Great Ocean Road Twelve Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

13 hours
Max 38 people
Commentary: Guide / Audio · en, es, fr, de, it, nl, ja, pt, ko, zh-HK, zh
Melbourne, Australia

About this activity

 Embark on a full-day tour from Melbourne along the iconic Great Ocean Road. See coastal views, spot wildlife, walk through rainforest, and visit Apollo Bay, Memorial Arch, Loch Ard Gorge, and the stunning Twelve Apostles on this unforgettable journey. 

Highlights

  • Take a scenic coastal drive along the world-famous Great Ocean Road, a National Heritage Listed site.
  • See the historic Memorial Arch and Great Ocean Road sign, a perfect place for a photo opportunity.
  • Enjoy a guided walk through an ancient rainforest at the Great Otway National Park.
  • Explore Loch Ard Gorge, beaches surrounded by dramatic cliff walls and dramatic scenery.
  • Take in the panoramic views at the 12 Apostles lookout in the delight of the afternoon sun.

Full description

 Embark on the ultimate coastal adventure with our Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Full-Day Trip from Melbourne, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Travel the world-famous, National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road and enjoy spectacular ocean views, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Visit the iconic Memorial Arch, spot native Australian wildlife like koalas and kangaroos, and enjoy a guided walk through the lush ancient rainforest of Great Otway National Park. Continue the journey to the dramatic shipwreck coast of Port Campbell National Park, where you’ll explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge. The day ends with panoramic views of the majestic 12 Apostles, rising from the Southern Ocean and glowing in the afternoon light. With expert guides, morning tea, park entry fees, and onboard WiFi included, this full-day tour offers a seamless and enriching experience showcasing the best of Victoria’s coastal and natural wonders. 

Embark on a breathtaking journey along one of Australia’s most iconic coastal routes with our Great Ocean Road Tour. This unforgettable experience combines stunning scenery, fascinating wildlife encounters, and rich cultural heritage, offering an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

After departing Melbourne, we cross the famous West Gate Bridge—a remarkable sight that looks even more impressive from above—as we head toward the Surf Coast. Sit back and relax in the comfort of our modern, spacious coach, featuring reclining seats, ample legroom, and onboard Wi-Fi to ensure your journey is both enjoyable and stress-free.

Our first stop takes us to a special location within the traditional lands of the Wathaurong (Wadawurrung) people. Here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of one of the region’s most iconic landmarks, the mighty You Yangs. Sip on a freshly brewed coffee and snack on some crunchy biscuits as you take in the stunning panorama of this ancient rocky formation. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife—kangaroos hopping across the landscape, emus strutting along the roadside, and a vibrant chorus of Australian birds. Our expert guides have an exceptional knack for spotting these native creatures, so be sure to have your camera ready.

From here, we’ll continue to Anglesea, where the magic of the Great Ocean Road truly begins to unfold. Picture rugged cliffs, wild ocean waves, and postcard-worthy views at every turn. We’ll make a photo stop at the Memorial Arch, the symbolic gateway to the Great Ocean Road, before winding our way through charming coastal towns such as Aireys Inlet, Lorne, and Wye River—each offering its own unique charm and beauty.

By the time we arrive in Apollo Bay, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch, browse local shops for souvenirs, and soak in the laid-back coastal atmosphere that defines this part of Australia. Afterward, we’ll head inland to the Great Otway National Park, where you’ll embark on a guided walk through an ancient rainforest. Towering trees and lush greenery create a magical experience that feels like stepping into another world—a perfect contrast to the rugged coastline.

And now, the highlight of the day... The iconic Twelve Apostles. These majestic limestone stacks rise dramatically from the crashing waves, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. We’ll also visit Loch Ard Gorge, another spectacular natural wonder shaped by the powerful forces of the Southern Ocean. With its dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and turquoise waters, this location looks as though it belongs in a blockbuster film. 

While the day comes to a close, the memories of this incredible journey along the Great Ocean Road will stay with you long after you’ve said goodbye. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Australia’s most iconic and unforgettable adventures.

Meals: N/A. 
Driving distance: 540km. 
Walking distance: 2-3km. 

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures.

Included / Excluded

  • Morning tea included with australian flora and fauna sightings
  • Guided rainforest walk and National Park fees included
  • Hosted by an experienced driver guide with tour commentary
  • Modern air-conditioned medium coach travel with onboard WiFi
  • Audio & text translation app available in 10 different languages (Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish)
  • Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense.
  • Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
  • Spending money for personal items

Meeting point

Start Location

Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria), Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC, Australia

The meeting point for the bus is on the Market Street side of the Immigration Museum. Alternative pickup locations are available by calling our reservations team.

Important information

Know before you book

  • Passenger details needed at booking: date of birth, food allergies, and contact phone number.
  • Child fares apply to ages 0–12. All children 0–17 must be with an adult or legal guardian at all times.
  • An easy to moderate level of fitness is required to complete beach walks.
  • Notify us of medical conditions when booking. Tour requires moderate to high fitness and mobility.
  • Tour not suitable for mobility-impaired guests, including wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.

Know before you go

  • Travellers must reconfirm tour details by calling 03 9393 1333 within 7 days before departure.
  • Routes may change due to weather, park closures, or road conditions. Guest safety is our top priority.
  • Limited to 1 small (5–7kg) day bag per person. No suitcases—please store them at your hotel.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund. Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund.

Accessibility

  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Frequently asked questions

FAQs

Additional information

Please be aware that weather conditions can vary throughout the year in Victoria. While we endeavour to operate our tours as planned, there may be occasions when rain or inclement weather affects our itinerary. Rest assured, your experience will still proceed unless you are directly contacted by the tour provider. To ensure you're prepared for the weather, please check the average temperatures for your travel dates and pack accordingly.