inland and travel back to Melbourne.

Embark on a 3-day tour from Adelaide to Melbourne with accommodation in the heart of the Grampians surrounded by kangaroos and cockatoos. Travel south to the Shipwreck Coast and visit the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and other stunning locations before continuing the journey to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. Day 1: Adelaide - Halls Gap Depart the city through the Adelaide Hills en route to the Grampians National Park. Traveling through the western plains of Victoria, watch as the mountain range slowly grows on approach. Hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls and explore other famed lookouts of The Balconies and Boroka Lookout before checking in for the night in the heart of the Grampians Halls Gap. Day 2: Halls Gap - Warrnambool Start the day with a hike up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout with an amazing view over the Grampians. Later, visit the Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, an extinct volcano, rich in Aboriginal history and an abundance of wildlife. Finish the day with time to relax in the town of Warrnambool, before coming together for a group dinner and at a local hotspot (dinner and beverages at guests' own expense). Day 3: Warrnambool - Melbourne The last day is a journey along the historic Great Ocean Road. Begin with the highlights of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Embark on a guided rainforest walk before lunch in the popular seaside town of Apollo Bay. Follow the road to its end as it twists and turns with stops at Memorial Arch and a famous surf beach or two, arriving in Melbourne in the evening.

Explore the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road on a private guided tour with the flexibility to customize to suit your preferences. Depart from your chosen Melbourne hotel in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle. Be greeted by your guide, who will whisk you off towards the start of the Great Ocean Road. First, stop at Bells Beach, one of the world's most famous surfing beaches and home of the Rip Curl Pro. Continue on to Split Point Lighthouse with a great vantage point over gorgeous deserted beaches for that perfect holiday photo moment. Pass the historic Memorial Arch where your guide will explain in detail the history behind the road, followed by a search of the Kennet river area for wild parrots and famous koala population. Stop for your lunch in the pretty coastal township of Apollo Bay, where you can sample some of the local delicacies such as the Scallop Pie. After lunch, transfer to the Great Otway National Park for a walk around a magnificent ancient Rainforest. Afterward, head to Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge, before arriving at the Twelve Apostles, where you will have the chance to upgrade your tour by taking a personal helicopter joy flight over the rock formations below. Finally, climb back into the vehicle and journey back to your Melbourne hotel via scenic farming townships.