Great Ocean Road: Backpacker Day Tour with Wildlife & Koalas

Summary

Koalas, cliff walks and wild laughter on the Great Ocean Road

You’ll share laughs with fellow travelers as you journey along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, spotting wild koalas in eucalyptus trees and feeling the wind on dramatic beaches. Walk ancient steps down to hidden sands near the Twelve Apostles and soak up local stories from your guide. This day trip is about raw beauty—and those small moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the bus because I couldn’t find my other sneaker—classic me. But somehow, standing under that battered Great Ocean Road sign with a bunch of half-awake backpackers, it felt like the right start. Our guide, Sam, had this way of making everyone relax right away—he joked about Melbourne’s weather (“four seasons before lunch”) and handed out coffee that tasted way better than I expected for a road trip. The air was salty and cold, but in a good way—like you could taste the ocean before you even saw it.

The drive itself is just…long in parts, but weirdly hypnotic. One minute we’re all swapping stories about hostel kitchens or trying to pronounce “Wye River” (Li laughed when I tried to say it), and then suddenly there’s this wall of green rainforest or a flash of turquoise sea out the window. At one stop, Sam pointed up and there were three koalas wedged into gum trees above us—one actually moved! The eucalyptus smell mixed with something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe wattle? It’s hard to explain how quiet it got for a second while everyone just watched them.

I didn’t expect to feel so small walking down those old steps at the Twelve Apostles beach—the wind was brutal, sand stinging my ankles, but you kind of want to keep going just to see what’s around the next bend. The limestone cliffs looked soft up close but felt rough if you ran your hand along them (I did). Lunch at Apollo Bay was a blur of hot chips and seagulls; someone tried Vegemite for the first time and immediately regretted it. Loch Ard Gorge was my favorite though—the light bouncing off those yellow rocks made everything look unreal for a minute. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Great Ocean Road and landmarks

• Travel along Great Ocean Road
• Stop for photos and walks
• Visit Fairhaven Beach
• See wild koalas and birds
• Lunch at Apollo Bay
• Explore Razorback rock formation
• Visit 12 Apostles National Park
• Learn about Twelve Apostles erosion
• Walk down to beach near 12 Apostles
• Stroll along Loch Ard Gorge beach
• Take photo at Great Ocean Road sign

Top questions

Is this Great Ocean Road tour only for ages 18-35?

Yes, this day trip is specifically designed for travelers aged 18-35 years old.

Are wild koala sightings included on this day trip?

Yes, there is a stop where you can see wild koalas in their natural habitat.

Does the tour include lunch?

No lunch is included, but there’s free time at Apollo Bay to buy food.

How long is the drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road?

The drive covers several hours with scenic stops along the way.

Is pickup included in this Great Ocean Road tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; travelers meet at a central location.

What physical fitness level is required?

You’ll need at least moderate fitness for walking and beach stairs.

Are public transport options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near meeting points.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly local guide who knows all the best stops (and jokes), plus fresh coffee or tea along the way. There’s plenty of time to explore beaches, spot wildlife like koalas and birds, take photos by iconic signs, and stroll dramatic cliffs before heading back together in the evening.