Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

Summary

Coastal curves, rainforest walks and the 12 Apostles in one long day

You’ll ride along dramatic coastline, sip tea among gum trees, hear shipwreck legends at Loch Ard Gorge and stand awestruck before the 12 Apostles’ limestone towers. Expect salt air in your hair and stories you’ll remember long after returning to Melbourne.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Melbourne before sunrise, the city still yawning as our little group climbed onto the bus. I’d barely finished my coffee when our guide, Dave (he had that dry Aussie humor), pointed out the Westgate Bridge slipping by. The road started to bend and suddenly it was all ocean — that cold, salty air hits you right through the window. We stopped for morning tea near Serendip Sanctuary; kookaburras were louder than I expected and there was this faint eucalyptus scent everywhere. Someone spilled their tea laughing at a story about wetsuits and Antarctic currents — apparently only mad surfers brave these waters without them.

The Great Ocean Road itself is just… it keeps twisting, every curve showing off another cliff or beach. We hopped out at Memorial Arch and Dave told us how returned soldiers actually built this road. There’s something heavy about that history, even if you’re just snapping photos like everyone else. Later in Apollo Bay we wandered past fish-and-chip shops and a bakery with these weirdly perfect vanilla slices (I caved). The light was already changing by then — kind of gold but sharp, if that makes sense.

After lunch we left the coast behind for the Otways rainforest. It’s such a switch: tall eucalyptus giving way to dense ferns, everything damp and green. I tried to touch one of those ancient Myrtle Beech trees — bark rough under my palm — while Dave explained how old these forests really are (Gondwanaland stuff). Then back on the bus until we hit Loch Ard Gorge. The wind whipped sand into my shoes while Dave spun this wild shipwreck tale about Tom and Eva; I could almost see them scrambling up those rocks. The caves echoed with kids’ voices but there were quiet moments too, just watching waves slam into stone arches.

The last stop was the 12 Apostles — honestly, it’s hard to describe without sounding cheesy. Standing on that boardwalk with everyone silent for a second except for gulls overhead… yeah, I still think about that view sometimes. We drove home through farmland at dusk, tired in that good way where your brain’s full but your legs are jelly. If you’re thinking about a Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne, just go — even if you forget your rain jacket like I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road and Coastal Highlights

• Depart Melbourne at 7:35am
• Pass by Geelong city
• Stop for morning tea at Serendip Sanctuary
• Drive along the Great Ocean Road
• Visit the Memorial Arch and take photos
• Stop for morning tea and surf views at seaside towns
• Lunch break in Apollo Bay
• Explore Apollo Bay town
• Drive through Otway rainforest and walk among tree ferns
• Visit Loch Ard Gorge and hear shipwreck story
• Explore rock formations at Loch Ard Gorge beach
• Visit Port Campbell National Park and see the 12 Apostles
• Return inland via country roads to Colac
• Optional quick dinner stop in Colac
• Drive back to Melbourne, arriving around 8:00pm

Top questions

How long does the Great Ocean Road day trip take from Melbourne?

The tour departs around 7:35am and returns to Melbourne at approximately 8:00pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Great Ocean Road tour?

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from central Melbourne pick-up points.

Are meals included during the day trip?

Morning tea is included; lunch and dinner stops are at local cafes or pubs at your own expense.

Do you visit both the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge?

Yes, both landmarks are included with time to explore each site within Port Campbell Park.

Is there a guide on board?

An expert driver-guide provides live commentary throughout the tour.

Can children join this Great Ocean Road tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; not suitable for prams or strollers.

What should I bring on this tour?

Dress for all weather conditions—layers recommended—and bring comfortable walking shoes.

Is WiFi available on the coach?

Yes, there is onboard WiFi during coach travel.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from Melbourne with an expert driver-guide offering live English commentary (translation app available), morning tea among Australian wildlife at Serendip Sanctuary, admission to all sections of the Great Ocean Road National Park including stops at Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge and time at the iconic 12 Apostles before returning late evening.