Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

Summary

Coastal drives, wild koalas and the limestone giants of Victoria

You’ll wind along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road with salty air in your lungs, spot wild koalas snoozing overhead, walk beneath ancient ferns in Otway rainforest, and stand awestruck at the edge of the 12 Apostles cliffs—all with morning tea and stories from your local guide woven through your day.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice on the Great Ocean Road was that eucalyptus smell—kind of sweet and sharp at once. We’d barely left Melbourne when our guide, Mark, started pointing out bits of local history over the mic (he’s got this dry sense of humor, so half the bus was already grinning). The Memorial Arch came up fast—everyone piled out for photos under that big timber sign. It’s weird how something so simple can feel like you’re crossing into a different world.

The road itself is all twists and sea views—sometimes you catch a flash of turquoise between the trees, sometimes just endless gum leaves flickering in sunlight. We stopped somewhere near Kennett River because Mark spotted a koala napping in the crook of a branch. He handed me his binoculars and I swear, those little guys look like they’re made of plush. Morning tea was just coffee and biscuits by the van, but honestly? The ocean breeze made everything taste better. There were magpies singing somewhere behind us; I still think about that sound.

Apollo Bay was our lunch stop—nothing fancy, just fish and chips on a bench with sand stuck to my shoes. After that came the rainforest walk in Otway. The air felt heavier there, damp and green, ferns taller than me everywhere you looked. Mark told us some trees are older than European settlement (I tried to imagine what they’ve seen). Then it was back in the van for that last stretch to Port Campbell National Park.

The first glimpse of the 12 Apostles is strange—it’s like seeing something from a postcard suddenly become real. Wind whipped my hair all over while I stood at the railing watching waves smash against those limestone stacks. Someone next to me whispered “wow” but honestly it’s too loud for words out there. At Loch Ard Gorge later, Mark told us about shipwrecks and survivors; I kept thinking how small people must have felt facing this coast for the first time. On the drive back to Melbourne everyone went quiet for a bit—maybe tired or maybe just letting it all settle in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road coastal 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 winding coastal 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

Top questions

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

The tour departs around 7:35am and returns to Melbourne in the evening after visiting all main stops including Apollo Bay, Otway rainforest, 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Is morning tea included on this Great Ocean Road tour?

Yes, morning tea and snacks are included as part of your day trip experience.

Will we see wildlife like koalas or kangaroos?

You have good chances to spot wild koalas and native birds along the route; sometimes kangaroos are seen as well.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No, lunch is not included—you can buy food at Apollo Bay or bring your own picnic to enjoy by the beach.

Are there any rainforest walks on this Great Ocean Road tour?

Yes, you’ll explore part of Otway rainforest with your guide who shares info about its ancient trees and wildlife.

Does this tour include entry fees?

National Park fees are covered as part of your booking price.

Is hotel pickup available for this Great Ocean Road tour?

This tour includes comfortable transport but doesn’t specify hotel pickup—check details when booking for meeting points.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

The trip is suitable for all fitness levels including children aged 0–12 years old; child fares apply accordingly.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard, morning tea with snacks by the coast, live commentary from an experienced driver-guide throughout Victoria’s Great Ocean Road journey—including stops at Memorial Arch, Apollo Bay (lunch at own expense), guided rainforest walk in Otway, entry fees for all parks visited plus plenty of chances to spot wildlife before returning to Melbourne in the evening.