Things to do in Great Otway National Park

* Begin your day with a refreshing morning tea in Anglesea, a delightful start to your journey (kindly note that the morning tea session may be canceled in case of rainy weather or other uncontrollable circumstances). * Visit the Iconic Split Point Lighthouse Stop by the historic Split Point Lighthouse, affectionately known as the "Red Hat Lighthouse." This striking structure has been guiding ships since 1891 and offers visitors a glimpse into maritime history. Take a leisurely stroll around the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding coastline. * Capture Memories at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch Pause at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, a symbolic gateway marking the start of this scenic drive. This iconic landmark is perfect for photo opportunities, commemorating the soldiers who built the road as a tribute to their service. * Explore Vibrant Coastal Area As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the vibrant surfing location of Lorne, known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. * Delight in Lunch at Apollo Bay Arrive in the picturesque town of Apollo Bay, where you can relax and enjoy a delightful lunch. This seaside town offers a variety of dining options, from fresh seafood to local specialties, all set against the backdrop of stunning coastal views. * Encounter Wildlife near Barham Reserve Make a stop near Barham Reserve. Here, you can spot adorable wild koalas in their natural habitat, observe these cuddly creatures as they lounge and munch on leaves. * Marvel at Natural Wonders of Loch Ard Gorge and Twelve Apostles Conclude your journey with a visit to the awe-inspiring Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles. These natural rock formations are some of the most photographed landmarks in Australia. Marvel at the towering limestone stacks rising majestically from the ocean and learn about the dramatic shipwreck history that adds to the allure of Loch Ard Gorge. * Stop at Winchelsea (may opt to other location according to actual situation on the day) for a short break before heading straight back to the city.

Depart Melbourne from 8am & travel towards the Surf Coast in air-conditioned comfort. • Torquay - Enjoy a complimentary beachside morning tea at the starting point of the Great Ocean Road. • The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch - enjoy a photo stop at this iconic landmark with an opportunity for a quick visit to the beach. •️ Coastal driving - take in amazing panoramas as every bend in the Great Ocean Road unveils spectacular coastal views. • The Great Otway National Park - stroll among sweetly scented eucalyptus while spotting native koalas & colourful parrots. • Apollo Bay - explore the town & sweeping beach during our lunch break here (own expense). • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk - learn about cool temperate rainforest & admire some of Australia's tallest trees on an informative guided tour. Port Campbell National Park • Witness the raw beauty of the 12 Apostles rising from the sea. • Hear a tale of shipwreck tragedy & explore the spectacular Loch Ard Gorge. • Opportunity to take a scenic stroll to Gibson Steps and descend to the beach. • Colac - enjoy a short dinner stop in this regional town before continuing the journey back to Melbourne. ⭐ With over 10,000 5-star reviews, Go West Tours promises you're in expert hands. We stand by our services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

Travel along the Great Ocean Road route in reverse to avoid the crowds on this guided day trip from Melbourne. Visit the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell, Apollo Bay, and more. Stop at the Great Otway National Park for a guided rainforest walk. What makes this tour unique is that it goes in reverse compared to typical Great Ocean Road tours. Your guide will drive inland in the morning, arrive at the attractions before all the crowds get there, and come back through the world-famous coastline, the Great Ocean Road. First, stop at a rural town for breakfast, where you can get in a good stretch and enjoy a coffee (cost not included). From there, go straight to the first attraction, the Twelve Apostles. Enjoy the internationally famous limestone formation lookouts without the crowds of people. See the Razorback rock formation, the lookout at the Gibson Steps, and the enchanting Loch Ard Gorge Beach. Learn about Loch Ard's shipwreck story, then make a lunch stop in the town of Port Campbell or Apollo Bay (cost not included). Choose to go for a walk to the beach for more pictures. When you depart the Twelve Apostles area, drive through Great Otway National Park. Connect with nature during a 20-minute rainforest walk to witness some of Australia's most amazing rainforest scenery. On your way back, travel along the Great Ocean Road coastline, through Apollo Bay. Listen as your guide shares stories and facts about the city while travelling on the Otways. Be camera-ready as you may encounter some local koalas and colorful parrots. Before returning to Melbourne, the final stop will be at the quaint coastal town of Lorne for another epic beachfront view. 

