Great Ocean Road 2-Day Tour: Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge

Walk the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, then return to Melbourne with two days of coastal stops behind you

A two-day guided tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne takes you through the Surf Coast on day one, with stops at waterfalls, lookouts and a memorial arch, ending overnight at Apollo Bay. Day two continues through the Green Coast and Shipwreck Coast, visiting the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Grotto before the drive back to Melbourne. The guide, hotel pickup, national park fees and a dorm bed at Apollo Bay are included; accommodation upgrades and meals are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Melbourne to Apollo Bay via Great Ocean Road

• Start Great Ocean Road
• Visit ocean lookout for kangaroos
• Sample local chocolates
• Visit ocean lookout over beach
• See lighthouse and ocean views
• Quick bathroom stop
• See memorial arch and walk Fairhaven beach
• Walk down to Erskine waterfalls
• Lunch and explore beach shops
• Walk to Sheoaks waterfalls
• Enjoy views along Great Ocean Road
• Visit sailor's grave and walk on rocks
• Look for koalas and parrots
• Visit best lookout on Great Ocean Road
• Explore Apollo Bay village and beach

Day 2 — Apollo Bay to Melbourne via Shipwreck Coast

• Morning rainforest walk
• Enjoy ocean view
• Morning tea and bathroom stop
• Walk down to first two rock formations
• Walk boardwalk to 12 Apostles
• Visit Loch Ard Gorge and lookouts
• Lunch and explore village beach
• Visit another lookout
• Visit London Bridge
• Walk down into the Grotto
• See Curdies River meeting ocean
• Visit another great view
• Visit last lookout on Great Ocean Road
• Travel through Colac town
• Bathroom break and leg stretch
• Return to Melbourne

The Experience

You leave Melbourne in an 11-seat minibus with a driver and guide who know the road. The first day moves through the Surf Coast stops: ocean lookouts where kangaroos graze, a chocolate tasting, the lighthouse at Point Addis, a memorial arch on Fair Haven Beach, and two waterfall walks—Erskine Falls and Sheoaks Falls—with time to explore the beach and local shops at lunch. By evening you're at Apollo Bay, where you have the night to walk the beach or wander the village before the overnight stay.

Day two starts with a rainforest walk before sunrise views over the ocean. The route then moves through the Green Coast and Shipwreck Coast: you walk the boardwalk to the Twelve Apostles, descend into Loch Ard Gorge, visit two more lookouts, step down into the Grotto, and stop at London Bridge. The longest walk is 40 minutes; most stops offer easy lookouts with steps available if you want them. Lunch is in a village where you can explore and swim. The drive back to Melbourne passes through Colac and includes a final bathroom break before you arrive back in the city.

The minibus is air-conditioned and seats a maximum of 11 people, so the group stays small enough to move together without long waits. Cold water and tea or coffee are provided. The tour runs in all weather, so bring a warm jacket and rain jacket along with comfortable walking shoes. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

• Roundtrip hotel pickup from Melbourne.
• guide and driver.
• air-conditioned 11-seat minibus.
• national park entry fees.
• overnight dorm bed accommodation at Apollo Bay YHA (with private room upgrade available at checkout).
• tea and coffee.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Around and About Travel

Is this one for you?Best for small groups or solo travelers who want the full Great Ocean Road without renting a car or planning stops themselves—the guide handles the route, timing and wildlife spotting, and you're with no more than eleven people, so the pace stays relaxed and the lookouts don't feel crowded.

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Top questions

Can I upgrade my room at Apollo Bay instead of staying in a dorm bed?

Yes. The tour includes a free dorm bed in a shared room at Apollo Bay YHA, but you can upgrade to a private room at checkout, or arrange your own accommodation in the village if you prefer.

What's the walk to the Twelve Apostles like?

The Twelve Apostles are viewed from a boardwalk that you walk along to see the rock formations from different angles. It's one of the main stops on day two and doesn't require climbing or scrambling—the boardwalk is the standard viewing route.

Will I have time to swim or explore Apollo Bay on the overnight stop?

Yes. After arriving in Apollo Bay on day one, you have the evening free to walk the beach, swim if you want, or explore the village shops and cafes before the next morning's early rainforest walk.

What's included in the price and what do I pay extra for?

The tour includes the guide, hotel pickup from Melbourne, national park fees, the minibus, overnight accommodation in a dorm bed at Apollo Bay, and tea or coffee. Meals, room upgrades, and helicopter flights over the Apostles (available at an extra cost) are separate.

How much walking is involved, and are there easy options?

The longest single walk is 40 minutes. Most stops offer easy lookouts, and some walks have steps if you want to go down to beaches or gorges, but you can skip those and stay at the top. The tour suits all fitness levels.

Is the tour cancelled in bad weather?

No. The Great Ocean Road tour operates in all weather conditions, so bring warm and rain jackets and dress for the season. The coastal road is open year-round.