Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne: 90 mins at Twelve Apostles
Limestone stacks and coastal towns on Australia's most famous drive
A full-day guided tour from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road takes you through seaside towns, past koalas in their habitat, and to the Twelve Apostles: towering limestone formations rising from the Southern Ocean. You spend up to 90 minutes at the Apostles precinct during daylight saving months (October to April), exploring the new Visitor Centre and coastal viewing areas, with the option to add a scenic helicopter flight. In cooler months (May to September), the route includes London Bridge and a late-afternoon coastal sunset instead.
Step-by-step itinerary
Great Ocean Road scenic coastal drive
- Visit Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie
- Stop at Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
- Enjoy ocean views at Lorne
- Pause at Cumberland River Monument lookout
- Take break and explore Apollo Bay
- Spot koalas near Barham River Road
- Pass by Great Otway National Park
- Explore Twelve Apostles precinct
- Visit Loch Ard Gorge cliffs
- See London Bridge coastal formation
- Great Otway National Park passing by
- Twelve Apostles Entry included 1h 30m
- Loch Ard Gorge 30m
- Great Ocean Road 20m
What’s included
- Bilingual driver-guide in English or Chinese.
- air-conditioned vehicle.
- hotel pickup from Melbourne.
- all toll fees, parking and fuel surcharge.
- gratuities.
Times
- Every day 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Bus and Coach Charter
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Traveler reviews
The experience
The drive itself is the main event: you follow the classic coastal route from Melbourne, stopping at charming towns and lookouts that frame the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch marks where the road begins, and from there the itinerary moves through Lorne and Apollo Bay, each with their own stretch of beach and local cafes. A koala spotting area near Barham River Road gives you a genuine chance to see these animals in the wild, and the tour passes through Great Otway National Park on the way to the limestone coast.
The Twelve Apostles is where the day centers itself. These dramatic rock stacks rise straight from the water, and the 90-minute window (October to April) lets you move through the precinct at your own pace, visit the Visitor Centre, and find your own vantage points for photos rather than rush through on a tight schedule. Loch Ard Gorge comes next: a deep coastal inlet with sheer cliffs and a recorded shipwreck history. If you're traveling May to September, London Bridge replaces some of the Apostles time, and the shorter daylight means you catch the sunset from the Shipwreck Coast instead.
A bilingual driver-guide leads the tour in English or Chinese, and the van is air-conditioned for the full 13-hour day. Pickup from your Melbourne hotel is included, as are toll fees, parking and fuel surcharge. If you want the optional helicopter flight over the Apostles, that's booked separately and depends on weather and availability.
Is this one for you?At 13 hours door-to-door, this tour fills most of a day and leaves little room for other Melbourne attractions, so plan it as your main outing. The extended 90-minute window at the Twelve Apostles (October to April) is what sets it apart from faster versions of the same route. You're not racing through. You're settling in to explore.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Chinese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 16 years); Infant (under 4).
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.
What's the difference between the October-April and May-September versions of this tour?
October to April gives you up to 90 minutes at the Twelve Apostles with access to the new Visitor Centre and multiple viewing areas. May to September swaps some of that time for London Bridge and a late-afternoon sunset on the Shipwreck Coast, taking advantage of the cooler season and lower light.
How much time do I actually spend at the Twelve Apostles?
During daylight saving months (October to April), you have up to 90 minutes to explore the Twelve Apostles precinct, including the Visitor Centre and coastal viewing areas. This is longer than many other tours on this route, giving you time to move at your own pace rather than follow a tight group schedule.
Will I see koalas on this tour?
The tour includes a stop at a koala spotting area near Barham River Road where you have a good chance of seeing them in their natural habitat, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Can I add a helicopter flight to this tour?
Yes, scenic helicopter flights over the Twelve Apostles are available at additional cost, subject to weather, availability and the tour schedule. This is booked as an optional add-on when you reserve.
What's included in the 13-hour tour price?
The tour includes a bilingual driver-guide, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup from Melbourne, all toll fees, parking and fuel surcharge. Meals and drinks are not included, but you'll have free time in towns like Apollo Bay to eat at local cafes.
Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but most of the day is spent in the vehicle or at viewing areas where you can move at your own pace.
Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne: 90 mins at Twelve Apostles
13h · EN +1 · at your hotel
from AU$ 83 per person
≈ US$ 59 in your currency
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