Experience fewer crowds and a later pick-up time with our Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour! ↪ Anglesea: Explore the charming coastal town of Anglesea, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. ↪ Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway: Stop at the iconic Memorial Archway, marking the beginning of the Great Ocean Road’s scenic journey. ↪ Lorne (seasonal): Enjoy the vibrant seaside town of Lorne, famous for its stunning beaches, shops, and cafes. ↪ Koala Spotting: See adorable koalas in their natural habitat at the serene Kennett River. ↪ Gibson Steps (time permitting): opportunity to take a scenic stroll to Gibson Steps and descend to the beach to see the towering limestone cliffs. ↪ Loch Ard Gorge: Discover the dramatic beauty of Loch Ard Gorge, a site rich in history and stunning coastal views. ↪ 12 Apostles Sunset: Witness the awe-inspiring 12 Apostles at sunset, as the golden light enhances the rugged beauty of these limestone formations.

Check out the Twelve Apostles' limestone stacks, visit Loch Ard Gorge and learn about its tragic history. Experience Apollo Bay, the rainforest and see some koalas, kangaroos and birds along the way. The only goal is to have an amazing day full of spectacular sights and some laughs, too on this guided group tour for 18-35 year olds. Begin your tour with a convenient pickup run from selected Melbourne accommodation, before you head out of the city to the furthest part of the Great Ocean Road. Your first scenic stop will be at the Twelve Apostles, where you'll get to experience the boardwalk and viewing platforms and get your first glimpse of the natural limestone rock stacks and cliffs. Next, head onto the beach in front of the first Apostles at Gibson Steps, where you can spend some time taking in their size and beauty. Then, it’s a short drive from the Twelve Apostles to the beautiful Loch Ard Gorge, where you will walk on the famous 'shipwreck beach.' While here, check out more magnificent limestone formations, like the Razorback, Three Sisters and the Salt and Pepper Shaker. Afterwards, it's off to the Great Otway National Park, which stretches or over 1000sq km. Here, find adorable koalas in their natural habitat and grab some photos, before arriving in Apollo Bay for some free time and lunch. While in Apollo Bay, feel free to grab some food at any of the different cafés, restaurants and bakeries, or even head to the Gin distillery or pub for a well-earned drink. Spend the afternoon driving and stopping along the scenic drive between Apollo Bay and Anglesea at places like Cape Pattern Lookout, Kennet River, Lorne and The Memorial Arch. And then onward to spot some kangaroos grazing in the fields.

Travel along the Great Ocean Road route in reverse to avoid the crowds on this guided day trip from Melbourne. Visit the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell, Apollo Bay, and more. Stop at the Great Otway National Park for a guided rainforest walk. What makes this tour unique is that it goes in reverse compared to typical Great Ocean Road tours. Your guide will drive inland in the morning, arriving at the attractions before all the crowds get there, and come back through the world-famous coastline, the Great Ocean Road. Start with pickup from a meeting point in Melbourne. First, stop at the charming town Of Colac where you can purchase breakfast, get in a good stretch, and enjoy a coffee (cost not included). From there, go straight to the first attraction, the Twelve Apostles. Enjoy views of the internationally-famous limestone formations without large crowds of people See the Razorback rock formation, the lookout at the Gibson Steps, and the enchanting Loch Ard Gorge Beach. Learn about the Loch Ard shipwreck story, then make a lunch stop in the town of Port Campbell or Apollo Bay (cost not included). Choose to go for a walk along the beach for more pictures When you depart from the Twelve Apostles area, drive through Great Otway National Park. Connect with nature during a 20-minute rainforest walk to witness some of Australia's most amazing rainforest scenery. On your way back, travel along the Great Ocean Road coastline and through Apollo Bay. Listen as your guide shares stories and facts about the region while travelling through the Otway National Park. Be camera-ready as you may encounter some local koalas and colorful parrots. Stop for evening tea The Chocolate Factory which has 144 flavors of chocolate. Return to your meeting point in Melbourne with unforgettable memories.

