Great Ocean Road: Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge Small-Group Day Trip

Summary

Victoria’s wild coast, sleepy Apollo Bay, and the wind at the Twelve Apostles

You’ll follow Victoria’s famous coastal road with a local guide, stopping for lunch in Apollo Bay and wandering forests where koalas nap overhead. Feel sea spray at the Twelve Apostles and listen for stories at Loch Ard Gorge before heading back to Melbourne with new memories stuck to your clothes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is that blue — not just sky, but this restless ocean stretching out past the cliffs as we wound our way out of Melbourne. Our guide, Tom (who grew up near Geelong), had this habit of pointing out tiny things you’d miss: a bakery with lamingtons he swears by, or the way the gums lean from years of wind. I was still half-asleep when we stopped at Apollo Bay for lunch, but something about the sea air there made everything taste sharper. My sandwich was just bread and cheese but felt like a feast because I could hear gulls and kids laughing somewhere behind me.

We got to walk through this patch of forest in Otway — it smelled like wet leaves and eucalyptus, which clung to my jacket after. There were kangaroos off in the grass (someone in our group tried to get close for a photo; Tom gently told him they’re not always keen on selfies). Up in the trees, two koalas were wedged into forks so high up I had to squint. It was quiet except for birds — that kind of silence that makes you realize how loud cities are. The Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne is long but honestly, I barely noticed time passing.

I didn’t expect the Twelve Apostles to hit me like they did. The wind was cold enough to sting my ears and everyone went quiet when we reached the lookout — even the couple who’d been chatting nonstop all day. The light was weirdly gold against those stacks of rock; my photos don’t really do it justice. Loch Ard Gorge was next and it felt almost private, with these cliffs wrapped around us like arms. On the drive back, Tom played old Aussie songs and most people nodded off or stared out at dusk coming down over fields. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear seagulls in any city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road and Coastal Highlights

• Explore Apollo Bay town
• Visit Great Ocean Road Ecolodge
• See wild kangaroos and koalas
• Visit Twelve Apostles
• Visit Loch Ard Gorge

Top questions

How long is the Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne?

The tour covers approximately 243 km along the coast and lasts a full day, starting at 8:00 am from central Melbourne.

Is hotel pickup included for this Great Ocean Road tour?

Yes, selected city centre hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

Will I see kangaroos or koalas on this tour?

You’ll have a chance to spot wild kangaroos and koalas during a stop at an ecolodge near Otway forest.

How many people are in each group?

The small-group tour has no more than 11 passengers per vehicle.

Is lunch included on this Great Ocean Road day trip?

No set lunch is included, but you’ll have free time to buy lunch in Apollo Bay from local cafes or bakeries.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children aged 4–7 can join with a booster seat; children under 3 are not catered for on this trip.

What should I bring on the Great Ocean Road tour?

Bring comfortable clothing for changing weather, snacks if needed, and your camera for views like the Twelve Apostles.

What’s included

Your day includes city centre hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, live commentary from your local guide throughout the journey, entry to wildlife areas where kangaroos roam free and koalas nap overhead, plus plenty of stops for photos and exploring before returning to Melbourne in the evening.