Great Ocean Road: 2-Day Backpacker Tour with Brewery Stay

Summary

Backpacker road trip along wild coast sunsets limestone cliffs and hostel brews

You’ll share wild coastal views with new friends on this two-day Great Ocean Road trip from southwest Victoria — spotting kangaroos, walking empty beaches, tasting craft beer at a hostel brewery, and watching sunrise paint the Twelve Apostles gold. It’s relaxed and human-sized: less rush, more laughter.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to start our Great Ocean Road trip by staring at kangaroos lounging in an old volcano crater — but that’s how our guide, Dan, kicked things off. He knew all the weird facts (like emus can outrun you, don’t try) and somehow got us close enough to spot a sleepy koala without anyone elbowing for photos. The air smelled kind of sweet and earthy out there, like wet leaves after rain. There was this moment when someone tried to spot whales through binoculars and just started laughing because all they saw was their own nose reflected back. So yeah, not exactly Attenborough but it broke the ice.

The route runs in reverse — we started from the southwest coast instead of following the usual crowd. It’s subtle but you feel it: empty viewpoints, no jostling for space at Loch Ard Gorge or London Bridge. Dan led us down into The Grotto (“Mermaids’ Love Pond,” he called it), where the sea echoed up through stone arches and everyone’s voices sounded weirdly small. I remember touching the rock wall — cold, rough, a bit damp — while someone else tried to pronounce “Otway” right (Li laughed when I butchered it). We took our time on the sand at Bay of Islands; wind kept whipping hair into my mouth, but nobody cared.

Night fell at this hostel that doubles as a craft brewery (apparently the only one in Australia). I shared a table with two Germans and a Brazilian guy who’d never tasted dark ale before — he made a face like he’d bitten into coffee grounds. The dinner was buffet-style; nothing fancy but after hiking around all day it tasted perfect. In the morning we doubled back for sunrise at the Twelve Apostles. Mist everywhere, cliffs glowing gold for maybe five minutes before clouds rolled in again. That light — I still think about it sometimes when I see photos online.

We had free time in Apollo Bay (I went straight for Dooley’s ice cream — pistachio is legit), then wandered down to the pier hoping Sammy the Seal would show up. He didn’t, but stingrays did this slow ballet under the boards while some local kids pointed them out like it was no big deal. By then nobody cared about schedules or even where we’d left our backpacks; it just felt good to be there together, tired and sunburnt and not really wanting to get back on the bus yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Great Ocean Road and Wildlife

• Visit sunken volcano with wildlife
• Stop to spot Southern Right Whales
• Walk on Bay of Islands beach
• Explore the Grotto 'Mermaids Love Pond'
• Photo stops at London Bridge and Bay of Islands
• Walk on Shipwreck Coast beach
• Guided walk in Otway's rainforest
• Discover Apollo Bay town and beach
• Walk along pier to see seals and stingrays
• Check Rip Curl Pro surfing home
• Overnight at hostel with craft brewery

Day 2 — Twelve Apostles Sunset and Morning

• Enjoy sunset at Twelve Apostles
• Return to see Twelve Apostles in morning light

Top questions

Is this Great Ocean Road tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, it's designed for 18-35 year olds including solo backpackers looking to meet others.

Does the 2-day Great Ocean Road trip include meals?

Breakfast and buffet dinner are included along with coffee or tea.

Where does this Great Ocean Road tour start?

The tour starts from the south-west coast and travels back toward Melbourne.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay overnight in a mixed dorm room at a hostel with its own craft brewery.

Is pickup included on this tour?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your booking.

Are there any age restrictions for this trip?

This tour is only for travelers aged 18-35 years old; under 18s are not allowed.

Can I see wildlife on this Great Ocean Road trip?

Yes, you’ll likely spot kangaroos, emus, koalas and possibly whales during winter months.

How much free time will I have during the tour?

You’ll have free time in Apollo Bay to explore or relax as you wish.

What’s included

Your two-day adventure includes pickup from Melbourne or nearby public transport stops, overnight accommodation in a mixed dorm room at Australia’s only hostel brewery, breakfast and buffet dinner plus coffee or tea each day — so you can just focus on chasing waves and sharing stories without worrying about logistics.