Enjoy this guided, nature-filled road trip and discover Victoria's stunning coastline and rainforest. Drive the Great Ocean Road, a winding road that reveals uninterrupted beaches, dramatic coastlines, and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges. ↪ Torquay: We sip our morning tea by the beach, watching surfers carve through the early waves as the sun warms the sand around us. ↪ Memorial Arch: The iconic marking for the start of the Great Ocean Road, surrounded by lush trees and the fresh scent of the ocean breeze. ↪ Koala Spotting: Venture into the wild to spot koalas in their natural habitat. If you're lucky, they’ll be lounging lazily in the trees, offering a peaceful, unforgettable sight. ↪ Lookout at the Great Ocean Road: Enjoy breathtaking views from the lookout along the Great Ocean Road, where the rugged coastline meets the endless blue ocean, and the wind carries the refreshing sea air. ↪ Apollo Bay for Lunch: Take a break in Apollo Bay and indulge in fresh, local seafood (lunch is at your own expense) while you enjoy the calming sight of the bay, with its peaceful waters stretching out before you. ↪ Rainforest Walk: Take a walk through the peaceful Maits Rest rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, lush ferns, and the fresh, cool air - it's the perfect spot to reconnect with nature. ↪ Port Campbell National Park (12 Apostles and Gibson Steps): Visit the awe-inspiring 12 Apostles, where you'll stand in awe of the limestone cliffs rising from the ocean. Take an optional scenic stroll to Gibson's Steps to feel the power of the waves crashing on the beach. ↪ Loch Ard Gorge: Finish your journey at Loch Ard Gorge, where steep cliffs frame turquoise waters, and the stories of shipwrecks and survival seem to echo through the air, making this spot truly unforgettable. ↪ Colac: After a day of exploring, head to Colac for a quick dinner in this charming town.

Leave the city heading over the Westgate Bridge bright and early to maximize your time on the Great Ocean Road. After just over an hour’s drive, stop on a popular surf beach near the town of Anglesea for a rest break. Take a short drive before stopping at Memorial Arch, which commemorates the returned soldiers who worked on the construction of the 151–mile stretch of road following World War I. Continue along the Great Ocean Road taking in the spectacular ocean, beach and cliff views. Your guide will help you spot koalas among the eucalyptus trees, as you journey along this famous coastline. After stopping for lunch at Apollo Bay, the road and the ocean part ways for the next few hours as you head into the Otway Rainforest. (lunch is at the guest's own expense) Take a short 30-minute guided walk right into the heart of the rainforest. Feel dwarfed by some of the largest tree species in the world. Wind further through the forest and return to the ocean, making a stop at the mighty Shipwreck Coast. Here, spend a large portion of the day exploring the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge, all a short drive from one another. Your guide will share the tales of disaster, destruction, and survival. After a long day, relax on the drive back to Melbourne and reflect on a great day spent on the Great Ocean Road.

Begin the day with an early start leaving Melbourne city 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 things. Once you arrive at 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. To 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. Keep your eyes peeled for Australian Native Wildlife as we pass through quaint yet popular holiday resort towns. 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 Otway 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 immersed among 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. 

Depart Melbourne a bit later than most Great Ocean Road tours to experience the stunning landscapes without the crowds, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset at the 12 Apostles! • Anglesea - Take a moment to unwind in the lovely seaside community of Anglesea, a cherished holiday destination for locals due to its calm atmosphere & gorgeous beaches. • Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway - Capture a memorable photograph at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road journey. • Lorne - Explore the home of the iconic “Pier to Pub” swim, recognized as the largest organized ocean swim competition. Relish a wonderful lunch in Lorne (summer season only) while soaking up the spectacular coastal views along the Great Ocean Road. • Koala Spotting - Discover the enchanting Kennett River, nestled within the forests of the Otway Ranges, where a thriving colony of wild koalas reside. • Gibsons Steps - Opportunity to take a scenic stroll to Gibson Steps and descend to the beach (time permitting). • Loch Ard Gorge - Uncover the intriguing past of the Loch Ard, recognized as the most notable location on the 'Shipwreck Coast'. • Twelve Apostles Sunset - Witness the spectacular 12 Apostles at sunset! ⭐ With over 10,000 5-star reviews, Go West Tours promises you're in expert hands. We stand by our services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!