Great Ocean Road private tour: 12 Apostles & Bells Beach
Twelve Apostles and the coastal drive in one day, without organizing the route
A full-day private tour of Great Ocean Road from Melbourne covers the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bells Beach and Apollo Bay with a local guide, private vehicle and hotel pickup included. The tour runs 10 to 11 hours and accommodates up to seven passengers. Suitable for all fitness levels and operates in all weather.
Step-by-step itinerary
Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour
- View Bells Beach surf area
- Visit 12 Apostles Visitor Centre and Loch Ard Gorge
- Enjoy views at Gibson Steps
- Visit Apollo Bay fishing town
- Spot native birds and koalas
- Pass through upmarket seaside town
- View Anglesea and look for kangaroos
- Great Ocean Road 15m
- Twelve Apostles 1h 10m
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Melbourne accommodation.
- private vehicle for your group of up to seven.
- local English-speaking guide.
- bottled water throughout the day.
Times
- Every day 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Marks Private Melbourne Tours
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You're picked up from your Melbourne hotel and driven to the coast in a private vehicle. The route moves through Bells Beach, Australia's famous surf break and home of the Easter Classic World Surf Championship, then continues along the Great Ocean Road toward the 12 Apostles. Your guide navigates the stops and timing, so you're not managing the drive or deciding where to turn.
At the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre, you get the full context of the rock formations before walking out to see them. Loch Ard Gorge comes next. You can walk down onto the beach if tides and conditions allow, or stay at Gibson Steps for the views. The guide knows which option works on the day you're there. Apollo Bay, once a fishing town and now a gateway to the Limestone Coast, is a stop to stretch and take in the smaller coastal settlement. Anglesea sits on the return leg, and kangaroos often roam the area: the guide watches for them and knows where to look.
Native birds and koalas are usually spotted high in the trees along the route. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. The tour operates in all weather, so bring layers and gear suited to the coast. The guide will advise on what to expect. Groups stay at seven passengers maximum, so the vehicle never feels crowded and the guide can answer questions without managing a larger crowd.
Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English and knows the Great Ocean Road in detail, so you follow the commentary comfortably and don't need to read a map or plan which stops matter. This works well if you're visiting Melbourne for the first time and want the major landmarks without building the itinerary yourself, or if you have a group of up to seven and want to travel together without renting a car.
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Top questions
What is the 12 Apostles and why is it worth the drive from Melbourne?
The 12 Apostles are a series of limestone rock formations rising from the ocean along the Great Ocean Road, about two hours from Melbourne. They're the most photographed landmark on the coast and the formations are best seen from the visitor centre and the walking trails nearby. The guide takes you to both vantage points so you see them from multiple angles.
Can I walk down to the beach at the 12 Apostles, or is it just viewing from above?
At Loch Ard Gorge, you can walk down to the beach via Gibson Steps if tides and conditions allow on the day of your tour. Your guide will assess the conditions and let you know whether the descent is safe. If not, the viewing platform above gives you the full coastal perspective anyway.
Will I see wildlife on this tour?
Native birds and koalas are usually spotted in the trees along the route, and kangaroos often roam around Anglesea. Your guide knows where to look and will point them out, though sightings are not guaranteed.
How long is the full day, and what time does the tour start?
The tour runs 10 to 11 hours total, including hotel pickup and drop-off in Melbourne. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup time when you book, based on your hotel location.
What's included in the price, and what should I bring?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in a private vehicle, a local guide, and bottled water are included. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and layers for the coast. The tour operates in all weather conditions. Food and drinks beyond the water are not included, though Apollo Bay and other stops have cafes if you want to buy lunch.
Great Ocean Road private tour: 12 Apostles & Bells Beach
10h–11h · EN · at your hotel
from AU$ 2,199 per group
≈ US$ 1,566 in your currency
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