Great Ocean Road: 12 Apostles, Otways & Wildlife Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.89 (224 reviews) 93% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/10

Duration12h

GroupUp to 11

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Walk wild beaches meet koalas hike Otways taste local lunch

You’ll walk windswept beaches near the Twelve Apostles before most crowds arrive, hike under ancient trees in the Otways rainforest, share laughs over lunch at a local café, and spot wild koalas and parrots along Great Ocean Road. Expect real moments — salty air, muddy boots, stories from your guide — that linger long after you’re home.

12h

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore 12 Apostles and Otways

Depart Melbourne for 12 Apostles
Stroll 1km along boardwalk
Walk down Gibson Steps to beach
Enjoy lunch at local cafe
Drive through Great Otway National Park
Hike 3km to Beauchamp Falls
Visit Californian Redwoods forest
Stop at Apollo Bay for ice cream
Spot koalas and wildlife at Kennett River

The Experience

We were already rolling out of Melbourne before the city woke up, coffee in hand and that half-sleepy excitement you get when you know you’re heading somewhere big. Our guide, Jess, had this easy way of making everyone talk — by the time we hit the Great Ocean Road, someone was already sharing snacks. The first stop was the Twelve Apostles and yeah, I’d seen a million photos but stepping onto that boardwalk early, before bus crowds showed up, it felt almost private. The wind tasted salty and cold; I kept squinting at those limestone stacks like they might shift if I blinked.

Gibson Steps came next — 70 meters down a cliffside path that made my knees wobble (not sure if it was nerves or just being out of shape). Down on the sand, it’s loud with waves and the cliffs look even taller from below. Jess pointed out how the light changes on the rocks — she grew up nearby and knew all these little details. After that climb back up (I maybe complained a bit), we drove through winding forest roads to this café in a tiny town for lunch. I ordered something with pumpkin because apparently that's an Aussie thing? It tasted earthy and sweet — still thinking about it actually.

The Otways were next — ancient rainforest, ferns brushing your arms on narrow trails. There was this hush under the trees except for birds and someone’s laugh echoing ahead. We hiked to Beauchamp Falls; water spray on my face felt freezing but good. Then came these giant redwoods just standing there in straight lines, weirdly silent except for our footsteps crunching leaves. Jess told us about how they were planted ages ago — not native but somehow fitting in now.

Apollo Bay was all sun and sea breeze; some people got ice cream but I just walked barefoot on cool sand for a minute. Last stop: Kennett River to spot koalas (we saw three) and king parrots flapping around like confetti. One kangaroo hopped past as if he owned the place — which maybe he does? On the drive back I was tired but happy-tired, you know? The kind where your hair smells like salt and eucalyptus.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Melbourne, entry fees for both Port Campbell and Great Otway areas, organic fruit and healthy snacks along the way, a grade 2 hike to Beauchamp Falls waterfall in Otways rainforest, time among towering Californian Redwoods, wildlife spotting at Kennett River for koalas and parrots, plus stops at Apollo Bay or Lorne seaside towns with an optional ice cream break before heading back in the evening.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Hike & Seek