Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Sunset Small Group Day Trip

Summary

Koalas in eucalyptus trees, shipwreck tales and sunset cliffs

You’ll travel from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road with a local guide, spotting wild koalas and parrots before wandering historic beaches at Loch Ard Gorge. End your day watching sunset over the 12 Apostles’ towering stacks — it’s those moments of quiet awe and salty air you’ll remember most.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Melbourne late morning, coffee still warm in my hands, heading straight for the Great Ocean Road. Our guide, Matt, had this way of telling stories that made you forget you were on a tour — he pointed out the Memorial Arch and joked about the old cars that used to crawl up these hills. The road twisted along cliffs and suddenly there was ocean everywhere, all silver-blue and restless. We stopped at Anglesea for a quick walk; I could smell salt and sunscreen, and some local kids were chasing each other barefoot across the sand. I tried to skip a stone but it just plopped — classic me.

Somewhere near Kennett River we pulled over to look for koalas. I didn’t expect to actually see any (I mean, how often does that happen?) but there they were, curled up like little grey commas in the crook of eucalyptus branches. Parrots flashed through the trees — red and green blurs — and someone handed me a bit of apple for them. It felt oddly peaceful just listening to leaves rustle while everyone craned their necks up. Lunch was simple but good; sandwiches eaten leaning against the van, laughing about how none of us could pronounce “Loch Ard” quite right.

The Shipwreck Coast felt different — windier, maybe sharper somehow. Matt told us about the Loch Ard wreck as we wandered down to the gorge itself. The sand was cool underfoot and there was this hush between waves crashing off those limestone walls. You get why people talk about it so much when you’re standing there with sea spray on your face.

We reached the 12 Apostles just as the light started shifting gold. Walking down Gibson’s Steps made me realize how small we are next to those cliffs — honestly, I got a bit dizzy looking up at them. Everyone went quiet for a minute at sunset; even Matt stopped talking (which was rare). The drive back was sleepy, heads nodding against windows as Melbourne lights crept back into view. I still think about that stretch of coastline sometimes when city noise gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles tour

• Depart Melbourne mid-morning
• Stop at Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Stretch legs at Anglesea River and beach
• Look for wild koalas and native birds
• Explore Loch Ard Gorge beach and history
• Visit 12 Apostles viewing platform
• Descend Gibson’s Steps to see cliffs
• Watch sunset over 12 Apostles

Top questions

How long is the Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles day trip from Melbourne?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 12 hours including travel time from Melbourne.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Melbourne?

Yes, pickup from selected hotels in Melbourne is included.

Will we see wildlife like koalas or parrots on this tour?

The tour includes stops where you can spot wild koalas and colorful parrots along the route.

Is lunch provided on this Great Ocean Road day trip?

No set lunch is included; there’s time for lunch at local stops during winter months.

Are entry fees or taxes included in this tour?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Can infants join this Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles tour?

Yes, infants are welcome; contact the operator directly to request an infant seat.

What are the main highlights of this day trip?

Main highlights include Memorial Arch, Anglesea beach stop, wild koala spotting, Loch Ard Gorge, and sunset at the 12 Apostles.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from selected Melbourne hotels, all entry fees and taxes covered, WiFi onboard for those quick photo shares, plus an air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly local guide leading every step — just bring your own snacks or grab lunch at one of our scenic stops along the way before returning after sunset.