Great Ocean Road: 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge & Lunch Tour

Summary

Morning light at 12 Apostles, wild koalas and winding coastal roads

You’ll feel the salt air on your face at sunrise by the 12 Apostles, explore Loch Ard Gorge’s hush with a local guide, taste lunch after rainforest walks beneath towering trees, and maybe spot a wild koala if you’re lucky. This day trip from Melbourne leaves you with more than photos — something about that coastline lingers long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll just say it — I’d seen a million photos of the Great Ocean Road before we left Melbourne, but none of them really got across what it’s like standing at the edge of those cliffs in the early morning. We’d barely finished our first coffee (they handed us tea and biscuits as we drove out past Colac) when our guide, Dave, pulled up by the 12 Apostles. The wind was sharp and salty — not cold exactly, just enough to wake you up. I remember thinking how quiet it was, except for a couple of other folks whispering nearby and this weirdly gentle roar from below. The rocks looked almost fake in that sunlight. I kept squinting at them like maybe they’d move.

We did the “reverse” route so we were ahead of the crowds — something I didn’t totally get until we saw buses rolling in as we were leaving. Dave knew all these little details about shipwrecks and local legends (he pointed out Mutton Bird Island and told us why it’s named that — apparently not about sheep). Loch Ard Gorge was next. There’s this hush when you walk down into it; even with people around, you hear more gulls than voices. The sand felt cool under my shoes and there was this eucalyptus smell drifting over from somewhere inland.

After lunch (simple stuff — sandwiches, fruit, but honestly tasted great after all that sea air), we wandered through Otway rainforest. The trees are massive; I tried to wrap my arms around one for a photo but gave up halfway. You can feel how old everything is there. We spotted a koala curled up high in a gum tree later on — Dave stopped the bus so everyone could try to spot it, though honestly I needed help finding it at first. He joked that they’re basically grey blobs unless you know where to look.

The drive back along the Great Ocean Road itself is sort of hypnotic — all those bends between forest and beach, with flashes of blue water out the window. We stopped at Memorial Arch for a quick photo (yeah, everyone does it) and then just let ourselves doze off as Melbourne crept back into view. I still think about that moment when everything went quiet except for the sea and wind — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road reverse tour highlights

• Travel inland to Shipwreck Coast
• Enjoy complimentary morning tea
• Explore cliff edge boardwalk at 12 Apostles
• Visit 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
• See Mutton Bird Island and Razorback lookout
• Guided walk through ancient rainforest
• Drive along scenic Great Ocean Road
• Spot wild koalas in eucalyptus forests
• Stop at Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Drive back to Melbourne city

Top questions

Is lunch included on this Great Ocean Road tour?

Yes, a light lunch is provided during the tour.

Does this day trip from Melbourne include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; check meeting point details when booking.

How long does it take to reach the 12 Apostles from Melbourne?

The tour travels inland first via Colac to reach the 12 Apostles in the morning; expect several hours’ drive with stops.

Will we see koalas in their natural habitat?

Your guide will try to find wild koalas along the route in eucalyptus forests.

Are national park fees included in this tour?

Yes, admission fees for parks along the Great Ocean Road are included.

What should I wear for this Great Ocean Road day trip?

Dress appropriately for changing weather; it can get cold along the coast.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; note vehicle access limitations for strollers or wheelchairs.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, tours run rain or shine; bring suitable clothing for all conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes travel from Melbourne on a comfortable mini coach with USB charging and WiFi onboard, morning tea with coffee or tea as you head inland via Colac, guided walks at iconic spots like Loch Ard Gorge and Otway rainforest, national park entry fees covered throughout your journey along the Great Ocean Road, sightings of Australian wildlife (with luck), plus a light lunch before returning to Melbourne in comfort.