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Find wild koalas snoozing among the branches of eucalyptus trees, and vibrant parrots flying playfully through the canopies, perfect for families with kids curious about Australian wildlife.
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Book Great Ocean Road Melbourne Tickets
A bucket-list adventure where coastal views, wild koalas, & lush forest trails await.
- Great for: Nature and wildlife lovers looking to soak in the Victorian coastline and explore immersive outdoor experiences.
- What you'll get: Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne CBD, audio guide in 14 languages, expert guide, guided forest walk, and morning tea.
- Must-see sights: 12 Apostles, Pole House, Loch Ard Gorge, Torquay surf beach, Cape Patton, Apollo Bay, Gibson Steps.
- Don't miss: Koalas sleeping in the eucalyptus trees bordering the road and watching humpback whales swim in the Southern Ocean from Cape Patton.
A bucket-list adventure where coastal views, wild koalas, & lush forest trails await.
- Great for: Nature and wildlife lovers looking to soak in the Victorian coastline and explore immersive outdoor experiences.
- What you'll get: Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne CBD, audio guide in 14 languages, expert guide, guided forest walk, and morning tea.
- Must-see sights: 12 Apostles, Pole House, Loch Ard Gorge, Torquay surf beach, Cape Patton, Apollo Bay, Gibson Steps.
- Don't miss: Koalas sleeping in the eucalyptus trees bordering the road and watching humpback whales swim in the Southern Ocean from Cape Patton.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne CBD
- Expert guide
- Guided forest walk
- Audio guide in 14 languages
- Complimentary morning tea
- Tip: Keep an eye out for yellow-tailed parrots on your guided forest walk.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests are allowed to bring a walker or a stroller, provided they can be folded up and tucked in between the guest and guest seat on the vehicle.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Golden hour on a budget, priceless view.
- Great for: Photographers, nature lovers, and couples looking for a picturesque sunset experience along the coastline.
- What you'll get: Full-day sunset tour, group of up to 24 people, round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne, expert guide, access to the free translation app.
- Must-see sights: Anglesea River, Loch Ard Gorge, Great Otway National Park, Gibsons Steps, 12 Apostles, Island Archway, Westgate Bridge, Kennett River.
- Don't miss: Keep an eye out for penguins returning from their fishing expedition at sunset from the 12 Apostles.
Golden hour on a budget, priceless view.
- Great for: Photographers, nature lovers, and couples looking for a picturesque sunset experience along the coastline.
- What you'll get: Full-day sunset tour, group of up to 24 people, round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne, expert guide, access to the free translation app.
- Must-see sights: Anglesea River, Loch Ard Gorge, Great Otway National Park, Gibsons Steps, 12 Apostles, Island Archway, Westgate Bridge, Kennett River.
- Don't miss: Keep an eye out for penguins returning from their fishing expedition at sunset from the 12 Apostles.
Inclusions
- Full-day sunset tour of Great Ocean Road
- Group of up to 24 people
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Melbourne
- Expert guide
- Access to the free translation app
- Tip: Spotting several Eastern Gray Kangaroos peering at you on your walk alongside Anglesea River.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- This experience is suitable for guests with a moderate level of mobility or fitness.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Beat the crowds, lunch included, see Apostles in morning light.
- Great for: Nature lovers and time conscious travelers looking to enjoy the iconic landmarks in a relaxed manner while optimizing their schedule.
- What you'll get: Picnic lunch, live commentary by expert driver guide, round-trip transfers from Melbourne, audio and text translation app in 10 languages.
- Must-see sights: Shipwreck Coast, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Mutton Bird Island, Razorback Lookout, Melba Gully, Great Otway National Park.
- Don't miss: Spotting the carnivorous Otway Black Snail and swamp wallabies on your guided rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park.
Beat the crowds, lunch included, see Apostles in morning light.
- Great for: Nature lovers and time conscious travelers looking to enjoy the iconic landmarks in a relaxed manner while optimizing their schedule.
- What you'll get: Picnic lunch, live commentary by expert driver guide, round-trip transfers from Melbourne, audio and text translation app in 10 languages.
- Must-see sights: Shipwreck Coast, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Mutton Bird Island, Razorback Lookout, Melba Gully, Great Otway National Park.
- Don't miss: Spotting the carnivorous Otway Black Snail and swamp wallabies on your guided rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Great Ocean Road
- Round-trip transfers from Melbourne
- Live commentary by expert driver guide
- Picnic lunch
- Morning tea and snacks
- National Park entry fees
- Audio & text translation app in 10 languages
- Tip: Check out the Tom and Eva limestone rock formations, named after the two survivors of the 1878 shipwreck at Loch Ard Gorge.
- Your safety comes first. So, visitors with mobility issues are restricted from participating in this experience.
- Guests under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or guardian
- As this tour itinerary provides a light lunch, please notify the operator of any dietary requirements or food allergies prior to departure.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Island hopping, 10% off with expert commentary and morning tea.
