Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

What makes a 12-hour coastal drive worth leaving at dawn?

You depart Melbourne early, spend the day winding along the Great Ocean Road with stops at rainforest, wildlife spotting, and the 12 Apostles limestone formations, then return by late afternoon. Morning tea and snacks are included, as are national park fees and live guide commentary. Lunch in Apollo Bay is at your own cost. The full day takes roughly 12 hours and suits anyone comfortable with a long coach journey.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the Great Ocean Road's main sights in one day without renting a car or navigating the route yourself — the early start and fixed schedule pack the 12 Apostles, rainforest, and coastal stops into a single trip, and the guide's commentary turns the long drive into the experience rather than just the transport.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles tour

• Depart Melbourne at 7:35am
• Cross Westgate Bridge towards Geelong
• Travel along Great Ocean Road from Anglesea
• Spot Australian wildlife en route
• Stop at Memorial Arch for photos
• Drive along coastal Great Ocean Road
• Visit Apollo Bay for lunch break
• Explore Great Otway National Park rainforest
• View the 12 Apostles rock formations
• Discover Loch Ard Gorge and shipwreck history
• Stop briefly in Colac town
• Return to Melbourne

The Experience

You're leaving Melbourne at 7:35am, crossing the Westgate Bridge toward Geelong, and you won't see the city again until late afternoon. The Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometers along Victoria's southwestern coast, and most people who do it say the drive itself is half the point. Your guide will point out where to look for kangaroos and kookaburras — the native birds that sound like they're laughing at their own jokes — and you'll stop at the Memorial Arch, a National Heritage gateway that marks the official start of the road. It's the kind of landmark that exists mostly for the photo, but standing in front of it, you understand why people come back.

By mid-morning you'll be in Great Otway National Park, walking among rainforest that's been growing for centuries. The eucalyptus trees tower overhead, and the ferns — some of them over a thousand years old — create a canopy so thick the light comes through in shafts. Your guide will talk about the forest's history while you're actually standing in it, which makes the information stick differently than reading it later. After that you'll stop in Apollo Bay, a small coastal town where lunch is on your own; most people grab something at a cafe or take a picnic down to the beach. The afternoon is when the 12 Apostles appear — those massive limestone stacks rising out of the water near Port Campbell. You'll stand on the viewing platform and watch the rock formations change color as the light shifts, and the ocean will be loud enough that you won't hear yourself think. It's the kind of view that photographs don't quite capture, which is why people keep trying.

On the way back, you'll stop at Loch Ard Gorge, where your guide will tell you about the shipwrecks — over 200 of them happened along this stretch of coast. The story of the Loch Ard, which wrecked in 1878, involves two young survivors and a rescue that feels almost too dramatic to be real. The gorge itself has rock formations with names like the Salt and Pepper Shakers and Razorback, and you'll have time to walk down and see them close. The whole tour wraps up with a quick stop in Colac on the drive back to Melbourne, and you'll arrive back in the city as the sun is going down. The vehicle has leather seats, WiFi, and air conditioning, so the long hours in the car don't feel like a punishment — your guide keeps talking the whole way, pointing out things you'd miss if you were driving yourself.

Top questions

What time does the tour leave Melbourne?

Departure is 7:35am from Melbourne, heading toward Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.

Is lunch included?

No. You stop in Apollo Bay mid-afternoon and choose your own lunch from cafes or bring a picnic. Morning tea and snacks are included.

Can I see koalas on this tour?

The tour description mentions the chance to spot koalas in the wild, though sightings are not guaranteed. You will see other Australian wildlife and native birds.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs roughly 12 hours from departure to return to Melbourne.

What's included in the price?

Transport in an air-conditioned coach with leather seats, morning tea and snacks, national park entry fees, wildlife spotting, and live guide commentary. WiFi is available on board.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Child and infant fares apply to ages 0–12. If traveling with children aged 0–4, you must advise the operator in advance.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. Vehicles are not wheelchair, pram, or child stroller accessible.

What should I bring?

Only a small day pack per person, no more than 5 kg. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the rainforest and gorge walks.

Will we definitely see the 12 Apostles?

Yes, the 12 Apostles is a scheduled stop on the itinerary. You'll have time to view the formations from the platform and see Gog and Magog, with views toward Gibson Steps.

What if I get car sick on long drives?

The tour involves 12 hours of travel. If you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before departure or sitting near the front of the coach.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or city pickup (confirm location with operator), travel in a spacious air-conditioned coach with leather seats and WiFi, morning tea and snacks, entry to Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park, a guided walk through ancient rainforest, wildlife spotting throughout the day, stops at the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Memorial Arch, and live commentary from your professional guide and driver. Lunch in Apollo Bay is at your own expense. You'll return to Melbourne in the late afternoon.