12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Tour Small Group from Melbourne
The rainforest waterfalls are places the big bus companies can't reach.
A 12-hour guided day tour from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park and Great Ocean Road, with groups of 4–11 travelers. You walk the boardwalk at the 12 Apostles and down Gibson Steps to the beach, hike through ancient rainforest to Beauchamp Falls, stroll among Californian Redwoods, and stop at Apollo Bay and Kennett River to spot koalas, king parrots and kangaroos. The tour departs early to reach the 12 Apostles before larger groups arrive. Park entry and a lunch stop are included. You'll need to bring cash or a card for lunch (around $35) and wear comfortable hiking boots.
Step-by-step itinerary
Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour
- Depart Melbourne for 12 Apostles
- Stroll 1km along the boardwalk
- Walk down Gibson Steps to beach
- Enjoy lunch at local cafe
- Drive through Great Otway National Park
- Hike to Beauchamp Falls
- Visit Californian Redwoods forest
- Stop at Apollo Bay for ice cream
- Spot wildlife at Kennett River
- Twelve Apostles Entry included 1h
- Great Otway National Park 30m
What’s included
- Early departure from Melbourne to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles.
- a 1km boardwalk stroll and descent of Gibson Steps to the beach.
- entry to Port Campbell and Great Otway National Park.
- a Grade 2 hike through ancient rainforest to Beauchamp Falls.
- a walk among the Californian Redwoods.
- stops at the coastal towns of Apollo Bay and Kennett River for wildlife spotting.
- a lunch stop at a local cafe.
- an English-speaking guide leading the group of 4–11 travelers throughout the day.
Times
- Every day except Friday and Sunday 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Hike & Seek
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts early from Melbourne so the group reaches the 12 Apostles while the limestone stacks are still quiet. You walk a 1km boardwalk taking in the rock formations, then descend Gibson Steps: a 70m cliffside pathway down to the beach where there's time to photograph the stacks and the shoreline. The small group size (4–11 travelers) means you move at a pace that lets you linger without holding up a coach full of people.
After lunch at a local cafe, the route turns inland into Great Otway National Park. Here you hike through ancient rainforest to Beauchamp Falls, a Grade 2 walk that reaches a waterfall the larger tour operators skip because their vehicles can't access the trailhead. You then walk among the Californian Redwoods, towering trees planted decades ago, before the road opens back to the coast. Apollo Bay is a stop for an optional ice cream and a stroll along the beach. Kennett River follows, where koalas, king parrots and kangaroos move through the trees and grassland in their daily routines.
Bring comfortable hiking boots or trainers, a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat. A swimsuit and towel are optional if you want to swim in the ocean during summer months. The tour runs 12 hours total, so plan for a full day. Your guide speaks English and leads the group through each stop, handling the logistics so you don't arrange transport, park entry or the route yourself.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to reach the 12 Apostles early and hike to waterfalls the large coach groups can't access. The small group size and early start are what make both possible. You get quieter time at the famous rocks and access to rainforest trails that bigger operators skip.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is the 12 Apostles and why do we go there early in the day?
The 12 Apostles are limestone rock formations rising from the ocean along the Great Ocean Road near Port Campbell. The tour departs Melbourne early so you reach the boardwalk and Gibson Steps before the large bus groups arrive, giving you quieter time to walk and photograph the stacks.
How difficult is the hike to Beauchamp Falls?
The hike to Beauchamp Falls is a Grade 2 walk through ancient rainforest in Great Otway National Park, covering about 1km. It requires a moderate level of physical fitness and comfortable hiking boots. The trail is not accessible to large coach tours, which is why smaller groups can reach it.
Will I see koalas and kangaroos on this tour?
Yes, Kennett River is a stop specifically for spotting native koalas, king parrots and kangaroos in their natural habitat. The timing and location give you a genuine chance to see them, though sightings are never guaranteed in wildlife viewing.
What's included in the tour price and what do I need to bring money for?
The tour includes park entry to Port Campbell and Great Otway National Park, all transport from Melbourne, and stops at each attraction. You'll need to bring cash or a credit card for lunch at a local cafe (around $35) and for optional ice cream at Apollo Bay.
How long is the full day and what time does it start?
The tour runs 12 hours total. The exact start time isn't specified in the tour details, but the early departure from Melbourne is what allows the group to reach the 12 Apostles before the crowds.
Do I need to be fit to do this tour?
The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, as the day includes a Grade 2 hike and several 1km walks at different stops.
12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Tour Small Group from Melbourne
12h · EN
from AU$ 219 per person
≈ US$ 156 in your currency
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