- Great for: Families, leisure travelers, and wildlife lovers seeking close encounters with marine life and natural coastal beauty.
- What you'll get: 1-hour morning cruise, expert local commentary, wildlife spotting, bird watching, tea & coffee with cake.
- Must-see sights: Australian fur seals basking in the sun, bottle-nose dolphins playing in the water, a stingray family gliding through the water, Philip Island Bridge.
- Don't miss: Watching the pelican feeding organised by the San Remo Fisherman's Co-Op at noon and learn about their diet, lifestyle, and their conservation efforts.
Island hopping, 10% off with expert commentary and morning tea.
- Great for: Families, leisure travelers, and wildlife lovers seeking close encounters with marine life and natural coastal beauty.
- What you'll get: 1-hour morning cruise, expert local commentary, wildlife spotting, bird watching, tea & coffee with cake.
- Must-see sights: Australian fur seals basking in the sun, bottle-nose dolphins playing in the water, a stingray family gliding through the water, Philip Island Bridge.
- Don't miss: Watching the pelican feeding organised by the San Remo Fisherman's Co-Op at noon and learn about their diet, lifestyle, and their conservation efforts.
Inclusions
- 1-hour morning cruise
- Expert local commentary
- Wildlife spotting and bird watching
- Tea & coffee with cake
- Tip: Keep an eye out for interesting birds like the wedge-tailed eagle and the Australasian gannet.
- The front deck (bow) is restricted for passengers over 1 meter tall.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- Ramps are available at the ship for easy access.
- Children must always be supervised by an adult at all times.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Spot fur seals, dolphins. Perfect island escape.
- Great for: Wildlife lovers, families, and couples looking for an experience that combines peaceful, scenic wildlife with Phillip Island’s rugged coastline.
- What you'll get: 2-hr afternoon cruise, expert local commentary, complimentary afternoon tea & cake, licensed bar.
- Must-see sights: 5000+ Australian fur seals playing in the water or basking in the sun on a rock and seeing seabirds like crested terns searching for food.
- Don't miss: Watching humpback or orca whales swimming around the boat and frolic in the cool waters.
Spot fur seals, dolphins. Perfect island escape.
- Great for: Wildlife lovers, families, and couples looking for an experience that combines peaceful, scenic wildlife with Phillip Island’s rugged coastline.
- What you'll get: 2-hr afternoon cruise, expert local commentary, complimentary afternoon tea & cake, licensed bar.
- Must-see sights: 5000+ Australian fur seals playing in the water or basking in the sun on a rock and seeing seabirds like crested terns searching for food.
- Don't miss: Watching humpback or orca whales swimming around the boat and frolic in the cool waters.
Inclusions
- 2-hr afternoon cruise
- Seal spotting & bird sightings
- Expert local commentary
- Complimentary afternoon tea & cake
- Licensed bar
- Tip: Keep a lookout for the famous 19th-century Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.
- The front deck (bow) is restricted for passengers over 1 meter tall.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- Ramps are available at the ship for easy access.
- Children must always be supervised by an adult at all times.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
MelbourneMelbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours
Top things to do in Melbourne
Why go on a Great Ocean Road tour?
Spotting wildlife up close
Choosing the best tour for you
Standard tour
Starting from AU$147
- Go on a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road with stops at landmarks like the 12 Apostles and Gibson Steps. Take a guided forest walk, spot koalas on treetops, savor morning tea, and get stress-free round-trip hotel transport from Melbourne CBD on this morning tour.
Recommended experience:
Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Koala Spotting
Reverse tour
Starting from AU$138
- Beat the crowds with a reverse itinerary for a quieter and more relaxed journey with your journey starting at the crowd-favorite 12 Apostles before continuing on to other popular spots like Loch Ard Gorge, and Lorne. Enjoy a picnic and an expert guide for company.
Recommended experiences:
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour with Lunch
Sunset tour
Starting from AU$149
- A full-day tour of Great Ocean Road with stops at iconic spots like Loch Ard Gorge and witness a breathtaking sunset at the iconic 12 Apostles. An audio translation app and round-trip transport from Melbourne CBD included.
Recommended experience:
Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour
Plan your visit
Timings & best time to visit
Getting there
Transfers
Stay
Dining
Tips
- Tour duration: 12 to 13 hours.
- Tour timings: Tours start between 7AM to 10AM and end between 7PM to 10PM.
Summer (December - February): Longer days, clear skies, and pleasant wind make it the best season to visit the Great Ocean Road. This is the best time to go on a guided forest walk, swim, or surf. However, school holidays could bring larger crowds.
Autumn (March - May): Weather and smaller crowds make it ideal for smaller groups to take time to explore the road. Watch southern right whales return to the Victorian coast during their migration season.
