Great Ocean Road & Wildlife Tour Melbourne 18-35

Twelve Apostles & Koalas: One Day on Australia's Most Dramatic Coast

You spend a full day on the Great Ocean Road with stops at the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, where you'll see wild koalas and dramatic limestone cliffs. Transport, coffee, and a small group of travellers your age are included. You arrange your own lunch. The tour runs as a single day trip from Melbourne with no overnight stays.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Great Ocean Road and landmarks

• Travel along Great Ocean Road
• Stop for Great Ocean Road sign photo
• Visit Fairhaven Beach
• See wild koalas and birds in seaside town
• Lunch at Apollo Bay
• Explore 12 Apostles National Park cliffs
• Learn about Twelve Apostles erosion
• View Razorback rock formation
• Walk down staircase to beach near 12 Apostles
• Stroll along Loch Ard Gorge beach
• Enjoy 360 views and bird watching

The experience

So you're sitting in the van and someone's already cracking jokes about the drive, and then you round a corner and there it is: the Twelve Apostles rising straight out of the Southern Ocean like something that shouldn't exist. Those limestone stacks are up to 50 metres high, carved out over thousands of years by the ocean just doing what it does. You get out, walk down the stairs that were carved into the sandstone cliffs centuries ago, and suddenly you're on a beach that feels like the edge of the world. The Great Ocean Road does that. It keeps surprising you even when you know what's coming.

The tour moves at a pace that actually lets you breathe. You're not rushing through five stops in six hours. Instead you get time at Loch Ard Gorge to walk the dramatic beach tucked into the limestone, then Apollo Bay where you can grab lunch and spot wild koalas hanging around the town. Someone in the group will definitely try to get the perfect photo at the Great Ocean Road sign, and yeah, you stop for that. The van's air-conditioned, coffee's included, and the driver knows which lookouts have the best light and which beaches don't get crowded by mid-morning. It's the kind of day where you're moving but not rushed, seeing proper things instead of ticking boxes.

What makes this different is who's on it: groups stay small and everyone's between 18 and 35, so there's none of that awkward mix of ages and energy levels. You're travelling with people who actually want to be there, not families counting down the hours or retirees on a coach. Fairhaven Beach runs for over six kilometres of gold sand, and you get time to walk it or just sit and watch the water. By the end of the day you've driven one of the world's most scenic roads, seen the rock formations that made it famous, and picked up a few stories from the people next to you in the van.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned vehicle transport for the full route, coffee or tea, and stops at the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay (where you can see wild koalas), Fairhaven Beach, and the Great Ocean Road sign. You arrange and pay for your own lunch, typically in Apollo Bay.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 Apr 2027

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (18 to 35 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ride Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're 18-35 and want to see the Great Ocean Road's main sights in one day without hiring a car or figuring out public transport: the fixed itinerary and small group your age mean you show up and the day unfolds.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

213 verified traveler reviews

5 ★203

4 ★8

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne?

It's a full-day tour. The itinerary covers multiple stops including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, and Fairhaven Beach, with time for walks and photos at each location.

What's included in the tour?

Air-conditioned vehicle transport, coffee or tea, and all stops along the Great Ocean Road. You pay separately for lunch, which you can buy in Apollo Bay.

Is this tour only for backpackers?

No, it's open to anyone aged 18-35. The company runs it specifically for that age group to keep the vibe consistent, but you don't need to be staying in a hostel to join.

Can I see koalas on this tour?

Yes. Apollo Bay is a stop where you can see wild koalas and birds in the town. There are also wildlife viewing opportunities at other points along the route.

What is the Twelve Apostles?

The Twelve Apostles are limestone rock formations up to 50 metres high in Port Campbell National Park. They were created by erosion from the Southern Ocean wearing away soft limestone cliffs over thousands of years.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour includes walks and stairs, including a staircase carved into sandstone cliffs at one of the beaches.

Is public transport available to the tour meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby the meeting point in Melbourne.

Can pregnant travellers join this tour?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travellers due to the physical demands and vehicle travel involved.

What if I have a spinal injury or heart condition?

This tour is not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. The full day of driving, walking, and stairs may not be suitable.

What's Loch Ard Gorge?

Loch Ard Gorge is a dramatic beach tucked into limestone cliffs along the Great Ocean Road. You walk down to explore the beach and take in the coastal scenery.