Great Ocean Road Adventure

This Great Ocean Road day tour is a fantastic full-day trip spent exploring this truly majestic stretch of diverse coastline, taking in its amazing array of spectacular attractions. The scenic journey in the air-conditioned bus along the Great Ocean Road is a highlight in itself, as you absorb some truly amazing coastal scenery, with new views being revealed around every bend.

Departing Melbourne at around 8.00 am, enjoy panoramic views of the city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge at just under 2.6 kilometers in length. Pass by and learn a little about Victoria’s second-largest city, Geelong, as you make your way down towards the Surf Coast, with its enchanting beachside towns and powerful swells.

In Torquay, stop for your first opportunity to visit the beach and enjoy a complimentary morning tea.

Next, set out along the Great Ocean Road itself, as your experienced driver guide provides informative commentary about the road’s history and its place in Australian folklore.

Next, set out on a scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road and listen as your experienced driver guide provides informative commentary about the road’s history and its place in Australian folklore. Have your camera at the ready as you make plenty of scenic stops, including, the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View.

At the township of Kennett River, you will make a brief detour into the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest to locate some of the local koalas in their native habitat. Home to a large koala population, numerous sightings are guaranteed! You will also have the amazing opportunity to see colourful local birdlife, including crimson rosellas and king parrots.

Head to Apollo Bay for your lunch break (own expense) and another photo stop at Cape Patton on the way. After lunch, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the ocean and into the mountains. The tour proceeds through the impressive Otway Ranges, where you will stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool temperate rainforest. Here, your guide accompanies the group through the forest, where you will stop to learn a little about the world’s tallest flowering trees and other ancient rainforest species.

The fun doesn't end there! Your tour continues to the world-famous Port Campbell National Park and its iconic array of rock formations. You’ll be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the Twelve Apostles. Here, you also have the opportunity to take to the air with an optional helicopter flight (approximately $145 per person and payable locally). 

For those guests who don’t take to the air, a further stop is possible at Gibsons Steps. Descend the steps to Gibsons Beach below for beach-level views of two of the Twelve Apostles.

Just down the road is the heart of the Shipwreck Coast, the Loch Ard Gorge where 52 lives were lost and only 2 souls survived the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Your guide will recount the legend of the Loch Ard, bringing the gorge to life in a way you never imagined. Take your time to explore here, and discover more rock formations, including the Razorback, the Dumpling Pots, and the delightful Island Archway.

A dinner stop is made on the journey back to Melbourne (own expense) before enjoying a stunning view of the illuminated city as we cross the Westgate Bridge again. With drop-off right back to your inner city accommodation, you’ll remember this day as a true highlight of your Australian holiday.

Please Note: We have been advised by Parks Victoria that access to the gorge at Loch Ard Gorge will be closed until it can be repaired. The closure is due to dangerous cliff movement near the Upper Lookout, which could cause a collapse. We will still be visiting this location, as there are many other interesting & spectacular viewpoints around the area above the gorge.

Departs:

Daily, year-round. This tour does not run on 25th December. 

Start times:

Hotel pick-ups commence between 7.00am - 8.00am.

Duration:

Around 12-13 hours (return at 9.00pm).