Melbourne · GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOURS
The drive is around twelve hours door to door, so the choice is really about the bus and the direction. These 15 compare small-group eco tours against the big coaches, clockwise against reverse, and say which ones reach the Apostles in late light.
Travel from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, and Mait’s Rest in a small-group minibus. Guides such as Thomas, Lucy, Jacqui, and Reuben add local stories, wildlife tips, and safe driving to a very full day.
“Robbo was an excellent driver and tour guide. He made the whole day fun for everyone. We all enjoyed it”
Travel from Melbourne with an English-speaking guide such as Warren or Theo, spotting wild koalas and parrots, walking through tall forest, and visiting Torquay, Apollo Bay, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. Morning tea, transport, and hotel pickup are included, but lunch and dinner are not.
“The Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles are spectacular!! We were really lucky with the weather, it was such a beautiful day!! I was in awe of the beauty of the coastline, there were so many amazing viewing platforms and the 12 apostles just took my breath away!! Really recommend this trip, when you‘re in Melbourne, it’s an absolute must do!”
Start early from Melbourne and travel inland to the Twelve Apostles before following the Great Ocean Road back toward Apollo Bay. With a maximum of 11 people, guides such as Marty, James, Chris, or Anne lead you to cliffs, rainforest, koalas, and coastal views in an air-conditioned minivan.
“It would seem that a fly net to cover your face, head, mouth extra would be extra helpful or a mask & a fan to fan away the non stop small flies all along the coast- in fact I am not sure why that was noted as a necessity for enjoyment for many stops on the trip”
Travel from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles with Go West Tours in a minibus for up to 24 people. Guides such as Lucy, Tim, Jono, and Sherif combine coastal stories with koala spotting, Maits Rest rainforest, Apollo Bay, and multilingual audio support.
“This was great! Very well organized and we learned a lot about the history and geology of the area. Alex was a fun and informative tour guide - she also made great meal and trail recommendations for each stop. Would recommend this company/tour!”
Travel from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road in a reverse-route coach or small-group van. Expect London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, wildlife stops, and Memorial Arch. Guides including David Hsu, William, Philip, and Daniel are known for clear commentary and careful driving.
“The tour was wonderful! We traveled with Daniel, an incredible person! He described the places and told stories with great enthusiasm. Besides the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles, we had the chance to see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. I thought the trip would be tiring, but it was great! I highly recommend it!”
Travel from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road with an English-speaking guide such as Tony or Vance. Stop at the Chocolaterie, Lorne, Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge, with koala spotting along the way. Expect a scenic but full 12-hour day.
“Vance was a great tour guide. He knew lots of information! Very helpful at showing where to go. A great tour to see the Great Ocean Road in one day. Would recommend!”
Travel with up to 11 people from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles before the main crowds arrive, then return along the coast. Expect Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Maits Rest rainforest, Apollo Bay, wildlife stops, and guides such as James, Ann, Peter, and Marty sharing local stories.
“Fabulous. Our guide Chris gave us great history and stories along the way. Very knowledgeable, friendly and I liked how he corralled everyone up so we didn't have to waste time waiting for people. There is nothing I can think of to improve. This tour is a must see!❤️”
Spend 11 to 14 hours on Victoria’s coast with Go West Tours, stopping at Anglesea, the Memorial Arch, Kennett River, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles at sunset. Guides such as Sophia, Ben, Jools, and Robbo add local stories, while hotel pickup and a small group of up to 24 keep the day manageable.
“What a great day out on this beautiful coastline! The views are amazing! Our guide, James, does a great job making this experience memorable. He is very pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable. We always felt safe and taken care of. We recommend this tour if you want to take home amazing ocean views and beautiful, unforgettable ones of these limestone cliffs known as the 12 Apostles. James is an excellent guide! Ask for him!”
Travel from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road in a small group of up to 24. Look for wild koalas and parrots at Kennett River, walk through Mait's Rest, visit Gibsons Steps, the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, with lunch and dinner at your own cost.
“The tour was really good! We got to visit many places in one day, and the Great Ocean Road is absolutely beautiful. Our tour guide was super helpful and took great photos for us. The only downside is that the bus seats were a bit narrow, but overall it was a fantastic experience!”
Travel from Melbourne in a premium mini coach with a group of up to 22, reaching the Twelve Apostles early before following the coast back toward the city. Expect guides such as Steve, Bill, or Jay, rainforest walks, koalas, Apollo Bay, and a long but well-planned 12-hour day.
“It's a very long day. Weather changes constantly. Found koalas in a tree, very exciting. Great scenery.”
Travel from Melbourne with an English-speaking guide along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at Torquay, Kennett River, Maits Rest, the 12 Apostles, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge. Morning tea, park fees, Wi-Fi, hotel transfers, and an optional helicopter ride are part of the day.
“Our guide Janey was amazing!! She was excited and thoughtful. Thanks so much.”
Spend about 12.5 hours exploring Victoria’s Great Ocean Road with an English-speaking driver-guide. You’ll stop at Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay, the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge, with time for koalas, photos, lunch, and coastal views.
“I had a great day with Vance! He was very friendly and knew lots of facts about the destinations. Great Ocean Road is beautiful! So glad I did the tour!”
Spend a full day on Victoria’s coast with a professional guide, stopping at the Memorial Arch, Apollo Bay, Great Otway rainforest, the Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. Expect live commentary, morning tea, wildlife-spotting chances, WiFi, and a group of up to 39 people.
“What a scenic tour, a must see from Melbourne. Words don’t do justice to the scenic beauty experienced during the tour. Go and experience it yourself.”
Travel from Melbourne to Anglesea, Kennett River, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles on a 13-hour sunset tour. Guides such as Jono, David, Alishia, and Sherif add local stories, wildlife tips, and good timing for the coast’s best light.
“Fabulous trip, Aleks was amazing - her knowledge and stories were great. She made the day and trip well worth it all. Tue sights were breathtaking and so glad we went”
Ride from central Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles with a local driver-guide, wildlife stops, morning tea, Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and a rainforest walk. Guides may include Lauren, Joe, Joel, Tom, or Cory. Expect a maximum of 38 people, onboard Wi-Fi, and a return around 8pm.
“A stunning view of the scenery along the coast We did the reverse tour and it was awesome. The rainforest lunch stop was also a highlight”
Pick a direction out of the city.
