Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour: 12 Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge

Summary

Sunset at the 12 Apostles, wild koalas and windswept cliffs from Melbourne

You’ll trace Australia’s southern coast from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles, pausing for seaside towns, wild koalas near Kennett River, and windswept views at Loch Ard Gorge. With hotel pickup and an easygoing local guide, you’ll catch sunset over those famous limestone stacks—maybe with sand still stuck between your toes.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet all of a sudden, but there’s this moment when the bus rounds a bend and you catch your first real look at the ocean — it’s just there, blue and wide and kind of endless. Our guide, Sarah, was already telling us stories about shipwrecks before we’d even left Melbourne, but out here on the Great Ocean Road it felt like those old stories might still be drifting in with the salt air. We stopped in Anglesea for a stretch; I watched two kids chase seagulls by the river while I tried (and failed) to order a flat white without sounding like a tourist. The bakery smelled like warm bread and sunscreen.

Somewhere past Lorne, Sarah pulled over by these towering eucalyptus trees and pointed up — “There’s one,” she said, grinning. It took me ages to spot the koala curled up like a little grey comma against the branch. Everyone got quiet for a second. You could hear cockatoos screeching somewhere deeper in the forest. I think that’s when it hit me how far from city noise we’d come. Lunch was casual — nothing fancy, just chips and fish wrapped in paper — but honestly it tasted perfect after all that sea air.

The last stretch before sunset felt longer than I thought it would. We made stops at Loch Ard Gorge (Sarah told us about the shipwreck survivors; I can’t remember all the details now but I remember her voice getting softer). The cliffs looked almost unreal in that late light — orange and sharp against green water. Finally we reached the 12 Apostles just as everyone else seemed to be leaving. The wind was cold enough to sting my cheeks but nobody really cared; people just stood there quietly or snapped photos without saying much. I still think about that view sometimes — how big everything felt, how small we were standing there together at dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road coastal and sunset tour

• Travel along Great Ocean Road
• Stop at Anglesea for a break
• Visit Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Lunch stop in Lorne (own expense)
• Koala spotting at Kennett River
• Explore Loch Ard Gorge lookouts
• See 12 Apostles at sunset

Top questions

How long is the Great Ocean Road sunset tour from Melbourne?

The full-day tour lasts around 12-13 hours including travel time from Melbourne and stops along the way.

Is hotel pickup included for this Great Ocean Road day trip?

Yes, pickup from selected hotels in Melbourne is included in your booking.

Will we see koalas on this tour?

You’ll stop near Kennett River where wild koalas are often spotted in eucalyptus trees.

What is included in the price of this Great Ocean Road tour?

The price covers hotel pickup, all entry fees and taxes, WiFi on board, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a friendly local guide.

Are meals included during the day trip to Great Ocean Road?

No meals are included; you’ll have time to buy lunch at local cafes or bakeries along the route.

How many people are on each tour group?

The tour runs with small groups of up to 24 guests for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Does this Great Ocean Road tour operate year-round?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for changing coastal weather.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from selected Melbourne hotels, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, all entry fees and taxes covered, plus guidance from someone who actually knows these roads (and where to spot koalas). Meals aren’t provided but there’s plenty of time to grab lunch or snacks along the way before returning late evening.