Winter (June – August): This is the quietest time of the year with cheaper accommodation, fewer daylight hours, and freezing winds. However, the 12 Apostles in the rain, with strong waves crashing against them, are quite a sight to see.
Spring (September – November): This is a beautiful time as the weather gets warmer and days get longer. Full waterfalls and green foliage make it perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
- Distance from Melbourne: 187 km
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes.
- By train: The V/L line offers train services from Melbourne to Geelong or Warrnambool with stops along major hinterland towns such as Winchelsea and Colac.
- By bus: Take a train from Southern Cross Station (Melbourne) to Geelong, Colac, or Marshell, and then take a V/Line bus or a guided tour bus to Anglesea or Lorne.
- By car: You can hire a car service or choose from the day trip options available to enjoy hassle-free round-trip transfers from Melbourne.
- Round-trip hotel transfers: These Great Ocean road tours offer round-trip transfers from your hotel or selected hotels in Melbourne CBD. Choose or add your hotel name while making the booking. If your hotel is not in the pick-up zone, you will be provided with the nearest pick-up location.
- Round-trip transfers: These tours offer a list of selected pick-up points in Melbourne such as the Grand Hyatt and Crown Towers. Select the relevant pick-up point while booking your ticket.
- Budget-friendly hotels: Torquay Tropicana Motel, The Sands Torquay
- Campervan sites: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, Kennett River Family Caravan Park
- Pet-friendly hotels: Seahorse Coastal Villas, Daysy Hill Country Cottages
- Mid-range hotels: Great Ocean Road Resort, Mantra Lorne
- Luxury hotels: Chocolate Gannets - Beachfront Luxury Villas, The Boomerangs on the Great Ocean Road
Explore a wide variety of breweries, cafes, bakeries, and fine-dining spots that span the length of the Great Ocean Road.
- Great Ocean Road Brewhouse: A cozy pub in Apollo Bay offering craft beers, hearty pub meals like the venison burger, and live music.
- Apollo Bay Bakery: Famous for its award-winning scallop pies and freshly baked treats, this cute bakery is perfect for a quick bite by the coast.
- Brae Restaurant: A fine-dining gem in Birregurra showcasing seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine focusing on local produce and sustainability.
- Start early: Begin your journey early, around 7am to avoid crowds, especially at popular attractions like the 12 Apostles.
- Drive in one direction: Stick to the left-hand side and drive from East to West, ensuring that the ocean views are always on your left.
- Respect the speed limit: The official speed limit on the Great Ocean Road is between 80-100km per hour. Watch out for speed traps, as not sticking to the limits can lead to fines of $300AUD and above.
- Fuel up: Gas stations are sparse, especially past Apollo Bay. Fill up your tank before starting the drive.
- Respect wildlife: You will spot koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies on the roadside and in certain spots like Kennett River. Avoid feeding them as it may increase their risk of being hit by cars.
- Check for special events: Keep an eye out for local festivals and events during your visit such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Apollo Bay Seafood Festival to make your experience richer and more memorable.
Highlights of the Great Ocean Road tour
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Frequently asked questions
Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?
The Great Ocean Road (B100) starts at the surf town of Torquay and finishes in Allansford, near Warrnambool.
Are pets allowed on tours?
If you opt for the Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour, you are allowed to bring your service animal for the experience. The other tours do not allow pets on the experience.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users and guests with mobility issues?
All these tours require a lot of walking and exploring trails and attractions with stairs and foliage, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs and guests with mobility issues.
Is there an audio guide available for the tour?
The Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Koala Spotting comes with a multilingual audio guide that will give you interesting facts and information about the various stops in your journey.
Is food included in the tour?
This depends on the tour you opt for. The Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour with Lunch includes a picnic-style lunch and tea and snacks, whereas the Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Koala Spotting only includes complimentary tea and morning snacks.
Can you stop on the Great Ocean Road to take photos?
Yes, you can stop at the various designated parking areas and scenic lookouts to safely take photographs. However, stopping on the road itself is strictly prohibited as it would disrupt traffic flow.
What should I bring on a Great Ocean Road tour?
We suggest you bring a weatherproof jacket, jumper, hat, binoculars, camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, sturdy footwear, socks, and any medications you may need as there are only pharmacies present in the towns and not on the road itself.
What is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road?
Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, which is only a 35-minute drive from Torquay. It offers easy transport and car hire options to Geelong and Torquay.
What are the other places you can visit on the Great Ocean Road?
You can visit the Split Point Lighthouse, which is perched on the rugged cliffs of Aireys Inlet along the Great Ocean Road, the seaside village of Port Campbell, the London Arch, and other coastal towns along the way.
What are the top cultural spots on the Great Ocean Road?
You can visit the Warrnambool Art Gallery or the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum & Village to learn about some local art and history. If a food tour is more you, then visit Farm Stores, Cellar Doors and Providores where you can sample cheeses, preserves, chocolates, ice cream, beer, whiskey and other products made with fresh regional produce.