Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

The Great Ocean Road and Torquay's surf coast

The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre coastal highway built by returning soldiers after the First World War and dedicated as a memorial to those who died. It begins near Torquay, Australia's famous surf town, where Great Ocean Road tour groups usually make their first coastal stop. From the surf beach you see the famous swell that draws surfers from around the world, and Bells Beach lies within clear viewing distance.

Morning tea is included, and the drive continues past the Great Ocean Road sign at Eastern View, a favourite photo stop. The Pole House at Fairhaven, a house lifted high on a single pole above the coast, is another well-known sight along this stretch.

Koalas and the forest walk in the Otways

Inland from the coast, the road enters the Otway ranges, where wild koalas live in the eucalyptus trees and colourful parrots gather at the roadside. Your guide takes you to the best viewing spots so you have a chance to see these animals in their natural habitat, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

A guided forest walk takes you beneath some of the tallest trees in the world, ancient mountain ash and temperate rainforest with ferns and cool, fresh air. The walk is gentle and suited to most fitness levels, and it gives a welcome break from the coast.

Apollo Bay and Cape Patton

Apollo Bay is a small seaside town with a wide beach and a choice of cafés and restaurants where you can buy lunch, which is not included. You may also stroll along the beach or paddle if the weather suits. Before Apollo Bay the coach stops at a lookout near Cape Patton, where the coastline drops sharply into the sea.

This part of the drive offers some of the most scenic road views in Australia, with cliffs on one side and ocean on the other. Bring a jacket, since coastal wind can be cool even in summer.

Gibson Steps, the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge

At Gibson Steps you can descend to the beach, tide and weather permitting, and stand at the foot of the tall limestone stacks. Nearby, the 12 Apostles are the most famous coastal rock formations in Australia, towering limestone stacks standing offshore. Although the number of stacks has fallen over the years as erosion continues, the view remains dramatic, and the viewing platforms provide excellent photographs.

The last main stop is Loch Ard Gorge, named after a ship wrecked here in 1878. You see the jagged Razorback ridge and the Island Archway, whose original arch collapsed in 2009 leaving two striking stacks. The tour returns to Melbourne in the evening, and dinner is not included, but you can buy it at a stop on the way.

Planning your Great Ocean Road day trip

The tour departs early with pickup from selected Melbourne CBD hotels, and you choose your pickup point when you book. It lasts about thirteen and a half hours, so wear comfortable shoes, bring a jacket, sunscreen and a charged phone with headphones for the commentary app. Large luggage and big bags are not allowed.

Best time to visit the Great Ocean Road: spring and autumn bring softer light, while summer suits beach stops. During peak periods a larger vehicle may be used. Lunch and dinner are not included, so bring cash or a card for the cafés on the way.