Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

Summary

Ocean cliffs, wild koalas, and shipwreck tales on Victoria’s coast

You’ll share coffee with locals before tracing the Great Ocean Road’s curves past wild koalas, then walk under ancient trees to hidden waterfalls. Stand at the edge of Australia where limestone towers rise from crashing waves — all with a guide who knows every story behind each bend.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of Melbourne when our guide, Dave, pulled over at this little bakery for morning tea. I’d just bitten into a lamington when an older woman at the next table grinned and asked if we were “doing the Road.” She meant the Great Ocean Road — everyone here just calls it “the Road.” I liked that. The air smelled like coffee and eucalyptus, a weird but good combo. Dave pointed out the Memorial Arch after that, snapping our photo with his own battered camera (“for proof you survived,” he joked). The wind was already picking up.

I didn’t expect to see so many koalas — they’re just there, hunched in gum trees along the road if you look close enough. Someone shouted “there!” and suddenly half the bus was squinting up at a sleepy ball of fur. There’s something about seeing them in the wild that makes you feel like a kid again. Lunch in Apollo Bay was noisy and bright; I ordered fish and chips because it felt right by the ocean. The rain started as we walked through Melba Gully’s rainforest — not heavy, more like mist clinging to your skin — and everything smelled green and damp. The Cascades waterfall wasn’t huge but it was peaceful, just us and the sound of water on rock.

The main keyword here is definitely “day trip Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles” because honestly, that’s what everyone’s waiting for. When we finally reached the Twelve Apostles in late afternoon light, I got quiet for a second — everyone did. It’s hard to explain why those limestone stacks make you feel small in a good way. Loch Ard Gorge came with its own ghost story (shipwrecks always do), and Dave told it like he’d lived through it himself. My shoes filled with sand but I didn’t care; I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles tour

• Morning tea and beach walk stop
• View Australia's photographed holiday home
• Photo at Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Admire panoramic coastline views
• Lunch in Apollo Bay
• Walk through Melba Gully rainforest to Cascades
• Visit the 12 Apostles limestone stacks
• See jagged limestone formation The Archway
• Explore Loch Ard Gorge and shipwreck beach
• Rest stop with facilities and refreshments

Top questions

How long is the Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles day trip?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 12 hours including all stops and return to Melbourne.

Is lunch included on this Great Ocean Road tour?

Yes, lunch is included during your stop in Apollo Bay.

Will we see koalas on this day trip?

You have a good chance of spotting wild koalas along sections of the road.

What are the main stops on this Great Ocean Road tour?

The tour includes Memorial Arch, Apollo Bay for lunch, Melba Gully rainforest walk to Cascades waterfall, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, The Archway, Razorback, and Dumpling Pots.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

The tour includes pickup; check details when booking as pickup points may vary.

Are entry fees included in this day trip?

Yes, all National Park entry fees are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for most ages but cannot accommodate infants under 3 years old.

What should I bring for this day trip?

A light jacket (it can get windy), comfortable shoes for walking, and maybe an umbrella if rain is forecasted.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Melbourne or nearby points, live commentary from an Aussie guide who actually makes you laugh sometimes, comfy mid-size coach transport with air conditioning (trust me you’ll want it), morning tea with coffee or tea treats, National Park entry fees covered so no surprises later, plus a proper lunch in Apollo Bay before heading back as dusk settles over the coast.