Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Private Tour from Melbourne

Summary

Private Day Trip: Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road & Apostles

Step onto the Great Ocean Road with a local guide from Melbourne—feel sea spray at Bells Beach, walk beneath towering cliffs at Gibson Steps, and spot koalas hidden in eucalyptus trees. With private transport and hotel pickup included, you’ll experience wild coastlines and quiet moments you’ll remember long after the drive home.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Melbourne just after sunrise, coffee still warming my hands, and I remember the city slowly giving way to open fields and that salty air you only get near the coast. Our guide, Mark, had this easy way of pointing out things I’d never have noticed — like how the gum trees lean in the wind or why the surf at Bells Beach is such a big deal here. We stopped for a bit to watch surfers carve through waves that looked way too cold for comfort (one guy waved at us from his board — locals are friendlier than I expected). The road itself twists and dips so much it almost feels like it’s playing with you.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing at the Twelve Apostles. The wind was sharp enough to sting your cheeks, but honestly, I barely noticed because those limestone stacks just sit there in the surf like they’ve always belonged. Mark told us about shipwrecks along this stretch — Loch Ard Gorge especially — and you could almost hear old stories in the crash of waves below. We walked down Gibson Steps when the tide allowed; sand stuck between my toes and I picked up a shell without really thinking about it. Still have it in my jacket pocket.

Apollo Bay was our lunch stop — fish and chips wrapped in paper, eaten on a bench while seagulls eyed us up (they’re relentless). There was this moment driving back through eucalyptus forest when Mark slowed down so we could spot koalas curled up high above us. Someone in our group tried to mimic their call (it sounded more like a cough), which made everyone laugh harder than expected. The sun started dipping as we headed back toward Melbourne, tired but kind of wired from all that sea air and light. Hard to explain, but it felt like one of those days that stretches out in your memory longer than it should.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road Highlights

• Visit Bells Beach surf spot
• Explore 12 Apostles Visitor Centre & Loch Ard Gorge
• View Gibson Steps and beach walk
• Stop at Apollo Bay fishing town
• Spot native birds and koalas
• Pass through upmarket seaside town

Top questions

How long is the private Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles tour?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup from Melbourne?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Melbourne are included.

Is lunch included on this private tour?

No, lunch is not included but there are stops where you can purchase food.

How many people can join this private tour?

The tour accommodates up to 7 guests per booking; contact for larger groups.

Are there opportunities to see wildlife on this route?

Yes, native birds and koalas are often spotted along the way.

What attractions are visited during the day trip?

You’ll visit Bells Beach, Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps (if conditions allow), Apollo Bay, and more seaside towns.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or wind.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Melbourne, bottled water throughout the journey, comfortable transport by private vehicle with space for up to seven guests, plus insights from a knowledgeable local guide as you explore each stop along the Great Ocean Road before returning home in the evening.